Learn Hardcore Danish: Jeg tænker på min ven, når jeg ser månen. - I think about my friend when I see the moon.

In Danish, the phrase tænker på is the standard way to express thinking about someone or something. You wouldn’t use tænker om in this case, because om typically means about in a different sense (like talking about a topic), not the mental focus on something.

What’s the difference between når and da? Could I say da instead of når here?

In Danish, når is used for present or future time expressions (habits or repeated actions), while da is used for events in the past that happened once. Since the sentence refers to what happens whenever you see the moon (a repeated action), når is correct.

Why do we say min ven (my friend) and not just ven (friend)?

In Danish—and similarly in English—you generally specify your relationship with a possessive pronoun when you talk about your friend. Just saying ven would sound incomplete and is usually only used in certain expressions or when the context is already clear.

How do I pronounce tænker? Is the k pronounced?

The k in tænker is often only lightly pronounced or can sound like a very soft g depending on the dialect. In many Danish dialects, it might sound like tæŋ-ger. Practice with a Danish speaker or listen to recordings to fine-tune your pronunciation.

Can I change the word order to Når jeg ser månen, tænker jeg på min ven without it sounding odd?

Yes. Danish word order is flexible in adverbial clauses. Putting når jeg ser månen at the beginning is perfectly acceptable and still means the same thing. It might give slight emphasis to the time you see the moon, but it doesn’t change the overall meaning.