Vi slutter, når maden er klar.

We end when the meal is ready.

Breakdown of Vi slutter, når maden er klar.

• være: to be
• når: when
• maden: the meal
• klar: ready
• vi: we
• slutte: to end

Questions & Answers about Vi slutter, når maden er klar.

What does 'slutter' specifically mean in English?

'Slutter' typically means "to end" or "to finish." It suggests stopping an ongoing activity or event. It’s more general than English "stop" because it can refer to finishing a conversation, a meeting, or even ending a show.

Why is 'når' used instead of 'hvis'?

In Danish, 'når' means "when" and is used for repeated or conditional time references. If you used 'hvis' ("if"), it would focus on a condition rather than a time. 'Vi slutter, når maden er klar' indicates the stopping will happen at the moment the food becomes ready, not just if the food becomes ready.

Why is 'maden' in the definite form here?

Danish often uses the definite form 'maden' ("the food") when referring to a specific meal or food that both speaker and listener are aware of. In English, you might say "the food" or simply "food," but in Danish, if it's a meal everyone expects, the definite form is more natural.

Could we say 'Vi stopper' instead of 'Vi slutter'?

Yes, you could say 'Vi stopper', and most Danes would understand it similarly. However, 'slutter' is used more often for ending an event or a process, whereas 'stopper' could sound slightly more abrupt or refer to a sudden halt.

How would you translate 'er klar' directly?

'Er klar' literally translates to "is ready." 'Er' is the Danish present tense of "to be," and 'klar' means "ready." So 'maden er klar' means "the food is ready."