Prepositions Before "At"-Clauses
In English, we usually drop prepositions before a "that"-clause. For example, you complain about something, but you complain that the room is cold, dropping the "about."
In Danish, if a verb or adjective naturally pairs with a specific preposition, that preposition must be kept, even when immediately followed by an at-clause (that-clause).
Verbs with Prepositions
Many common verbs use this pattern. For instance, sørge for means "to make sure" or "ensure." When followed by an at-clause, it becomes sørge for at....
| The receptionist ensures that we get a new room. | Receptionisten sørger for at vi får et nyt værelse. |
Similarly, you complain over something and insist på something. Keep these prepositions right before the at.
| You must complain to the receptionist that the room is disgusting. | Du må klage til receptionisten over at værelset er ulækkert. |
| We insist that the cleaning is perfect. | Vi insisterer på at rengøringen er perfekt. |
Adjectives with Prepositions
This rule applies to adjectives as well. If you are surprised by something, you are overrasket over it. If you are tired of it, you are træt af it.
| He is surprised that the management is so bad. | Han er overrasket over at ledelsen er så dårlig. |
| I am tired of the sheet on the bed being dirty. | Jeg er træt af at lagenet på sengen er beskidt. |
To say you agree that something is the case, use enig i at....
| We do not agree that the compensation is acceptable. | Vi er ikke enige i at kompensationen er acceptabel. |
Prepositions Before Infinitives
The word at is also the infinitive marker "to" before a verb (e.g., at få, to get). The exact same rule applies: keep the preposition directly before at + the infinitive.
For example, to say you count on something, use regne med.
| The guest counts on getting the compensation today. | Gæsten regner med at få kompensationen i dag. |