Comparatives and Superlatives: Master the rules for forming comparatives and superlatives in Dutch

In Dutch, comparatives and superlatives are used to make comparisons or show extremes. Understanding how to form comparatives and superlatives is essential for expressing these ideas accurately. In this guide, we will walk you through the rules for forming comparatives and superlatives in Dutch.

Forming Comparatives

To form comparatives in Dutch, you generally add either "-er" or "meer" before the adjective or adverb. Here are the general rules:

1. Short adjectives/adverbs:

   • Add "-er" to the adjective/adverb.
   • Example: snel (fast) becomes sneller (faster).

2. Long adjectives/adverbs:

   • Use "meer" before the adjective/adverb.
   • Example: moeilijk (difficult) becomes meer moeilijk (more difficult).

3. Adjectives/adverbs ending in -e:

   • Remove the final "e" and add "-er" to the adjective/adverb.
   • Example: mooie (beautiful) becomes mooier (more beautiful).

4. Irregular comparatives:

   • Some adjectives/adverbs have irregular comparative forms.
   • Example: goed (good) becomes beter (better).

Forming Superlatives

To form superlatives in Dutch, you generally add either "-st" or "meest" before the adjective or adverb. Here are the general rules:

1. Short adjectives/adverbs:

   • Add "-st" to the adjective/adverb.
   • Example: snel (fast) becomes snelst (fastest).

2. Long adjectives/adverbs:

   • Use "meest" before the adjective/adverb.
   • Example: moeilijk (difficult) becomes meest moeilijk (most difficult).

3. Adjectives/adverbs ending in -e:

   • Remove the final "e" and add "-st" to the adjective/adverb.
   • Example: mooie (beautiful) becomes mooist (most beautiful).

4. Irregular superlatives:

   • Some adjectives/adverbs have irregular superlative forms.
   • Example: goed (good) becomes best (best).

Additional Tips

• When forming comparatives and superlatives, keep an eye on spelling changes that may occur in the base adjective/adverb. For example, some adjectives change the root vowel in the comparative and superlative forms.

• Pay attention to the gender and number of the noun you are modifying. Adjectives/adverbs must agree with the noun they modify in Dutch.

• Certain adjectives have irregular forms for both comparatives and superlatives. These forms are best learned through exposure and practice.

Examples

• Comparative: Hij is groter dan ik. (He is taller than me.)
• Superlative: Dat is het mooiste schilderij. (That is the most beautiful painting.)

Congratulations! You have now mastered the rules for forming comparatives and superlatives in Dutch. Practice using these forms in your conversations and writing to become more proficient in expressing comparisons and extremes.