Relative Clauses in Danish

Overview

Relative Clauses (Relativsætninger) is an important grammar concept at the B1 level in Danish. Relative pronouns 'som/der' (who/which/that). 'Som' can be omitted when it's the object. 'Hvis' for whose.

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

Relative pronouns 'som/der' (who/which/that). 'Som' can be omitted when it's the object. 'Hvis' for whose.

Key patterns

Danish	English
Manden, der bor her.	The man who lives here.
Bogen, (som) jeg læste.	The book (that) I read.
Kvinden, hvis søn jeg kender.	The woman whose son I know.
Huset, hvor vi bor.	The house where we live.

Relative pronouns

Pronoun	Function	Example	Translation
der	Subject	Manden, der bor her.	The man who lives here.
som	Subject or object	Bogen, som jeg laeste.	The book that I read.
(omitted)	Object	Bogen, __ jeg laeste.	The book I read.
hvis	Possessive	Kvinden, hvis son jeg kender.	The woman whose son I know.
hvor	Place	Huset, hvor vi bor.	The house where we live.

Der vs. som

	der	som
As subject	Yes	Yes
As object	No	Yes (or omit)
Can be omitted	No	Yes (when object)

Examples in Context

Danish	English	Note
Manden, der bor her.	The man who lives here.
Bogen, (som) jeg læste.	The book (that) I read.
Kvinden, hvis søn jeg kender.	The woman whose son I know.
Huset, hvor vi bor.	The house where we live.

Common Mistakes

Transferring English patterns directly

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

Related Concepts

• Subordinate Clauses - Parent concept
• Types of Subordinate Clauses