Jeg forstår grammatiken bedre, når jeg læser bogen.

I understand the grammar better when I read the book.

Breakdown of Jeg forstår grammatiken bedre, når jeg læser bogen.

• jeg: I
• læse: to read
• bogen: the book
• når: when
• forstå: to understand
• bedre: better
• grammatiken: the grammar

Questions & Answers about Jeg forstår grammatiken bedre, når jeg læser bogen.

What does the sentence "Jeg forstår grammatiken bedre, når jeg læser bogen" mean in English?

It translates to "I understand the grammar better when I read the book." The sentence expresses that the speaker’s understanding of grammar improves under the condition of reading the book.

Why does grammatiken have the ending -en?

In Danish, adding -en to a noun forms its definite version. The base noun is grammatik (grammar), and with -en it becomes grammatiken, which means the grammar. This is similar to how English uses the definite article the.

How is the comparative adverb bedre used in this sentence?

Bedre means better and is used as a comparative adverb to show an improvement in the quality of understanding. It indicates that the speaker understands the grammar to a higher degree when reading the book compared to another state or method.

What role does the comma play in this sentence?

The comma separates the main clause (Jeg forstår grammatiken bedre) from the subordinate clause (når jeg læser bogen). This helps clarify the sentence structure, in line with Danish punctuation rules that often set off subordinate clauses with a comma.

Why is læser in the present tense even though the sentence implies a condition?

Læser is in the present tense because Danish, like English, often uses the present tense to describe habitual actions or general truths. The clause når jeg læser bogen implies a recurring situation where reading the book consistently leads to improved understanding.

What does bogen mean, and how is it formed?

Bogen means the book. It is the definite form of the noun bog (book) achieved by adding the ending -en. This definite ending is a common feature in Danish noun formation.

How does the subordinate clause når jeg læser bogen function in the sentence?

The clause når jeg læser bogen is introduced by når (meaning when) and sets the condition for the main clause. It explains under what circumstance the speaker’s understanding of the grammar is improved, effectively linking the timing of the action to the overall meaning of the sentence.