MINI MINI GRAMMAR GRAMMAR BOOK BOOK
ENGLISH
DANISH
UNIVEBB
The UNIVERB language courses make it easier to teach yourself languages!
The UNI VE RB language courses courses are based on the well known method: L I S T E N — R E P E A T — L E A R N !
The course is bilingual: Each phrase is first pronounced in English, then repeated slowly in Danish, leaving you a chance to catch the proper pronunciation. A short interval in the record ing gives you an opportunity to repeat the sentence yourself, upon which the sentence is repeated at normal speed. The course is easy to follow and it is you alone who choose where and when you want to practise. To make the course as interesting and as viable as possible, we have concentrated on words and phrases which you will often need when travelling abroad. Each course consists of approx. three hours' training, two training books and this miniature grammar showing the fundamental grammatical rules of the Danish language. The UNI VE RB language language courses courses make it easy for you to start learning a new language or to brush up your existing knowledge. You practise your pronunciation and enhance your vocabulary.
Contents
Preface
Preface
Danish is the official language in Denmark and an official
Spelling and Pronunciation
language on the Faeroe islands and in Greenland. Danish is taught as a foreign language in Iceland. In the rest of Scandi
Nouns
navia including Finland, people with a working knowledge
Adjectives
of Danish will always be able to understand, at the very least,
Adverbs
official notices, and to make themselves understood, as the
Verbs
differences between Norwegian and Swedish lie mainly in
Pronouns
the pronunciation. Swedish is one of the official languages in
Prepositions
Finland. In Denmark, Danish is spoken by approx. 5 million people. Danish belongs to the Germanic language group, and many scholars believe that English has its origin in Danish. Even though this is not immediately evident in the everyday lan guage, striking similarities am definitely there and can be easily observed in the structure as well as in the vocabulary of the two languages. Thus, englishspoken people can rest as sured that acquiring a working knowledge of Danish is by all means possible. The purpose of this book is to present an easily comprehen sible survey of Danish grammar. A strictly practical approach has been followed. In the hope that this book can encourage further studies, we wish you good luck as you set out.
7
Spelling and Pronunciation The alphabet Danish uses the same alphabet as English, with three addi tional letter letters s whi ch are p lace d at the end of the alphabet:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V X Y Z / E 0 A
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v x y z a e 0 a
Spelling To most foreigners, the relation between pronunciation and
Spelling and Pronunciation The alphabet Danish uses the same alphabet as English, with three addi tional letter letters s whi ch are p lace d at the end of the alphabet:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V X Y Z / E 0 A
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v x y z a e 0 a
Spelling To most foreigners, the relation between pronunciation and spelling is not immediately clear. In Danish, an extensive use is made of mute letters and in some cases, the distinction between letters is decided only by a very fine margin. E.g. we write dukke (doll), but pronounce it dike; we write pege (point), but we pronounce it peje. However, this should not discourage you, as the Danes — with whom you share your difficulties — will allow you a wide margin for mistakes, and also because spelling is only rarely essential to comprehen sion.
9
Stress
but
Like in English, stress on syllables in Danish does not follow a
skib - skibet (ship - the ship)
regular pattern. As a rule, however, stress is normally placed
skibe - skibene (ships - the ships)
on the first syllable, e.g. overtale (persuade), m0de (meeting).
stol - stolen (chair - the chair)
Common exceptions are words with the prefixes be-, ge-, er-,
stole - stolene (chairs - the chairs)
and for-; the latter prefix, however, is stressed when it has an
Glottal stops can sometimes have an essential bearing in a
independent meaning:
phrase. In Danish, this is known as betoning which is best
Compare for example:
translated as accentuation.
forklare (explain) and forvarme (preheat).
Compare for example:
Other exceptions are a number of place names, e.g.:
with glottal stop
without glottal stop
K0benhavn, and foreign words, e.g.: politi.
Sta pa bussen
Sta pa bussen
(stand on top of the bus)
(get on the bus)
Pronunciation Danish is the only Germanic language that has preserved the glottal stop, in Danish: stod. It appears only in stressed syllables where it falls either on a long vowel or on a voiced
Letters Vowels
Length
consonant immediately following a vowel. A stressed syllable can lose its glottal stop when the syllable is the first element
Normally, vowels are long:
of a compound.
a) before a single consonant, e.g.: bade (bathe), la;se (read)
The glottal stop can also be dropped when suffixes are added.
b)
in monosylla bles with a final vowe l, e.g.: ske ske (spoon), pa (on)
(This, however, does not apply to the enclitic article).
Vowels are normally short:
Examples: with glottal stop
without glottal stop
skal (bowl )
skale (bowls)
a)
before a doubl e consona nt, e.g.: komme (come), maelk (milk)
land (country)
lande (to land)
But there are numerous exceptions, e.g.:
