Dependent Clauses: At and Fordi
While coordinating conjunctions (like og and men) link two independent sentences equally, subordinating conjunctions attach a "dependent" clause to a main sentence. This dependent clause adds essential context, such as stating a fact or giving a reason.
In simple affirmative sentences, the word order inside the Danish dependent clause is straightforward and follows the same Subject + Verb pattern you are used to in English.
Linking Ideas with "At"
The word at means "that". You will use it frequently to connect a statement to your main sentence. It is especially common after verbs that express knowledge, beliefs, or opinions—such as vide (to know), tro (to believe), and synes (to think).
| I know that she knows him. | Jeg ved at hun kender ham. |
| The teacher thinks that the boy is funny. | Læreren synes at drengen er sjov. |
Explaining Causes with "Fordi"
When you need to explain why something is happening, use fordi (because). It introduces the cause or reason behind the action happening in the main sentence.
| The man is laughing because the dog is funny. | Manden griner fordi hunden er sjov. |
| The girl is taking the umbrella because it is raining. | Pigen tager paraplyen fordi det regner. |
Putting It All Together
Because these conjunctions simply attach new clauses to your sentence, you can chain them together naturally to express much more complex, detailed thoughts.
| The daughter is laughing because she thinks that the film is funny. | Datteren griner fordi hun synes at filmen er sjov. |
