Breakdown of Vi bruger hendes ide som udgangspunkt.
vi
we
bruge
to use / to spend (money, time) / to need (together with the modal of obligation)
hendes
her
ideen
the idea
Questions & Answers about Vi bruger hendes ide som udgangspunkt.
Why do we use hendes here instead of the reflexive sin?
The reflexive possessive sin is only used when referring back to a third-person singular subject (he, she, or it). Because the subject of this sentence is vi (we), we use the regular possessive pronoun hendes to indicate that the idea belongs to her.
Why is there no Danish word for the article 'a' before udgangspunkt?
When using som to mean functioning as or in the capacity of, Danish drops the indefinite article (en or et). You often see this rule with professions, but it applies to abstract roles too, like using a concept as a starting point.
Can the word ide also be spelled with an accent mark?
Yes, idé is also completely correct and very common. The accent is officially optional in Danish. It is used to show where the vocal stress falls in the word, but in context, the meaning is clear either way.
What are the root words that make up udgangspunkt?
It is a compound of udgang (exit or departure) and punkt (point), joined by a connecting -s-. Literally translating to point of departure, it is the standard Danish way to say starting point.