Breakdown of Vi skal stoppe fjendskabet, ikke også?
vi
we
også
also
ikke
not
skulle
to have to / must / to be going to
stoppe
to stop
fjendskabet
the enmity
Questions & Answers about Vi skal stoppe fjendskabet, ikke også?
How is the noun fjendskabet built from its root word?
It is formed by combining the noun en fjende (an enemy) with the suffix -skab, which creates an abstract noun describing a state or relationship (similar to '-ship' or '-ity' in English). Notice that the final 'e' in fjende is dropped, creating et fjendskab (enmity or hostility). The -et at the end is just the definite article making it 'the enmity'.
Does the -skab suffix determine the gender of the noun?
Yes, it usually follows a pattern! When -skab is used to form a noun describing a state, condition, or relationship (like fjendskab, venskab, or ægteskab), it is almost always an et-word (neuter). This is why the definite form here is fjendskabet. However, words ending in -skab that describe a personal quality or a branch of knowledge are usually en-words (common gender), such as en egenskab (a characteristic), en ondskab (an evil), or en videnskab (a science).
Why does skal mean 'must' here instead of just indicating the future tense?
While skal is frequently used as a helper verb for the future tense ('will' or 'are going to'), its core meaning carries a sense of obligation, necessity, or command. In this sentence, the context implies a strong necessity or moral obligation to take action, making 'must' the most accurate translation rather than a simple prediction about the future.
Is ikke også the only way to say 'right?' at the end of this sentence?
ikke også is the most standard tag question for positive sentences. In spoken Danish, it is very often shortened to just ikke (often pronounced simply as 'ig'). Keep in mind that if the main sentence were negative (for example, 'We must not stop...'), you would have to use vel instead of ikke også to mean 'right?'.
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