Le superlatif expresses the highest degree of a quality. We construct the superlative by using le/la/les plus + adjective or le/la/les moins + adjective. The adjective’s ending agrees with the noun it is describing.
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: the fastest or the slowest runner and the loudest or the softest music.
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 (BANGS adjectives: le/la/les plus + adjective + noun) | 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 prudemment.” In these cases, however, the definite article will always take its masculine, singular form (le).