The Absolute Comparative
Normally, we use the comparative form of an adjective to compare two things directly (e.g., "older than me"). But German also uses the comparative without a direct comparison to mean "rather," "quite," or "somewhat." This is called the absolute comparative (absoluter Komparativ).
Because there is no direct comparison, you won't see the word als (than). Instead, the comparative simply softens the adjective. When discussing senior living, for example, alt means "old," but älter used absolutely means "elderly" or "rather old."
Just like normal adjectives, the absolute comparative takes standard adjective endings when placed directly before a noun.
| An elderly gentleman lives in the new retirement home. | Ein älterer Herr wohnt in dem neuen Seniorenheim. |
| An accessible apartment is very important for an elderly woman. | Eine barrierefreie Wohnung ist für eine ältere Frau sehr wichtig. |
This softening effect applies to many common adjectives. A "long" (lang) walk sounds intense, but a "somewhat long" (länger) walk sounds much more manageable.
| My sprightly uncle takes a rather long walk every day. | Mein rüstiger Onkel macht jeden Tag einen längeren Spaziergang. |
| Are you still sprightly enough for a somewhat long journey? | Sind Sie noch rüstig genug für eine längere Reise? |
Similarly, a "minor" or "rather small" limitation uses the comparative form of klein.
| Despite a somewhat small limitation, she lives independently. | Trotz einer kleineren Einschränkung lebt sie selbstbestimmt. |
Discussing Senior Living
As we talk about growing older, you will often need vocabulary to describe physical (körperlich) and mental (geistig) health. You will also discuss the support (die Unterstützung) and assistive devices that help people maintain a self-determined (selbstbestimmt) life.
| Physical work is often exhausting for elderly people. | Körperliche Arbeit ist für ältere Leute oft anstrengend. |
| My grandfather is mentally very alert, but he needs a wheelchair. | Mein Großvater ist geistig sehr wach, aber er braucht einen Rollstuhl. |
| The caregiver offers us great support. | Die Pflegekraft bietet uns großartige Unterstützung. |
