Infinitive Constructions in Danish

Overview

Infinitive Constructions (Infinitivkonstruktioner) is an important grammar concept at the B2 level in Danish. Complex infinitive phrases: 'for at' (in order to), 'uden at' (without), 'i stedet for at' (instead of). Purpose, manner, and alternative constructions.

At the upper-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

Complex infinitive phrases: 'for at' (in order to), 'uden at' (without), 'i stedet for at' (instead of). Purpose, manner, and alternative constructions.

Key patterns

Danish	English
Jeg kom for at hjælpe.	I came (in order) to help.
Han gik uden at sige farvel.	He left without saying goodbye.
I stedet for at klage, gør noget.	Instead of complaining, do something.
Det er svært at forstå.	It's difficult to understand.

Infinitive + prepositional phrases

Construction	Meaning	Example	Translation
for at	in order to	Jeg kom for at hjaelpe.	I came to help.
uden at	without	Han gik uden at sige farvel.	He left without saying goodbye.
i stedet for at	instead of	I stedet for at klage, gor noget.	Instead of complaining, do something.
ved at	by (method)	Hun laerte ved at ove sig.	She learned by practicing.

When subjects differ

When the subjects of the main clause and infinitive clause differ, a full subordinate clause is often needed:

Same subject (infinitive OK)	Different subjects (full clause needed)
Jeg gik uden at sige farvel.	Jeg gik, uden at han sagde farvel.
(I left without saying goodbye.)	(I left without him saying goodbye.)

Examples in Context

Danish	English	Note
Jeg kom for at hjælpe.	I came (in order) to help.
Han gik uden at sige farvel.	He left without saying goodbye.
I stedet for at klage, gør noget.	Instead of complaining, do something.
Det er svært at forstå.	It's difficult to understand.

Common Mistakes

Transferring English patterns directly

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

• Analyze authentic texts. Read Danish newspaper articles or literature and identify all instances of infinitive constructions. Note the contexts and nuances of each usage.
• Write formal and informal versions. Practice expressing the same idea using infinitive constructions in different registers: a text message to a friend versus an email to a colleague.
• Record yourself speaking. Talk about a topic for two minutes, focusing on using infinitive constructions correctly. Listen back and note areas for improvement.

Related Concepts

• Infinitive with At - Parent concept