Learn Danish: I øvrigt er en ledningsfri støvsuger meget praktisk. - By the way, a cordless vacuum cleaner is very practical.

While both suffixes mean 'without', -fri is typically used when the absence of something is seen as a positive feature or a relief, similar to '-free' in English. Since not having a cord is a convenient feature of this vacuum, -fri is the natural choice. The suffix -løs is generally more neutral or implies a negative lack, though there are established exceptions like trådløs (wireless).

What is the purpose of the s in the middle of ledningsfri?

That is a binding letter, or 'fuge-s'. Danish often inserts an s when combining words into compounds to make them flow better. A reliable rule of thumb is that nouns ending in -ing, like ledning, almost always require a binding s when attached to another word or suffix.

Why is the verb er placed before the subject en ledningsfri støvsuger?

This happens because of the Danish V2 (verb-second) rule. The sentence starts with the adverbial phrase I øvrigt (by the way), which takes up the first position. To keep the verb in the required second position, the subject has to be pushed after the verb.

How does the word støvsuger break down literally?

It is a direct compound of støv, meaning dust, and suger, which means sucker (from the verb at suge, to suck). Danish frequently uses these highly descriptive, literal compound nouns for household appliances.