efter
After (Efter)
Efter is a high-frequency preposition in Danish. It primarily means 'after' in time or sequence, but it also uniquely means 'to fetch' or 'for' when looking for something.
How It Works
The preposition efter has four main uses:
- Temporal: To indicate something happening later in time. Example: efter frokost (after lunch).
- Physical Sequence: To indicate order or following. Example: nummer to efter mig (number two after me).
- Purpose/Fetch: Used with verbs of movement or searching to mean 'to get' or 'for'. Example: Jeg går efter mælk (I am going to get milk).
- According to: To indicate a standard or opinion. Example: efter min mening (in my opinion).
Grammar Note: If you want to use efter to start a clause (e.g., 'After I ate...'), you must use the pattern efter at. Additionally, when followed by a verb, Danish usually requires the perfect infinitive (e.g., efter at have spist) to show the action is completed.
Examples (5)
- Vi ses efter klokken ti.
We'll see each other after ten o'clock.
Word by Word: We see-each-other after clock-the ten.
A standard temporal use of 'efter' followed by a time expression.
- Hunden løber efter bolden.
The dog runs after the ball.
Word by Word: Dog-the runs after ball-the.
Here 'efter' shows physical sequence or following a target.
- Jeg går efter mælk i supermarkedet.
I am going to get milk in the supermarket.
Word by Word: I go after milk in supermarket-the.
This is the 'fetch' meaning. In English, we would say 'for' or 'to get'.
- Efter min mening er det en god idé.
In my opinion, it is a good idea.
Word by Word: After my opinion is it a good idea.
The phrase 'efter min mening' is the standard way to say 'in my opinion' in Danish.
- Han kommer efter dig i køen.
He comes after you in the queue.
Word by Word: He comes after you in queue-the.
Shows sequence in a line or order.
Common Mistakes
Using 'efter' as a standalone adverb.
Vi ses efter.Vi ses bagefter.'Efter' is normally a preposition and needs an object. Used alone, it does not mean 'afterwards'. For that meaning, use the adverb 'bagefter'.
Using 'til' instead of 'efter' when fetching something.
Jeg går til mælk.Jeg går efter mælk.When the purpose of your trip is to fetch an item, Danish uses 'efter', not 'til'.
Using 'efter' as a conjunction without 'at'.
Efter han gik, sov jeg.Efter at han gik, sov jeg.'Efter' cannot link two sentences alone. You must use 'efter at' to create a conjunction.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'efter' correctly, you need to understand how to refer to specific times and events using definite nouns and clock times. You also need basic verb conjugation to use 'efter' in the sense of fetching or going for something.
- Telling Time
Understanding how to tell time is necessary for using 'efter' in temporal contexts like 'efter klokken ti'.
Level 1 - -en/-etDefinite Suffix (-en/-et)
The preposition 'efter' is frequently used with nouns in their definite form to indicate specific events or times, such as 'efter middagen'.
Level 2 - -rPresent Tense -r
Basic present tense conjugation is required to form sentences using 'efter' as a verb complement, such as 'Jeg går efter mælk'.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- efter atAfter (Efter at)
This is the conjunction form of 'efter' used to connect two full clauses.
Level 2 - førBefore (Før)
The antonym of 'efter', meaning 'before'.
Level 2 - foran/bag/mellemIn Front of / Behind / Between
Other prepositions of place; 'bag' (behind) is often confused with the sequential 'efter'.
Level 2 - har + Past ParticiplePerfect with Har
Often used after 'efter at' to indicate a completed action (e.g., 'after having eaten').
Level 2 - omAbout / in (Time) (Om)
Another time preposition, used to mean 'in [amount of time]' (e.g., 'om en time').
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice efter in Bubblegum
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