-som

Adjective Suffix -som

Level 4

The suffix -som turns verbs, nouns, or other adjectives into adjectives that describe a trait, tendency, experience or quality (e.g., langsom - slow, morsom - funny).

How It Works

The suffix -som occurs in many established Danish adjectives. Its meaning is not fully predictable, so learn familiar words rather than assuming it can be attached freely to every verb or noun.

1. Formation and Roots
It is found attached to various word classes in older vocabulary:

  • Verbs: tænke (to think) → tænksom (thoughtful)
  • Nouns: vold (violence) → voldsom (violent)
  • Numerals/Pronouns: en (one) → ensom (lonely)

In arbejdsom (industrious) and hjælpsom (helpful), the s is the first letter of the suffix -som. Do not add a separate linking s or e to these words.

2. Inflection Rules
Adjectives ending in -som follow a specific doubling rule when inflected:

  • Common Singular: -som (en morsom film)
  • Neuter Singular: -somt (et morsomt barn)
  • Plural/Definite: -somme (de morsomme film)

Note that the 'm' must be doubled before adding the plural/definite '-e'.

3. -som vs. -lig
Learners often confuse -som with -lig. Meaning depends on the established word, not a universal internal-versus-external distinction. For example, a tænksom person is someone who is naturally reflective or thoughtful, whereas a tænkelig løsning is a solution that is 'thinkable' or possible.

Examples (5)

  1. Han er en meget arbejdsom studerende.

    He is a very industrious student.

    Word by Word: He is a very work-some student.

    Here, 'arbejdsom' describes the student's inherent character. The base arbejd- combines with -som; the s belongs to the suffix.

  2. Det var et voldsomt uvejr i nat.

    It was a violent storm last night.

    Word by Word: It was a violent storm in night.

    Notice the '-t' ending because 'uvejr' is a neuter noun. The 'm' is not doubled in the neuter singular form.

  3. De er altid så hjælpsomme over for naboerne.

    They are always so helpful toward the neighbors.

    Word by Word: They are always so help-some over for neighbors-the.

    In the plural form, the 'm' is doubled and '-e' is added: hjælpsomme. The base hjælp combines directly with -som; there is no additional linking s.

  4. Jeg føler mig lidt ensom i dag.

    I feel a bit lonely today.

    Word by Word: I feel me a-little one-some in day.

    'Ensom' comes from the numeral 'en' (one) and describes the state of being lonely.

  5. Vær opmærksom på trafikken.

    Be attentive to the traffic.

    Word by Word: Be up-mark-some on traffic-the.

    'Opmærksom' is a very common adjective meaning attentive or aware.

Common Mistakes

  • Forgetting to double the 'm' in plural or definite forms.

    De er meget morsome.
    De er meget morsomme.

    When adding the plural '-e', the final 'm' in '-som' must always be doubled to maintain the short vowel sound.

  • Omitting the neuter '-t' for neuter nouns.

    Et langsom tog.
    Et langsomt tog.

    Like most adjectives, those ending in -som must agree with neuter nouns by adding a -t.

  • Using -som to create new words that don't exist.

    Han er meget spisesom.
    Han er meget madglad.

    Spisesom is not an established everyday adjective for enjoying food. Use madglad for that intended meaning; the existence of -som does not guarantee a transparent word from any verb.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

-somLevel 4Adjective Suffix -som

Learn This First

The -som suffix is a word-formation tool that turns nouns and verbs into adjectives. To use these words, you need a solid grasp of how adjectives are used in Danish sentences and how they agree with the nouns they modify.

Words in This Pattern

-som