Adjektiive

Adjektiive are a word class that describes or limits a noun or pronoun. They express qualities such as color, size, shape, origin, material, or other attributes, and can indicate determination or quantity. In many languages they help specify reference and add detail to statements. Adjektiive can function in two main positions: attributively, before the noun (a red apple), or predicatively, after a linking verb (the apple is red).

Morphology and agreement vary by language. In English, adjektiive typically do not inflect for gender or number, and degree is formed with positive, comparative, and superlative forms (tall, taller, tallest) or with periphrasis (more beautiful). In languages with gender and case systems, adjektiive often agree with the noun in gender, number, and sometimes case, yielding endings or inflections (for example, German großer Mann, die große Frau). Placement can also affect emphasis or meaning; some languages prefer adjectives after the noun in standard order, while others place them before.

Types and functions include descriptive adjectives (quality), demonstrative adjectives (this, that), possessive adjectives (my, your), and numeral adjectives (three). Adjektiive can be qualitative, relative, or evaluative, and some languages distinguish between determiner-like adjectives and true descriptive adjectives. Compound adjectives and adjective phrases are common in many languages, and some adjectives can be used as adverbs in certain contexts.

Cross-linguistic variation is common: there is no universal rule governing adjective use. Differences exist in inflection, agreement, position relative to the noun, and degree formation. Understanding adjektiive requires examining the specific grammar of a language, including how adjectives interact with nouns, articles, and verbs within sentences.