Unregelmäßige Steigerung Adjektive Englisch Liste

Hallo! Planning a trip to an English-speaking country? Fantastic! One thing that might seem a little tricky in English, especially if you're coming from a language like German with more regular rules, is the irregular comparative and superlative forms of adjectives. Don't worry, though! This guide will help you navigate those tricky bits and sound like a pro in no time. We’ll break down the most common irregular adjectives, making your journey, hopefully, a little smoother and more enjoyable.

Why are some English adjectives irregular?

English is a bit of a magpie language, borrowing words from all sorts of sources. Many of these irregular forms come from Old English or other languages like French and Latin. Instead of following the standard rules of adding "-er" and "-est," they retain their older, unique forms. Think of it as a charming quirk of the language – something that adds character! Understanding this historical context helps to appreciate why these forms are the way they are.

The Usual Suspects: A List of Irregular Adjectives

Let's dive into the list of the most common irregular adjectives you'll encounter. We'll look at the adjective in its base form, the comparative (used to compare two things), and the superlative (used to compare three or more things or to indicate the highest degree).

Good

This is one of the most frequently used words in the English language, so nailing its irregular forms is essential:

Base: Good
Comparative: Better
Superlative: Best

Example: "This apple pie is good, but the cake is better. In fact, it’s the best dessert I've ever tasted!"

Bad

The opposite of "good" also has its own unique forms:

Base: Bad
Comparative: Worse
Superlative: Worst

Example: "The weather today is bad, but yesterday was even worse. I think this is the worst summer we've had in years!"

Far

Distance is another common concept, and "far" has two different sets of irregular forms, depending on whether you're talking about physical distance or metaphorical distance:

Base: Far
Comparative: Farther / Further
Superlative: Farthest / Furthest

Explanation:

• Farther/Farthest are generally used for physical distances. "My house is farther from the station than yours." "That's the farthest I've ever run!"
• Further/Furthest are often used for metaphorical or abstract distances or to mean "more" or "additional". "I need to research this topic further." "That's the furthest thing from the truth!"

Little

This one can be a bit confusing, but it refers to quantity or size:

Base: Little
Comparative: Less / Lesser
Superlative: Least

Explanation:

• Less usually refers to quantity. "I have less time than I thought."
• Lesser usually refers to importance or size. "A lesser known author."
• Least is the superlative, indicating the smallest quantity or importance. "That is the least of my worries."

Example: "I have little money, but I have less than yesterday. This is the least amount of cash I've ever had!"

Much / Many

These are related to quantity, with "much" used for uncountable nouns and "many" for countable nouns. Their comparative and superlative forms are the same:

Base: Much / Many
Comparative: More
Superlative: Most

Example: "I have much time to explore this city, but I wish I had more. This is the most beautiful place I’ve seen!"

Example: "There are many shops here, but there are more in the city center. This place has the most tourists."

Tips for Remembering Irregular Adjectives

Okay, that's a lot to take in! Here are some handy tips to help you remember these tricky forms:

• Use Flashcards: Create flashcards with the base adjective on one side and the comparative and superlative forms on the other. This is a classic but effective method!
• Practice Regularly: The more you use these adjectives in conversation and writing, the easier they'll become to remember. Try writing sentences using each form.
• Context is Key: Pay attention to how native speakers use these adjectives in real-life situations. Listen to podcasts, watch English-language movies, and read English books or articles.
• Don't Be Afraid to Make Mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes when learning a new language. Don't let the fear of making errors hold you back from practicing.
• Mnemonics: Create memorable phrases or rhymes to help you recall the forms. For example, "Good, better, best; never let it rest!"

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few common mistakes that learners often make with irregular adjectives. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you avoid them:

• Using "-er" and "-est" incorrectly: Avoid adding "-er" and "-est" to irregular adjectives (e.g., "gooder," "baddest"). Remember to use the correct irregular forms.
• Mixing up "farther" and "further": Be mindful of the distinction between physical and metaphorical distances when using "farther/farthest" and "further/furthest."
• Incorrect use of "less" and "fewer": Remember that "less" is for uncountable nouns (e.g., "less water"), while "fewer" is for countable nouns (e.g., "fewer apples"). While less is now commonly used instead of fewer, it's always good to know the distinction.

Putting it into Practice: Example Sentences

Let's see these adjectives in action with some sentences that might be useful during your travels:

• "Is this the best restaurant in town?"
• "The traffic is worse today than yesterday."
• "How much further is it to the museum?" (Or, "How much farther is it to the museum?")
• "I have less luggage this time."
• "There are more souvenirs in that shop."
• "This coffee is better than the one I had earlier."
• "That was the worst experience of my trip!"
• "I need less sugar in my tea."

Conclusion: Embrace the Irregularities!

While irregular adjectives might seem daunting at first, they're a fascinating part of the English language. By understanding the rules, practicing regularly, and embracing the quirks, you'll be using them confidently in no time. So go ahead, explore the English-speaking world, and don't be afraid to use your newfound knowledge. Have a fantastic trip!

Viel Glück! (Good luck!)