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Trappen van vergelijking

Introduction
Regular forms of comparison
Exceptions to the normal rules

Introduction

With trappen van vergelijking (literally: stairs of comparison) we mean the same principle they use in English with for example the words: large - larger - largest.

The first step (of the stairs :-) ) is called stellende trap ("stating" step) or positief.

The 2nd step is called vergrotende trap (increasing step) or comparatief.

The last step is called overtreffende trap (surpassing step) or superlatief.

I will from now on use the English terms, positive, comparative and superlative.

Regular forms of comparison

The default rule in Dutch is to put -er after an adjective or adverb to transform the positive into the comparitive.

The default rule in Dutch is to put -st after an adjective or adverb to transform the positive into the superlative.

Examples:
blauw - blauwer - blauwst (blue)
lang - langer - langst (long)
warm - warmer - warmst (warm)

Exceptions to the normal rules

Words that end in -r

These words get an extra 'd' in the comparative.

Examples:
helder - helderder - helderst (clear)
wakker - wakkerder - wakkerst (awake)

Other exceptions