Referring to a Whole Clause
Normally, relative pronouns like som and der refer back to a specific noun. However, when you want to say "which" to refer back to an entire preceding clause (a whole event, statement, or situation), Danish uses hvilket or hvad.
You will frequently use hvilket when "which" acts as the subject of the new relative clause. It is always preceded by a comma.
| She got the promotion yesterday, which is fantastic. | Hun fik forfremmelsen i går, hvilket er fantastisk. |
Note that some Danish verbs end in -s to show a reciprocal action:
| to get divorced | skilles |
| My parents are getting divorced, which is a big shock. | Mine forældre skal skilles, hvilket er et stort chok. |
Using "hvad"
You can also use hvad to refer back to a whole clause. It is particularly common when "which" acts as the object of the relative clause—meaning it is immediately followed by a new subject and verb.
| They announced that they are moving, which we think is unexpected. | De meddelte at de flytter, hvad vi synes er uventet. |
| He visits us often, which we really enjoy. | Han besøger os ofte, hvad vi virkelig nyder. |
Working with Prepositions
Just like in English (e.g., "which I am happy about"), these relative clauses often end with a preposition. Both hvilket and hvad can be used in these structures. The pronoun stays at the beginning of the relative clause, while the preposition goes at the end.
| They have always supported me, which I am happy about. | De har altid støttet mig, hvilket jeg er glad for. |
| The woman receives the promotion, which we hope for. | Kvinden modtager forfremmelsen, hvad vi håber på. |