Types of Subordinate Clauses in Danish

Overview

Types of Subordinate Clauses (Ledsætningstyper) is an important grammar concept at the B2 level in Danish. Distinguishing nominal clauses (at...), adverbial clauses (fordi/mens/selvom...), and relative clauses. Different word order implications.

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

Distinguishing nominal clauses (at...), adverbial clauses (fordi/mens/selvom...), and relative clauses. Different word order implications.

Key patterns

Danish	English
Det er vigtigt, at du forstår.	It's important that you understand.
Hun sang, mens hun gik.	She sang while she walked.
Selvom han er ung, er han klog.	Although he's young, he's wise.
Jeg undrer mig over, hvad der sker.	I wonder what's happening.

Three types of subordinate clauses

Type	Function	Introduced by	Example
Nominal	Subject or object	at, om	Jeg ved, at hun kommer.
Adverbial	Modifies verb	fordi, mens, selvom, nar	Vi blev hjemme, fordi det regnede.
Relative	Modifies noun	som, der, hvor, hvis	Manden, der bor her.

All types use subordinate clause word order

Type	Example	Adverb before verb
Nominal	...at hun ikke kommer.	ikke before kommer
Adverbial	...fordi han aldrig spiser.	aldrig before spiser
Relative	...der altid arbejder.	altid before arbejder

Examples in Context

Danish	English	Note
Det er vigtigt, at du forstår.	It's important that you understand.
Hun sang, mens hun gik.	She sang while she walked.
Selvom han er ung, er han klog.	Although he's young, he's wise.
Jeg undrer mig over, hvad der sker.	I wonder what's happening.

Common Mistakes

Transferring English patterns directly

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

• Analyze authentic texts. Read Danish newspaper articles or literature and identify all instances of types of subordinate clauses. Note the contexts and nuances of each usage.
• Write formal and informal versions. Practice expressing the same idea using types of subordinate clauses 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 types of subordinate clauses correctly. Listen back and note areas for improvement.

Related Concepts

• Relative Clauses - Parent concept