Jeg drikker heller vand end vin.

I drink water rather than wine.

Breakdown of Jeg drikker heller vand end vin.

• jeg: I
• drikke: to drink
• vandet: the water
• vinen: the wine
• end: than
• heller: rather

Questions & Answers about Jeg drikker heller vand end vin.

What does the word heller signify in this sentence?

The word heller expresses a preference. In this context, it functions similarly to “rather” or “instead,” indicating that the speaker prefers water over wine.

How does the heller ... end ... construction work in Danish?

This construction is used to contrast two alternatives. The option following heller is the one that is preferred, while the option following end is less favored. It is equivalent to the English “rather … than …” structure.

Why is the present tense drikker used instead of a modal or auxiliary verb?

Danish often employs the simple present tense to describe habitual actions, general preferences, or ongoing situations. In this sentence, drikker clearly indicates the action of drinking without needing extra modal verbs; it implies a regular or generally preferred behavior.

Does the sentence imply that wine is never drunk at all?

Not necessarily. The construction simply highlights a preference for water over wine. It suggests that, when given the choice, the speaker opts for water—but it doesn’t rule out the possibility of drinking wine on other occasions.

Is there an English equivalent that mirrors this Danish structure?

Yes, the equivalent in English is “rather … than …”. So, Jeg drikker heller vand end vin is analogous to saying “I drink water rather than wine,” clearly showing the comparison and preference.

Are there alternative ways to express this preference in Danish?

Absolutely. One could also say Jeg foretrækker vand frem for vin, which directly translates as “I prefer water over wine.” While both forms express a similar idea, the heller … end … structure is very common in everyday spoken Danish.