Expressions of Inevitability
In modern Danish, the subjunctive mood has mostly disappeared, but it survives in a few fixed phrases to declare absolute determination.
The phrase ske hvad der vil translates literally to "happen what there will," but functions exactly like the English "come what may." It typically sits at the very end of a statement.
| The resistance movement defies the oppression, come what may. | Modstandsbevægelsen trodser undertrykkelsen, ske hvad der vil. |
| They refuse to surrender to the occupying force, come what may. | De nægter at overgive sig til besættelsesmagten, ske hvad der vil. |
Koste hvad det vil
Another common expression of resolve is koste hvad det vil ("at any cost", literally "cost what it will"). Like ske hvad der vil, it is usually placed at the end of a main clause.
| The freedom fighter will read the illegal leaflet, at any cost. | Frihedskæmperen vil læse det illegale flyveblad, koste hvad det vil. |
| The railway is hard to destroy, but the sabotage continues, at any cost. | Jernbanen er svær at ødelægge, men sabotagen fortsætter, koste hvad det vil. |
| We must defy the oppression, at any cost. | Vi skal trodse undertrykkelsen, koste hvad det vil. |
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