What is an Infinitive in Danish?
Before diving into the use of “at,” let’s briefly clarify what an infinitive is. An infinitive is the basic form of a verb, not conjugated for tense or subject. In English, this is often the “to” form, like “to eat,” “to go,” or “to learn.” In Danish, the infinitive is usually just the verb’s base form, such as spise (to eat), gå (to go), or lære (to learn).
How is “at” Used Before an Infinitive in Danish?
In Danish, the word “at” is used much like the English “to” before an infinitive verb. It acts as a marker to show that the verb is in its base form. For example:
- Jeg elsker at læse. (I love to read.)
- Han forsøger at lære dansk. (He is trying to learn Danish.)
- Vi håber at rejse til Danmark. (We hope to travel to Denmark.)
When Do You Use “at” Before an Infinitive?
Generally, “at” is used before an infinitive in Danish except after certain modal verbs and a few other specific verbs. Here are the main situations where you must use “at”:
1. After Verbs Expressing Likes, Wants, or Intentions
When you use verbs like elske (to love), ønske (to wish), håbe (to hope), prøve (to try), or begynde (to begin), you should use “at” before the infinitive:
- Hun ønsker at bo i København. (She wants to live in Copenhagen.)
- De begynder at arbejde klokken ni. (They begin to work at nine.)
2. After Certain Prepositions and Expressions
Some expressions and prepositions require “at” before the infinitive:
- Det er vigtigt at forstå reglerne. (It is important to understand the rules.)
- Han er glad for at hjælpe. (He is happy to help.)
3. With Infinitive Phrases as Subjects or Objects
When an entire infinitive phrase acts as the subject or object of a sentence, “at” is used:
- At lære dansk kræver tid. (To learn Danish takes time.)
- Det er sjovt at spille fodbold. (It is fun to play football.)
When NOT to Use “at” Before an Infinitive
There are important exceptions. In Danish, you do not use “at” after modal verbs such as skal (must/shall), vil (will/want), kan (can), må (may/must), or bør (should). In these cases, the infinitive stands alone:
- Jeg kan tale dansk. (I can speak Danish.)
- Hun vil rejse i morgen. (She wants to travel tomorrow.)
- Vi skal spise nu. (We must eat now.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding “at” after modal verbs: Remember, after modal verbs, the infinitive comes without “at.”
- Forgetting “at” with certain verbs: Don’t omit “at” after verbs like prøve, begynde, ønske, etc.
- Confusing with English: Sometimes the English structure does not match the Danish one, so always check which verbs require “at.”
Tips for Mastering “at” with Infinitives in Danish
- Practice with real sentences: Make your own examples or use language learning tools like Talkpal to get feedback.
- Listen and read: Notice how native speakers use “at” in Danish podcasts, books, or conversations.
- Make flashcards: Write down common verbs and practice whether they take “at” or not.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “at” before an infinitive is a key step toward fluency in Danish. By understanding the rules, noting the exceptions, and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to construct more accurate and natural Danish sentences. Remember, language learning is a journey, and with resources like Talkpal’s AI language learning blog, you’ll have plenty of support along the way. Happy studying!