hjem (home)
hjem me (at home)
Short vowel: kop (cup), bus (bus), da (when), vi (we)
lang (long)
langsom (slow)
Long vowel: aeble (apple), spiste (ate)
10
11
The vowels one by one
vowel vowel
writing
[aa]
3)
[ah]
hat
[eh]
4)
whe n unstressed, like
[e']
I
1)
you will also hear, as an alternative to the
2) [эеэе]
ja
lail
tale
[eh]
kan
[уэеэе]
whe n long,
[ее]
"a", almost like "a" in
3)
whe n short,
[ее]
like "e " in "letter" or
[аэ] [аэ]
[tailer] 4)
[leeder]
drikker
[draegger]
like "} " in "think "
[e]
1)
the "a" pronounced at the back of the tongue, [ar]
tak
2)
[tark]
sol
not a diphthong
(sun)
1) wh en lon g, the sam e 3)
quality as "a" in "plate"
[oa]
[ay]
vo we l, nor a dip htho ng
(ready)
U
1)
whe n short,
[o]
between the "a" in "plate " [ei]
fedt
and the "i " in "hit"
(lard)
[feid]
2)
[boaner]
godt
[god]
(well/nice)
w hen long, like "o o" in
[oo]
"pool"
2) wh en short, som ew he re
bonde
(peasant)
also like "o" in lot
[raythe]
[soal]
whe n short, short, more or less
sound
rede
[legger]
whe n long, like "oa " in "boat", but a pure vowel, [oa]
the same quality of
(thank you)
like "ar" in "barn"
ligger (lies)
О
12
liter
(drinks)
[kehn]
4) A city ph en om eno n is
only longer, and a pure
[eeler]
(liter)
(can)
long or short
almost like adding an "r"
ile
[talk]
"hat" or tending towards e as in "let"; it can be
hjaelpe [yehlper]
(hurry)
like "ее" in "meet" or
(yes)
"flat" pronunciation of
[lehd]
(help)
like "ее" in "bee"
above, a more or less
let
(easy/light)
[haht]
(hat)
more like "a" in "cart"
whe n short, also like "e" in "met"
[klaarer]
(clear)
like "a" in car 2) wh en short,
3)
klare
pronunciation
ciation 1) wh en lon g,
writing
pronun-
frue
[frooer]
(Madam)
whe n short, like "oo " in "loot"
[oo]
nu (now)
13
[noo]
The vowels one by one
vowel vowel
writing
[aa]
3)
[ah]
hat
[eh]
4)
whe n unstressed, like
[e']
I
1)
you will also hear, as an alternative to the
2) [эеэе]
ja
lail
tale
[eh]
kan
[уэеэе]
whe n long,
[ее]
"a", almost like "a" in
3)
whe n short,
[ее]
like "e " in "letter" or
[аэ] [аэ]
[tailer] 4)
[leeder]
drikker
[draegger]
like "} " in "think "
[e]
О
1)
the back of the tongue, [ar]
almost like adding an "r"
tak
2)
[tark]
sol
not a diphthong
(sun)
1) wh en lon g, the sam e 3)
quality as "a" in "plate"
[oa]
only longer, and a pure
[ay]
(ready)
vo we l, nor a dip htho ng
U
1)
whe n short,
[o]
between the "a" in "plate " [ei]
fedt
and the "i " in "hit"
(lard)
[feid]
2)
w hen long, like "o o" in
[oo]
godt
[god]
frue
[frooer]
(Madam)
whe n short, like "oo " in
[oo]
"loot"
12
[boaner]
(well/nice)
"pool"
2) wh en short, som ew he re
bonde
(peasant)
also like "o" in lot
[raythe]
[soal]
whe n short, short, more or less
sound
rede
[legger]
whe n long, like "oa " in "boat", but a pure vowel, [oa]
the same quality of
(thank you)
like "ar" in "barn"
ligger (lies)
the "a" pronounced at
nu
[noo]
(now) 13
vowel
writing
pronun-
Diphthongs
ciation [ew]
position for "ее" as in
/Е
liter
(drinks)
[kehn]
4) A city ph en om eno n is
put y our t ongue in the
[eeler]
(liter)
(can)
long or short
1)
ile
[talk]
"hat" or tending towards e as in "let"; it can be
Y
hjaelpe [yehlper]
(hurry)
like "ее" in "meet" or
(yes)
"flat" pronunciation of
[lehd]
(help)
like "ее" in "bee"
above, a more or less
let
(easy/light)
[haht]
(hat)
more like "a" in "cart"
whe n short, also like "e" in "met"
[klaarer]
(clear)
like "a" in car 2) wh en short,
3)
klare
pronunciation
ciation 1) wh en lon g,
writing
pronun-
nyde (enjoy)
"bee", but round your lips
lytte
as for the "oo" in "pool"
(listen)
diph�
[newdher]
writing
pronun�
hav
[how]
thong A V A F
like "o w" in "no w"
[ow]
[lewder]
ciation
(sea) EJ IJ EG
like
EV
like "e" in "pet"
[i]
1) when long, vowel quality
(not)
fluctuates between that of "ai " in "air" and "ai "
[ai]
sasbe
[saiber]
fol low ed by a short
(soap)
in "tailor"
]аэо']
"oo" sound 2)
whe n short,
[ah]
asgte
OU OV
like "o " in "pot" fol low ed by a short
3)
preced ing an "r", it
[o']
"oo" sound
sounds more like "a " in
[аз] [аз]
asrt
sjov
[sjo']
(fun)
[asrt] 01 0J 0G like 'oi" in "coil"
(pea)
"hat"; (long or short)
[laeoned]
[eghter]
(real/genuine)
like "e" in "get"
levned (lifestyle) (lifestyle)
[oi]
logn
[loin]
(untruth) 0
1)
like "ur" in "fur", but
[ur]
fnzsken [frurken] 0V
(Miss)
with the lips round ed; (long or short)
[u']
0l
[u'l]
1)
whe n long, like "a w" in
[aw]
"saw" [o]
"on"
band
[sawer]
[bon]
(tape/band)
or clos ed like "o" in
"open" (but
not
]o']
aben
[o'ben]
(open)
a diphthong)
14
s0vn (sleep)
(hurt)
2) w hen short, like "o " in
3)
sare
[ur]
"oo" sound
(beer) A
like "ur" in "cur l" fol low ed by a short
15
[sur'n]
vowel
writing
pronun-
Diphthongs
ciation Y
1)
put y our t ongue in the
[ew]
position for "ее" as in
/Е
nyde (enjoy)
"bee", but round your lips
lytte
as for the "oo" in "pool"
(listen)
diph�
[newdher]
writing
pronun�
hav
[how]
thong A V A F
like "o w" in "no w"
[ow]
[lewder]
ciation
(sea) EJ IJ EG
like
EV
like "e" in "pet"
[i]
1) when long, vowel quality
(not)
fluctuates between that of "ai " in "air" and "ai "
[ai]
sasbe
[saiber]
fol low ed by a short
(soap)
in "tailor"
]аэо']
"oo" sound 2)
whe n short,
[ah]
asgte
OU OV
like "o " in "pot" fol low ed by a short
3)
preced ing an "r", it
[o']
"oo" sound
sounds more like "a " in
[аз] [аз]
asrt
sjov
[sjo']
(fun)
[asrt] 01 0J 0G like 'oi" in "coil"
(pea)
"hat"; (long or short)
[laeoned]
[eghter]
(real/genuine)
like "e" in "get"
levned (lifestyle) (lifestyle)
[oi]
logn
[loin]
(untruth) 0
1)
like "ur" in "fur", but
[ur]
fnzsken [frurken] 0V
(Miss)
with the lips round ed; (long or short)
