A1 Danish GrammarBasic Prepositions
Learn essential Danish prepositions for location and time: i (in), på (on/at), til (to), fra (from), med (with). Understand when to use each preposition and master common phrases for directions, places, and time expressions.
1Location Prepositions: i, på
The prepositions 'i' (in) and 'på' (on/at) are used for location. Generally, 'i' is used for enclosed spaces (rooms, cities, countries) while 'på' is used for surfaces and many institutions (work, school). These often differ from English usage.
I vs. På for Location
| Danish | English | Preposition |
|---|---|---|
| i huset | in the house | i = enclosed space |
| på bordet | on the table | på = surface |
| i København | in Copenhagen | i = cities |
| på arbejde | at work | på = institutions |
Examples
Jeg bor i Danmark.
I live in Denmark.
'i' for countries
Bogen ligger på bordet.
The book is on the table.
'på' for surfaces
Hun er på skole.
She is at school.
'på' for institutions (school, work)
Katten er i haven.
The cat is in the garden.
'i' for enclosed/defined areas
2Movement Prepositions: til, fra
'Til' (to) expresses movement toward a destination. 'Fra' (from) expresses movement away from a place or origin. These prepositions are essential for talking about travel, directions, and origins.
Til and Fra
| Danish | English | Use |
|---|---|---|
| til København | to Copenhagen | destination |
| fra Danmark | from Denmark | origin |
| til arbejde | to work | going to |
| fra morgen til aften | from morning to evening | time range |
Examples
Jeg går til skole.
I go to school.
'til' for destination
Hun kommer fra Sverige.
She comes from Sweden.
'fra' for origin
Vi rejser til Paris i morgen.
We travel to Paris tomorrow.
'til' for travel destination
Toget går fra København.
The train departs from Copenhagen.
'fra' for departure point
3Other Essential Prepositions
Danish has several other important prepositions: 'med' (with), 'uden' (without), 'for' (for), 'af' (of/by). These are used similarly to English in most cases but have some unique uses in fixed expressions.
More Prepositions
| Danish | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| med | with | med min ven (with my friend) |
| uden | without | uden sukker (without sugar) |
| for | for | for mig (for me) |
| af | of/by | lavet af træ (made of wood) |
Examples
Jeg bor med min familie.
I live with my family.
'med' = with (accompaniment)
Kaffe uden mælk, tak.
Coffee without milk, please.
'uden' = without
Det er til dig.
It is for you.
'til' can mean 'for' (recipient)
Bordet er lavet af træ.
The table is made of wood.
'af' = of (material)
4Time Prepositions
Prepositions for time in Danish: 'i' for longer periods (months, years), 'på' for days, 'om' for recurring times, 'kl.' or 'klokken' for clock time. These patterns are important for scheduling and making plans.
Time Prepositions
| Danish | English | Time Type |
|---|---|---|
| i maj | in May | months |
| på mandag | on Monday | specific day |
| om morgenen | in the morning | recurring |
| klokken tre | at three o'clock | clock time |
Examples
Jeg kommer på tirsdag.
I'm coming on Tuesday.
'på' for specific days
Vi rejser i juli.
We travel in July.
'i' for months
Jeg træner om aftenen.
I exercise in the evening.
'om' + part of day (recurring)
Mødet er klokken ti.
The meeting is at ten o'clock.
'klokken' for clock time