Gradual Changes
To express that two processes are happening at the same time or proportionally—often related to personal growth—Danish uses the subordinating conjunction efterhånden som (gradually as / as).
When discussing aging, you will frequently encounter the verbs at ældes (to age) and at modnes (to mature). These end in -s because they are deponent verbs: they are formed like the passive voice but carry an active meaning.
Keep in mind that efterhånden som introduces a subordinate clause. If you start your sentence with it, the main clause that follows must use inversion, placing the verb before the subject.
| As we age, our tolerance grows. | Efterhånden som vi ældes, vokser vores tolerance. |
| As she matures, her view of life changes. | Efterhånden som hun modnes, ændrer hendes livssyn sig. |
Shifting Perspectives
As people age, their attitudes often soften. You can describe someone becoming less radikal (radical) or kategorisk (categorical), or becoming more mild (mild).
| As the man ages, he becomes less radical and categorical. | Efterhånden som manden ældes, bliver han mindre radikal og kategorisk. |
| As the woman matures, she becomes more mild. | Efterhånden som kvinden modnes, bliver hun mere mild. |
A Nuanced View of Life
To describe how someone's worldview evolves over time, you can use the verb at nuancere (to nuance). You might nuance your synsvinkel (viewpoint) or your overall livssyn (view of life).
| You must nuance your viewpoint and your view of life. | Du skal nuancere din synsvinkel og dit livssyn. |
| As people age, they nuance their attitudes. | Efterhånden som mennesker ældes, nuancerer de deres holdninger. |