Understanding the Uses of 'At' in Danish for English Learners

The Multipurpose 'At' in Danish

Diving into the Danish language, learners quickly encounter the word 'at'. While it might seem simple, its usage can be varied and complex for English speakers. This article explores the different functions of 'at' and provides examples to clarify its usage.

'At' as an Infinitive Marker

In Danish, the word 'at' often serves as an infinitive marker, similar to 'to' in English. It precedes verbs to form the infinitive form.

Using 'At' in Sentences

When constructing sentences, 'at' can be used to connect clauses or denote purpose. Here are a few sentence structures where 'at' is commonly used.

• Jeg vil gerne at spise (I want to eat)
• Han sagde at han kommer (He said that he is coming)

'At' for Expressing Purpose

In some constructions, 'at' is used to express the purpose of an action. This is similar to using 'so that' in English.

• Jeg studerer hårdt at bestå eksamenen (I study hard to pass the exam)
• De arbejder meget at spare penge (They work a lot to save money)

Common Mistakes with 'At'

English speakers often confuse 'at' with the preposition 'at'. Remember, the Danish 'at' is not the same as 'at' in English locations or times.

Conclusion: Mastering the Uses of 'At'

Understanding 'at' in Danish opens up a more flexible approach to constructing sentences. Practice using 'at' in different contexts to gain confidence in its application in spoken and written Danish.