Subordinate Clauses in Danish

Overview

Subordinate Clauses (Bisætninger) is an important grammar concept at the A2 level in Danish. Subordinate clauses with at (that), om (if/whether), når/da (when), mens (while), fordi (because). Adverb moves before verb.

At the elementary 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

Subordinate clauses with at (that), om (if/whether), når/da (when), mens (while), fordi (because). Adverb moves before verb.

Key patterns

Danish	English
Jeg ved, at hun kommer.	I know that she's coming.
...om jeg ikke har tid.	...if I don't have time.
...da vi var unge.	...when we were young.
...fordi det regner.	...because it's raining.

Main clause vs. subordinate clause word order

The key difference is adverb placement:

Main clause	Subordinate clause
Jeg forstar ikke.	...at jeg ikke forstar.
Hun kommer altid.	...fordi hun altid kommer.
Vi har aldrig set det.	...om vi aldrig har set det.

Common subordinating conjunctions

Conjunction	Meaning	Example
at	that	Jeg ved, at hun kommer.
fordi	because	...fordi det regner.
om	if/whether	...om du har tid.
nar	when (repeated/future)	...nar jeg er traet.
da	when (single past)	...da vi var unge.
mens	while	...mens vi ventede.
selvom	although	...selvom det regnede.

Examples in Context

Danish	English	Note
Jeg ved, at hun kommer.	I know that she's coming.
...om jeg ikke har tid.	...if I don't have time.
...da vi var unge.	...when we were young.
...fordi det regner.	...because it's raining.

Common Mistakes

Transferring English patterns directly

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

• Write short paragraphs. Practice using subordinate clauses in connected text rather than isolated sentences. This builds fluency and helps you internalize the patterns.
• Practice transformations. Take simple sentences and transform them to practice subordinate clauses: change tenses, switch between positive and negative, or rephrase using different structures.
• Find a language partner. Practice subordinate clauses in conversation with a Danish speaker or fellow learner. Speaking practice is essential for making grammar automatic.

Related Concepts

• Basic Word Order - Parent concept
• Relative Clauses
• Advanced Conjunctions
• Indirect Questions
• Temporal Conjunctions
• Indirect Speech