Comparative adjectives (-ari)

To make regular adjectives comparative (e.g., "stronger," "richer"), add the suffix -ari. If the adjective ends in -ur, drop it first.

  • sterkur (strong) → sterkari (stronger)
  • klár (smart) → klárari (smarter)

For adjectives ending in -ugur, such as skítugur (dirty), drop both the -ur and the preceding u to get skítugri (dirtier).

Making Comparisons with "en"

Use the conjunction en to say "than," placing it between the two things you are comparing.

The boy is stronger than the man.
Strákurinn er sterkari en maðurinn.
My dog is smarter than your cat.
Hundurinn minn er klárari en kötturinn þinn.
This car is dirtier than the bus.
Þessi bíll er skítugri en rútan.

Comparatives work exactly the same way in questions and complex sentences:

Are you richer and stronger than us?
Eruð þið ríkari og sterkari en við?
I want this cheese because it is harder.
Ég vil þennan ost af því að hann er harðari.

"Than" vs. "But"

Remember that en is also the word for "but". Context will always tell you which meaning is intended:

The girl is smarter than the boy, but she is slower.
Stelpan er klárari en strákurinn, en hún er hægari.
The sofa is more expensive now, but it is dirtier.
Sófinn er dýrari núna, en hann er skítugri.

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