Vergleichssätze: als, wie, je … desto/umso
Comparing equality, difference and proportional change. This detailed lesson includes explanations, model sentences, common error guidance, written practice and a self-checking quiz. Work through the sections in order, then practise producing your own examples.
Estimated study time: 25–40 minutes · Level: B2 · German examples with English support
Learning objectives
Understand the rule
Identify the structure, meaning and typical word order for this B2 grammar topic.
Use it accurately
Notice verb position, case, endings, punctuation and the relationship between clauses.
Produce original examples
Adapt the model sentences to your own study, work and everyday situations.
Check your learning
Complete the practice tasks and quiz. Review the explanations for any answer you miss.
1. Als and wie
Use wie for equality or similarity: “Sie ist so groß wie ihre Schwester.” Use als after a comparative: “Sie ist größer als ihre Schwester.”
Common pattern: so … wie / genauso … wie for equality; comparative adjective + als for difference.
2. Je … desto/umso
Je … desto/umso expresses two developments that change together: “Je mehr du übst, desto sicherer wirst du.” The je-clause is subordinate and sends its finite verb to the end. The desto/umso-clause is a main clause with the finite verb in second position.
Desto and umso are generally interchangeable in this pattern. The adjective or adverb after desto/umso is often comparative.
3. Comparatives and common errors
Many adjectives form the comparative with -er; some have an umlaut: alt–älter, groß–größer, jung–jünger. Use als, not wie, after a comparative in standard German.
Do not place the finite verb in position two in the je-clause: “Je länger ich warte, desto ungeduldiger werde ich.”
Model examples and close reading
Read the German sentence first, identify the target structure, then compare the English meaning and note the reason for the form.
Wie expresses equality.
A comparative takes als.
The je-clause has final verb placement; the desto-clause is a main clause.
Use a comparative in the second clause.
Practice exercises
Write a complete German answer in each field. The checker compares your answer with a model solution and ignores differences in capitalisation and extra spaces. Alternative wording may be correct even if it is not recognised automatically; compare it with the model and explanation.
Study tip: after checking, cover the model and write the sentence again from memory. Then create one new example of your own.
Knowledge check: interactive quiz
Choose one answer for each question, then select “Check quiz” to see your score and explanations.
1. Which word is normally used after a comparative such as größer?
2. Which phrase expresses equality?
3. Which clause has final verb placement in “Je länger ich warte, desto ungeduldiger werde ich”?
4. Choose the correct sentence.
5. Complete: genauso teuer ___ dieses Modell
Independent production task
Writing challenge: Write a short paragraph of 80–120 words about learning, work, travel or a social issue. Use this lesson’s grammar structure at least three times. Underline the target forms and check the sentence structure, punctuation and meaning.
Speaking challenge: Explain the same topic aloud for one minute. Record yourself if possible, then note one accurate sentence and one sentence you want to improve.
Self-assessment checklist
- I can explain the purpose of this structure in my own words.
- I can recognise it in a written German text.
- I can form at least three original examples.
- I checked word order, case, endings and punctuation.
- I can correct at least one common error.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this lesson suitable for B2 learners?
It is designed as B2-level grammar practice. Learners may benefit from revising relevant A2/B1 structures before moving to more complex examples.
Are the exercises an official Goethe-Zertifikat test?
No. These are original practice materials for learning and revision, not official Goethe-Institut exam questions. Use them alongside the current official exam format and course materials.
Why does the quiz checker sometimes not accept my answer?
The automated checker uses model answers and a small set of accepted alternatives. German may allow other correct phrasings; compare your sentence with the rule and explanation rather than assuming every unrecognised answer is grammatically wrong.