As mentioned, the comparative is formed with the positive form of the adjective and the comparative suffix –er, while the superlative is formed with the positive form of the adjective and the superlative suffix –st. As a result, the following forms emerge:
|
positive
|
comparative
|
superlative
|
|
|
formation of the degrees of comparison |
schnell
|
schneller
|
schnellst
|
|
nett
|
netter
|
nettest
|
|
|
jung
|
jünger
|
jüngst
|
The use of the degrees of comparison depends on their function.
|
positive
|
comparative
|
superlative
|
|
|
as an attribute
|
der schnelle Sportler | der schnellere Sportler | der schnellste Sportler |
|
as a predicative expression
|
der Sportler ist schnell | der Sportler ist schneller | der Sportler ist am schnellsten |
|
as an adverbial
|
der Sportler läuft schnell | der Sportler läuft schneller | der Sportler läuft am schnellsten |
When an adjective functions as an attribute, the degrees of comparison are inflected and in the superlative form they are accompanied by the definite article. When the adjective functions as a predicative expression or an adverbial, the form am ... -sten is used in the superlative.