Concessive noun phrases (nok så)

To express "even the most [adjective]" or "however [adjective] a [noun] may be," Danish uses the phrase nok så.

Constructing concessive noun phrases

Place nok så directly between the article and the adjective:

  • en / et
    • nok så
      • adjective + noun

This translates to a superlative in English (like "even the strongest"), but uses the base form of the adjective in Danish.

Even the strongest bicycle chain can snap.
En nok så stærk cykelkæde kan knække.
Even the most expensive racing bike needs to be lubricated, right?
En nok så dyr racercykel skal vel smøres?

Gender agreement

As with any standard noun phrase, the article and the adjective must agree with the noun's gender. The phrase nok så itself never changes.

For et-words, use et and add the -t suffix to the adjective (for example, tyk becomes tykt).

Even the thickest frame of carbon fiber can snap.
Et nok så tykt stel af kulfiber kan knække.
Even the most advanced component requires an adjustment.
En nok så avanceret komponent kræver en justering.
Even the cheapest pedal can be repaired.
En nok så billig pedal kan repareres.
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