Questions & Answers about De lærer ikke at svømme.
Why do we need the word at in this sentence?
at is the Danish infinitive marker, just like the word "to" in the English phrase "to swim". Because svømme is in its basic dictionary form (the infinitive), it needs at in front of it when it acts as the object of the main verb lærer.
Why is the first verb lærer but the second verb is svømme?
lærer is the present tense form, meaning "are learning". In Danish, just like in English, only the first verb changes to show the tense. The second verb, svømme, stays in the infinitive (basic) form because it comes after at.
Why does ikke come before at svømme?
In a simple main clause, the negative word ikke (not) comes immediately after the main verb (lærer). It is placed before the infinitive phrase (at svømme) that comes next in the sentence structure.
How is the word at pronounced in this sentence?
When used as an infinitive marker meaning "to" before a verb, at is pronounced very quickly and softly. The "t" is completely silent, making it sound just like a short "ah".
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