Time Conjunctions: Mens and Indtil
Subordinating conjunctions link a dependent clause to a main clause, allowing you to specify exactly when an action occurs.
To describe two events happening simultaneously or one action interrupting another, use mens (while).
| She reads the book while he sleeps. | Hun læser bogen mens han sover. |
| You must not interrupt while we speak. | Du må ikke afbryde mens vi taler. |
When an action or waiting period continues up to a specific point and then stops, use indtil (until).
| We are staying here until the train arrives. | Vi bliver her indtil toget ankommer. |
| The man reads his newspaper until the meeting begins. | Manden læser sin avis indtil mødet begynder. |
Sequence of Events: Før
To express that one event happens prior to another, use før (before).
| I always wash up before I go to bed. | Jeg vasker altid op før jeg går i seng. |
| The noise stops before the meeting begins. | Støjen stopper før mødet begynder. |
Contrast and the V2 Rule: Selvom
To introduce a contrast or concession, use selvom (even though / although).
Remember the V2 rule: the verb must be the second element in a main clause. When a sentence starts with a subordinate clause (like one starting with selvom), that entire clause counts as position one. To keep the main verb in the second position, the main clause must invert its subject and verb.
Notice how the main clauses invert their word order (går vi instead of vi går, and fortsætter han instead of han fortsætter):
| Even though it is raining, we are going for a walk. | Selvom det regner, går vi en tur. |
| Even though he is tired, he continues. | Selvom han er træt, fortsætter han. |
