Questions & Answers about Lægen har kun tid efter aftale.
Why does efter mean 'by' here instead of 'after'?
While efter usually means 'after' when talking about time, it can also mean 'according to.' The phrase efter aftale is a fixed expression that literally means 'according to agreement,' which is how you say 'by appointment' in Danish.
Why is there no article before aftale? Shouldn't it be efter en aftale?
In both Danish and English, fixed phrases with prepositions often drop the article. Just as you say 'by appointment' in English instead of 'by an appointment,' Danish uses efter aftale without the word en.
Could I put kun at the beginning and say Kun lægen har tid efter aftale?
You could, but it completely changes the meaning! If you put kun first, it modifies the subject, meaning 'Only the doctor has time...' (and maybe the nurse does not). Where it is right now, it means the doctor only sees people who have made an appointment.
I know aftale can mean 'agreement.' Is it the normal word for any kind of appointment?
Yes, en aftale is the most common word for both 'an agreement' and 'an appointment' in daily life, such as with a doctor, dentist, or a friend. Just note that it is not used for being appointed to a job.