Vanskeligst

Vanskeligst is the superlative form of the Norwegian adjective vanskelig, meaning "most difficult" or "hardest." It is used when comparing three or more items or when expressing the extreme degree of difficulty in a situation or task.

In Norwegian, the superlative can be formed in a couple of common ways. The suffix form -st yields vanskeligst, which you will encounter in everyday speech and writing (for example, Dette er vanskeligst blant forslagene). The definite form of the adjective is usually expressed as den vanskeligste or det vanskeligste when the noun is specified (denne oppgaven er den vanskeligste). In many contexts, speakers may also use periphrastic constructions such as mest vanskelig, especially in more formal or cautious styles.

Vanskeligst can function as a predicative adjective, typically after a linking verb like være (to be): Dette er vanskeligst i klassen. It can also appear in comparisons with måten something is done, as in Dette var vanskeligst å forstå. When modifying a noun directly, the standard attributive form den vanskeligste oppgaven is preferred; bruke av og på tid og setningsstruktur determines whether -este or bare -est is used.

Related terms include the basic adjective vanskelig and the comparative vanskeligere, along with the periphrastic alternativ mest vanskelig. The choice between -st forms and periphrastic forms often depends on register, regional usage, and stylistic preference.

See also: vanskelig, vanskeligere, mest vanskelig, den vanskeligste, det vanskeligste.