S-Verbs (Reciprocal/Passive) in Danish

Overview

S-Verbs (Reciprocal/Passive) (S-verber) is an important grammar concept at the A1 level in Danish. Common verbs ending in -s with reciprocal or passive-like meaning: mødes (meet each other), synes (think/appear), lykkes (succeed), findes (exist).

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

Common verbs ending in -s with reciprocal or passive-like meaning: mødes (meet each other), synes (think/appear), lykkes (succeed), findes (exist).

Key patterns

Danish	English
Vi mødes i morgen.	We'll meet (each other) tomorrow.
Jeg synes, det er godt.	I think it's good.
Det lykkes aldrig.	It never succeeds.
Der findes mange slags.	There exist many kinds.

Common s-verbs

S-verb	Meaning	Type
synes	think, find (opinion)	Deponent (s-only)
modes	meet (each other)	Reciprocal
findes	exist	Deponent
lykkes	succeed	Deponent
skaendes	quarrel	Reciprocal
folges ad	walk together	Reciprocal
trives	thrive	Deponent
faerdes	travel/move about	Deponent

S-verbs vs. s-passive

S-verb (fixed)	S-passive (derived)
synes (think) - always has -s	tales (is spoken) - from tale
modes (meet) - always has -s	laeses (is read) - from laese
findes (exist) - always has -s	bygges (is built) - from bygge

Examples in Context

Danish	English	Note
Vi modes i morgen.	We'll meet tomorrow.	Reciprocal
Jeg synes, det er godt.	I think it's good.	Opinion
Det lykkes aldrig.	It never succeeds.	Deponent
Der findes mange slags.	There exist many kinds.	Existence
De skaendes hele tiden.	They quarrel all the time.	Reciprocal
Jeg trives pa arbejdet.	I thrive at work.	Deponent
Vi folges ad til skole.	We walk together to school.	Reciprocal
Det lyder rigtigt, synes jeg.	That sounds right, I think.	Opinion with inversion
Bornene modes efter skole.	The children meet after school.	Reciprocal
Det synes godt.	It seems good.	Appear/seem

Common Mistakes

Transferring English patterns directly

• Wrong: Using English word order or structure when expressing s-verbs (reciprocal/passive) in Danish.
• Right: Follow Danish-specific rules for this grammar point.
• Why: Danish and English handle s-verbs (reciprocal/passive) 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 s-verbs (reciprocal/passive) 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 s-verbs (reciprocal/passive) 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 s-verbs (reciprocal/passive) on one side and their English translations on the other. Review daily until the patterns feel automatic.
• Use s-verbs (reciprocal/passive) 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 s-verbs (reciprocal/passive) 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

• Present Tense - Parent concept