Learn Danish: Pigerne leger bare løs. - The girls are just playing non-stop.

By adding løs after the verb, it creates a continuative and uninhibited aspect. leger løs means the girls are playing away happily, without stopping or holding back. It gives a vivid, carefree feeling to the action.

Why is bare placed between the verb and løs?

In a main clause, central adverbs like bare usually come right after the conjugated verb. The particle løs belongs at the end of the verbal phrase. Placing it as leger løs bare would sound unnatural because the particle needs to follow the adverb.

Does bare strictly translate to 'only' in this context?

While bare often means 'only', here it acts more like a modifier that emphasizes the uninhibited nature of løs. It translates better to 'just' in the sense of 'just going at it' or being completely absorbed in the play without a care.

Could we use spiller løs instead of leger løs here?

Only if the girls were playing a structured game, a sport, or musical instruments. Because they are just playing generally (like kids running around or using their imagination), leger is the correct verb. If a band was jamming non-stop, then spiller løs would be perfect.