Question 1

How do the modal particles jo and nok work together in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Individually, jo implies an obvious fact or something the listener already knows, while nok adds a layer of assumption or probability. Clustered together as jo nok, they create a nuanced attitude: it translates to something like 'as we can both probably guess' or 'it is highly likely, and we both know it.'

Question 2

Why are jo and nok placed in this specific order?

Accepted Answer

In Danish, when clustering modal particles, there is a natural hierarchy. Jo almost always comes first because it establishes the baseline attitude of shared knowledge. Other particles like nok, vel, or da follow it to add specific nuances like probability or doubt. They both sit right after the finite verb skændes because they are central adverbs in a main clause.

Question 3

Why does the verb skændes end in an -s? Is it passive?

Accepted Answer

No, it is not passive here. Skændes is a reciprocal s-verb, which means it describes an action two or more people do to each other. Even though it has the -s ending that is often used for the passive voice, it has an active meaning: 'to argue with each other'. You do not need to add a word like hinanden (each other) because the verb itself already covers it.

Question 4

Could we put alligevel at the beginning of the sentence instead?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it shifts the emphasis. Placing it at the end makes it a light addition meaning 'anyway' or 'regardless'. If you start with Alligevel, you strongly emphasize the contrast, similar to 'Nevertheless...'. Just remember that moving it to the front triggers the V2 rule, meaning the verb must come before the subject: Alligevel skændes de jo nok om arven.

De skændes jo nok om arven alligevel.

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