How to Use Comparatives for Dutch Language Learners

Understanding Comparatives in Dutch

In Dutch, comparatives are used to compare differences between two objects, much like in English. Generally, Dutch comparatives are quite straightforward and resemble English structures.

Basic Formation of Comparatives

To form the comparative of an adjective in Dutch, you usually add -er to the adjective. For example:

Special Cases and Exceptions

Some adjectives change spelling slightly when forming the comparative. For instance, adjectives ending in -d or -t may require doubling the consonant when adding -er.

Irregular Comparatives

Just like in English, Dutch has some irregular comparatives that you need to memorize. Important irregular comparatives include:

Using 'Dan' to Complete a Comparison

In Dutch, once you've formed the comparative, you often use the word dan to compare the two objects. For example:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While learning comparatives, ensure you are not translating directly from English, especially when dealing with irregular forms or special exceptions.