nok

Modal Particle Nok

Level 3

The particle nok is a 'pragmatic marker' that signals the speaker's stance. It usually means 'probably' (a confident guess), but when used with skal, it becomes a firm promise or reassurance ('surely').

How It Works

The modal particle nok is essential for sounding natural in Danish. It allows you to 'hedge' your statements or provide comfort.

1. Expressing Probability
In most cases, nok translates to 'probably' or 'I assume.' It indicates that you are fairly sure about something based on your own reasoning, rather than hard evidence.
Example: Han er nok træt. (He is probably tired.)

2. Reassurance and Promises
When paired with the modal verb skal, the meaning shifts. Jeg skal nok... is the standard way to say 'I will definitely...' or 'I'll make sure to...' It is also used to comfort others: Det skal nok gå. (It will be fine/It'll work out).

3. Word Order

  • In a main clause, nok follows the V2 rule and sits in the 'nexus' slot (after the finite verb).
  • In a subordinate clause, it follows the subordinate clause word order, meaning it comes before the verb.

4. The Importance of Stress
It is vital that nok remains unstressed when used as a particle. If you stress the word, it changes meaning to 'enough' (e.g., Jeg har penge nok - I have enough money).

Examples (5)

  1. Det bliver nok regnvejr i eftermiddag.

    It will probably rain this afternoon.

    Word by Word: It becomes probably rain-weather in afternoon.

    Here, 'nok' indicates a confident guess based on the speaker's observation of the sky.

  2. Jeg skal nok vaske op senere.

    I will definitely do the dishes later.

    Word by Word: I shall probably wash up later.

    When combined with 'skal', 'nok' functions as a promise rather than a guess.

  3. Du skal nok klare eksamen!

    You will surely pass the exam!

    Word by Word: You shall probably manage exam!

    This is a common way to offer reassurance to someone who is nervous.

  4. Han kommer nok ikke til festen.

    He probably isn't coming to the party.

    Word by Word: He comes probably not to party-the.

    Notice the placement: 'nok' comes before 'ikke' in the sentence adverbial slot.

  5. Jeg tror, at han nok skal komme.

    I think that he will surely come.

    Word by Word: I think that he probably shall come.

    In this subordinate clause, 'nok' is placed before the verb 'skal'.

Common Mistakes

  • Placing 'nok' after the verb in a subordinate clause.

    Jeg ved, at han kommer nok.
    Jeg ved, at han nok kommer.

    In subordinate clauses, sentence adverbs like 'nok' and 'ikke' must come before the finite verb.

  • Stressing the word 'nok' when you mean 'probably'.

    Han er NOK træt.
    Han er nok træt.

    Stressing 'nok' makes it sound like the quantifier 'enough'. To mean 'probably', it must be unstressed.

  • Using 'nok' for something you only heard from someone else.

    Different MeaningDet er nok sandt.
    Det er vist sandt.

    Use 'nok' for your own assumptions. Use 'vist' when your information comes from hearsay or external reports.

How It Connects

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

nokLevel 3Modal Particle Nok

Learn This First

To understand the modal particle 'nok', you need to be familiar with basic Danish word order (V2) to place it correctly. It is also helpful to understand the specific construction 'skal nok', as 'nok' changes its meaning from 'probably' to 'surely' when used with the modal verb 'skal'.

Words in This Pattern

nok