Jeg kræver et rent vindue.

I require a clean window.

Breakdown of Jeg kræver et rent vindue.

• jeg: I
• et: a
• vinduet: the window
• kræve: to require
• rent: clean

Questions & Answers about Jeg kræver et rent vindue.

How do you pronounce kræver in Danish?

You can pronounce kræver roughly like KREH-vah. The æ is similar to the “a” in cat (but slightly more open), while the r is the standard Danish uvular r, which might sound like a slight gargle in the back of the throat.

Is kræver a formal verb or can it be used in everyday language?

Kræver can sound quite forceful or blunt because it literally means “to demand.” You’ll find it in both spoken and written contexts, but it may come across as very direct in casual conversation.

Is there a more polite alternative to jeg kræver if I don’t want to sound too direct?

Yes, you can use jeg vil gerne have (I would like to have) or jeg kunne tænke mig (I could imagine having) to soften the request, making it sound more polite and less demanding.

Why is the indefinite article et used before rent vindue?

In Danish, vindue (window) is a neuter noun, so it uses the article et. Common gender nouns (like en bil, “a car”) take en, while neuter nouns (like et vindue, “a window”) take et.

What is the difference between jeg kræver et rent vindue and jeg vil have et rent vindue?

Jeg kræver et rent vindue conveys a stronger sense of demanding something, whereas jeg vil have et rent vindue just states that you want a clean window. The latter is more neutral and softer in tone.