German for Shoppers: Say 'This one is cheaper, bigger, fresher'
Learn to compare items in German shops using the comparative forms of common adjectives, so you can say 'This one is cheaper, bigger, fresher' and similar phrases.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
When you shop in a German-speaking country, you often need to compare two items directly: 'This one is cheaper,' 'That one is bigger,' 'These are fresher.' German uses a simple pattern: the definite article (der, die, das) or demonstrative (dieser, diese, dieses) plus the adjective in its comparative form. In this lesson, you will learn how to form the comparative for common adjectives and use it in short, practical sentences. You will also learn to avoid a common mistake: using 'mehr' (more) with an adjective, which is usually wrong in German.
By the end, you can…
- form the comparative of common adjectives like billig, groß, frisch.
- say 'This one is cheaper/bigger/fresher' in German.
- use demonstrative pronouns (dieser, diese, dieses) correctly with the comparative.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
Dieser ist billiger.
This one (masculine) is cheaper.
DEE-zer ist BIL-ig-er
Use for masculine nouns, e.g., der Apfel (apple).
Diese ist größer.
This one (feminine) is bigger.
DEE-ze ist GRUR-ser
Use for feminine nouns, e.g., die Melone (melon).
Dieses ist frischer.
This one (neuter) is fresher.
DEE-zes ist FRISH-er
Use for neuter nouns, e.g., das Brot (bread).
Der hier ist billiger.
This one here is cheaper.
dair heer ist BIL-ig-er
Common in shops when pointing at an item.
Die da ist größer.
That one there is bigger.
dee dah ist GRUR-ser
Use 'da' for something farther away.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To compare two items, use a demonstrative pronoun (dieser, diese, dieses) or a definite article (der, die, das) plus the comparative adjective. The comparative is formed by adding -er to the basic adjective: billig → billiger, groß → größer, frisch → frischer. For example: 'Dieser Apfel ist billiger.' (This apple is cheaper.) 'Diese Melone ist größer.' (This melon is bigger.) 'Dieses Brot ist frischer.' (This bread is fresher.) Note that some short adjectives take an umlaut in the comparative: groß → größer, alt → älter, jung → jünger. Also note that adjectives ending in -er, -el, or -en often drop the -e- before the comparative ending: teuer → teurer, dunkel → dunkler.
When to use it
Use this pattern when you are directly comparing two or more items in a shop, market, or any shopping situation. It is perfect for pointing at one item and saying it is cheaper, bigger, fresher, etc. For example, at a bakery: 'Dieses Brot ist frischer als das da.' (This bread is fresher than that one.) At a market: 'Diese Tomaten sind billiger.' (These tomatoes are cheaper.) Remember that the comparative adjective comes after the verb 'ist' or 'sind'. When you name the noun, the adjective takes a normal ending: 'Dieser Apfel ist billiger' but 'Der billigere Apfel ist hier.' (The cheaper apple is here.)
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
Guten Tag! Was kostet dieser Käse?
Hello! How much does this cheese cost?GOO-ten tahk! vas KOS-tet DEE-zer KAY-ze?Dieser hier kostet 5 Euro. Aber der da ist billiger.
This one here costs 5 euros. But that one there is cheaper.DEE-zer heer KOS-tet 5 OY-ro. AH-ber dair dah ist BIL-ig-er.Und ist er auch frischer?
And is it fresher too?unt ist air owkh FRISH-er?Ja, er ist frischer und größer.
Yes, it is fresher and bigger.yah, air ist FRISH-er unt GRUR-ser.A little context goes a long way
In German-speaking countries, it is common to point at items and use 'der/die/das da' or 'dieser/diese/dieses' to compare. Politeness matters: use 'Guten Tag' when entering a shop and 'Danke' or 'Auf Wiedersehen' when leaving. In markets, it is often acceptable to ask for a better price, but do so politely, e.g., 'Können Sie mir einen besseren Preis machen?' (Can you give me a better price?). In supermarkets and chain stores, however, prices are fixed and haggling is not expected. Note also that in many shops you greet the staff when you enter and say goodbye when you leave; ignoring them can seem impolite.
One thing to watch for
Using 'mehr' with an adjective, e.g., 'Dieser ist mehr billig.'
Try this instead: In German, the comparative is formed with -er, not with 'mehr'. Say 'Dieser ist billiger.' (This one is cheaper.) The word 'mehr' is used for 'more' in the sense of quantity, e.g., 'Ich brauche mehr Milch.' (I need more milk.) Note that 'mehr' can combine with a comparative in phrases like 'mehr Geld' (more money), but never as a substitute for the -er form.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How do you say 'This one (feminine) is cheaper' in German?
Show a sample answer
Diese ist billiger.
Use 'diese' for feminine nouns and add -er to 'billig' to form the comparative. 'Billiger' is the correct comparative form.
2Translate: 'This one (neuter) is fresher.'
Show a sample answer
Dieses ist frischer.
Use 'dieses' for neuter nouns and 'frischer' as the comparative of 'frisch'. The adjective comes after the verb.
3What is the comparative form of 'groß'?
Show a sample answer
größer
'Groß' takes an umlaut in the comparative: 'größer'. This is a common pattern for short adjectives with 'o' or 'u'.
To compare items in German shops, use dieser/diese/dieses or der/die/das plus the adjective with -er. Avoid 'mehr' with adjectives; just add -er.
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