Jeg føler mig tørstig, når jeg arbejder længe i solen.

I feel thirsty when I work for a long time in the sun.

Breakdown of Jeg føler mig tørstig, når jeg arbejder længe i solen.

• jeg: I
• i: in
• solen: the sun
• når: when
• mig: myself
• arbejde: to work
• føle: to feel
• tørstig: thirsty
• længe: long

Questions & Answers about Jeg føler mig tørstig, når jeg arbejder længe i solen.

Why is the reflexive pronoun mig used after føler in this sentence?

In Danish, many verbs that describe internal sensations or feelings (like at føle) are used reflexively. Here, mig shows that the subject (jeg) is experiencing the feeling personally. This construction is similar to saying “I feel (myself)…” even though in English we simply say “I feel thirsty.”

What is the meaning of tørstig in English?

Tørstig translates to thirsty in English. It describes the state of needing a drink, much like how we use the adjective thirsty in English.

How is the subordinate clause når jeg arbejder længe i solen structured, and what does it mean?

The clause begins with når, which means when, introducing the time condition. It follows with jeg arbejder (I work), then længe (for a long time), and i solen (in the sun). Overall, it translates to “when I work long in the sun,” indicating that working for an extended period under the sun causes the speaker to feel thirsty.

Why is there a comma after tørstig in the sentence?

The comma separates the main clause (Jeg føler mig tørstig) from the subordinate clause (når jeg arbejder længe i solen). In Danish, as in English, it is common practice to use a comma to clearly mark the division between a main statement and an accompanying subordinate clause which provides additional details, such as a time frame.

Can the sentence be structured differently while retaining the same meaning?

Yes, the sentence could be rearranged. For example, you might say Når jeg arbejder længe i solen, føler jeg mig tørstig, which still means “When I work long in the sun, I feel thirsty.” The change in word order mainly shifts the emphasis but does not alter the overall meaning.

Is there an alternative way to express the feeling of thirst in Danish without using the reflexive form?

Yes, you can also say Jeg er tørstig, which directly means “I am thirsty.” However, using føler mig tørstig emphasizes the sensation or the process of becoming thirsty, whereas jeg er tørstig states the condition more directly.

How does the phrase længe i solen function within the sentence?

Længe acts as an adverb modifying the verb arbejder to indicate duration, and i solen is a prepositional phrase specifying the location where the action occurs (“in the sun”). Together, they provide context, explaining that it is extended work under the sun that leads to the feeling of thirst.