indtil

Until (Indtil)

Level 3

Indtil is used to mark the end of a duration ('until') or a maximum limit ('up to'). It functions as both a preposition and a conjunction.

How It Works

Indtil is a Danish particle with two main roles:

1. As a Preposition (Time and Limits)
When followed by a noun or adverb, it marks a boundary. In temporal contexts, it means 'until' (e.g., indtil jul). While indtil is preferred in formal writing, til is the standard choice in most everyday speech. In quantitative contexts, it means 'up to', though op til is significantly more common for discounts and ranges.

2. Inclusivity: 'Indtil' vs. 'Til og med'
In Danish, indtil can be ambiguous regarding whether the end point is included. If you say indtil fredag, it is not always clear if Friday is included. To be precise and include the end point, use the phrase til og med (e.g., til og med fredag means 'up to and including Friday').

3. Spatial Distinction: 'Indtil' vs. 'Ind til'
Be careful with spelling. The one-word indtil indicates a limit or boundary (e.g., han gik helt indtil døren - he walked all the way up to the door). The two-word ind til indicates movement into a place (e.g., vi skal ind til byen - we are going into the city).

4. As a Conjunction (Clauses)
When indtil introduces a full sentence (a clause), it acts as a subordinating conjunction. This triggers subordinate clause word order, meaning sentence adverbs like ikke must come before the verb.

5. Fixed Expression: Indtil videre
A very common idiom is indtil videre, which means 'for now', 'so far', or 'until further notice'. Unlike general time references, you cannot use til in this specific phrase.

Examples (5)

  1. Vi blev i parken indtil solnedgang.

    We stayed in the park until sunset.

    Word by Word: We stayed in park-the until sunset.

    Here, 'indtil' is a preposition followed by a noun, marking the end of the time spent in the park.

  2. Du må ikke gå, indtil vi har talt sammen.

    You must not leave until we have spoken.

    Word by Word: You must not go, until we have spoken together.

    In this case, 'indtil' is a conjunction introducing a clause.

  3. Bilen kan rumme indtil fem personer.

    The car can hold up to five people.

    Word by Word: Car-the can hold up-to five persons.

    This demonstrates 'indtil' used as a quantifier meaning 'up to'. While 'op til' is more common for discounts, 'indtil' is often used for technical limits.

  4. Jeg venter, indtil han ikke længere er sur.

    I am waiting until he is no longer angry.

    Word by Word: I wait, until he not longer is sour.

    Notice the word order: the adverb 'ikke' comes before the verb 'er' because 'indtil' starts a subordinate clause.

  5. Vi fortsætter som planlagt indtil videre.

    We are continuing as planned for now.

    Word by Word: We continue as planned until further.

    The fixed expression 'indtil videre' means 'for now' or 'so far'. In this specific idiom, you cannot substitute 'indtil' with 'til'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using 'indtil' for a deadline (by).

    Jeg skal være færdig indtil fredag.
    Jeg skal være færdig inden fredag.

    'Indtil' means the action continues up to that point. For a deadline (finishing 'by' a certain time), use 'inden' or 'før'.

  • Incorrect word order in subordinate clauses.

    Jeg bliver her, indtil han kommer ikke.
    Jeg bliver her, indtil han ikke kommer.

    Because 'indtil' is a subordinating conjunction, the negation 'ikke' must come before the verb.

  • Confusing 'indtil' (until) with 'ind til' (into).

    Han gik indtil stuen.
    Han gik ind til stuen.

    'Indtil' (one word) is for time/limits. 'Ind til' (two words) describes movement toward or into a space.

How It Connects

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

indtilLevel 3Until (Indtil)

Learn This First

To understand 'indtil', you need to be familiar with the basic preposition 'til', how to express time, and how to structure subordinate clauses when it acts as a conjunction.

Words in This Pattern

indtilindtil