[u']
0l
like "ur" in "cur l" fol low ed by a short
[u'l]
(beer) A
1)
whe n long, like "a w" in
[aw]
"saw" [o]
"on"
[sawer]
band
[bon]
or clos ed like "o" in
"open" (but
not
]o']
aben
[o'ben]
(open)
14
15
Consonants
The consonants one by one
Mute letters
В С F
In specific combinations, certain consonants are not pro-
H L M
nounced, e.g.:
N S V
in the the combination "nd" , "Id" , "rd", and before before "t" and "s"
as in Engli sh
}
conso-
land (country), kold (cold), bord (table), kendt (known), plads (place)
g
h
D
pronunciation
1) whe n at the end of the
in the suffix �ig, and in most cases after "e", "i", "u", and
wo rd after a vo we l, or
"y" and as a final sound
between a vowel and
farlig ( dangerous), dangerous), lige (straight), fugl (bird), syg (sick),
unstresse unstressed d "e " or "i" ,
c/ag (day)
like "th" in "this"
before "v" and "j "
2)
[th]
mad
[math]
(food)
in all other cases as in English
in the prepositio ns "af" "af" (of, (of, by, for, off, from) and "ad " (by)
С
1)
det er pant af af dig dig (it is kind of you) v
writing
nant
hvor (where), /т/erte (heart) f
[sur'n]
(tape/band)
a diphthong)
d
s0vn (sleep)
(hurt)
2) w hen short, like "o " in
3)
sare
[ur]
"oo" sound
at the beginni ng of a wo rd or a syl lab le, as
god
as go
in the wo rds gulv (floor), tolv (twelve) (twelve)
2)
before "r" and "I " , like
[w]
like "w" in dawn J
1)
[go']
(good) daglig
[dawli]
(daily)
like "y" in "yet "
[y]
ja
[узе]
(yes) К
1)
between vowel s, and someti mes at the end of
[g]
a word, like "g" in "goal" 2)
otherwise like "k" in
16
kilo (kilo)
17
[fragger]
(coat) [k]
"kilo"
frakke
[kilo']
Consonants
The consonants one by one
Mute letters
В С F
In specific combinations, certain consonants are not pro-
H L M
nounced, e.g.:
N S V
d
in the the combination "nd" , "Id" , "rd", and before before "t" and "s"
as in Engli sh
}
conso-
land (country), kold (cold), bord (table), kendt (known), plads (place)
g
h
D
wo rd after a vo we l, or
"y" and as a final sound
between a vowel and
farlig ( dangerous), dangerous), lige (straight), fugl (bird), syg (sick),
unstresse unstressed d "e " or "i" ,
c/ag (day)
like "th" in "this"
before "v" and "j "
2)
[th]
mad
[math]
(food)
in all other cases as in English
in the prepositio ns "af" "af" (of, (of, by, for, off, from) and "ad " (by)
С
1)
det er pant af af dig dig (it is kind of you) v
pronunciation
1) whe n at the end of the
in the suffix �ig, and in most cases after "e", "i", "u", and
hvor (where), /т/erte (heart) f
writing
nant
at the beginni ng of a wo rd or a syl lab le, as
god
as go
in the wo rds gulv (floor), tolv (twelve) (twelve)
2)
before "r" and "I " , like
[w]
like "w" in dawn J
1)
[go']
(good) daglig
[dawli]
(daily)
like "y" in "yet "
[y]
[узе]
ja
(yes) К
1)
between vowel s, and someti mes at the end of
[g]
a word, like "g" in "goal" 2)
otherwise like "k" in
[k]
writing
nant 1) al ways as in "li ve" ,
III
never as in "we ll" NG 1) as in "king", never as
[ng]
in "longer", unless "n "
sal
pronun-
conso-
ciation
nant
[sahl]
[ngg]
syllables
someti mes at the end of a word , like "d " in "do g"
[ingern] 2)
ingre-
[inggray-
diens
deeehnss]
1) betw een vowel s, and
writing
pronun- ciation
other wise like "t" in
[d]
bytte
[bewde r]
(exchange) [t]
"tee"
tal
[ta'l]
(numbers)
Pronunciation is by many, experts experts as well as layme n, consid ered the main difficulty in Danish. The Danes, who are aware of this, and delighted by any foreigner learning Danish, will
sometimes at the end of
therefore allow you a margin for mistakes. Danes will have
a word, generally like "b" [b]
tippe
in "ball"
(tip/do the pools)
ciation is but rarely rarely essential to comprehension.
pakke
We recommend that you spend some time with this chapter,
other wise like "p " in
[p]
"Paul"
R
[kilo']
1) betw een vowel s, and
ingen
(ingredient)
2)
T
(hall/floor)
(nobody)
and "g" are in seperate
P
kilo (kilo)
17
conso
L
[fragger]
(coat)
"kilo"
16
frakke
[tibbe]
[pagge]
(pack)
absolutely no trouble understanding you, as a correct pronun
before you proceed with your textbook.
1) pronou nced in the back of the throat, as in German, at the beginning of a wor d, but otherwise often omitted (but in this case prolo nging a
[r]
preceding vowel)
rask
[rahsk]
(rapid)
SJ 1) usuall y like "s h" in "shower", but may also be pronounced as the com bination of "ss " and
[sh] [sh]
"y" in "bless you "
sjov
[shorv]
(fun) IK
19
conso
writing
nant L
1) al ways as in "li ve" ,
III
never as in "we ll" NG 1) as in "king", never as
[ng]
in "longer", unless "n "
sal
pronun-
conso-
ciation
nant
[sahl]
[ngg]
someti mes at the end of
ingen
a word , like "d " in "do g"
[ingern]
syllables
2)
ingre-
[inggray-
diens
deeehnss]
(ingredient) P
1) betw een vowel s, and
other wise like "t" in
[d]
bytte
[bewde r]
(exchange) [t]
tal
"tee"
[ta'l]
(numbers)
Pronunciation is by many, experts experts as well as layme n, consid ered the main difficulty in Danish. The Danes, who are aware
therefore allow you a margin for mistakes. Danes will have
a word, generally like "b" [b]
tippe
in "ball"
(tip/do the pools)
ciation is but rarely rarely essential to comprehension.
pakke
We recommend that you spend some time with this chapter,
other wise like "p " in
[p]
"Paul"
R
ciation
of this, and delighted by any foreigner learning Danish, will
sometimes at the end of
2)
pronun-
1) betw een vowel s, and
(hall/floor)
(nobody)
and "g" are in seperate
T
writing
[tibbe]
[pagge]
(pack)
absolutely no trouble understanding you, as a correct pronun
before you proceed with your textbook.
1) pronou nced in the back of the throat, as in German, at the beginning of a wor d, but otherwise often omitted (but in this case prolo nging a
[r]
preceding vowel)
rask
[rahsk]
(rapid)
SJ 1) usuall y like "s h" in "shower", but may also be pronounced as the com bination of "ss " and
[sh] [sh]
"y" in "bless you "
sjov
[shorv]
(fun) 19
IK
Number
Nouns
Generally, nouns of either gender are provided with the end ing -e, -ror -erto indicate the plural:
Gender Most Danish nouns are either common or neuter. The easiest
Singular
way to learn the gender of a noun is to learn the noun togeth er with its indefinite article. A few nouns may be either common or neuter as you please,
e.g.:
Plural
"en cirkus" or "et cirkus" (circus)
Common
Neuter
kvinde
hus
(woman)
(house)
drem
sted
(dream)
(place)
kvinder
huse
dramme
steder
"en indeks" or "et indeks" (index) Which ending to choose is a rather complex matter. We sug Other nouns may get a different sense when the gender is changed:
gest a method of trial and error or that you remember the end ings together with the words as you enhance your vocabulary.
"en var" (springtime)
One thing is clear, though: A stressed syllable ending in a
"et var" (pillow case)
consonant will double the consonant before adding another ending.
Cases The only noticeable case declination in Danish nouns is the
Nouns ending in -el, -en- or or -er:
Genitive (possessive form). Like in English, it is indicated by
In most cases, the -e will disappear when forming the definite
adding an "s " to the word:
form or the plural:
Peter is reading
Peter lasser
artikel - artiklen - artikler
(article)
Peter is reading a book
Peter lasser lasser en bog
hilsen - hils(e)nen - hils(e)ner
(greeting)
It is Peter's book
Det er Peters bog
neger - negeren - neg(e)re
(negro)
Gi ve the book to Peter
Gi v Peter bogen lasrer - lasreren - laerere
(teac her)
20
21
Number
Nouns
Generally, nouns of either gender are provided with the end ing -e, -ror -erto indicate the plural:
Gender Most Danish nouns are either common or neuter. The easiest
Singular
way to learn the gender of a noun is to learn the noun togeth er with its indefinite article. A few nouns may be either common or neuter as you please,
e.g.:
Plural
"en cirkus" or "et cirkus" (circus)
Common
Neuter
kvinde
hus
(woman)
(house)
drem
sted
(dream)
(place)
kvinder
huse
dramme
steder
"en indeks" or "et indeks" (index) Which ending to choose is a rather complex matter. We sug Other nouns may get a different sense when the gender is changed:
gest a method of trial and error or that you remember the end ings together with the words as you enhance your vocabulary.
"en var" (springtime)
One thing is clear, though: A stressed syllable ending in a
"et var" (pillow case)
consonant will double the consonant before adding another ending.
Cases The only noticeable case declination in Danish nouns is the
Nouns ending in -el, -en- or or -er:
Genitive (possessive form). Like in English, it is indicated by
In most cases, the -e will disappear when forming the definite
adding an "s " to the word:
form or the plural:
Peter is reading
Peter lasser
artikel - artiklen - artikler
(article)
Peter is reading a book
Peter lasser lasser en bog
hilsen - hils(e)nen - hils(e)ner
(greeting)
It is Peter's book
Det er Peters bog
neger - negeren - neg(e)re
(negro)
Gi ve the book to Peter
Gi v Peter bogen lasrer - lasreren - laerere
(teac her)
20
21
A fe w words change vow el in the plural , e.g.: Singular
A d j e c t i v e s
Plural
mand (man)
masnd (men)
ко (cow )
koer (cows)
Adjecti ves ending in in �el, �en or �en or �er �er loose the "�e " before before �I, �n, and �rwhen an ending starting with a vowel is attached to it:
(Again, you will notice the resemblance with English).
sedel � asdle � asdlere � sedlest (noble (noble sing. � noble plur. � � noble � nobler � noblest) doven � dovne
A r t i c l e s
(lazy (lazy sing. � � lazy lazy plur.)
The Indefi nite Article Com mon gender: "e n"
Neuter gender:
"et"
en mand
(a man)
en kvinde
(a woma n)
Two identical consonants can not exist before an �/, �n or or �r:
et hus
(a house)
gammel � gamle (old) radden � radne (rotten) sikker � sikre � sikrere � sikrest (safe)
The Enclitic Article Article
(definite article added as an ending)
In Danish, unlike most European languages, the definite article is enclitic, i.e. attached to the end of the word instead of placing it before the word, so the equivalent of the English
"the" will be as follows: Common Singular
Plural
Neuter
manden
huset
(the man)
(the house)
maendene
husene
Normally, a "�t" is added when the noun, that the adjective relates to, is of neuter gender: en gammel bil
et gammelt hus
(common)
(neuter)
(an old car)
(an old house)
Adject ives ending in �sk do normally not add a "�t" in the neuter gender: et persisk mark ed
(a Persi an market)
et musikalsk eventyr
(a musical tale)
et elektrisk hegn
(an electrical fence) 23
A fe w words change vow el in the plural , e.g.: Singular
A d j e c t i v e s
Plural
mand (man)
masnd (men)
ко (cow )
koer (cows)
Adjecti ves ending in in �el, �en or �en or �er �er loose the "�e " before before �I, �n, and �rwhen an ending starting with a vowel is attached to it:
(Again, you will notice the resemblance with English).
sedel � asdle � asdlere � sedlest (noble (noble sing. � noble plur. � � noble � nobler � noblest) doven � dovne
A r t i c l e s
(lazy (lazy sing. � � lazy lazy plur.)
The Indefi nite Article Com mon gender: "e n"
Neuter gender:
"et"
en mand
(a man)
en kvinde
(a woma n)
Two identical consonants can not exist before an �/, �n or or �r:
et hus
(a house)
gammel � gamle (old) radden � radne (rotten) sikker � sikre � sikrere � sikrest (safe)
The Enclitic Article Article
(definite article added as an ending)
In Danish, unlike most European languages, the definite article is enclitic, i.e. attached to the end of the word instead of placing it before the word, so the equivalent of the English
"the" will be as follows: Common Singular
Plural
Neuter
manden
huset
(the man)
(the house)
maendene
husene
Normally, a "�t" is added when the noun, that the adjective relates to, is of neuter gender: en gammel bil
et gammelt hus
(common)
(neuter)
(an old car)
(an old house)
Adject ives ending in �sk do normally not add a "�t" in the neuter gender: et persisk mark ed
(a Persi an market)
et musikalsk eventyr
(a musical tale)
et elektrisk hegn
(an electrical fence) 23
Adjectives ending in a stressed vowel are, as a rule, left undeclined: et ru braet
(a rough board )
de tro tjenere
(the faithful servants)
Adverbs Adverbs come in two kinds: 1) those that are "genuin e adve rbs" : e.g. "aldrig" (never), "gerne" (willingly), "sandelig"
Exceptions from this rule:
(indeed), "ret" (rather), and
words ending in "a " and the words "ny " and "fri" add a "t" in the neuter gender:
2) those that are formed by addin g a "A" to an adjective, eg. "stort" (big), "hurtigt" (fast), "relativt" (relatively) - like the
et blat torklaede
(a blue scarf) scarf)
et nyt ur
(a new watch )
etfri tliv
(a free life) life)
English English "Ay" in fact. Adverbs formed on the basis of adjectives ending in "-ig" or "-lig" do not always add a "4" — if they indicate a degree, you can choose to leave out the "-t":
The comparative is formed either by adding "-ere" as an end
Der var afsindig(t) mange mennesker til receptionen.
ing or by placing the word "mere" (more) before the adjective
(An incredibly large number of people attended the reception.)
(notice again the resemblance to English usage). Don't forget
FJes0get var vassentlig(t) st0rre end beregnet.
to leave out the "t" in the neuter when forming the compara
(The number of visitors was much larger than expected.)
tive!
Filmen var utrolig(t) spasndende.
Likewise, the superlative is formed by adding "-est" as an e nd ing or by placing the word "mest" (most) before the adjective (again like in English).
(The film was incredib ly exciting.) Whereas the "-t" should not be left out when the adverb indi cates the way in which things behave or exist:
Generally, words of two syllables or more, tend to take
Hun kan ikke stave rigtigt. (She is unable to spell properly.)
"mere" and "mest" instead of the "-ere" and "-est" version. Hunden vendte sig velbehageligt om pa ryggen. (The dog rolled pleasingly to its back) Manden smilede venligt til mig. (The man smiled kindly at me.) So generally, you may choose to use the -for to omit it! 24
23
Adjectives ending in a stressed vowel are, as a rule, left undeclined: et ru braet
(a rough board )
de tro tjenere
(the faithful servants)
Adverbs Adverbs come in two kinds: 1) those that are "genuin e adve rbs" : e.g. "aldrig" (never), "gerne" (willingly), "sandelig"
Exceptions from this rule:
(indeed), "ret" (rather), and
words ending in "a " and the words "ny " and "fri" add a "t" in
2) those that are formed by addin g a "A" to an adjective, eg.
the neuter gender:
"stort" (big), "hurtigt" (fast), "relativt" (relatively) - like the English English "Ay" in fact.
et blat torklaede
(a blue scarf) scarf)
et nyt ur
(a new watch )
etfri tliv
(a free life) life)
Adverbs formed on the basis of adjectives ending in "-ig" or "-lig" do not always add a "4" — if they indicate a degree, you can choose to leave out the "-t":
The comparative is formed either by adding "-ere" as an end
Der var afsindig(t) mange mennesker til receptionen.
ing or by placing the word "mere" (more) before the adjective
(An incredibly large number of people attended the reception.)
(notice again the resemblance to English usage). Don't forget
FJes0get var vassentlig(t) st0rre end beregnet.
to leave out the "t" in the neuter when forming the compara
(The number of visitors was much larger than expected.)
tive!
Filmen var utrolig(t) spasndende.
Likewise, the superlative is formed by adding "-est" as an e nd ing or by placing the word "mest" (most) before the adjective (again like in English).
(The film was incredib ly exciting.) Whereas the "-t" should not be left out when the adverb indi cates the way in which things behave or exist:
Generally, words of two syllables or more, tend to take
Hun kan ikke stave rigtigt. (She is unable to spell properly.)
"mere" and "mest" instead of the "-ere" and "-est" version. Hunden vendte sig velbehageligt om pa ryggen. (The dog rolled pleasingly to its back) Manden smilede venligt til mig. (The man smiled kindly at me.) So generally, you may choose to use the -for to omit it! 23
24
In verbs ending in a stressed vowel, you have two categories:
V e r b s
1.
Ending in in �e, �о, за, �0or �a:
In these verbs, the �r is added directly to the vowel:
Conjugations
Acti ve form:
Apart from the fact that Danis h — like most languages — has
Det sner � jeg tror � han ler � vi far
regular and irregular verbs, the conjugation of Danish verbs is (It is snow ing � I b eliev e � he he laughs � we get) get)
easy:
Passive form:
I wal k
jeg gar
you wal k
du gar
he, she, it walks
han, hun, den, det gar
we wal k
Det ses � mad en tes op � det kan nas (It is seen � the food is being defrosted � it can be reached)
vi gar
you wal k
I, De gar
they wal k
de gar
2.
Endi ng in �/, �u or �u or �y:
Here, the �r or �s may be added directly, or you may insert an �e before the �r or or �s: "Saften sis" or "saften sies"
You see � it is "gar" all the w ay!
(The juice is being strained) "Det dur ikke" or "det duer ikke"
This present tense is formed by adding an "�r" to the infinitive:
(It is no use)
infinitive:
at ga (to walk)
"Knappen skal sys i" or "knappen skal syes i"
present tense, active form:
jeg gar
(The button has to be sewn on)
present tense, passive form:
der gas
(but you may also choose not to add the "e"!) The trend is a declining use of of "e".
2 b
27
In verbs ending in a stressed vowel, you have two categories:
V e r b s
1.
Ending in in �e, �о, за, �0or �a:
In these verbs, the �r is added directly to the vowel:
Conjugations
Acti ve form:
Apart from the fact that Danis h — like most languages — has
Det sner � jeg tror � han ler � vi far
regular and irregular verbs, the conjugation of Danish verbs is (It is snow ing � I b eliev e � he he laughs � we get) get)
easy:
Passive form:
I wal k
jeg gar
you wal k
du gar
he, she, it walks
han, hun, den, det gar
we wal k
Det ses � mad en tes op � det kan nas (It is seen � the food is being defrosted � it can be reached)
vi gar
you wal k
I, De gar
they wal k
de gar
2.
Endi ng in �/, �u or �u or �y:
Here, the �r or �s may be added directly, or you may insert an �e before the �r or or �s: "Saften sis" or "saften sies"
You see � it is "gar" all the w ay!
(The juice is being strained) "Det dur ikke" or "det duer ikke"
This present tense is formed by adding an "�r" to the infinitive:
(It is no use)
infinitive:
at ga (to walk)
"Knappen skal sys i" or "knappen skal syes i"
present tense, active form:
jeg gar
(The button has to be sewn on)
present tense, passive form:
der gas
(but you may also choose not to add the "e"!) The trend is a declining use of of "e".
27
2 b
The
Unless the stem would then end in two identical consonants,
Past Tense
The regular verbs add �ede (so called "weak" ending): tror � troede
(bel ieve � belie ved)
in which case one of the consonants is erased: Так for mad !
the hostess for the food is a special
or �fe (so called "strong" ending): lasser � lasste
(Thank you for the food!) � (Thanking
Scandinavian phenomenon which takes
(rea d � read)
place after each meal) The irregular verbs change vowel: giver — gav
(give � gave)
or take no ending at all: sover � sov
Ko m snart snart igen!
(Please come back soon!)
Spil Spil musikken igen!
(Play the the music again, please!)
(sleep � slept)
The easiest way to learn which solution to choose, is to learn
Verb s end ing in a stressed vo we l wi ll rem ain unc han ged in
the past tense together with the present tense as you develop
the imperative:
your vocabulary.
Sy selv knapp en i!
(Se w on the button yourself!)
Seop!
(Lookup!)
Ga Ga ikke over sporet!
(Do n't cross the track!) track!)
The imperative As a rule , the stem of t he ver b (the infini tive minu s the "� e " ending) will form the imperative form: Hils din mor!
(Gi ve my regards to your mother!)
Skriv til mig!
(Please write me!)
G l e m det!
(Forget it!)
Even to the Danes, imperatives ending in odd letter combinations such as �bn (abn), �s/(pensl), �str (klistr), (klistr), �gtn (sagtn), �ndl (behandl) should be avoided. Mo st Danes woul d use an
equivalent expression instead.
Mo da l auxiliary verb s "kan", "ma" and "b0r" (can, may, ought to) are � like other ver bs � not con jug ate d.
28
29
The
Unless the stem would then end in two identical consonants,
Past Tense
The regular verbs add �ede (so called "weak" ending): tror � troede
(bel ieve � belie ved)
in which case one of the consonants is erased: Так for mad !
(Thank you for the food!) � (Thanking the hostess for the food is a special
or �fe (so called "strong" ending): lasser � lasste
Scandinavian phenomenon which takes
(rea d � read)
place after each meal) The irregular verbs change vowel: giver — gav
(give � gave)
or take no ending at all: sover � sov
Ko m snart snart igen!
(Please come back soon!)
Spil Spil musikken igen!
(Play the the music again, please!)
(sleep � slept)
The easiest way to learn which solution to choose, is to learn
Verb s end ing in a stressed vo we l wi ll rem ain unc han ged in
the past tense together with the present tense as you develop
the imperative:
your vocabulary.
Sy selv knapp en i!
(Se w on the button yourself!)
Seop!
(Lookup!)
Ga Ga ikke over sporet!
(Do n't cross the track!) track!)
The imperative As a rule , the stem of t he ver b (the infini tive minu s the "� e " ending) will form the imperative form: Hils din mor!
(Gi ve my regards to your mother!)
Skriv til mig!
(Please write me!)
G l e m det!
(Forget it!)
Even to the Danes, imperatives ending in odd letter combinations such as �bn (abn), �s/(pensl), �str (klistr), (klistr), �gtn (sagtn), �ndl (behandl) should be avoided. Mo st Danes woul d use an
equivalent expression instead.
Mo da l auxiliary verb s "kan", "ma" and "b0r" (can, may, ought to) are � like other ver bs � not con jug ate d.
29
28
The future tense
Compound Tenses are constructed by means of the auxiliary verbs "er" and
is originally constructed from an auxiliary verb plus the infini-
plus the participle form of the verb:
tive. There is a growing tendency to use the present tense instead
The perf ect tense
of future, also because it seems awkward always to use an-
indicates concluded actions seen from the present: Han Han harspist
(H e has eaten)
Jeg har taget toget taget toget hertil
(I travelled by train to get her
De De er blevet snydt blevet snydt
(You have been fooled)
other verb to indicate the future tense: Future
Present
Jeg Jeg skal квге om fern minutter
(jeg korer om fern minutter) minutter)
(I'll be going in five minutes) Han Han vil vi l ikke kunne klare det
(han klarer det ikke)
(He will not be able to make it)
The plupe rfect tense indicates concluded actions seen from the past:
Du vil komme en time for sent
(du komm er en time for sent)
(You will be one hour late) Vi Vi havde spist, da han kom
(W e had already eaten when he arrived)
De De havde lejeten lejeten bil i feri en
(They had rented a car for the holidays)
Hun var omkommet af kulde, e, (She had died from cold inden redningen naede frem
before the rescue team reached her)
30
A large number of participl e forms are used as adjectives � and are conjugated accordingly: Bilerne er er lejet or or lejede
(The cars are rented)
Han saslger saslger brugte brugte biler
(He sells second hand cars)
Plakaterne solgtes i
(The posters were sold
nummererede nummererede
in numbered copies)
eksemplarer
31
The future tense
Compound Tenses are constructed by means of the auxiliary verbs "er" and
is originally constructed from an auxiliary verb plus the infini-
plus the participle form of the verb:
tive. There is a growing tendency to use the present tense instead
The perf ect tense
of future, also because it seems awkward always to use an-
indicates concluded actions seen from the present: Han Han harspist
(H e has eaten)
Jeg har taget toget taget toget hertil
(I travelled by train to get her
De De er blevet snydt blevet snydt
(You have been fooled)
other verb to indicate the future tense: Future
Present
Jeg Jeg skal квге om fern minutter
(jeg korer om fern minutter) minutter)
(I'll be going in five minutes) Han Han vil vi l ikke kunne klare det
(han klarer det ikke)
(He will not be able to make it)
The plupe rfect tense indicates concluded actions seen from the past:
Du vil komme en time for sent
(du komm er en time for sent)
(You will be one hour late) Vi Vi havde spist, da han kom
(W e had already eaten when he arrived)
De De havde lejeten lejeten bil i feri en
(They had rented a car for the holidays)
Hun var omkommet af kulde, e, (She had died from cold inden redningen naede frem
before the rescue team reached her)
A large number of participl e forms are used as adjectives � and are conjugated accordingly: Bilerne er er lejet or or lejede
(The cars are rented)
Han saslger saslger brugte brugte biler
(He sells second hand cars)
Plakaterne solgtes i
(The posters were sold
nummererede nummererede
in numbered copies)
eksemplarer
31
30
Negation
Pronouns
Only one word: "ikke". In most cases placed in connection with the verb: Han kommer ikke i aften. Jeg synes ikke,
(He will not be here tonight.) (I don't think you should go.)
du skal tage afsted.
