German comparative adjectives are used to compare two people, things, or ideas, indicating that one has more of a particular quality than the other. German uses a specific suffix and sometimes a different word order to express these comparisons.

Forming Comparative Adjectives

German comparative adjectives are formed by adding -er to the base adjective. If the adjective stem ends in -el or -er, the vowel is often dropped or changed. An umlaut (ä, ö, ü) is added if possible.
Examples:
Positive AdjectiveComparative FormExample Sentence (German)Example Sentence (English)
großgrößerMein Haus ist größer als dein Haus.My house is bigger than your house.
kleinkleinerMein Hund ist kleiner als dein Hund.My dog is smaller than your dog.
schnellschnellerEr läuft schneller als ich.He runs faster than I do.
altälterMeine Schwester ist älter als ich.My sister is older than I am.
teuerteurerDas Auto ist teurer als das Fahrrad.The car is more expensive than the bicycle.

Using “als” for “than”

When making comparisons in German, use the word als to mean than. The structure is usually:
[Subject] + [verb] + [comparative adjective] + als + [object].
Examples:
German SentenceEnglish Translation
Mein Bruder ist größer als ich.My brother is taller than I am.
Dieses Buch ist interessanter als das andere.This book is more interesting than the other.
Sie singt besser als ihr Freund.She sings better than her boyfriend.

Irregular Comparative Forms

Some adjectives have irregular comparative forms and/or an umlaut added.
Examples:
PositiveComparativeGerman ExampleEnglish Example
gutbesserEr spielt besser als ich.He plays better than I do.
vielmehrIch habe mehr Zeit als du.I have more time than you.
gernlieberIch esse lieber Kuchen als Kekse.I prefer cake to cookies.

He plays better than I do. (German sentence: Er spielt ___ als ich.)


besser

'besser' is the irregular comparative form of 'gut' (good).

I prefer cake to cookies. (German sentence: Ich esse ___ Kuchen als Kekse.)


lieber

'lieber' is the irregular comparative form of 'gern' (gladly).

Summary of Key Points

  • Add -er to form the comparative (e.g., schnellschneller).
  • Add an umlaut if possible (e.g., altälter).
  • Use als to mean than in comparisons.
  • Some adjectives are irregular (gutbesser, vielmehr).
Comparative adjectives are a key part of expressing differences in German, so practicing these rules will help you make accurate and nuanced comparisons.

Flashcards (1 of 11)

  • Positive Adjective: groß
  • Comparative Form: größer
  • Example Sentence (English): My house is bigger than your house.

Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025

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