The V2 Rule: Fronting a Subordinate Clause
Danish is a "V2" (verb-second) language, meaning the verb is always the second element in a main clause.
When you start a sentence with a subordinate clause—such as those beginning with hvis (if), når (when), or selvom (even though)—that entire clause counts as the first element. To keep the main verb in the second position, the main clause must start immediately with its verb, inverting the usual subject-verb order.
Notice how the main verbs (kan, forsvinder) come right after the comma:
| When the boy eats the garlic, the evil witch cannot find him. | Når drengen spiser hvidløget, kan den onde heks ikke finde ham. |
| If the girl carries the cross, the evil ghost disappears. | Hvis pigen bærer korset, forsvinder det onde spøgelse. |
Word Order with Adverbs
If your inverted main clause includes an adverb like altid (always) or ikke (not), the adverb comes after both the verb and the subject.
Structure: [Subordinate Clause], [Verb] + [Subject] + [Adverb]
| When we talk about the superstition, we always knock under the table. | Når vi taler om overtroen, banker vi altid under bordet. |
| Even though the forest is dark, the troll does not use the magic. | Selvom skoven er mørk, bruger trolden ikke magien. |
| Even though the troll is hungry, he does not eat the child. | Selvom trolden er sulten, spiser han ikke barnet. |
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