Pseudo-Cleft (Det jeg mener er ...)
The pseudo-cleft (pseudo-kløvning) is used to highlight a specific piece of information by placing it at the very end of the sentence for emphasis or suspense. It typically follows the structure: Det [relative clause] + er/var + [focused element].
How It Works
The pseudo-cleft is a powerful tool in Danish discourse for clarifying intentions, correcting misunderstandings, or summarizing points.
1. Structure
The sentence typically begins with the neuter pronoun det, but it is also very common to start with hvad (what) or alt (all/everything). This is followed by a relative clause that describes the 'theme'. The sentence then uses a form of være (usually er or var) to introduce the 'rheme' (the new, focused information).
2. The Relative Clause
In the first part, the relative pronoun som or der is often used, though it can be omitted if it is the object. This part follows subordinate clause word order, meaning adverbs like ikke come before the verb.
3. Hvad vs. Det som
Use hvad for general or unknown things (Hvad jeg mangler, er kaffe). Use det som or det der when referring to a specific entity or something previously mentioned.
4. Focusing on Actions
Pseudo-clefts are frequently used to highlight an action. In this case, the focused part of the sentence usually requires the infinitive marker at: Det, han gjorde, var at ringe til politiet.
5. Focused Pronouns
If the focused element at the end of the sentence is a personal pronoun, you must use the object form (e.g., dig, ham, hende, dem) rather than the subject form: Det, jeg mangler, er dig (not du).
6. Punctuation
A comma is mandatory to separate the initial relative clause from the main verb (er/var). While the 'start-komma' (before the relative clause begins) is optional in modern Danish, the comma before the main verb must always be present to mark the boundary of the clause.
Examples (6)
- Det, jeg mener, er, at vi skal skynde os.
What I mean is that we have to hurry.
Word by Word: That, I mean, is, that we shall hurry us.
A classic pseudo-cleft starting with 'Det'. Note that the comma before 'at' is optional depending on whether you use 'start-komma'.
- Hvad jeg har brug for, er en lang ferie.
What I need is a long holiday.
Word by Word: What I have need for, is a long holiday.
Using hvad to start the sentence is a standard and common alternative to 'Det' for general themes.
- Det, han gjorde, var at løbe sin vej.
What he did was run away.
Word by Word: That, he did, was to run his way.
Pseudo-clefts often focus on actions. In these cases, the focused element (the rheme) usually requires the infinitive with at.
- Det, jeg elsker mest, er dig.
What I love most is you.
Word by Word: That, I love most, is you.
When focusing on a person, the pronoun must be in the object form (dig).
- Stedet, hvor jeg bor, er smukt.
The place where I live is beautiful.
Word by Word: The place, where I live, is beautiful.
Pseudo-clefts can focus on place by using a noun like 'stedet' followed by a relative hvor.
- Det, vi ikke forstår, er hans opførsel.
What we don't understand is his behavior.
Word by Word: That, we not understand, is his behavior.
Notice how ikke comes before the verb 'forstår' because it is inside a relative clause.
Common Mistakes
Using the subject form of a pronoun as the focused element.
Det, jeg elsker mest, er du.Det, jeg elsker mest, er dig.When the focused element at the end of a pseudo-cleft is a personal pronoun, Danish requires the object form (oblique case) like dig or ham.
Incorrect word order in the relative clause (placing 'ikke' after the verb).
Det, jeg ved ikke, er hvor han er.Det, jeg ikke ved, er hvor han er.The first part of a pseudo-cleft is a relative clause, which must follow subordinate clause word order rules, meaning ikke comes before the verb.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To learn pseudo-clefts, you need to understand how Danish uses 'det' to introduce relative clauses and how basic cleft sentences ('Det er X, der...') work to shift focus. You also need to be comfortable with 'at'-clauses, as they often serve as the information being highlighted.
- det er ... der/somCleft Sentence
Pseudo-clefts are a variation of the basic cleft construction, using a similar focus-shifting mechanism.
Level 3 - det der/det somThat Which (Det Der/det Som)
Pseudo-clefts often begin with a relative clause acting as the subject, requiring knowledge of how 'det' functions as a head for relative markers.
Level 4
Related Patterns
- Word Order In Subordinate Clauses
The relative clause within a pseudo-cleft must follow this specific word order (e.g., 'ikke' before the verb).
Level 2 - somWho / Which / That (Som)
The relative pronoun often used to link the initial 'Det' to the rest of the clause.
Level 2 - det erIt Is (Det Er)
The basic identification structure that forms the skeleton of the pseudo-cleft.
Level 1 - at + InfinitiveInfinitive with at
Pseudo-clefts often focus on an infinitive phrase starting with 'at'.
Level 1
Words in This Pattern
Practice Pseudo-Cleft (Det jeg mener er ...) in Bubblegum
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