Comparison of Adjectives in Danish

Overview

Comparison of Adjectives (Gradbøjning) is an important grammar concept at the A2 level in Danish. Comparative (-ere) and superlative (-est) forms. Irregular: god→bedre→bedst, dårlig→værre→værst. 'Mere/mest' for long adjectives.

At the elementary level, understanding this concept allows you to express yourself with greater accuracy and nuance. This grammar point builds on foundations you have established at earlier levels and connects to several related areas of Danish grammar.

As you work through this topic, pay attention to how it functions in authentic Danish texts and conversations. The patterns you learn here will become more natural with regular practice and exposure to the language.

How It Works

Core rules

Comparative (-ere) and superlative (-est) forms. Irregular: god→bedre→bedst, dårlig→værre→værst. 'Mere/mest' for long adjectives.

Key patterns

Danish	English
stor → større → størst	big → bigger → biggest
Hun er ældre end mig.	She is older than me.
Det er det bedste.	That's the best.
mere interessant	more interesting

Regular comparison

Base	Comparative (-ere)	Superlative (-est)
stor	storre	storst
ung	yngre	yngst
gammel	aeldre	aeldst
lang	laengere	laengst
hoj	hojere	hojest

Periphrastic comparison (long adjectives)

Base	Comparative	Superlative
interessant	mere interessant	mest interessant
moderne	mere moderne	mest moderne
populaer	mere populaer	mest populaer

Irregular comparison

Base	Comparative	Superlative	Translation
god	bedre	bedst	good
darlig	vaerre	vaerst	bad
lille	mindre	mindst	small
stor	storre	storst	big
mange/meget	mere/flere	mest/flest	much/many

Examples in Context

Danish	English	Note
stor → større → størst	big → bigger → biggest
Hun er ældre end mig.	She is older than me.
Det er det bedste.	That's the best.
mere interessant	more interesting

Common Mistakes

Transferring English patterns directly

• Wrong: Using English word order or structure when expressing comparison of adjectives in Danish.
• Right: Follow Danish-specific rules for this grammar point.
• Why: Danish and English handle comparison of adjectives differently. Learning the Danish pattern as its own system prevents interference from English.

Neglecting subordinate clause word order

• Wrong: Keeping main clause word order when comparison of adjectives appears in a subordinate clause.
• Right: Remember that adverbs like ikke move before the verb in subordinate clauses.
• Why: The main clause/subordinate clause word order distinction is fundamental in Danish and affects how all grammar structures are used.

Overgeneralizing rules

• Wrong: Applying one pattern to all cases of comparison of adjectives without considering exceptions.
• Right: Learn both the regular patterns and the common exceptions.
• Why: Danish grammar has regular patterns but also important exceptions, particularly with frequently used words.

Practice Tips

• Write short paragraphs. Practice using comparison of adjectives in connected text rather than isolated sentences. This builds fluency and helps you internalize the patterns.
• Practice transformations. Take simple sentences and transform them to practice comparison of adjectives: change tenses, switch between positive and negative, or rephrase using different structures.
• Find a language partner. Practice comparison of adjectives in conversation with a Danish speaker or fellow learner. Speaking practice is essential for making grammar automatic.

Related Concepts

• Adjective Agreement - Parent concept