Word
Efterhånden som vi ældes, vokser vores tolerance.
Meaning
As we age, our tolerance grows.
Part of speech
sentence
Pronunciation
Course
Breakdown of Efterhånden som vi ældes, vokser vores tolerance.
vi
we
vores
our / ours
vokse
to grow
efterhånden som
gradually as
Questions & Answers about Efterhånden som vi ældes, vokser vores tolerance.
How does efterhånden som differ from just using som or da for "as"?
Efterhånden som specifically emphasizes a gradual process over time, much like "as" or "gradually as" in English. While da means "when/as" for a single past event, and som often means "like/as" in comparisons, efterhånden som is the go-to conjunction for parallel, ongoing developments.
Why is the word order vokser vores tolerance instead of vores tolerance vokser?
This is the V2 (verb-second) rule in action. The entire subordinate clause Efterhånden som vi ældes occupies the first position in the main sentence. Therefore, the main verb vokser must come immediately after it, pushing the subject vores tolerance to the third position.
Why does the verb ældes end in an -s here?
Ældes is an s-verb (specifically a deponent verb). It has a passive form (ending in -s) but an active meaning: "to get older" or "to age". Other common s-verbs you've likely seen include synes (to think/seem) and lykkes (to succeed).
Can I use bliver ældre instead of ældes?
Yes, bliver ældre is perfectly fine and often sounds a bit more everyday or conversational. Ældes is slightly more formal or literary, making it a great fit for a general, reflective statement like this one.