The Reciprocal Pronoun "hinanden"
In Danish, the word hinanden translates to "each other" or "one another". It is a reciprocal pronoun, meaning it is used when two or more subjects perform an action directed at each other.
"Hinanden" with Prepositions
Very often, you will need to use hinanden as the object of a preposition. Just like in English, certain Danish adjectives, nouns, and verbs require specific prepositions when describing how people relate to one another.
For example, you can be dependent on (af) someone, or you can have trust in (til) someone. Notice how hinanden simply follows the preposition:
| They are very dependent on each other in everyday life. | De er meget afhængige af hinanden i hverdagen. |
| They lost trust in each other. | De mistede tilliden til hinanden. |
| Their love for each other is strong. | Deres kærlighed til hinanden er stærk. |
Different relationships require different prepositions. You might talk about (om) each other, or be loyal to (mod) each other.
| We are very honest when we talk about each other. | Vi er meget ærlige når vi taler om hinanden. |
| They are always loyal to each other. | De er altid loyale mod hinanden. |
"Hinanden" as a Direct Object
In addition to following prepositions, hinanden is frequently used as a direct object with verbs that describe human interaction, such as forgiving or comforting.
| They forget everything when they forgive each other. | De glemmer alt når de tilgiver hinanden. |
| When they are sad, they comfort each other. | Når de er triste, trøster de hinanden. |
