How to Form Plural Nouns in Danish

Understanding Basic Plural Rules in Danish

In Danish, like in English, nouns can be singular or plural. However, the rules for forming plurals in Danish differ and include specific endings such as -er, -e, and -(n)e.

Regular Plural Formation

Most Danish nouns form their plurals by adding either -er, -e, or -(n)e to the singular form. Choosing the correct one depends on the noun's gender and its ending. Let's explore these further.

The -er Ending

The most common plural form in Danish is -er. This ending is typically used for common gender nouns that do not end in -e. For example, 'bil' (car) becomes 'biler' in the plural form.

The -e Ending

For common gender nouns that end in -e, the plural is often just -r. An example of this is 'pige' (girl), which in plural becomes 'piger'. Certain neuter nouns also adopt this ending.

The -(n)e Ending

This ending is commonly used for nouns that are irregular or of certain neuter nouns that don't fit under the other categories. Such as 'barn' (child) which becomes 'børn' as a plural.

Exceptions and Irregular Forms

As with any language, there are exceptions to the rules in Danish. Certain Danish nouns may not adhere strictly to the aforementioned pluralization rules and might change entirely. For example, 'mand' (man) becomes 'mænd' in plural.

Conclusion

Understanding and memorizing the plural forms of nouns is crucial for mastering Danish. Practice by reading Danish texts and noting the patterns and exceptions you encounter.