stadig

Still (Stadig)

Level 2

The adverb stadig (or the emphatic stadigvæk) means 'still'. It is used to show that a situation is ongoing or hasn't changed.

How It Works

1. Meaning and Usage
The primary word for 'still' is stadig. You will also frequently hear stadigvæk, which is a common, more emphatic variant used in both speech and writing.

2. Word Order
As a central adverb, stadig follows standard V2 word order rules:

  • In main clauses, it comes after the finite verb: Jeg bor stadig her. (I still live here.)
  • In subordinate clauses, it comes before the verb: ...fordi jeg stadig bor her. (...because I still live here.)

3. Stadig vs. Endnu
While stadig is the standard word for 'still', endnu is also used in specific ways:

  • Negative: Use ikke endnu for 'not yet'.
  • Positive: Endnu can mean 'still' (e.g., Der er endnu tid), but it often sounds slightly more formal than stadig.
  • Comparisons: Use endnu to mean 'even' with comparatives, such as endnu bedre (even better).

4. Adjective vs. Adverb
Beyond meaning 'still', stadig is also an adjective meaning 'steady' or 'constant' (e.g., en stadig strøm af biler). When used as an adverb meaning 'steadily', it takes a -t: Priserne stiger stadigt. (The prices are rising steadily.)

Examples (4)

  1. Jeg er stadig sulten.

    I am still hungry.

    Word by Word: I am still hungry.

    A standard main clause where 'stadig' follows the verb 'er'.

  2. Er du stadigvæk sur på mig?

    Are you still mad at me?

    Word by Word: Are you still mad at me?

    'Stadigvæk' is used here for a bit of extra emphasis in a question.

  3. Han arbejder stadig, selvom det er sent.

    He is still working, even though it is late.

    Word by Word: He works still, even though it is late.

    Shows 'stadig' used with an action verb to show continuation.

  4. Jeg ved, at hun stadig bor i Aarhus.

    I know that she still lives in Aarhus.

    Word by Word: I know, that she still lives in Aarhus.

    In this subordinate clause (starting with 'at'), 'stadig' moves before the verb 'bor'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'stadig' instead of 'endnu' in negative sentences.

    Jeg er ikke færdig stadig.
    Jeg er ikke færdig endnu.

    'Ikke endnu' means 'not yet'. 'Stadig ikke' ('still not') is also correct, but it says something different and 'stadig' goes before 'ikke': Jeg er stadig ikke færdig. Putting 'stadig' at the end, as here, is not natural.

  • Adding an unnecessary -t to 'stadig' when meaning 'still'.

    Han er stadigt her.
    Han er stadig her.

    'Stadigt' (with a -t) is the adverbial form of the adjective 'stadig' (steady/constant). When you mean 'still', the word is always 'stadig'.

  • Using 'stadig' where 'endnu' is needed for 'even'.

    Different MeaningDenne bog er stadig bedre.
    Denne bog er endnu bedre.

    'Stadig bedre' is correct Danish and means 'better and better'. To say 'even better', use 'endnu bedre'.

How It Connects

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

stadigLevel 2Still (Stadig)

Learn This First

To use 'stadig' (still) correctly, you need to understand Danish word order (V2), as the position of this adverb depends on the verb. It is also helpful to be familiar with basic verbs like 'være' and other frequency adverbs, as 'stadig' follows the same syntactic rules for placement.

Words in This Pattern

stadigstadigvæk