Question 1

Why is it den gamle computer instead of just adding -en to the end of computer?

Accepted Answer

In Danish, when you use an adjective (like 'old') to describe 'the' noun, you cannot just use the normal -en or -et ending on the noun. Instead, you must use a separate word for 'the' (den for en-words, det for et-words) before the adjective, and leave the noun in its basic form. This is why we say den gamle computer and not 'computeren gamle'.

Question 2

Why does the adjective gammel change to gamle here?

Accepted Answer

When an adjective comes after a definite article like den or det (meaning 'the'), it must be in its definite form. For almost all Danish adjectives, this means adding an -e to the end. So, gammel becomes gamle.

Question 3

Why does internettet end in -et and have a double 't'?

Accepted Answer

Internet is an et-word (neuter gender). To say 'the internet', you add the definite ending -et to the end of the word. Because the final 'e' in internet is a short vowel sound, Danish doubles the final consonant when adding the ending to keep that sound short, resulting in internettet.

Question 4

Is på always the preposition used for the internet?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Just like in English, Danish uses på (on) when talking about digital platforms, networks, and screens. You will also use it in phrases like 'on TV' (på tv) or 'on the phone' (på telefonen).

Question 5

Why does ikke come after er?

Accepted Answer

In standard Danish sentences, the main verb must be the second piece of information (this is called the V2 rule). The entire phrase Den gamle computer counts as the first piece. The verb er is second, and small adverbs like ikke ('not') are placed right after the verb.

Den gamle computer er ikke på internettet.

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