Jeg hviler mig ofte efter arbejdet.

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Breakdown of Jeg hviler mig ofte efter arbejdet.

• mig: myself
• efter: after
• ofte: often
• arbejdet: the work
• hvile: to rest

Questions & Answers about Jeg hviler mig ofte efter arbejdet.

Why is the reflexive pronoun mig used in this sentence instead of just saying “jeg hviler”?

In Danish, the verb hvile is used reflexively, which means the subject is performing the action on itself. Although English can simply say “I rest,” Danish requires the use of a reflexive pronoun to make it clear that the subject is resting itself. Hence, jeg hviler mig is the grammatically correct form.

What is the meaning of the verb hviler in this context?

The verb hvile means “to rest” or “to relax.” In this sentence, hviler is the present tense form, so jeg hviler mig translates as “I rest” or “I relax,” indicating a habitual or regular action.

How does the adverb ofte function in the sentence?

Ofte means “often” and functions as an adverb modifying the verb hviler. It tells us how frequently the action is performed—namely, that the speaker usually takes time to rest after work.

What does the phrase efter arbejdet mean, and how is it structured?

The phrase efter arbejdet means “after work.” Efter is the preposition “after,” and arbejdet is the definite form of arbejde (work). In Danish, using the definite form here is common to refer to the work as a specific or habitual experience in the speaker’s life.

Is the use of the reflexive construction a common feature in Danish, and why is it important here?

Yes, the reflexive construction is common in Danish for verbs that describe actions performed by the subject on themselves. It’s important in this sentence because it clearly indicates that the speaker is engaging in the act of resting on his own behalf. Even if the meaning seems implicit in English, Danish grammar requires it for clarity and correctness.