Mid-field adverb order

In Danish, the middle part of a sentence (the mid-field) is home to central adverbs like ikke (not), altid (always), or faktisk (actually). When you use more than one central adverb, they follow a strict internal sequence.

The Standard 1-2-3 Order

When layering adverbs to describe something—such as a comedian's performance—place them in this order:

1. Attitude: Expresses an opinion or likelihood (e.g., faktisk
   • actually, sikkert
     • probably, desværre
       • unfortunately, heldigvis
         • fortunately).
2. Time/Frequency: Tells when or how often (e.g., aldrig
   • never, altid
     • always, stadig
       • still, normalt
         • normally).
3. Negation/Restriction: Limits or negates the action (e.g., ikke
   • not, slet ikke
     • not at all, bare
       • just, rigtig
         • really, helt
           • entirely).

Let's see this standard sequence in action:

Notice how the attitude adverb anchors the beginning of the sequence, followed by time, and finally the restriction or negation:

Negating Frequency Adverbs

There is one major exception to the 1-2-3 rule. If you are specifically negating a frequency adverb—like saying "not always"—the negation ikke steps in front of the frequency adverb to modify it directly.