Nõrgem

Nõrgem is the Estonian comparative form of the adjective nõrk, meaning weak or not strong. It is used to compare two things or people, indicating that one is weaker than the other. The corresponding superlative is kõige nõrgem, meaning “the weakest.”

Morphology and usage details: The comparative form is created from the stem nõrk- by adding the suffix -em, giving nõrgem. In plural contexts, the form becomes nõrgemad (for example, nõrgemad inimesed, “weaker people”). Nõrgem functions as a standard adjective: it can modify a noun directly (nõrgem jõud, “weaker force”) or appear in a predicate with a linking verb (Ta on nõrgem, “He/She is weaker”). Comparisons use the word kui, meaning “than”: Ta on nõrgem kui tema vastane, “He is weaker than his opponent.”

Examples: See on nõrgem kui eelmine osa. Ta on nõrgem kui tema vastane. Nõrgemad inimesed vajavad rohkem tuge.

Related forms and notes: The word is part of the normal Estonian degree of comparison system for adjectives. The opposite degree is tugevam, meaning stronger, while the superlative is kõige nõrgem. In plural phrases, the adjective changes to nõrgemad to agree with plural nouns.

See also: Estonian grammar, degrees of comparison; nõrk, tugev, kõige nõrgem, kõige tugevam.

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