Defining Limits with i det omfang
When describing an action that is limited by physical constraints—such as the delicate art of glassblowing—you will often need to say "to the extent that". In Danish, this is expressed with the phrase i det omfang.
This phrase acts as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a dependent clause that sets a boundary on the main action.
| The glassblower rotates the blowpipe to the extent that the glass mass requires it. | Glasblæseren roterer pusterøret i det omfang glasmassen kræver det. |
| She influences the cooling to the extent that it is possible. | Hun påvirker afkølingen i det omfang det er muligt. |
Adding at
You will frequently hear and see at attached to the end of this phrase, making it i det omfang at. This is entirely optional and means the exact same thing. It functions just like adding "that" in English ("to the extent" vs. "to the extent that").
| The glass mass is shaped to the extent that it is still glowing. | Glasmassen bliver formet i det omfang at den stadig er glødende. |
| She shapes the glass mass to the extent that the lungs can handle it. | Hun former glasmassen i det omfang at lungerne kan klare det. |
The Implicit "If"
While working with limits and conditions, it is a great time to observe a common Danish shortcut. You can create an "if" statement without ever using the word for "if" (hvis).
To do this, simply start the condition clause with the verb instead of the subject. Starting a non-question sentence with a verb automatically turns it into a conditional "If..." clause.
| If you do not rotate the blowpipe, the glowing glass mass will fall off. | Roterer man ikke pusterøret, vil den glødende glasmasse falde af. |
| If the blowpipe gets too cold, the glass mass falls off. | Bliver pusterøret for koldt, falder glasmassen af. |