der  Superlativ

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈzuːpɐlatiːf/

📚 What does "der Superlativ" mean?

Der Superlativ (noun, masculine) in grammar refers to the highest degree of comparison for adjectives and some adverbs. It expresses the highest degree of a quality or characteristic compared to at least two other entities or within a group.

• There are two forms of the superlative:
  1. With am + adjective + -sten (e.g., am schnellsten - fastest) - mostly used predicatively or adverbially.
  2. With the definite article + adjective + -ste/-st + noun ending (e.g., der schnellste Läufer - the fastest runner) - used attributively.
• Figuratively, "der Superlativ" can also denote something considered extraordinary, outstanding, or unsurpassed (e.g., "ein Konzert der Superlative" - a concert of superlatives).

⚠️ Note: Not all adjectives can be compared (e.g., tot - dead, schwanger - pregnant, einzig - unique).

📊 Grammar & Declension: Der Superlativ

"Der Superlativ" is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

📝 Example Sentences (Grammar)

• Die Lehrerin erklärte den Superlativ. (The teacher explained the superlative. - Accusative Singular)
• Die Bildung des Superlativs ist nicht immer regelmäßig. (The formation of the superlative is not always regular. - Genitive Singular)
• Wir verwenden Superlative, um etwas hervorzuheben. (We use superlatives to emphasize something. - Accusative Plural)

💡 Usage in Context

The term "der Superlativ" is primarily used in linguistic or educational contexts when discussing grammar.

• Grammar lessons: A central term when teaching the comparison of adjectives (Steigerung or Komparation).
• Language analysis: Used to describe texts and stylistic devices.
• Everyday language (figurative): When describing something as the ultimate, best, or most intense, people often speak of "Superlative" or "ein Ereignis der Superlative" (an event of superlatives). Example: "Die Show war ein Feuerwerk der Superlative." (The show was a firework of superlatives.)

Confusion is unlikely as the term is very specific. One just needs to distinguish between the grammatical concept and the figurative description of something extraordinary.

🧠 Mnemonics

For the article: Think of DERby - the biggest horse race, the highest level, like DER Superlativ is the highest degree.

For the meaning: Imagine something SUPER. The Superlativ is the SUPER-ior degree, the highest form.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar Terms:

• Komparation: (Comparison) The entire process of comparing adjectives (Positiv, Komparativ, Superlativ).
• Adjektiv: (Adjective) The part of speech that is typically compared.

😄 A Little Joke

Lehrer: "Kann jemand 'langweilig' steigern?"
Schüler: "Langweilig, langweiliger, Schule!"

Teacher: "Can anyone compare 'boring'?"
Student: "Boring, more boring, school!"

(Okay, not directly about 'der Superlativ' as a noun, but about the concept!)

✒️ Poem about the Superlative

Groß, größer, am größten,
(Big, bigger, biggest,)
so steigert man geschwind.
(that's how you compare swiftly.)
Schön, schöner, am schönsten,
(Beautiful, more beautiful, most beautiful,)
weiß jedes Kind.
(every child knows.)
Der Superlativ, ganz oben,
(The superlative, right at the top,)
zeigt, was das Beste ist,
(shows what the best is,)
wird oft und gern gehoben,
(is often and gladly raised,)
wenn man vergleichen misst.
(when one measures by comparison.)

❓ Riddle

Ich bin die höchste Stufe, der Gipfel sozusagen,
(I am the highest degree, the peak, so to speak,)
vergleiche ich drei oder mehr, hörst du mich oft sagen.
(If I compare three or more, you often hear me speak.)
Ich ende meist auf '-st' oder '-sten', das ist bekannt,
(I usually end in '-st' or '-sten', that is known,)
in der Grammatik werd' ich feierlich benannt.
(In grammar, I am solemnly named.)

Was bin ich? / What am I?
Lösung / Solution: Der Superlativ (The Superlative)

🧩 Additional Information

Etymology: The word "Superlativ" comes from the Latin superlativus, meaning "exaggerating" or "carrying over". It derives from super ("above", "over") and latus (past participle of ferre, "to carry").

Irregular Forms: Some superlatives in German are irregular (e.g., gut - besser - am besten; good - better - best; viel - mehr - am meisten; much - more - most).