Comparatives and Superlatives (Part 2): The Superlative

I. Theory

The superlative is an adjectival form that shows that a noun has the most of a given quality when compared with other nouns, usually a group of 3 or more. In English, adjectives in the superlative form end in -est or simply take the adverb “most”. In German, superlatives are always formed with an -(e)st suffix on the adjective. Generally, the “e” is found with monosyllabic adjectives or those ending in -t, -s, -ß, -sch, or d.

Gestern war der heißeste Tag des Sommers. Yesterday was the hottest day of the summer. Meine Mutter bestellt immer das teuerste Gericht auf der Karte. My mother always orders the most expensive dish on the menu. Mein Bruder ist der schnellste Spieler seiner Mannschaft. My brother is the fastest player on his team.

As you can see in the examples above, the usual adjective endings come after the -(e)st suffix. This variation of the superlative is found before the noun.

II. Superlative of Adverbs

To form the superlative of an adverb, the construction am + -sten is used. With this construction, the superlative no longer comes before a noun but rather is a predicate adjective.

Ich fahre schnell, aber er fährt am schnellsten. I drive fast but he drives the fastest. Die Frau in der Ecke ist am charmantesten. The woman in the corner is the most charming. Ich fand sein letztes Buch von allen am interessantesten. I found his last book to be the most interesting of them all.

III. Frequently Used Superlatives

The following are frequently used superlative constructions. They act as adverbs in the sentence.

möglichst Bitte schreiben Sie mir möglichst oft. Please write to me as often as possible. wenigstens Wir werden wenigstens zwei Tage haben, um die Stadt zu besichtigen. We will have at least 2 days to check out the city. spätestens Ich bin spätestens gegen 9 Uhr im Büro. I get into the office at 9:00 at the latest. äußerst Das Date war für beide äußerst unangenehm. The date was extremely awkward for both of them.