French Superlative

Overview

The superlative is used when you want to say that a noun is “the most” or “the least” of something. In English, the superlative is often identifiable by its -est endings. Some examples are: he fastest or the slowest runner and the loudest or the softest music.

The Galápagos Tortoise is the largest tortoise in the world.

July 18, 2023

Stephen Sovenyhazy

The table below shows how to create the superlative in French. We use the same words from le comparatif (Module 5), but we pair it with a definite article (le/la/les). However, there is no degree of equality. There can be no “equals” of something that is supposed to be superlative.

The Superlative – Le Superlatif

French	English	Example	Translation
noun + le/la/les plus + adjective	the most _____	J’ai regardé les vidéos les plus longues. Elle a la plus belle voix.	I watched the longest videos. She has the most beautiful voice.
noun + le/la/les moins + adjective	the least ______	Ce cours est le moins agréable.	This class is the least pleasant.

Important Notes:

Study the patterns and differences within this chart and read through the following rules/reminders:

The superlative is being used to describe a noun as “the most” or “the least” of something. The definite article used in the superlative must agree with the noun that it is describing. In the first example sentence, you use “les plus longues” to agree with the plural noun “les vidéos” that the superlative was referring to
The superlative can come before OR after the noun. The order depends on the adjective being used. If it falls within the BANGS acronym of adjectives (see A1.1 Module 11 to review), then the superlative will come before the noun (i.e. la plus belle voix). Other superlatives will follow the noun
We can also use the superlatives to describe verbs. For example, you could say “I type the slowest” or “He drives the safest” using the same words from the chart. Respectively these sentences would translate to, “Je tape le moins vite” and “Il conduit le plus prudent.” In these cases, however, the definite article will always take its masculine, singular form (le).

Highlighted Author:

Stephen Sovenyhazy

Stephen is the President of CORE Languages having founded the company in 2007. His focus is on empowering those with a need for community, culture and communication. For over a decade, CORE has helped businesses achieve their strategic international goals by empowering employees to learn and find joy in communicating in a new language and cultural context. With our online instructor-led courses, we now bring this to community members across the globe. A quote from Stephen. "When I started teaching, I sought to bring that same energy, dedication, and sense of purpose into my own classrooms. I founded CORE Languages to expand that vision, seeing the growing need for language training options designed to meet the unique needs of business environments. For over a decade, CORE has helped businesses achieve their strategic international goals by empowering employees to learn and find joy in communicating in a new language and cultural context. With our online instructor-led courses, we now bring this to community members across the globe. It’s a privilege to do what we do and share what we love with you.”

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Additional Topics

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Y replaces or refers back to an adverb phrase of place or of location. In its simplest form, it means just there (in the meaning of in that place) It can also mean in something, on something, under something, beside something, etc.

French Relative Pronouns Qui vs Que

In French, direct object pronouns are used for verbs which aren’t followed by prepositions: Me (me), te (you), nous (us), vous (you), le (him or it), la (her or it), les (them). For example, Je vois le garçon. Je le vois. (I see the boy. I see him).

Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

The CEFR is an international standard used to describe language ability. Here are specific details of the CEFR for this topic.

General Explanation:

Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

Specific Capabilities at this Level

Writing:

I can write short, simple notes and messages relating to matters in areas of immediate needs. I can write a very simple personal letter, for example thanking someone for something.

Spoken Production:

I can use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms my family and other people, living conditions, my educational background and my present or most recent job.

Spoken Interaction:

I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities. I can handle very short social exchanges, even though I can’t usually understand enough to keep the conversation going myself.

Reading:

I can read very short, simple texts. I can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus and timetables and I can understand short simple personal letters.

Listening:

I can understand phrases and the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment). I can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements.