5 top tips for Danish grammar

#1

When should I use the “-r” ending for the present simple?

The first common error we have chosen to look at is something that is the source of almost endless frustration for many people: when do I need to use the “-r” ending on verbs?

The “-r” ending is used on Danish verbs in the present simple tense, i.e. when describing an action that is taking place in the present. There is an excellent tip you can use to determine whether or not to add the “-r” ending: Simply replace the verb in the sentence with a different verb that makes it easier to hear the ending.

For example, if you are unsure as to whether the verb in the sentence “Jeg lærer grammatiske huskeregler”, [I am learning rules of grammar] should be written with or without the “-r” ending in the present simple tense, replace it with another verb such as “spiser” [eat].

This makes it clear that the verb in this sentence has to take the present simple “-r” ending, as you wouldn’t say “Jeg lære (spise) grammatiske huskeregler”, but “Jeg lærer (spiser) grammatiske huskeregler”.

#2

Nogle/nogen – which one do I use when?

Do you have doubts about when to use “nogle” or “nogen” in your texts? These two words sound alike when spoken, which can cause some confusion. However, it is crucial to understand when to use which form, especially when you are writing different types of text.

Briefly put, you should use the form “nogle” when you are referring to multiple people. A good tip here is to remember that “nogle” is used when you are talking about more than one person, as in the following sentence: “Nogle mennesker har nemt ved grammatik” [Some people find grammar easy].

On the other hand, “nogen” is the correct form when you are referring to anyone at all. This form is used almost exclusively in situations covered by the following three sentence constructions:

• Interrogative sentences, such as: “Er der nogen, der kan forklare mig reglerne om nutids-r?” [Can anyone explain to me when to use the “-r” ending in the present simple?]
• Negative sentences, such as: “Jeg har ikke nogen anelse!” [I don’t have any idea!]
• Conditional sentences, such as: “Hvis nogen finder en god huskeregel, må de gerne fortælle om den.” [If anyone can come up with a good way to remember this, I’d love to hear it]

#3

Those troublesome compound words

The Danish language contains a lot of words. And things become even more complicated when we start merging them to create new meanings. No doubt about it; most people find compound words a problem. So what’s a good way to remember whether to write a given word as one word or two?

If you are in doubt, try saying the word(s) aloud – where is the emphasis? If it is on the first part of the word, it is written as a single word. However, if you place more emphasis on the second part, it should be written as two separate words.

Here is an example you can use to test the rule:

Dansklærer – a teacher, who teaches Danish.
Dansk lærer – a teacher who comes from Denmark.

#4

To “d” or not to “d” ... Should it be –ende or –ene?

This is another aspect of Danish grammar that can cause all sorts of problems. The silent “d” often results in people mixing up two classic Danish endings. Unfortunately, this tiny slip can change the entire meaning of a sentence and render it both incomprehensible and wrong.

The good news is that there is a simple way to tell the difference: Take a good look at the class of word you want to use in your text; the ending with the silent “d”, i.e. “-ende”, is only used for verbs such as “løbende” [running], while “-ene” is the grammatically correct form for nouns in the plural such as “løbene” [the races].

#5

You and me and us two – or I alone?

Have you ever wanted the ground to swallow you up because you have used the wrong word in a sentence about yourself and another person? You’re probably not the only one, because this is another extremely common mistake – both in writing and in everyday speech!

However, it need not be that complicated. Let’s have a look at the rules for when to use “jeg” [I] and “mig” [me].

“Jeg” is the correct form to use when you are (part of) the subject of the verb:

“Laura og jeg spiser aftensmad” [Laura and I are having dinner].

 “Mig”, on the other hand, is the form to use when you are part of the (in)direct object:

“Mads bad Laura og mig om at spise aftensmad” [Mads invited Laura and me to dinner].