Learning a new language can be both an exciting and challenging endeavor. One of the fascinating aspects of mastering a new language is understanding how different languages express comparisons. In English, we often use words like “more” and “less” to make comparisons. However, when learning German, you will encounter the word “als,” which plays a crucial role in forming comparatives. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how to use “als” in comparatives, helping you to communicate more effectively in German.
Understanding the Basics
In German, the word “als” is used to compare two unequal entities. Essentially, it translates to “than” in English. When you want to express that something is bigger, smaller, faster, slower, better, or worse than something else, “als” is your go-to word.
For example:
– “Er ist größer als sie.” (He is taller than she is.)
– “Dieses Buch ist interessanter als das andere.” (This book is more interesting than the other one.)
Here, “als” is used to compare the height of two people and the interest level of two books.
Forming Comparatives
To form comparatives in German, you typically add the suffix “-er” to the adjective or adverb. This is similar to adding “-er” in English (e.g., faster, stronger).
For example:
– “schnell” (fast) becomes “schneller” (faster)
– “stark” (strong) becomes “stärker” (stronger)
Once you have the comparative form of the adjective or adverb, you use it in a sentence with “als” to compare two things.
Example sentences:
– “Mein Haus ist größer als dein Haus.” (My house is bigger than your house.)
– “Sie läuft schneller als ich.” (She runs faster than I do.)
Irregular Comparatives
Just like in English, German has some irregular comparatives that do not follow the standard “-er” suffix rule. Here are a few examples:
– “gut” (good) becomes “besser” (better)
– “viel” (much) becomes “mehr” (more)
– “hoch” (high) becomes “höher” (higher)
Example sentences:
– “Dieser Wein ist besser als der andere.” (This wine is better than the other one.)
– “Ich habe mehr Geld als du.” (I have more money than you.)
– “Der Berg ist höher als der Hügel.” (The mountain is higher than the hill.)
Comparatives with Nouns
Comparatives are not limited to adjectives and adverbs. You can also use them with nouns to compare quantities. In such cases, “als” still functions as the comparative conjunction.
For example:
– “Ich habe mehr Bücher als du.” (I have more books than you.)
– “Er hat weniger Zeit als sie.” (He has less time than she does.)
Here, “mehr” (more) and “weniger” (less) are used to compare the quantities of books and time, respectively.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When learning to use “als” in comparatives, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
Confusing “als” with “wie”
In German, “wie” is used in comparisons of equality, similar to “as” in English. For example:
– “Er ist so groß wie sie.” (He is as tall as she is.)
However, “als” is used for comparisons of inequality. Mixing these two can lead to confusion. Always remember:
– Use “wie” for equality.
– Use “als” for inequality.
Forgetting to Adjust Adjectives
Another common mistake is forgetting to adjust the adjective to its comparative form. For example, saying “Mein Haus ist groß als dein Haus” (My house is big than your house) is incorrect. The correct form is “größer” (bigger), so the sentence should be “Mein Haus ist größer als dein Haus.”
Incorrect Word Order
German word order can be tricky, especially for English speakers. Ensure that “als” follows the comparative adjective or adverb directly. For example, “Er ist größer als ich” (He is taller than I am) is correct, while “Er ist als größer ich” is not.
Advanced Comparatives
Once you have mastered the basics, you can move on to more advanced uses of comparatives with “als.” This includes using them in conjunction with other grammatical structures and in more complex sentences.
Using Comparatives in Subordinate Clauses
In German, subordinate clauses often change the word order, placing the verb at the end of the clause. When using comparatives in subordinate clauses, “als” still functions as the comparative conjunction, but the word order of the sentence will change.
For example:
– “Er ist größer, als ich dachte.” (He is taller than I thought.)
– “Sie ist klüger, als sie aussieht.” (She is smarter than she looks.)
Here, the verbs “dachte” (thought) and “aussieht” (looks) are placed at the end of their respective clauses.
Double Comparatives
German also allows for double comparatives, similar to English expressions like “the bigger, the better.” In these cases, you use “je” (the) and “desto” (the) to form the comparative expressions.
For example:
– “Je mehr, desto besser.” (The more, the better.)
– “Je früher, desto besser.” (The earlier, the better.)
In these constructions, “je” introduces the first part of the comparative, and “desto” introduces the second part.
Comparing Actions
You can also compare actions using “als.” In these cases, you usually use the infinitive form of the verb with “zu.”
For example:
– “Es ist einfacher, Deutsch zu lernen, als Französisch zu lernen.” (It is easier to learn German than to learn French.)
– “Ich gehe lieber ins Kino, als zu Hause zu bleiben.” (I prefer going to the cinema than staying at home.)
Here, the infinitive forms “zu lernen” (to learn) and “zu bleiben” (to stay) are used to compare the actions.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master comparatives with “als” is through practice. Here are a few exercises you can do to reinforce what you’ve learned:
Exercise 1: Forming Comparatives
Convert the following adjectives into their comparative forms:
1. langsam (slow)
2. kalt (cold)
3. jung (young)
4. alt (old)
5. kurz (short)
Exercise 2: Using “als” in Sentences
Complete the following sentences with the correct form of the adjective and “als”:
1. Mein Auto ist __________ (schnell) __________ dein Auto.
2. Dieses Buch ist __________ (interessant) __________ das andere Buch.
3. Er ist __________ (alt) __________ sie.
4. Der Film war __________ (langweilig) __________ der andere.
Exercise 3: Advanced Comparatives
Translate the following sentences into German:
1. She is smarter than I thought.
2. The more you read, the more you learn.
3. I prefer eating out than cooking at home.
4. This mountain is higher than that hill.
Conclusion
Understanding how to use “als” in comparatives is essential for expressing inequality in German. By mastering the formation of comparatives, recognizing irregular forms, and practicing their use in sentences, you will become more proficient in your German language skills. Remember to pay attention to common mistakes and practice regularly to reinforce your learning. With time and effort, you will find that using “als” in comparatives becomes second nature.
Happy learning!
