Superlatives (am größten, der/die/das größte)

The superlative expresses the highest degree of a quality — the biggest, the best, the most interesting. German has two superlative forms depending on whether the adjective is used predicatively (after the verb) or attributively (before the noun). This lesson covers both forms, irregular superlatives, and all the patterns you need.

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Two Superlative Forms

Position	Form	Example
Predicate (after verb)	am + adjective + -sten	Er ist am größten. (He is the tallest.)
Attributive (before noun)	der/die/das + adjective + -ste + ending	der größte Mann (the tallest man)

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Predicate Superlative: am + Adjective + -(e)sten

When the superlative comes after sein, werden, or another linking verb:

am + adjective stem + -(e)sten

Positive	Comparative	Superlative
klein	kleiner	am kleinsten
schnell	schneller	am schnellsten
schön	schöner	am schönsten
interessant	interessanter	am interessantesten
billig	billiger	am billigsten

When to add -esten (with extra -e-)