Solen går ned i horisonten.

the sun

Breakdown of Solen går ned i horisonten.

• gå ned: to set
• horisonten: the horizon
• i: on

Questions & Answers about Solen går ned i horisonten.

How do you pronounce “Solen går ned i horisonten”?

“Solen” sounds like SOO-len, “går” like GOR, “ned” like nehl (the d is quite soft), “i” like ee, and “horisonten” roughly like ho-ree-SOHN-ten. A native Danish speaker might slightly blend the sounds together, but these approximations should help you practice.

What does each word mean in English?

• Solen = the sun
• går = goes or walks (but here it means goes down / sets)
• ned = down
• i = in/on/into (context-dependent; here it means into/on)
• horisonten = the horizon

Why do we use “går ned” instead of just “går”?

In Danish, “går ned” is an idiomatic expression meaning “goes down” or “sets.” Simply saying “går” would mean “goes” or “walks.” To express the idea that the sun is setting, “går ned” is the correct phrase.

Why is “solen” in the definite form?

Danish often uses the definite form (with the -en ending) when referring to a specific, known noun, such as “the sun.” Unlike English, Danish attaches the definite article to the end of the noun (sol + en = solen).

Does “i horisonten” literally mean “in the horizon”?

In Danish, “i horisonten” literally translates to “in the horizon,” yet in English, we say “on the horizon.” The Danish preposition “i” can have several translations—context is key. In this expression, it conveys the meaning of something taking place at or on the horizon.