verrassender

Verrassender is a Dutch comparative adjective form derived from verrassend, meaning "more surprising." It is used to compare two or more things in terms of how surprising they are. For example, "Deze wending is verrassender dan die in het vorige hoofdstuk." In everyday language, speakers often prefer the periphrastic construction "meer verrassend" to express the same idea, but verrassender is still understood and can appear in informal speech, literary prose, or poetic contexts.

Usage notes: The form verrassender is formed by adding the comparative suffix -er to the stem of the adjective verrassend. While it is grammatically valid, many style guides and formal Dutch writings favor "meer verrassend" for clarity and consistency, especially in technical or academic texts. Both forms convey the same comparative meaning, but they may carry slightly different stylistic nuances.

Etymology and morphology: Verrassender traces back to the verb verrassen (to surprise) and the present participle stem verrassend (surprising). The comparative suffix -er attaches to the stem, producing een verrassender vorm used to denote a higher degree of surprise. This pattern is common for Dutch adjectives ending in -end, though usage varies by register and region.

See also: verrassend, meer verrassend, vergelijking in Dutch grammar.