Breakdown of Efterhånden som manden ældes, bliver han mindre radikal og kategorisk.
han
he
manden
the man
og
and
blive
to stay / to become
mindre
less / smaller
efterhånden som
gradually as
ældes
to age
radikal
radical
kategorisk
categorical
Questions & Answers about Efterhånden som manden ældes, bliver han mindre radikal og kategorisk.
How does efterhånden som change the meaning compared to just using når?
While når means 'when' or 'whenever', efterhånden som specifically emphasizes a gradual, ongoing development. It translates best to 'as' or 'gradually as', highlighting that his aging and his change in attitude are happening simultaneously over a period of time.
Why is the main clause written as bliver han instead of han bliver?
This is a classic example of the V2 (verb-second) rule. The entire subordinate clause Efterhånden som manden ældes occupies the first position in the sentence. Therefore, the main clause must start with its verb, bliver, to keep the finite verb in the second position overall.
The verb ældes ends in -s. Is this a passive verb?
It has a passive form, but an active meaning. This is known as a deponent verb. In Danish, at ældes simply means 'to age' or 'to grow older'. It looks passive because of the -s ending, but it describes a natural active process the man is undergoing.
Why do we say mindre radikal rather than adding a comparative ending to the adjective?
Just like in English, Danish typically uses mere (more) and mindre (less) to form the comparative for longer adjectives, especially those of foreign origin or those ending in suffixes like -isk or -al (like kategorisk and radikal). Shorter, native adjectives would usually take the -ere ending instead.
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