We're working really hard to get all the sounds ready for you and certain parts of the website is still under construction,
so we apologise in advance for any incomplete features. But please have a go and enjoy anyway :o)
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 |