Impersonal Constructions in Danish

Overview

Impersonal Constructions (Upersonlige Konstruktioner) is an important grammar concept at the B1 level in Danish. Impersonal expressions with 'man' (one/you), 'det' + passive, and fixed impersonal phrases. 'Man' is the generic pronoun for rules and norms.

At the intermediate 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

Impersonal expressions with 'man' (one/you), 'det' + passive, and fixed impersonal phrases. 'Man' is the generic pronoun for rules and norms.

Key patterns

Danish	English
Man skal ikke løbe her.	One shouldn't run here.
Det siges, at han er rig.	It's said that he is rich.
Man kan ikke lide alle.	You can't like everyone.
Det anbefales at bestille.	It's recommended to book.

Using man

Form	Example	Translation
Subject: man	Man skal ikke lobe her.	One shouldn't run here.
Object: en	Det gor en glad.	It makes one happy.
Possessive: ens	ens egen skyld	one's own fault

Impersonal det + passive

Danish	English
Det siges, at han er rig.	It's said that he's rich.
Det anbefales at bestille.	It's recommended to book.
Det forventes, at de kommer.	It's expected that they'll come.
Det paastas, at det er sandt.	It's claimed that it's true.

Examples in Context

Danish	English	Note
Man skal ikke løbe her.	One shouldn't run here.
Det siges, at han er rig.	It's said that he is rich.
Man kan ikke lide alle.	You can't like everyone.
Det anbefales at bestille.	It's recommended to book.

Common Mistakes

Transferring English patterns directly

• Wrong: Using English word order or structure when expressing impersonal constructions in Danish.
• Right: Follow Danish-specific rules for this grammar point.
• Why: Danish and English handle impersonal constructions 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 impersonal constructions 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 impersonal constructions 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

• Read Danish news articles. Pay attention to how impersonal constructions appears in authentic texts. Note any patterns or exceptions you find.
• Write about your opinions. Practice using impersonal constructions in paragraphs expressing your views on everyday topics. This develops your ability to use grammar for real communication.
• Shadow Danish speakers. Listen to Danish podcasts and try to repeat sentences using impersonal constructions. This builds both comprehension and production skills.

Related Concepts

• S-Passive - Parent concept