os/jer/dem
Object Pronouns Plural
In Danish, plural pronouns change their form when they are the object of a sentence (the receiver of the action) rather than the subject. The forms are: os (us), jer (you all), and dem (them).
How It Works
Danish plural object pronouns are used in four main scenarios:
- Direct Objects: When the pronoun receives the action. (e.g., 'Han ser os').
- Indirect Objects: When something is done for the pronoun. (e.g., 'Jeg giver jer bogen').
- After Prepositions: Danish strictly requires the object form after words like til, med, or fra.
- Reflexive Use: When the subject and object are the same people, os and jer act as reflexive pronouns (e.g., 'Vi vasker os' - We wash ourselves). Note that for 'they', the reflexive form is sig, not 'dem'.
Pronunciation Note:
1. os: Sounds like a short 'aw-ss'.
2. jer: The 'r' is vocalic, sounding like 'yeh-ah'.
3. dem: Often sounds like 'd'm' in fast speech.
A Note on 'Dem': Capitalized Dem is the formal address for 'you'. Unlike 'jer', which is only plural, 'Dem' can be used to address one person or many people formally. In modern Danish, this is rare outside of royalty or very formal legal contexts.
Examples (5)
- Kan du se os?
Can you see us?
Word by Word: Can you see us?
'os' is the object form of 'vi' (we).
- Jeg har en gave til jer.
I have a gift for you all.
Word by Word: I have a gift for you (plural).
'jer' is the object form of 'I' (you plural) and follows the preposition 'til'.
- Vi besøger dem i morgen.
We are visiting them tomorrow.
Word by Word: We visit them in tomorrow.
'dem' is the object form of 'de' (they).
- Vil du med os i biografen?
Do you want to come with us to the cinema?
Word by Word: Will you with us in cinema-the?
The object form 'os' must be used after the preposition 'med'.
- Læreren hjælper jer med opgaven.
The teacher is helping you (all) with the assignment.
Word by Word: Teacher-the helps you with assignment-the.
'jer' is the receiver of the help.
Common Mistakes
Using 'dem' when you mean 'each other'.
Different MeaningDe ser dem i spejlet.De ser hinanden i spejlet.If two people are looking at each other, use the reciprocal pronoun hinanden. Using 'dem' implies they are looking at a different group of people.
Using the subject form after a preposition.
Han taler med vi.Han taler med os.In Danish, you must always use the object form (os) after a preposition like 'med', never the subject form (vi).
Confusing the pronoun 'dem' with the plural article 'de'.
Jeg ser dem store biler.Jeg ser de store biler.When 'the' is used before an adjective in the plural, use 'de'. Use 'dem' only when it stands alone as a pronoun (e.g., 'Jeg ser dem').
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand plural object pronouns, you first need to be familiar with the plural subject pronouns they correspond to, as well as the general concept of object pronouns as established in the singular forms.
- vi/I/deSubject Pronouns Plural
Understanding the plural subject pronouns is necessary to recognize their corresponding object forms (os, jer, dem).
Level 1 - mig/dig/ham/hendeObject Pronouns Singular
The concept of object pronouns in the singular provides the functional framework for how pronouns change form when they are the object of a sentence.
Level 1
Related Patterns
- Reflexive Verbs
Explains how os, jer, and sig are used when the subject and object are the same.
Level 2 - hinandenEach Other (Hinanden)
The reciprocal pronoun used for 'each other', often confused with 'dem'.
Level 2 - De/Dem/DeresFormal Address with De
Explains the capitalized 'Dem' used for formal address for both singular and plural 'you'.
Level 4 - vores/jeres/deresOur / Your (Plural) / Their
These are the possessive forms related to these plural pronouns.
Level 1
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice os/jer/dem in Bubblegum
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