altså

So / That Is (Altså)

Level 4

Altså is one of the most common words in spoken Danish. It functions like 'so', 'therefore', 'that is', or 'really', depending on its position and the speaker's tone.

How It Works

Altså is a multi-functional adverb and discourse marker. Its meaning and effect on word order change based on its function and position:

  • Logical Conclusion ('So' / 'Therefore'): When 'altså' occupies the first position in a clause, it triggers V2 word order (e.g., 'Altså er han syg'). However, it can also function as a central adverb placed after the verb (e.g., 'Han er altså syg'), in which case the word order remains standard.
  • Filler / Discourse Marker ('Well' / 'I mean'): When used to start a sentence or bridge a gap in thought, it does not trigger V2. You use standard SVO order (e.g., 'Altså, jeg ved det ikke').
  • Clarification ('That is'): Used to specify or rephrase something previously mentioned.
  • Emphasis & Exasperation: When stressed, altså signals strong emotion. Placed after the verb, it adds emphasis ('really!'); at the start of a sentence, it signals impatience ('honestly!').

Pronunciation Note: In casual spoken Danish, altså is frequently shortened or weakened to sound like 'tså' or even just a sharp 's' sound.

Social Note: Be careful starting questions with altså. While så or nå are neutral, starting with altså (e.g., 'Altså, hvad laver du?') often makes you sound annoyed or like you are demanding an explanation.

Examples (6)

  1. Han svarede ikke, altså var han ikke hjemme.

    He didn't answer, so (therefore) he wasn't home.

    Word by Word: He answered not, therefore was he not home.

    When 'altså' occupies the first position in a clause to show a logical conclusion, it triggers V2 word order, placing the verb 'var' before the subject 'han'.

  2. Han var altså ikke hjemme.

    He was therefore not home.

    Word by Word: He was therefore not home.

    In this sentence, 'altså' acts as a central adverb placed after the verb. In this position, it does not trigger inversion, but still carries the meaning of 'therefore' or 'consequently'.

  3. Altså, jeg har ikke tid lige nu.

    Well, I don't have time right now.

    Word by Word: Well, I have not time right now.

    When used as a filler or discourse marker at the start of a sentence, 'altså' is followed by a pause and standard word order, not V2.

  4. Vi ses på torsdag, altså den tiende.

    We'll see each other on Thursday, that is, the tenth.

    Word by Word: We see-each-other on Thursday, that-is the tenth.

    In this context, 'altså' is used for clarification or 'repairing' a statement with more detail. It is usually unstressed here.

  5. Det ved jeg altså ikke!

    I really don't know that!

    Word by Word: That know I really not!

    When placed after the verb and subject, 'altså' adds emphasis. If stressed, it signals that the speaker is becoming defensive or insistent.

  6. Altså! Hold nu op med det.

    Honestly! Stop doing that now.

    Word by Word: Honestly! Hold now up with that.

    Used at the beginning with heavy stress, it expresses exasperation or impatience.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'altså' for events that follow one another in time.

    Different MeaningVi spiste, altså gik vi en tur.
    Vi spiste, og så gik vi en tur.

    'Vi spiste, altså gik vi en tur' is a good sentence, but 'altså' means 'so', so it presents the walk as a result of eating. To say one thing happened after another, use 'og så'.

  • Using 'altså' as a connecting 'so' when you mean the filler 'well'.

    Different MeaningAltså ved jeg det ikke.
    Altså, jeg ved det ikke.

    'Altså ved jeg det ikke' is grammatical, with 'altså' meaning 'so' and the verb second (V2). When 'altså' is a filler or discourse marker (meaning 'well' or 'I mean'), it does not trigger V2 word order and comes with a comma: 'Altså, jeg ved det ikke.'

  • Starting a neutral question with 'altså'.

    Altså, kommer du i morgen?
    Kommer du i morgen?

    Starting a question with 'altså' often makes you sound impatient or annoyed. For a neutral question, simply start with the verb or use 'så' if you need a connector.

How It Connects

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

altsåLevel 4So / That Is (Altså)

Learn This First

To learn 'altså', you need to understand Danish sentence structure (V2 rule) to place it correctly, as well as basic logical connectors like 'så'. Because 'altså' often functions as a filler or emphasis word, familiarity with other modal particles is also very helpful.