The Prefix aller-
When a regular superlative isn't enough, Dutch offers simple ways to emphasize that something is the unmatched extreme.
Attach the prefix aller- directly to a superlative adjective to mean "the very...". For example, grootst (biggest) becomes allergrootst (very biggest), and hoogst (highest) becomes allerhoogst (very highest).
Like any adjective, it takes an -e ending when it comes before a noun in definite phrases (e.g., de allerhoogste).
| He is about to jump from the very highest tower. | Hij staat op het punt om van de allerhoogste toren te springen. |
Adding veruit (By Far)
To show that there isn't even close competition, use the adverb veruit (by far).
| by far | veruit |
When using veruit with a superlative noun phrase, the word order is strict: place veruit immediately before the definite article (de or het).
| This is by far the very biggest mistake that he has ever made. | Dit is veruit de allergrootste fout die hij ooit heeft gemaakt. |
For maximum emphasis, Dutch speakers frequently combine veruit with an aller- superlative, creating the absolute strongest form of comparison.
| That castle is by far the very biggest building in the area. | Dat kasteel is veruit het allergrootste gebouw in de omgeving. |
Discussing Records and Trivia
These amplified superlatives are naturally suited for talking about trivia, ultimate achievements, and nature facts. Notice how seamlessly veruit and aller- work together to describe these unmatched extremes:
| She is by far the very best top athlete in the country. | Zij is veruit de allerbeste topsporter van het land. |
| The tiger is by far the very fastest mammal in this area. | De tijger is veruit het allersnelste zoogdier in dit gebied. |
| That was by far the very last world record that the team could break. | Dat was veruit het allerlaatste wereldrecord dat het team kon breken. |