Degrees of Comparison

As mentioned before, adjectives or adverbs can be used to compare two things. This is because of what is called the three degrees of comparison (trappen van vergelijking). First, look at this diagram:

 

 

You will not need to remember what the three degrees of comparison are called, but you should know they exist. The only one that matters right now is the comparative degree (vergelijkende trap). This is the one you always use when using adjectives or adverbs to compare two things.

In most cases, the comparative degree can be made by adding -er to an adjective or adverb. However, like irregular verbs, there are also irregular adjectives and adverbs. Much like the verbs, there are no rules that apply to these; memorizing is the only way.

Adverbs have another thing to keep in mind. Generally speaking, when an adverb has three or more syllables, more or less is put in front of the word instead of adding -er to the end when making the comparative degree.