Dropping the Verb of Motion
In English, when you want to go somewhere, you use a verb of motion like "go" or "travel" (for example, "I have to go home"). In Danish, when a modal verb like skal (must/have to), vil (want to), or må (must/may) is followed by a destination, the main verb of motion is usually dropped.
The modal verb pairs directly with a directional word to express movement or heading out.
| I am busy because I have to move on. | Jeg har travlt fordi jeg skal videre. |
| The cat wants to go inside now. | Katten vil indenfor nu. |
Common Directional Adverbs
You can use this structure with many common adverbs that show direction, such as udenfor (outside), ovenpå (upstairs), nedenunder (downstairs), and derhen (there).
| The dog must not go outside. | Hunden må ikke udenfor. |
| The girl is tired, so she has to go upstairs. | Pigen er træt, så hun skal ovenpå. |
| If you want to go downstairs, you must go to the left. | Hvis du vil nedenunder, skal du til venstre. |
| Who wants to go there with me? | Hvem vil derhen med mig? |
Prepositional Phrases and Compass Directions
This handy shortcut is not limited to single adverbs. You can also drop the verb of motion when the destination is a prepositional phrase, like til frisøren (to the hairdresser), or a general direction, like sydpå (southwards) or rundt (around).
| My hair is too long, so I have to go to the hairdresser. | Mit hår er for langt, så jeg skal til frisøren. |
| The family wants to go south in July. | Familien vil sydpå i juli. |
| Today we want to go around the city a bit, and tonight we have to go home. | I dag vil vi lidt rundt i byen, og i aften skal vi hjem. |