As a comparative, one of the forms of the adjective (nouns) is called. The adjective knows three forms of development: the basic form (positive), the comparative (1st increment) and the superlative (2nd increment). Accordingly, the superlative is the highest form of the word. The comparative makes it possible to compare two things together (X is wiser than Y), the highest form compares a thing with several things, or even the whole (Z is the wisest).
Term
The name of the higher form can be derived from the Latin gradus comparativus, which can be translated into a suitable comparison. According to this, the translation refers to the meaning as well as the purpose of the comparative: it serves to compare two things which share at least one property. Let us look at the increase of the adjective.
The demo is noisy. Here it is louder than on the demo. Concerts are the loudest.
The above examples illustrate the positive, that is, the basic form of the adjective, the comparative, and the supreme enhancement: the superlative. The basic form of the adjective is loud. The positive is always used when an adjective is used without increase. The comparative is louder and is used to compare two things on the basis of a property: here it is louder than on the demo.
In the above example it is the superlative, which increases the whole thing even further. This is the second as well as the last form of the adjective and indicates that a thing (person, fact, object) has the highest possible degree of a property or feature compared to others. So there is nothing louder than the concerts.
Note: In addition, the examples show that the first increase is formed by appending -er. This formation is the same in all adjectives, and in no case deviating.
Formation of comparative and superlative
The forms of the increase are almost the same in all adjectives. Thus the comparative always ends with the ending -er, with the superlative being formed with -first and -thest. There are very few exceptions.
In German, regularly increased adjectives in the comparative are therefore terminated on -er. Here, the adjective is usually associated with one that serves as a comparison object. It is important that the comparative match the case (case) and number (number) of the noun (declination), if it is directly before the reference noun (1). If this is not the case, the -er suffix and the adaptation is omitted (2).
(1) On the tower there is a more beautiful view than below.
(2) The view of the tower is more beautiful than below.
The above examples illustrate the formation. In the first movement the enhanced adjective is directly before the reference. Thus, on the one hand, the comparative ending is used and the adjective is declined on the other hand. Since the nouns look in the accusative and feminine (Whom or what is there on the tower? The more beautiful view!), The basic form is added beautifully an e. In the comparative it becomes more beautiful.
The superlative can be initiated in German by means of a certain article or by am. If it is formed with a certain article, it is hanged to the respective adjective st (1). If, however, he is formed with am, the adjective ends in the top form (2).
(1) This is the most beautiful music in the world.
(2) This music is the most beautiful.
The two sets of examples illustrate the principle of comparison with respect to the superlative. If, as in the first movement, it is formed by means of a certain article, the adjective ends. In the second theorem, it is formed by an at which the adjective ends.
Comparity of the adjective regularly irregular
Positive (basic) nice
Comparatively (1st increase) more beautifully
Superlative (2nd increase) most beautifully best
Exceptions of the comparison
In most cases the increase of the adjectives remains the same. There are, however, a few exceptions, which are especially important for the formation of the superlative. These relate to irregular adjectives; Adjectives which are monosyllable or terminate at d / t, s / ß / x / z as well as the e in the case of non-concurrent adjectives.
(1) Some property words form superlative and comparative with an umlaut. This is often the case with monosyllable property terms. The vowel of the basic form changes into an umlaut (eg cold – colder – the coldest, wiser – wiser – the wisest).
(2) Properties which end with the letters d / t or s / ß / x / z form the top form (superlative) mostly with the adjective endings (eg: fat – fatter – the fattest, neat – nicest – the nicest ). The additional e serves as a pronunciation aid.
(3) If the basic form of the adjective ends with el or bel and is also unstressed, the e is omitted in the formation of the comparative
