Indirect Questions in Danish

Overview

Indirect Questions (Indirekte Spørgsmål) is an important grammar concept at the B1 level in Danish. Indirect questions introduced by 'om' (yes/no) or question words. Use subordinate clause word order with adverb before verb.

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

Indirect questions introduced by 'om' (yes/no) or question words. Use subordinate clause word order with adverb before verb.

Key patterns

Danish	English
Jeg ved ikke, om hun kommer.	I don't know if she's coming.
Kan du fortælle mig, hvor han bor?	Can you tell me where he lives?
Han spurgte, hvornår vi rejser.	He asked when we're leaving.
Jeg undrer mig over, hvorfor hun ikke ringede.	I wonder why she didn't call.

Transforming direct to indirect questions

Direct question	Indirect question
Kommer hun?	Jeg ved ikke, om hun kommer.
Hvor bor han?	Kan du sige mig, hvor han bor?
Hvornaar rejser I?	Han spurgte, hvornaar vi rejser.
Hvorfor ringede hun ikke?	Jeg undrer mig over, hvorfor hun ikke ringede.

Word order change

Direct (main clause order)	Indirect (subordinate clause order)
Hvor bor han?	...hvor han bor.
Hvornaar kommer hun ikke?	...hvornaar hun ikke kommer.

Examples in Context

Danish	English	Note
Jeg ved ikke, om hun kommer.	I don't know if she's coming.
Kan du fortælle mig, hvor han bor?	Can you tell me where he lives?
Han spurgte, hvornår vi rejser.	He asked when we're leaving.
Jeg undrer mig over, hvorfor hun ikke ringede.	I wonder why she didn't call.

Common Mistakes

Transferring English patterns directly

• Wrong: Using English word order or structure when expressing indirect questions in Danish.
• Right: Follow Danish-specific rules for this grammar point.
• Why: Danish and English handle indirect questions 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 indirect questions 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 indirect questions 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 indirect questions appears in authentic texts. Note any patterns or exceptions you find.
• Write about your opinions. Practice using indirect questions 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 indirect questions. This builds both comprehension and production skills.

Related Concepts

• Subordinate Clauses - Parent concept