medmindre

Unless (Medmindre)

Level 4

Use medmindre to say 'unless'. It sets a condition that, if met, changes the outcome of the main sentence.

How It Works

The word medmindre is the Danish equivalent of 'unless'. It is used to describe the sole exception that would prevent something else from happening.

1. Syntax and Word Order
Because medmindre introduces a subordinate clause, you must follow the subordinate clause word order rule. In Danish, this means the central adverb (like ikke, aldrig, or måske) must be placed before the finite verb.

  • Main clause: Jeg kommer ikke. (I am not coming.)
  • Subordinate clause: ...medmindre jeg ikke kommer. (...unless I am not coming.)

2. Medmindre vs. Hvis ikke
While hvis ikke ('if not') is a general conditional, medmindre is more specific. It highlights the specific boundary or exception. In many cases they are interchangeable, but medmindre is preferred when setting clear conditions or legal boundaries.

3. Medmindre vs. Undtagen
A common mistake is confusing medmindre with undtagen ('except').

  • Use undtagen for nouns or phrases: 'Jeg spiser alt undtagen kød.'
  • Use medmindre for full clauses (subject + verb): 'Jeg spiser kød, medmindre det er dyrt.'

Examples (4)

  1. Vi tager på stranden i morgen, medmindre det regner.

    We are going to the beach tomorrow, unless it rains.

    Word by Word: We take on beach-the in tomorrow, unless it rains.

    A classic use of 'medmindre' to show a condition that would change the plan.

  2. Du kan ikke låne bilen, medmindre du lover at køre forsigtigt.

    You cannot borrow the car unless you promise to drive carefully.

    Word by Word: You can not borrow car-the, unless you promise to drive carefully.

    Here, 'medmindre' sets a specific requirement for the action to happen.

  3. Jeg bliver hjemme, medmindre han ikke kommer.

    I am staying home, unless he doesn't come.

    Word by Word: I stay home, unless he not comes.

    Notice how 'ikke' comes before the verb 'kommer' because it is a subordinate clause.

  4. Medmindre andet er aftalt, mødes vi klokken otte.

    Unless otherwise agreed, we will meet at eight o'clock.

    Word by Word: Unless other is agreed, meet-we clock-the eight.

    This is a common formal or business construction using 'medmindre' at the start of the sentence.

Common Mistakes

  • Using main clause word order (putting 'ikke' after the verb).

    Jeg kommer, medmindre det regner ikke.
    Jeg kommer, medmindre det ikke regner.

    In a subordinate clause introduced by 'medmindre', the adverb 'ikke' must come before the verb.

  • Using 'medmindre' with a noun instead of 'undtagen'.

    Jeg kan lide alle medmindre Peter.
    Jeg kan lide alle undtagen Peter.

    'Medmindre' requires a full clause with a verb. If you are just listing an exception as a noun, use 'undtagen'.

  • Creating a double negative by mistake.

    Jeg kommer, medmindre jeg ikke er syg.
    Jeg kommer, medmindre jeg bliver syg.

    Learners often add 'ikke' because 'unless' feels negative, but this changes the meaning to 'unless I am NOT sick'.

How It Connects

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medmindreLevel 4Unless (Medmindre)

Learn This First

To use 'medmindre' (unless) correctly, you need to understand how to construct a subordinate clause in Danish. This includes knowing the specific word order (where the subject comes before the verb) and how to handle negation within those clauses. Conceptually, it is the negative counterpart to 'hvis' (if).

Words in This Pattern

medmindre