When weighing the pros and cons of major life choices, you often want to highlight a specific aspect of a situation, like "the hard thing" or "the exciting part."
Abstract Qualities: "The [adjective] thing"
In Danish, you can turn an adjective into an abstract noun by combining the neutral definite article det with the definite form of the adjective (which almost always ends in -e).
To connect this abstract quality to the situation you are describing, use the preposition ved (which translates to "about" in this context). The structure is: det + [definite adjective] + ved + [the situation].
| The hard thing about the change is the uncertainty. | Det hårde ved forandringen er usikkerheden. |
| The exciting thing about the step is the change. | Det spændende ved skridtet er forandringen. |
Discussing Life Decisions
You can use this pattern to discuss major changes, whether it is a big move or the decision to quit your job (at sige op).
Notice that the "situation" following ved does not have to be a single noun; it can also be an infinitive phrase. Likewise, you can use the abstract adjective structure completely on its own, like det ukendte (the unknown) in the next example.
| The strange thing about quitting is the unknown. | Det mærkelige ved at sige op er det ukendte. |
You can also follow the verb er (is) with a full clause starting with at (that) to explain exactly what the good or bad thing about a situation is.
| The bad thing about the move is that I feel anxious. | Det dårlige ved flytningen er at jeg føler mig utryg. |
| The good thing about the independence is that you do not commit yourself. | Det gode ved selvstændigheden er at man ikke binder sig. |
Asking for Opinions
Finally, this structure is perfect for asking others what they think stands out about a particular choice or aspect.
| What is the strange thing about this aspect? | Hvad er det mærkelige ved dette aspekt? |