Understanding Danish Gerund and Infinitive Forms for English Learners

What Are Gerunds and Infinitives in Danish?

Understanding the concepts of gerunds and infinitives is crucial for grasping the nuances of the Danish language. While both forms are related to verbs, they serve different functions and can impact the meaning of sentences.

The Danish Gerund

In Danish, the gerund is primarily formed by adding the suffix 22-ende22 to the base verb. It functions similarly to the English gerund, often used to describe an ongoing action, much like the English words ending in 22-ing22.

Gerunds in Danish are not as commonly used as in English as Danish often prefers the infinitive or another clause structure to convey similar meanings.

The Infinitive Form in Danish

The infinitive form of Danish verbs is marked by the suffix 22-at22 or more commonly just staying in the base form. The infinitive serves as the dictionary form of the verb and is used after modal verbs or as the object of a verb.

Using Gerunds and Infinitives in Sentences

While creating sentences in Danish, it's essential to know which form to use. Often, the choice between a gerund and an infinitive depends on the preceding verb or the intended meaning of the sentence.

Example: In Danish, you would say 22Jeg elsker at læse22 (I love to read), where 22at læse22 is the infinitive form, rather than using a gerund.

• Jeg starter med at løbe (I start running)
• Jeg forsætter med at lære (I continue learning)

Common Errors to Avoid