Adjectives Ending in -sk
Normally in Danish, when you use an adjective to describe a neuter noun (an et-word), you add a -t to the end of the adjective.
However, there is an important exception: adjectives that end in -sk do not add a -t in the neuter form. The spelling stays exactly the same as it does for common gender nouns (en-words).
Look at the adjective historisk (historical) describing the neuter noun et øjeblik (a moment):
| It is a historical moment. | Det er et historisk øjeblik. |
Notice that it is historisk, not historiskt.
Here are a few more examples of -sk adjectives pairing with neuter nouns. Even though words like ur, sted, and problem are et-words, the adjective simply ends in -sk:
| My wife would like to buy a classic watch. | Min kone vil gerne købe et klassisk ur. |
| The castle is a magical place. | Slottet er et magisk sted. |
| I think that there is a technical problem with the computer. | Jeg tror at der er et teknisk problem med computeren. |
Describing Characteristics
Many adjectives ending in -sk are used to describe characteristics, technical traits, or typical qualities. They often look and sound very similar to English words, which makes them easy to learn.
| The father knows that it is often hard physical work. | Faren ved at det ofte er hårdt fysisk arbejde. |
| My uncle is a very likable person. | Min onkel er et meget sympatisk menneske. |
| An electronic device can also be dangerous. | Et elektronisk apparat kan også være farligt. |