Deponent S-Verbs
Deponent verbs are a special group of Danish verbs that end in -s in all tenses but function as active verbs. They do not describe something being done to the subject; instead, the subject is the one performing the action or experiencing the state.
How It Works
Deponent verbs (deponente verber) are unique because their form is historically derived from reflexive pronouns, but today they simply exist as a distinct class of verbs.
1. Conjugation Rules:
Unlike standard verbs, deponent verbs never take the -r ending in the present tense. The -s is the ending.
- Present: jeg synes (I think)
- Past: jeg syntes (I thought)
- Perfect: jeg har syntes (I have thought)
2. Common Types:
- Opinions/States: synes (to think/opine), findes (to exist), trives (to thrive).
- Reciprocal Actions: These imply 'each other' and are often categorized with deponents. Examples include skændes (to argue), slås (to fight), and ses (to see each other).
- Change of State: lykkes (to succeed), ældes (to age). Note that lykkes often uses er in the perfect tense (det er lykkedes).
3. Synes vs. Tro:
A common challenge for learners is choosing between synes and tror. Use synes for personal opinions based on experience, and tro for factual uncertainty.
Examples (5)
- Jeg synes, at bogen er kedelig.
I think that the book is boring.
Word by Word: I think, that book-the is boring.
'Synes' is a deponent verb expressing a personal opinion. Notice there is no -r at the end.
- Der findes mange gode restauranter i København.
There exist many good restaurants in Copenhagen.
Word by Word: There exist many good restaurants in Copenhagen.
'Findes' is the deponent form of 'finde' (to find), but it means 'to exist'.
- Det lykkedes ham at vinde kampen.
He succeeded in winning the match.
Word by Word: It succeeded him to win match-the.
'Lykkes' is often used impersonally with 'det' as the subject.
- Vi ses i morgen!
See you tomorrow!
Word by Word: We see-each-other in tomorrow!
'Ses' is a reciprocal deponent verb meaning 'to see each other'.
- De skændes altid om maden.
They always argue about the food.
Word by Word: They argue always about food-the.
'Skændes' is a deponent verb describing a reciprocal action (arguing with each other).
Common Mistakes
Adding an 'r' in the present tense.
Jeg synesr det er koldt.Jeg synes det er koldt.Deponent verbs do not take the standard -r present tense marker. The -s ending is sufficient.
Confusing deponent verbs with the s-passive.
Huset synes af manden.Manden synes, huset er pænt.In everyday Danish, 'synes' expresses an opinion (or 'seem'). It is not used as a passive of 'se' the way 'læses' is the passive of 'læse'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Deponent verbs (s-verbs) are verbs that have a passive form (ending in -s) but an active meaning. To understand them, you need to be familiar with standard present tense endings and the s-passive form, as deponent verbs look identical to passive verbs but function differently.
- -s (passiv)S-Passive
Deponent verbs share the same morphological form (-s ending) as the s-passive, so understanding the s-form is essential.
Level 3 - synes/tror/menerThink (Synes/tror/mener)
The verb 'synes' is one of the most common deponent verbs in Danish and serves as a primary example of this pattern.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- -s (reciprok)Reciprocal S-Verbs
Many deponent verbs function as reciprocal verbs, where the -s implies 'each other'.
Level 4 - lykkes atSucceed in (Lykkes)
Lykkes is a common deponent verb that follows specific syntactic patterns for success.
Level 4 - er + Past ParticiplePerfect with Er
Some deponent verbs like 'lykkes' use 'er' instead of 'har' in the perfect tense.
Level 2 - -rPresent Tense -r
Deponent verbs are the primary exception to the rule that Danish present tense verbs must end in -r.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice Deponent S-Verbs in Bubblegum
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