Infinitiv (Infinitive)

The Infinitiv is the base form of the verb, and it is used to express actions or states without conjugating for person or tense. It can function as a noun, be used after modal verbs, or appear in other verb constructions.

Mood:

The Infinitiv is a non-finite form, meaning it does not indicate a specific tense, subject, or mood.

Usage:

• After modal verbs: Jeg kan tale dansk. (I can speak Danish.)
• To express actions or states in general: At lære er vigtigt. (To learn is important.)
• In constructions with other verbs: Jeg forsøger at forstå. (I am trying to understand.)
• As a noun: At rejse er at leve. (To travel is to live.)

Formation:

The Infinitiv in Danish typically ends in -e for regular verbs, and it is formed by the root of the verb plus -e.

Examples of Regular Verbs in the Infinitive:

Verb Type	Example Verb	Infinitive
-ARE Verbs	tale (to speak)	tale
-ERE Verbs	skrive (to write)	skrive
-IRE Verbs	spise (to eat)	spise

Irregular Verbs:

Some verbs have irregular infinitives. Examples include:

• Være (to be)
• Have (to have)
• Gå (to go)

Common Expressions:

• At være eller ikke at være. (To be or not to be.)
• Jeg vil lære at danse. (I want to learn to dance.)
• At studere kræver tid. (Studying requires time.)

Examples:

• Jeg kan tale engelsk. (I can speak English.)
• At læse er sjovt. (Reading is fun.)
• Hun elsker at rejse. (She loves to travel.)