Adjective endings follow the determiner in front of them. Three classes cover almost everything.
Ending classes
Strong (zero article)
When there is no article, the adjective itself carries the case markers (≈ definite-article endings).
Weak (after definite article)
| M | N | F | Pl | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N | -e | -e | -e | -en |
| A | -en | -e | -e | -en |
| D | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| G | -en | -en | -en | -en |
Mixed (after indefinite / ein-group)
| M | N | F | Pl | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N | -er | -es | -e | -en |
| A | -en | -es | -e | -en |
| D | -en | -en | -en | -en |
| G | -en | -en | -en | -en |
After ein / kein / mein / …, nominative masculine and nominative/accusative neuter still need a clear ending on the adjective — hence mixed.
Comparison
Formulas
| Degree | Pattern |
|---|---|
| Positive | A so [adj.] wie B |
| Comparative | A [adj.-er] als B |
| Superlative (attributive) | definite article + [adj.-(e)st] |
| Superlative (predicative) | am [adj.-(e)st]-en |
Predicative am …-en is historically an omitted neuter measure noun.
Stem quirks
| Ending | Rule |
|---|---|
-el; most -en, -er | comparative drops the first e (cf. verb -eln / -ern) |
sibilant, -t, -d, -sch | superlative uses -est |
| monosyllabic with a / o / u | often umlaut in comparative / superlative |
Umlaut exceptions to watch: gesund, voll, schlank (and similar).
Irregular (closed list)
| Positive | Comparative | Superlative |
|---|---|---|
| hoch | höher | höchst |
| nah | näher | nächst |
| groß | größer | größt |
| oft / häufig | öfter / häufiger | häufigst |
| viel | mehr | meist |
| gut | besser | best |
| gern | lieber | am liebsten |