In some cases, however, English would place the negation logically: I hope you don't mind, where Danish places the ne
Personal pronouns Singular
Plural
1 . j e g (I)
vi (we)
2. du, De (you)
I (you)
3. han, hun, den, det (he, she, it)
de (they)
gation in the first part of the sentence: Jeg haber ikke, du har noget imod det.
Personal pronouns are used together with verbs (just like in English).
" D u " o r " D e " ?
The general trend since the last few decades is an increasing use of the more familiar form "du". Observe however, that
the polite form "D e " is used with people you don't know and with people whom you want to show your respect. If, in English, you would use "Sir" or "Madam" choose the Danish "De". " I " may be used used without any regard regard to familiarity when ad dressing more than one person. Do observe that that "D e " and "\" are written in capital letters letters
- the latter latter to distinguish distinguish it from the "d e" indic ating "they ".
32
33
Negation
Pronouns
Only one word: "ikke". In most cases placed in connection with the verb: Han kommer ikke i aften. Jeg synes ikke,
(He will not be here tonight.) (I don't think you should go.)
du skal tage afsted.
In some cases, however, English would place the negation logically: I hope you don't mind, where Danish places the ne
Personal pronouns Singular
Plural
1 . j e g (I)
vi (we)
2. du, De (you)
I (you)
3. han, hun, den, det (he, she, it)
de (they)
gation in the first part of the sentence: Jeg haber ikke, du har noget imod det.
Personal pronouns are used together with verbs (just like in English).
" D u " o r " D e " ?
The general trend since the last few decades is an increasing use of the more familiar form "du". Observe however, that
the polite form "D e " is used with people you don't know and with people whom you want to show your respect. If, in English, you would use "Sir" or "Madam" choose the Danish "De". " I " may be used used without any regard regard to familiarity when ad dressing more than one person. Do observe that that "D e " and "\" are written in capital letters letters
- the latter latter to distinguish distinguish it from the "d e" indic ating "they ".
33
32
These pronouns may be declined in case (like in English): - Either as a result of their function in the sente nce (object) : Singular
du vasker dig (you wash)
I vasker jer (you (you wash)
(He saves me)
2. dig/De m (Han redder redder dig/Dem) ham/he nde/d en/de t (Han
Plural
vi vasker os (we (we wash)
han vasker sig (he washes ) de vasker sig (they wash)
1. mig (Ha n redder mig)
3.
Singular
Jeg vasker mig (I wash)
(He saves you) (He saves him/her/it)
The impersonal pronoun "man" is used very much like the English "you" or "they" (or "one") to indicate a general view:
redder ham/hende/den/det)
Plural 1. os (Ha n redder os)
(He saves us)
2. jer (Ha n redder jer)
(He saves you)
3. dem (Ha n redder dem)
(He saves them)
Man mener, at ilden var pasat.
(They think it is arson.)
Man siger, at det snart bliver forar. forar.
(They say that spring is near.)
Man har aldrig fundet arsagen .
- or directed by a preposition:
Man bliver aldrig trast trast af det.
(You never get fed up
Singular
with it.)
1. for mig
(for me)
2. for dig /Dem
(for you)
3. for ham/hende/den/det
(for him/her/it)
2.
Man kan aldrig vide.
(You'll never know/ one can never know.)
The same effect may often be obtained by using the indefinite pronoun "det" plus the passive form of a verb:
Plural 1. for
(They never found the reason.)
OS
forjer
3. for dem
(for us)
Det menes, at ilden var pasat.
(for you)
Det siges, at det snart bliver forar.
(for them)
Det forventes at ske i moreen.
The reflexive pronoun Man " is never declined. declined. "sig" is used in the singular as well as in the plural, otherwise these pronouns are identical with the declinated personal pronouns: 34
35
These pronouns may be declined in case (like in English): - Either as a result of their function in the sente nce (object) : Singular
Plural
vi vasker os (we (we wash)
du vasker dig (you wash)
I vasker jer (you (you wash)
han vasker sig (he washes ) de vasker sig (they wash)
1. mig (Ha n redder mig)
(He saves me)
2. dig/De m (Han redder redder dig/Dem) 3.
Singular
Jeg vasker mig (I wash)
ham/he nde/d en/de t
(He saves you) (He saves him/her/it)
"man" is used very much like the English "you" or "they" (or "one") to indicate a general view:
redder ham/hende/den/det)
(Han
The impersonal pronoun
Plural 1. os (Ha n redder os)
(He saves us)
2. jer (Ha n redder jer)
(He saves you)
3. dem (Ha n redder dem)
(He saves them)
Man mener, at ilden var pasat.
(They think it is arson.)
Man siger, at det snart bliver forar. forar.
(They say that spring is near.)
Man har aldrig fundet arsagen .
- or directed by a preposition:
(They never found the reason.)
Man bliver aldrig trast trast af det.
(You never get fed up
Singular
with it.)
1. for mig
(for me)
2. for dig /Dem
(for you)
3. for ham/hende/den/det
(for him/her/it)
Man kan aldrig vide.
2.
The same effect may often be obtained by using the indefinite pronoun "det" plus the passive form of a verb:
Plural 1. for
(You'll never know/ one can never know.)
OS
forjer
3. for dem
(for us)
Det menes, at ilden var pasat.
(for you)
Det siges, at det snart bliver forar.
(for them)
Det forventes at ske i moreen.
The reflexive pronoun Man " is never declined. declined. "sig" is used in the singular as well as in the plural, otherwise these pronouns are identical with the declinated personal pronouns: 35
34
Demonstrative
pronouns
Possessive pronouns
Singular
Plural
(here)
common
denne
neuter
dette
disse
Singular
mit/min
vor/vores
2.
din/dit /Deres
jeres
3.
hans/hendes/ dens/dets
(there) common
den
neuter
det
Plural
1.
deres
de/dem These pronouns, of course, depend on what they relate to. If they relate to a neuter noun, you use the "-t version", other
Denne bil er bedre end den derhenne.
(This car is better than the one over there.)
wise you use the "-n version": Min taske (my bag)
Mine tasker (my bags)
Disse stole er for harde, ad os pnave dem, der star ved siden
Dit hus (your house)
Dine huse (your houses)
af.
Dens pels (its fur)
Dens kloer (its claws)
(These chairs are too rigid, let us try the ones next to them.)
Dets dor (its door)
Dets vinduer (its windows)
De sko, jeg har pa, klemmer.
(The shoes I am wearing hurt.)
