allerede/endnu
Already / Yet (Allerede/endnu)
Allerede means 'already' (something happened earlier than expected).
Endnu means 'yet' (in negative sentences), 'still' (continuation), or 'even' (in comparisons).
How It Works
1. Allerede (Already)
Used to emphasize that something happened early or sooner than anticipated.
Example: Han er allerede her. (He is already here.)
2. Endnu (Yet / Still / Even)
- Yet: Used with ikke to show something hasn't happened but is expected. (endnu ikke or ikke... endnu).
- Still: Indicates a state is continuing. Note that in casual Danish, stadig is more common for 'still'.
- Even: Used to intensify a comparison. Example: endnu bedre (even better).
3. Word Order
In a main clause, these adverbs follow the finite verb. In a subordinate clause, they come before the finite verb (e.g., ...fordi han allerede er gået).
Examples (5)
- Klokken er kun otte, men han er allerede gået i seng.
It is only eight o'clock, but he has already gone to bed.
Word by Word: The clock is only eight, but he is already gone in bed.
Here 'allerede' emphasizes that going to bed happened earlier than one might expect for 8:00 PM.
- Vi har ikke fået svar endnu.
We haven't received an answer yet.
Word by Word: We have not gotten answer yet.
In negative sentences, 'endnu' translates to 'yet'.
- Denne film er endnu bedre end den første.
This movie is even better than the first one.
Word by Word: This film is even better than the first.
When used before a comparative adjective like 'bedre', 'endnu' means 'even'.
- Jeg ved, at hun allerede har spist.
I know that she has already eaten.
Word by Word: I know, that she already has eaten.
In this subordinate clause (starting with 'at'), 'allerede' moves before the verb 'har'.
- Der er endnu en kop kaffe til dig.
There is still another cup of coffee for you.
Word by Word: There is still one cup coffee for you.
'Endnu' can mean 'still' or 'another' in the sense of one more remaining.
Common Mistakes
Placing 'allerede' after the verb in a subordinate clause.
Jeg tror, at han er allerede kommet.Jeg tror, at han allerede er kommet.In Danish subordinate clauses, sentence adverbs like 'allerede' must come before the conjugated verb.
Using 'endnu' for 'still' in a casual context where 'stadig' is more natural.
Different MeaningJeg bor endnu i København.Jeg bor stadig i København.While 'endnu' can mean 'still', it sounds formal or literary. 'Stadig' is the standard choice for a continuing state in everyday speech.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'allerede' (already) and 'endnu' (yet/still) correctly, you need to understand Danish word order for adverbs, especially in relation to negation. Since these words often describe the timing of completed actions, familiarity with the present perfect tense (har + participium) is essential for forming natural sentences.
- har + Past ParticiplePerfect with Har
The words 'allerede' and 'endnu' are most frequently used with the present perfect tense to describe actions that have or have not happened yet.
Level 2 - stadigStill (Stadig)
The adverb 'stadig' (still) is a direct semantic counterpart to 'endnu' and 'allerede', helping the learner distinguish between ongoing states and completed actions.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- Finite Verb + ikkePlacement of Ikke
Both 'allerede' and 'endnu' follow the same word order rules as 'ikke' in main clauses.
Level 2 - Word Order In Subordinate Clauses
This explains why 'allerede' and 'endnu' move before the verb in dependent clauses.
Level 2 - Verb-Second Word Order
The Verb-Second rule dictates where these adverbs are placed relative to the subject and verb.
Level 2 - endThan (End)
'Endnu' is often used in comparisons involving 'end' (than) to mean 'even'.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice allerede/endnu in Bubblegum
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