Comparisons with so … wie
B1 · Intermediate · Advanced Structures
The rule
Equal comparison.
How it works
To say that two things are equal, use so plus an adjective in the base form plus wie: so groß wie (as big as), so schnell wie (as fast as). The negative form is nicht so … wie, which means "not as … as". The construction is common in speech and writing, and it avoids the comparative form.
When to use it
Say two things are equal with so … wie (as … as), with the adjective in the base form.
Use cases
- Saying something is equal: Der Film ist so spannend wie das Buch
- Making a negative comparison: Das Essen ist nicht so teuer wie erwartet
- Describing equal quantities or sizes: Ich habe so viel Zeit wie du
Examples
- Er ist so groß wie ich – He is as tall as me
- Sie ist so alt wie ihr Bruder. – She is as old as her brother.
- Dieses Zimmer ist nicht so groß wie das andere. – This room is not as big as the other one.
- Er spricht so gut Deutsch wie ein Muttersprachler. – He speaks German as well as a native speaker.
Common mistake
Using the comparative with so … wie: "so schnell wie" is right, "so schneller wie" is not.
Memory tip
So + base adjective + wie: so groß wie, so schnell wie.