anden/andet/andre
Other / Another
Danish uses the root anden to express 'other', 'another', 'else', and the ordinal number 'second'. It changes based on the gender and number of the noun it describes.
How It Works
The word anden is unique in Danish grammar because it functions as an adjective, a pronoun, and an ordinal number. It follows these forms:
- anden: Used with common gender nouns (en-words).
- andet: Used with neuter gender nouns (et-words) and for abstract 'else'.
- andre: Used for all plural nouns.
Key Rules:
1. Definiteness: Unlike most adjectives that add an -e in the definite form (e.g., den store bil), anden is irregular. It stays anden or andet after a definite article: den anden mand (the other man), not den andne.
2. Ordinal Number: It is the only ordinal number that changes for gender. Den anden means 'the second' (common) and det andet means 'the second' (neuter).
3. Abstract 'Else': When you want to say 'something else' or 'anything else' without a specific noun, always use the neuter andet (e.g., noget andet).
4. Pronunciation: Note the vowel shift! In anden/andet, the 'a' is a front vowel [a] (like 'cat'), but in andre, it shifts to a back vowel [ɑ] (like 'father').
Examples (5)
- Jeg har brug for en anden bil.
I need another car.
Word by Word: I have use for a other car.
'Bil' is common gender (en bil), so we use 'anden'.
- Kan vi mødes et andet sted?
Can we meet at another place?
Word by Word: Can we meet a other place?
'Sted' is neuter gender (et sted), so we use 'andet'.
- De andre vinduer er åbne.
The other windows are open.
Word by Word: The other windows are open.
'Andre' is used for the plural form of 'vindue'.
- Jeg vil gerne have noget andet.
I would like something else.
Word by Word: I will gladly have something other.
When 'else' is abstract, we use the neuter form 'andet'.
- Det er anden gang, jeg er her.
It is the second time I am here.
Word by Word: It is second time, I am here.
Here 'anden' acts as the ordinal number 'second'.
Common Mistakes
Using 'andre' for a singular definite noun.
Den andre mand kommer nu.Den anden mand kommer nu.Learners often think 'andre' is the definite form because most adjectives end in -e in the definite. However, 'anden' is irregular and does not change to 'andre' in the singular definite.
Gender mismatch with neuter nouns.
Jeg bor i en anden hus.Jeg bor i et andet hus.Since 'hus' is neuter (et hus), you must use the neuter form 'andet'.
Using 'ellers' instead of 'andet' for 'else'.
Jeg vil ikke have ellers.Jeg vil ikke have andet.'Ellers' is an adverb (meaning 'otherwise'). When 'else' acts as a pronoun (something else), you must use 'andet'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'anden', 'andet', and 'andre' correctly, you must understand Danish noun genders (common vs. neuter) and how to distinguish between singular and plural forms. The choice of which word to use depends entirely on the gender and number of the noun it describes.
Related Patterns
- Adjective Agreement
This pattern follows the general logic of adjective agreement, though it has irregular definite forms.
Level 2 - Ordinal Numbers
'Anden' is the only ordinal number that changes based on the gender of the noun.
Level 2 - nogen/noget/nogleSome / Any / Someone
Often used together, such as 'noget andet' (something else) or 'nogle andre' (some others).
Level 2 - hinandenEach Other (Hinanden)
'Hinanden' (each other) is the modern reciprocal pronoun, replacing the archaic 'hverandre'.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice anden/andet/andre in Bubblegum
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