Making Comparisons in Swedish

In this guide, we'll explore the grammatical structures required to make comparisons in Swedish. Comparisons allow us to express similarities and differences between objects, people, or situations. Mastering this skill will enhance your ability to describe and analyze various aspects of the Swedish language.

Comparing Equality

When we want to express that two things are equal in some way, we use the following structure:

subject + är + lika + adjective + som + object

Here, "som" means "as" and is used to introduce the comparison object.

Example:

• Hon är lika intelligent som han. (She is as intelligent as he.)

Comparing Inequality

To compare that two things are unequal in some way, we use the following structure:

subject + är + inte + adjective + som + object

In this structure, "inte" negates the adjective, indicating inequality.

Example:

• Det här är inte så svårt som jag trodde. (This isn't as difficult as I thought.)

Making Superlative Comparisons

When we want to express the highest degree of something or someone, we use the superlative form. The structure for superlative comparisons is as follows:

subject + är + superlative adjective

Example:

• Hon är trevligast. (She is the nicest.)

Comparing Quantity

To compare the quantity of two things or people, we use the following structure:

subject + har + mer/mindre + noun + än + object

Here, "mer" means "more" and "mindre" means "less."

Example:

• Jag har mer pengar än han. (I have more money than he does.)

Comparing Actions

When comparing actions, we use the following structure:

subject + verb + bättre/sämre/likadant som + object

Here, "bättre" means "better," "sämre" means "worse," and "likadant" means "the same."

Example:

• Hon sjunger bättre än mig. (She sings better than I do.)

Comparing Adverbs or Adjectives

To compare adverbs or adjectives, we use the following structure:

adverb/adjective + comparative suffix + än + object

The comparative suffix depends on the word in question. Some common comparative suffixes are "-are" and "-are än" for adjectives, and "-re" for adverbs.

Example:

• Hon är snabbare än mig. (She is faster than me.)

Summary

• Use "lika" to compare for equality.
• Use "inte" for inequality.
• Use the superlative form to express the highest degree.
• Use "mer" for more and "mindre" for less when comparing quantity.
• Use "bättre" for better, "sämre" for worse, and "likadant" for the same when comparing actions.
• Use comparative suffixes for comparing adverbs or adjectives.

With these grammatical structures in your repertoire, you'll be able to confidently make comparisons in Swedish. Happy learning!