-s (passiv)

S-Passive

Level 3

The s-passive is a way to show that the subject is receiving the action rather than doing it. It is formed by adding -s to the verb. It is most common in formal writing, recipes, and signs.

How It Works

The s-passive is one of two passive forms in Danish. It is morphological, meaning the verb itself changes.

1. Formation:

  • Present Tense: For regular verbs, remove the active -r and add -s (sælger → sælges). For verbs with irregular present tenses, the -s is typically added to the infinitive form (gør → gøres).
  • Infinitive: Add -s directly to the infinitive. This is very common after modal verbs (skal gøres).
  • Past Tense: Add -s to the past tense form (hørte → hørtes). Note: This is mostly for weak verbs; strong verbs rarely use this in the past.

2. Usage:
The s-passive is used when the 'doer' (agent) is unknown or unimportant. It is the standard for:

  • Instructions: 'Medicinen indtages...' (The medicine is taken...).
  • General Rules: 'Døren lukkes kl. 22' (The door is closed at 10 PM).
  • Formal Notices: 'Lejligheden sælges' (The apartment is being sold).

3. Nuance and Restrictions:

  • No Agent: Unlike the blive-passive, the s-passive is rarely used with an agent (af...). If you want to say 'by someone', use blive.
  • Deponent/Reciprocal Verbs: Be careful not to confuse the passive with deponent verbs (like synes - to think) or reciprocal verbs (like mødes - to meet each other), which end in -s but have active meanings.
  • Tone: It sounds objective and authoritative. In spoken Danish, it is most frequent with modal verbs like kan or skal.

Examples (5)

  1. Huset sælges nu.

    The house is being sold now.

    Word by Word: House-the sells-s now.

    In this example, 'sælges' is the s-passive of 'sælger'. It indicates a general state of being for sale without mentioning a specific agent.

  2. Det kan gøres i morgen.

    It can be done tomorrow.

    Word by Word: It can do-s in tomorrow.

    This shows the s-passive added to the infinitive 'gøre' after the modal verb 'kan'.

  3. Døren åbnes automatisk.

    The door opens automatically.

    Word by Word: Door-the opens-s automatically.

    This describes a general function or rule rather than a specific person opening the door.

  4. Mælk skal opbevares koldt.

    Milk must be kept cold.

    Word by Word: Milk shall keep-s cold.

    A typical instruction found on packaging using the s-passive.

  5. Der tales dansk i Danmark.

    Danish is spoken in Denmark.

    Word by Word: There speaks-s Danish in Denmark.

    A general fact using the s-passive of 'taler'.

Common Mistakes

  • Keeping the -r in the present tense.

    Bilen sælgers her.
    Bilen sælges her.

    When forming the present tense s-passive, you must drop the -r from the active form (sælger) before adding the -s.

  • Using s-passive for specific dynamic events.

    Manden kørtes ned af en bil i går.
    Manden blev kørt ned af en bil i går.

    A single event in the past is normally told with the blive-passive: blev kørt ned. The s-passive suits general rules, habits and states.

How It Connects

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-s (passiv)Level 3S-Passive

Learn This First

To understand the s-passive, you need to be comfortable with basic verb conjugation in the present and past tense, as the -s suffix is added to or replaces these endings. You should also understand basic word order, as the passive construction shifts the object of an action into the subject position.

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