Definite Superlatives
In the previous lesson, you learned that basic superlative adjectives end in -est. However, when a superlative directly describes a specific noun—like "the tallest statue" or "the most famous building"—you must add an extra -e to the adjective, making the ending -este.
Because you are talking about a specific, definite item, you also need to place a freestanding definite article before the adjective:
- Use den for en-words (common gender).
- Use det for et-words (neuter gender).
Importantly, the noun itself stays in its basic, indefinite form. Because the freestanding article (den or det) already does the job of saying "the", you do not add a "the" suffix to the end of the noun.
Using den (Common Gender)
For en-words, pair den with the -este adjective:
| What is the most famous building in the capital? | Hvad er den berømteste bygning i hovedstaden? |
| He wants to see the tallest statue. | Han vil gerne se den højeste statue. |
| The most beautiful church is on the square. | Den smukkeste kirke ligger på torvet. |
Using det (Neuter Gender)
For et-words, use det instead. The adjective takes the exact same -este ending:
| The most beautiful castle is in the forest. | Det smukkeste slot ligger i skoven. |
| We are visiting the darkest museum in the country. | Vi besøger det mørkeste museum i landet. |
| It is the most important museum in the city. | Det er det vigtigste museum i byen. |
Describing Landmarks
You will frequently use definite superlatives to point out specific places, buildings, or geographical features. Look at how both den and det forms are used to describe landmarks in context:
| He swims in the deepest lake. | Han svømmer i den dybeste sø. |
| The woman finds the tallest statue by the newest castle. | Kvinden finder den højeste statue ved det nyeste slot. |