äldsta

Äldsta is a Swedish superlative adjective meaning “the oldest.” It is formed from the adjective gammal (old) and is used to indicate the oldest person, object, or subgroup within a defined set. The form äldsta is the standard superlative in modern Swedish and is used with different nouns to mark the utmost degree of age within a group.

Usage and grammar

In practice, äldsta is typically used with definite noun phrases. Common constructions include den äldsta, det äldsta, or de äldsta before a noun: den äldsta mannen, det äldsta huset, de äldsta barnen. The superlative is generally bound to the definite form of the noun, while the comparative äldre (older) is used to compare two or more items rather than identify the single oldest item.

Etymology

The word derives from gammal (old) and uses the Swedish superlative suffix -sta. The pronunciation is approximately [ˈeːldsta], with the initial ä representing the fronted vowel common in Swedish orthography.

Examples

Hon är den äldsta i klassen. (She is the oldest in the class.)

Det äldsta huset i byn har stått sedan 1800-talet. (The oldest house in the village has stood since the 19th century.)

De äldsta byggnaderna i staden har restaurerats. (The oldest buildings in the city have been restored.)

See also

gammal, äldre, svenska grammar.