Using superlatives

1 Definition

The superlative is the form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest or a very high degree of the quality being described.

For example in the sentence She is the brightest pupil in the class, the word brightest is a superlative adjective; and in the sentence Of all the students, she performed best, the word best is a superlative adverb.

2 Formation

2.1 Adjectives

Superlative adjectives are formed using the definite article le, la, les with plus or moins.

C'est lui le plus fort de la classe

He's the strongest in the class

Note the irregular forms:

2.2 Adverbs

Superlative adverbs are formed using the definite article le with plus or moins:

C'est Marie qui a couru le plus vite

It was Marie who ran fastest

Note also the irregular adverbial forms:

3 Other points

3.1 Using superlative adjectives with nouns

When applied to adjectives used before the noun , the superlative is quite straightforward:

C'est le plus grand fabricant de voitures du monde

It's the world's biggest car manufacturer

When the adjective being used normally comes after the noun , the definite article must be used with the superlative adjective as well as the noun:

C'est le pays le plus riche du monde

It's the richest country in the world

The definite article must be used even if the noun is qualified by a possessive adjective :

Sa qualité la plus impressionnante était sa capacité à garder son calme

His / her most impressive quality was his / her ability to stay calm

Of course, the superlative adjective and its definite article must agree with the noun :

C'est de loin la fille la plus intelligente de la classe

She's easily the brightest girl in the class

3.2 Subjunctive after superlative adjectives

In a relative clause following a superlative adjective, the verb must be in the subjunctive :

C'est la situation la plus grave que j'aie jamais connue 

It's the most serious situation I've ever seen