Learning a new language can be both an exhilarating and daunting task. Danish, with its unique phonetics and grammatical structures, presents its own set of challenges and rewards. One area where learners often stumble is understanding the difference between “to learn” and “to teach” in Danish. In English, these two verbs are straightforward, but in Danish, they come with their own nuances and uses. This article aims to clarify these differences and provide useful vocabulary to enhance your Danish language journey.

Lære – To Learn

The Danish verb for “to learn” is lære. This word is central to any language learning journey as it describes the process of acquiring knowledge or skills through study, experience, or teaching.

lære: to learn

Jeg vil gerne lære dansk.

In this sentence, you can see how lære is used to express the desire to learn Danish. The word is versatile and can be applied in various contexts related to acquiring knowledge.

lærdom: learning, knowledge

Hans lærdom omfatter mange emner.

lærling: apprentice, trainee

Hun er en lærling i en smedeværksted.

lærebog: textbook

Jeg har brug for en god lærebog i grammatik.

Usage of Lære

lære can also mean “to teach” in certain contexts, which can be confusing for learners. However, the primary meaning remains “to learn.” Here are some other related terms and phrases to better understand its usage:

lære at kende: to get to know, to become acquainted with

Det er vigtigt at lære at kende nye mennesker.

lære af: to learn from

Vi kan lære af vores fejl.

lære op: to train, to instruct

Jeg skal lære op nye medarbejdere.

Undervise – To Teach

The Danish verb for “to teach” is undervise. This word is used to describe the act of imparting knowledge or skills to others, typically in a formal setting like a classroom.

undervise: to teach

Hun underviser i matematik på gymnasiet.

In this example, you see how undervise is used to specify teaching a subject, in this case, mathematics, at a high school level. This verb is specifically used for the act of teaching and does not carry the dual meaning that lære sometimes does.

undervisning: teaching, instruction

Hans undervisning er meget engagerende.

undervisningsmateriale: teaching material

Vi skal forberede undervisningsmateriale til næste uge.

underviser: teacher, instructor

Hun er en erfaren underviser.

Usage of Undervise

Understanding the contexts in which undervise is used can help avoid confusion. It is specifically reserved for teaching, unlike lære, which can sometimes mean both “to learn” and “to teach.” Here are some phrases and related terms:

undervisningstime: teaching hour, lesson

Vi har en undervisningstime hver dag.

undervisningsplan: curriculum

Skolen har en omfattende undervisningsplan.

undervise i: to teach (a subject)

Han underviser i historie.

Common Confusions and Tips

Given that lære can sometimes mean “to teach” and undervise strictly means “to teach,” it’s easy to see where confusion might arise. Here are some tips and common confusions to watch out for:

lære vs. undervise:
– Use lære primarily for learning. When in doubt, if you’re talking about acquiring knowledge, lære is your go-to word.
– Use undervise strictly for teaching. If you’re talking about imparting knowledge, especially in a formal setting, undervise is the correct choice.

lærer vs. underviser:
– lærer can mean both “learner” and “teacher” depending on the context. It’s more commonly used to mean “teacher.”
– underviser strictly means “teacher” or “instructor.”

lære op vs. undervise:
– lære op is often used in a training context, such as job training or apprenticeships.
– undervise is more formal and is used in academic settings.

Practical Application

To solidify your understanding, let’s look at some more practical applications of these verbs in sentences.

Jeg skal lære at spille guitar.
Jeg skal lære at spille guitar.

Here, lære is used to indicate the process of learning to play the guitar.

Min ven underviser i engelsk.
Min ven underviser i engelsk.

In this sentence, underviser is used to show that the friend’s role is that of a teacher in English.

Hun lærer sine børn gode manerer.
Hun lærer sine børn gode manerer.

Even though lærer is used here, it’s clear from the context that it’s about teaching good manners to her children.

Universitetet tilbyder mange undervisningstimer.
Universitetet tilbyder mange undervisningstimer.

This sentence highlights the use of undervisningstimer to indicate teaching hours or lessons.

Advanced Nuances

As you advance in your Danish learning, you will notice that both lære and undervise can be used in more nuanced ways. Let’s explore some advanced contexts.

lære fra sig: to impart knowledge, to teach

Han er god til at lære fra sig.

In this phrase, lære is used in a way that means to impart knowledge, similar to teaching.

undervisningsmetoder: teaching methods

De anvender moderne undervisningsmetoder.

This term refers to the different methods used in teaching, highlighting the formal aspect of undervise.

læremester: master, someone who teaches a craft

Han er en berømt læremester i keramik.

Here, the term refers to a master who teaches a specific craft, blending the lines between learning and teaching.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between lære and undervise is crucial for mastering Danish. While lære can sometimes mean “to teach,” its primary use is “to learn.” On the other hand, undervise is strictly used for teaching. By familiarizing yourself with these terms and their contexts, you can improve your Danish language skills significantly.

Remember, language learning is a journey, and making mistakes is part of the process. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll find yourself more comfortable using these verbs in your daily conversations. Happy learning!