Breakdown of Efter at han læste erindringen, mente han at den var falsk.
være
to be
han
he
den
it (common)
læse
to read
at
that
falsk
false / fake
efter at
after (conjunction)
mene
to think (hold an opinion)
erindringen
the recollection; the memoir
Questions & Answers about Efter at han læste erindringen, mente han at den var falsk.
Since this lesson is about assertive at-clauses, does the clause at den var falsk have main clause word order here?
It can! Verbs expressing a strong opinion or statement, like mente (was of the opinion), allow the following at-clause to use main clause word order. Because this sentence lacks a central adverb like ikke (not) or faktisk (actually), the word order looks identical to a normal subordinate clause. But if you added an adverb, it could go after the verb, just like in a main clause: ...mente han at den var faktisk falsk.
Why is the main clause inverted to mente han instead of han mente?
This is the V2 (verb-second) rule in action. The entire first subordinate clause (Efter at han læste erindringen) acts as a time adverbial and takes up the first position in the overall sentence. Therefore, the main verb (mente) must immediately follow it in the second position, pushing the subject (han) to the third position.
Why is mente used for 'thought' here instead of syntes or troede?
This is a vital Danish distinction! Synes is used for subjective, personal feelings or tastes. Tro is used for beliefs or guesses where you lack proof. Mene is used when you form a logical conclusion or a firm stance based on information. Since he read the memoir and formulated a critical judgment that it was fake, mente is the correct choice.
Is it strictly necessary to include at in Efter at?
In formal written Danish, it is standard grammar to use efter at when introducing a time-based subordinate clause. However, in spoken and informal Danish, the at is very frequently dropped, so you will often just hear or read: Efter han læste erindringen...
Learn Efter at han læste erindringen, mente han at den var falsk and more in Danish
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free