Understanding “At” as the Danish Infinitive Marker
In Danish, “at” typically functions as the infinitive marker, similar to “to” in English. For example:
- Jeg vil gerne lære at tale dansk. (I want to learn to speak Danish.)
However, there are several cases when “at” is dropped before the infinitive verb. Knowing these exceptions will help you avoid common mistakes and sound more fluent.
When to Omit “At” in Danish Sentences
1. After Modal Verbs
Modal verbs such as “kan” (can), “vil” (will/want), “skal” (shall/must), “må” (may/must), and “bør” (should) are always followed directly by the infinitive verb without “at”. This is one of the most common cases for omitting “at”.
- Jeg kan snakke dansk. (I can speak Danish.)
- Hun vil rejse til Danmark. (She wants to travel to Denmark.)
- Du skal arbejde i morgen. (You must work tomorrow.)
2. After Certain Verbs of Perception
When using verbs of perception like “se” (see), “høre” (hear), “føle” (feel), and “lade” (let), “at” is also omitted before the infinitive verb. These sentences often describe something someone experiences directly.
- Jeg så ham løbe over gaden. (I saw him run across the street.)
- Hun lod mig låne bilen. (She let me borrow the car.)
- Vi hørte dem synge. (We heard them sing.)
3. After “Hjælpe” (to help)
The verb “hjælpe” (to help) can be used with or without “at”. In modern Danish, it’s more common to omit “at” after “hjælpe”, especially in informal speech.
- Kan du hjælpe mig finde min bog? (Can you help me find my book?)
Note: Using “at” here is not incorrect, but omitting it is widely accepted and sounds more natural.
4. In Certain Fixed Expressions and Idioms
Some Danish idiomatic expressions and fixed phrases naturally omit “at”. Although these are less common, it’s useful to learn them as you encounter them.
- Lad os gå! (Let’s go!)
When Should You Use “At”?
Whenever you’re not in one of the above cases, you typically use “at” before the infinitive. For example, after most other verbs, adjectives, and nouns, “at” is required:
- Jeg forsøger at lære dansk. (I’m trying to learn Danish.)
- Det er vigtigt at spise sundt. (It is important to eat healthy.)
Tips for Remembering When to Omit “At”
- After modal verbs: always omit “at”.
- After verbs of perception (see, hear, feel, let): omit “at”.
- After “hjælpe”: omitting “at” is natural, but including it is also correct.
- In all other cases, use “at” before the infinitive.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to internalize when to use or omit “at” in Danish is through practice. Try making your own sentences, and pay attention to native speakers—whether you’re using Talkpal’s AI-powered language lessons or engaging with Danish content online, listen closely to how “at” is used in context.
Conclusion
Understanding when to omit “at” in Danish sentences is key to sounding fluent and natural. Focus on modal verbs, perception verbs, and the verb “hjælpe” for the main exceptions, and remember to use “at” in other cases. With regular practice and exposure, using “at” correctly will soon become second nature. Keep exploring Danish grammar tips on the Talkpal AI language learning blog for more practical guides and learning inspiration.
