How to Form Comparative and Superlative in Swedish

Understanding Swedish Comparatives

In Swedish, comparatives are used just like in English, to express the difference between two things. The structure changes the adjective to show this comparison, often by adding the suffix -are to the adjective. For example, 'tall' in Swedish is lång, and 'taller' becomes längre.

Comparative Rules

Most adjectives in Swedish form their comparative by adding -are. However, some adjectives that are longer or of irregular form might not follow this rule. Always check the dictionary for any irregular forms.

Superlatives in Swedish

Superlatives are used to express the highest degree of a quality among three or more entities. Swedish forms superlatives by adding -ast to the adjective. For instance, 'happiest' would be gladast, and 'coldest' becomes kallast.

Definite and Indefinite Forms

When using superlatives in a definite form (the happiest one), Swedes use den, det, or de based on gender and number, followed by the superlative. Hence, den gladaste (the happiest one) and det kallaste (the coldest one).

Common Irregular Adjectives

Just like English, Swedish has its fair share of irregular adjectives. Here are some examples:

• good - god / better - bättre / best - bäst
• bad - dålig / worse - sämre / worst - sämst
• little - liten / less - mindre / least - minst

Practice Makes Perfect

To master comparatives and superlatives in Swedish, practice by describing differences and extremes in your daily environment. Try forming sentences using new adjectives you learn, and soon enough, you'll find using them becomes second nature.