Question 1

How is the word trykkeriet formed, and what does the -eri suffix do here?

Accepted Answer

It is built from the verb at trykke (to print or press). The suffix -eri is used to derive nouns that describe either an activity or the specific place where that activity happens. Here, et trykkeri is the physical place: a printing house. The -et at the end is just the definite article, making it 'the printing house'.

Question 2

Why use the verb larmede instead of a phrase like lavede larm?

Accepted Answer

While you can technically say lavede larm (made noise), Danish strongly prefers using a dedicated verb when one exists. At larme means to make a loud, disruptive noise. Using this single verb sounds much more natural and idiomatic to a native speaker than combining a noun with a 'do/make' verb.

Question 3

Is at forlade the standard way to translate 'to leave'?

Accepted Answer

Not always. At forlade is quite strong, meaning 'to abandon' or 'to depart from' a specific place, situation, or person. It fits perfectly here because she is deliberately exiting the premises. For everyday routine leaving, like leaving the house for work, Danes usually use at tage afsted (to set off) or at gå (to leave/walk).

Question 4

What happens to the word order after at in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

The word at (that) introduces a subordinate clause, so it follows subordinate word order. The subject (hun) comes right before the verb (forlod). As a B2 refresher: if you wanted to say she did NOT leave, the central adverb ikke would have to go between the subject and the verb (at hun ikke forlod trykkeriet), which is different from main clause word order.

Maskinerne larmede så meget at hun forlod trykkeriet.

Breakdown of Maskinerne larmede så meget at hun forlod trykkeriet.

Questions & Answers about Maskinerne larmede så meget at hun forlod trykkeriet.

Learn Maskinerne larmede så meget at hun forlod trykkeriet and more in Danish