Expressing Likes and Preferences in Danish

Overview

Expressing Likes and Preferences (At Kunne Lide) is an important grammar concept at the A1 level in Danish. Expressing preferences with 'kunne lide' (to like), 'elske' (to love), 'foretrække' (to prefer), 'synes om' (to think well of).

At the beginner level, understanding this concept allows you to express yourself with greater accuracy and nuance. This grammar point builds on foundations you have established at earlier levels and connects to several related areas of Danish grammar.

As you work through this topic, pay attention to how it functions in authentic Danish texts and conversations. The patterns you learn here will become more natural with regular practice and exposure to the language.

How It Works

Core rules

Expressing preferences with 'kunne lide' (to like), 'elske' (to love), 'foretrække' (to prefer), 'synes om' (to think well of).

Key patterns

Danish	English
Jeg kan lide chokolade.	I like chocolate.
Hun elsker at læse.	She loves to read.
Kan du lide kaffe?	Do you like coffee?
Jeg kan bedst lide sommer.	I like summer the best.

Expressions for likes and preferences

Expression	Structure	Example	Translation
kan lide	kan lide + noun/at + infinitive	Jeg kan lide kaffe.	I like coffee.
elsker	elsker + noun/at + infinitive	Hun elsker at lase.	She loves to read.
foretraekker	foretraekker + noun	Jeg foretraekker te.	I prefer tea.
kan bedst lide	kan bedst lide + noun	Jeg kan bedst lide sommer.	I like summer the best.
synes om	synes om + noun	Jeg synes godt om ham.	I think well of him.

Examples in Context

Danish	English	Note
Jeg kan lide chokolade.	I like chocolate.	kan lide + noun
Hun elsker at laese.	She loves to read.	elsker + at + infinitive
Kan du lide kaffe?	Do you like coffee?	Question form
Jeg kan bedst lide sommer.	I like summer the best.	Superlative preference
Vi kan godt lide at rejse.	We like traveling.	kan godt lide
Han foretraekker te.	He prefers tea.	foretraekker + noun
Jeg kan ikke lide regn.	I don't like rain.	Negative
Hvad kan du bedst lide?	What do you like best?	Question with superlative
Hun kan lide at synge.	She likes to sing.	kan lide + at + infinitive
Jeg elsker Danmark.	I love Denmark.	elsker + noun

Common Mistakes

Transferring English patterns directly

• Wrong: Using English word order or structure when expressing expressing likes and preferences in Danish.
• Right: Follow Danish-specific rules for this grammar point.
• Why: Danish and English handle expressing likes and preferences differently. Learning the Danish pattern as its own system prevents interference from English.

Neglecting subordinate clause word order

• Wrong: Keeping main clause word order when expressing likes and preferences appears in a subordinate clause.
• Right: Remember that adverbs like ikke move before the verb in subordinate clauses.
• Why: The main clause/subordinate clause word order distinction is fundamental in Danish and affects how all grammar structures are used.

Overgeneralizing rules

• Wrong: Applying one pattern to all cases of expressing likes and preferences without considering exceptions.
• Right: Learn both the regular patterns and the common exceptions.
• Why: Danish grammar has regular patterns but also important exceptions, particularly with frequently used words.

Practice Tips

• Practice with flashcards. Create cards with examples of expressing likes and preferences on one side and their English translations on the other. Review daily until the patterns feel automatic.
• Use expressing likes and preferences in daily sentences. Try to create three new sentences each day using this grammar point. Write them in a notebook and review them weekly.
• Listen for expressing likes and preferences in Danish media. Even at the beginner level, try listening to simple Danish podcasts or children's shows and notice how native speakers use this pattern.

Related Concepts

• Modal Verbs - Parent concept