Comparable Adjectives
What is it?
Adjectives can be formed in three different degrees: The base adjective, the comparable adjective and the superlative, for example, hurtig, hurtigere and hurtigst (quick, quicker and quickest).
The Rules
Adjectives are formed in three different ways.
| Adjective | Comparable Adj | Superlative | |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Regular | [base adj] | [base adj] +ere | [base adj] +(e)st |
| #2 Mere and Mest | [base adj] | mere [base adj] | mest [base adj] |
| #3 Irregular | Word change! | ||
Unfortunately there are no hard and fast rules what adjective takes what method. It is a matter of practise and remembering!
Please note:
The superlative in Danish can be reinforced by adding the prefix aller, e.g. min mor laver den allerbedste mad (my mum makes the very best food).
When added to method #2 you'd say allermest, i.e. You'd add it to mest not the adjective itself.
Examples
#1 Regular
| Adjective | Comparable Adjective | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
dårlig | dårligere | dårligst |
| bad | worse | worst |
smuk | smukkere | smukkest |
| beautiful | more beautiful | most beautiful |
grim | grimmere | grimmest |
| ugly | uglier | ugliest |
lav | lavere | lavest |
| short | shorter | shortest |
høj | højere | højest |
| tall | taller | tallest |
stor | større | størst |
| big | bigger | biggest |
Notice that some adjectives 'double' their consonant in 2nd and 3rd degree.
#2 mere and mest
| Adjective | Comparable Adjective | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
blå | mere blå | mest blå |
| blue | more blue | most blue |
#3 Word change!
| Adjective | Comparable Adjective | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
god | bedre | bedst |
| good | better | best |
lille | mindre | mindst |
| small | smaller | smallest |