idet

As / Since (Idet)

Level 4

Idet is a formal subordinating conjunction used in two ways: to describe two things happening at the exact same moment ('as'), or to provide a formal reason ('since/in that').

How It Works

The conjunction idet serves two primary functions in Danish:

1. Temporal (Simultaneity)
It indicates that two actions occur at the precise same moment. While mens implies a duration of time, idet focuses on the specific point of action.
Example: Han tabte nøglerne, idet han steg ud af bilen (He dropped the keys just as he was getting out).

2. Causal (Reason/Explanation)
In formal contexts, it provides a reason or background information. It is less direct than fordi and is often used to justify a statement or provide technical details.
Example: Vi må afvise ansøgningen, idet kravene ikke er opfyldt (We must reject the application, as the requirements are not met).

Syntax and Register

  • Word Order: As a subordinator, any sentence adverb (like ikke) must come before the verb.
  • Register: It is a hallmark of bureaucratic Danish and formal journalism. Using it in a text message to a friend will sound unnaturally stiff.
  • Pronunciation: It is pronounced [iˈde], with the stress on the second syllable.

Examples (4)

  1. Han smilede, idet han så hende.

    He smiled as he saw her.

    Word by Word: He smiled, as he saw her.

    Here, 'idet' shows that the smiling and the seeing happened at the exact same moment.

  2. Vi lukker butikken, idet vi skal til møde.

    We are closing the shop, as we are going to a meeting.

    Word by Word: We close the-shop, as we shall to meeting.

    In this formal context, 'idet' provides the reason for closing.

  3. Han svarede ikke, idet han ikke havde hørt spørgsmålet.

    He didn't answer, as he hadn't heard the question.

    Word by Word: He answered not, as he not had heard the-question.

    Notice the subordinate word order: 'ikke' comes before the verb 'havde'.

  4. Lyset slukkede, idet han trådte ind i rummet.

    The light turned off just as he stepped into the room.

    Word by Word: The-light turned-off, as he stepped in in the-room.

    This demonstrates the temporal use for a specific point in time.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'idet' in casual conversation.

    Different MeaningJeg kommer ikke, idet jeg er træt.
    Jeg kommer ikke, fordi jeg er træt.

    While grammatically correct, 'idet' sounds like a legal document in a casual setting. Use 'fordi' for everyday reasons.

  • Incorrect word order with 'ikke'.

    Han gik, idet han så ikke mig.
    Han gik, idet han ikke så mig.

    In a subordinate clause starting with 'idet', the adverb 'ikke' must come before the verb.

How It Connects

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

idetLevel 4As / Since (Idet)

Learn This First

To use 'idet' correctly, you need to understand how to structure subordinate clauses in Danish. Since 'idet' functions both as a causal conjunction (like 'fordi') and a temporal conjunction (like 'mens' or 'da'), familiarity with these more common conjunctions is essential before moving to this more formal variant.

Words in This Pattern

idet