efter at
After (Efter at)
Use efter at to say 'after' when followed by a full sentence (subject + verb) or an infinitive phrase. In modern spoken Danish, the 'at' is often dropped.
How It Works
The pattern efter at functions as a subordinating conjunction. This means it triggers specific rules in Danish grammar:
- Subordinate Word Order: In a clause starting with efter at, sentence adverbs like ikke (not) or altid (always) must come before the verb.
- Tense Usage: When describing past events, Danish often uses the pluperfect (had done) in the efter at clause. If the main clause is in the present or future, the present perfect (has done) is used to show the action is completed.
- Infinitive Shortcut: If the subject of both parts of the sentence is the same, you can use efter at have/være + past participle (e.g., 'efter at have spist' or 'efter at være kommet').
- Punctuation: In traditional Danish grammar, a comma is typically placed before the efter at clause when it follows the main clause.
- Modern Usage: The Danish Language Council now accepts dropping the 'at' in most contexts. While efter at vi spiste is the formal standard, efter vi spiste is common in modern speech.
Examples (5)
- Efter at vi havde spist, gik vi en tur.
After we had eaten, we went for a walk.
Word by Word: After that we had eaten, went we a walk.
This uses the pluperfect ('havde spist') to show the meal was finished before the walk started.
- Han vasker op, efter at han har lavet mad.
He does the dishes after he has cooked.
Word by Word: He washes up, after that he has made food.
A standard present tense sequence using 'efter at' to link two clauses.
- Efter at have læst bogen, så jeg filmen.
After having read the book, I saw the movie.
Word by Word: After to have read book-the, saw I movie-the.
This uses the infinitive construction because the subject (I) is the same for both actions.
- Jeg bliver glad, efter at det ikke regner mere.
I become happy after it is not raining anymore.
Word by Word: I become happy, after that it not rains more.
Notice how ikke comes before the verb 'regner' because this is a subordinate clause.
- Vi tager afsted, lige efter han kommer.
We are leaving right after he arrives.
Word by Word: We take away, just after he comes.
An example of modern Danish where 'at' is dropped before the clause.
Common Mistakes
Placing 'ikke' after the verb in the 'efter at' clause.
Efter at vi havde ikke tid, gik vi hjem.Efter at vi ikke havde tid, gik vi hjem.Because 'efter at' introduces a subordinate clause, the adverb 'ikke' must come before the finite verb.
Using 'efter' as a spatial 'behind'.
Hunden står efter døren.Hunden står bag døren.'Efter' is used for time (after). For physical location (behind), use 'bag'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'efter at', you first need to know the basic preposition 'efter' and how the conjunction 'at' is used to link clauses. Since 'efter at' introduces a subordinate clause, you must also be familiar with the word order rules that apply to such clauses in Danish.
- efterAfter (Efter)
The pattern 'efter at' is a conjunctional phrase built upon the basic preposition 'efter' (after).
Level 2 - Word Order In Subordinate Clauses
'Efter at' introduces a subordinate clause, which requires a specific word order (especially regarding the placement of sentence adverbs).
Level 2
Related Patterns
- før (konjunktion)Before (Før/inden)
The opposite temporal conjunction meaning 'before'.
Level 2 - ikke + Finite VerbIkke Before the Verb in Subordinate Clauses
Explains the specific word order rules triggered by conjunctions like 'efter at'.
Level 2 - havde/var + Past ParticiplePluperfect
The past perfect tense often used within 'efter at' clauses to show completed actions.
Level 2 - Dropping At Before A Clause
Explains the modern trend of omitting 'at' in conjunctions like 'efter at'.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice efter at in Bubblegum
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