"hans", "hendes", "jeres" and "deres" are always the same: Hans taske - hendes tasker - jeres hus - deres huse
There is a tendency, however, to use "dem" instead of "disse" (but mostly together with "her"): Whether to use "vor" or "vores" is more or less a matter of
Kan du lide den her?
taste.
(Do you like this one?) "de" is used as a subject, whereas "dem" is used as a direct or indirect
Vor store datter - vores D0rn (Our eldest daughter - our children)
object:
De aebler ser gode ud, skal vi k0be dem?
(Those apples look delicious, should we buy some?)
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vores datter - vore faelies born (Our daughter - our children)
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Demonstrative
pronouns
Possessive pronouns
Singular
Plural
(here)
common
denne
neuter
dette
disse
Singular
Plural
1.
mit/min
vor/vores
2.
din/dit /Deres
jeres
3.
hans/hendes/ dens/dets
(there) common
den
neuter
det
deres
de/dem These pronouns, of course, depend on what they relate to. If they relate to a neuter noun, you use the "-t version", other
Denne bil er bedre end den derhenne.
(This car is better than the one over there.)
wise you use the "-n version": Min taske (my bag)
Mine tasker (my bags)
Disse stole er for harde, ad os pnave dem, der star ved siden
Dit hus (your house)
Dine huse (your houses)
af.
Dens pels (its fur)
Dens kloer (its claws)
(These chairs are too rigid, let us try the ones next to them.)
Dets dor (its door)
Dets vinduer (its windows)
De sko, jeg har pa, klemmer.
(The shoes I am wearing hurt.)
"hans", "hendes", "jeres" and "deres" are always the same: Hans taske - hendes tasker - jeres hus - deres huse
There is a tendency, however, to use "dem" instead of "disse" (but mostly together with "her"): Whether to use "vor" or "vores" is more or less a matter of
Kan du lide den her?
taste.
(Do you like this one?) "de" is used as a subject, whereas "dem" is used as a direct or indirect
Vor store datter - vores D0rn (Our eldest daughter - our children)
object:
De aebler ser gode ud, skal vi k0be dem?
(Those apples look delicious, should we buy some?)
vores datter - vore faelies born (Our daughter - our children)
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Hvem er den man?
(Wh o is that man?)
"som" and "der" both relate to a previous sentence or word.
Hva d er det for en farve?
(Wh at colo ur is this?)
In most cases the two words are equivalent:
Hvil ken 0I kan du bedst lide
(Wh ic h beer do you prefer
M a n d e n , der {or "som") bor i dette hus, er blind (relates to
- Carlsberg eller Tuborg ?
- Carlsberg orTubo rg?)
"manden", i.e. sing.)
Hvilken vej skal vi ga?
(Whi ch way do we choose?)
(The man who lives in this house is blind.)
Hvilk et af disse to flag er
(Wh ic h of these two flags
De katte, der {or "som") bor i baggarden (relates to "katte",
det danske?
is the Dani sh one?)
The relative pronouns
i.e. plur.)
Hvil ke sko synes du bedst om (Wh ic h shoes do you prefer -
(The cats that live in the backyard.)
- de rade eller de sorte?
the red ones or the black ones?)
However, you can always use "som" whereas "der" can never
Hvis frakke er det?
(Wh os e coat is this?)
be used as a direct or indirect object. Bordet, som vi spiste ved, var rundt (relates to "bordet", i.e. neuter)
Indefinite pronouns
(The table at which we ate was round.)
Common
Neuter
Plural
B a d e n , som vi sejlede med, var hvidmalet (relates to "baden",
al/hele
alt
alle
i.e. common).
anden
andet
andre
(other)
nogen
noget
nogle/nogen
(some)
ingen
intet
ingen
(none)
(The boat that we sailed with was painted white.)
(all)
Interrogative pronouns
mange
(many)
All start in "hv-".
flere
(several)
"Hvem" relates to persons (Who) "Hvad" relates to things (What) "Hvilken/hvilket/hvilke" relates to both kinds (Which) "Hvis" relates to a person in the genitive case:
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Hvem er den man?
(Wh o is that man?)
"som" and "der" both relate to a previous sentence or word.
Hva d er det for en farve?
(Wh at colo ur is this?)
In most cases the two words are equivalent:
Hvil ken 0I kan du bedst lide
(Wh ic h beer do you prefer
M a n d e n , der {or "som") bor i dette hus, er blind (relates to
- Carlsberg eller Tuborg ?
- Carlsberg orTubo rg?)
"manden", i.e. sing.)
Hvilken vej skal vi ga?
(Whi ch way do we choose?)
(The man who lives in this house is blind.)
Hvilk et af disse to flag er
(Wh ic h of these two flags
De katte, der {or "som") bor i baggarden (relates to "katte",
det danske?
is the Dani sh one?)
The relative pronouns
i.e. plur.)
Hvil ke sko synes du bedst om (Wh ic h shoes do you prefer -
(The cats that live in the backyard.)
- de rade eller de sorte?
the red ones or the black ones?)
However, you can always use "som" whereas "der" can never
Hvis frakke er det?
(Wh os e coat is this?)
be used as a direct or indirect object. Bordet, som vi spiste ved, var rundt (relates to "bordet", i.e. neuter)
Indefinite pronouns
(The table at which we ate was round.)
Common
Neuter
Plural
B a d e n , som vi sejlede med, var hvidmalet (relates to "baden",
al/hele
alt
alle
i.e. common).
anden
andet
andre
(other)
nogen
noget
nogle/nogen
(some)
ingen
intet
ingen
(none)
(The boat that we sailed with was painted white.)
(all)
Interrogative pronouns
mange
(many)
All start in "hv-".
flere
(several)
"Hvem" relates to persons (Who) "Hvad" relates to things (What) "Hvilken/hvilket/hvilke" relates to both kinds (Which) "Hvis" relates to a person in the genitive case:
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Prepositions In every language, prepositions follow their own logic. Also in Danish, you should give them thorough attention as you meet them. We recommend that you learn them as your vocabulary grows. See for instance the following examples:
Drengen gar i skole (in) (The boy goes to school) Lserlingen gar pa skole (on)
Prepositions In every language, prepositions follow their own logic. Also in Danish, you should give them thorough attention as you meet them. We recommend that you learn them as your vocabulary grows. See for instance the following examples:
Drengen gar i skole (in) (The boy goes to school) Lserlingen gar pa skole (on) (The apprentice attends a course) Publikum gar i teatret (in) (The audience goes to the theatre) Skuespilleren gar pa teatret (on) (The actor goes to the theatre)
When in doubt: choose the preposition that you would have chosen in English - the two languages are very much alike.
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