Deskundiger

Deskundiger is a Dutch word that functions as the comparative form of the adjective deskundig, meaning skilled or knowledgeable. It translates as “more expert” or “more knowledgeable.” The positive form is deskundig and the superlative is deskundigst. In standard usage, deskundiger is used to compare two or more subjects in terms of expertise or competence. For example, hij is deskundiger dan ik, meaning “he is more expert than I am.” In practice, speakers may also use the alternative construction more desk­-undig, but the suffix -er forms the common comparative.

Deskundiger is primarily an adjective. When referring to a specific expert as a person, the corresponding noun is typically deskundige, not deskundiger. The noun deskundige means “an expert,” and its plural is deskundigen. The adjective and noun share the same root, but they are used in different syntactic roles: as a descriptive modifier (deskundig, deskundiger, deskundigst) or as a substantive referring to a person (deskundige, deskundigen).

Etymology and usage notes: the word comes from the Dutch adjective deskundig (“skilled, knowledgeable”) with the comparative suffix -er. While modern Dutch generally prefers the straightforward comparative form, some contexts also allow the construction meer deskundig to express a higher degree of expertise, especially when stylistic variety or emphasis is desired. Overall, deskundiger is most common in direct comparisons of expertise between people or entities.