Beste
neuter
The English phrase 'best' translates to German as Beste.
Beste is the superlative of the adjective good (adj). If you want to express 'effort' as a noun, you would use Bestes. For comparison, Besser is the comparative form meaning 'better', while Ausgezeichnet means 'excellent/outstanding'.
Meaning: superlative of the adjective good (adj)
Which one should you use?
Use Beste when describing a noun, but use am besten when describing how an action is performed (adverb).
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form of 'best' must change its ending to match the gender, number and case of the noun it modifies. When using 'best' as a substantive adjective (e.g., 'the best one'), it takes the masculine form der Beste for a male person, die Beste for a female person and the neuter form das Beste to refer to 'the best thing' or 'the best part' in an abstract sense.
Did you know?
- The phrase Alles Gute is the standard way to say 'Happy Birthday', using the positive form 'good' rather than the superlative Beste.
- German has a specific word bestmöglich, which combines best and 'possible' into one long adjective to mean 'the absolute best that can be achieved'.
- In Germany, das Beste is often used in the idiom das Beste daraus machen, which means to make the most of a bad situation.
Examples in context
- Du bist der Beste.You're the best.This sentence is useful for describing a male person using Beste.Tatoeba #3165562 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1752568 by donkirkby
- Du bist die Beste.You are the best.This sentence is useful for describing a female person using Beste.Tatoeba #3165563 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2549197 by CK
- Ich will das Beste.I want the best.This sentence is useful for referring to an abstract 'best thing' using Beste.Tatoeba #1708335 by al_ex_an_der, translation #1699365 by Spamster
- Die am besten bewertete Wahl für dieses Amt ist Frau Schmidt.The best-rated choice for this position is Mrs. Schmidt.
- Dieses Restaurant serviert das beste Essen in der Stadt.This restaurant serves the best food in town.
- Dieser Kuchen schmeckt einfach supergeil!This cake tastes absolutely awesome!
- 1525 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Julia are discussing which cake to buy.
- MaximilianWelches Stück Kuchen ist das Beste?Which piece of cake is the best?
- JuliaDas mit der Sahne ist das Beste.The one with cream is the best.
- MaximilianDann nehmen wir das Beste für uns.Then we'll take the best for us.
- JuliaGute Entscheidung, Maximilian!Good decision, Maximilian!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “best” translations and entries Beste, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
