Learn Hardcore Danish: Lampen virker, når jeg tænder den.

"Lampen virker" translates literally to "The lamp works." The verb virker indicates that the lamp is functioning as it should—it is operating properly. Note that virker is used in a state-of-being sense, rather than implying an action like turning on the lamp.

How is the subordinate clause "når jeg tænder den" structured, and why is its word order important?

The clause "når jeg tænder den" means "when I turn it on." It is a subordinate clause introduced by når (when). In Danish subordinate clauses, the verb remains in its usual position after the subject, keeping a normal subject-verb-object order. This structure contrasts with other contexts where the word order might invert.

Why is there a comma before "når jeg tænder den" in this sentence?

In Danish, commas are used to separate a main clause from a subordinate clause. Here, the comma before "når jeg tænder den" clearly marks the beginning of the subordinate clause, indicating that it provides additional information (a condition) about when the lamp works.

What does the pronoun den refer to in this sentence, and why is it used?

The pronoun den refers back to lampen (the lamp). In Danish, when replacing a definite noun, den is used for common-gender nouns. Since lampen is in its definite form (indicated by the suffix -en), den is the correct pronoun to refer to it.

How do the verb tenses in "Lampen virker, når jeg tænder den" function in expressing the idea of the sentence?

Both virker and tænder are in the present tense. Virker indicates a current, ongoing state (the lamp is working), and tænder shows a habitual or repeated action (I turn it on). Together, they express that the lamp functions properly when the action of turning it on occurs.