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B1 noun 15 دقيقة للقراءة

tilfælde

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح tilfælde في 30 ثانية

الشرح tilfælde in your Level:

At the A1 level, you only need to know 'tilfælde' in very basic, fixed phrases. You might encounter it in the phrase 'i tilfælde af' (in case of) on signs, especially 'i tilfælde af brand' (in case of fire). You don't need to worry about the complex grammar yet. Just remember that it means something like 'case' or 'if this happens'. You might also hear 'Det var et tilfælde' (It was a coincidence) when someone meets a friend unexpectedly. At this stage, focus on recognizing the word when you see it in public safety contexts or hear it as a simple explanation for a surprise. It is a neuter noun, so it uses 'et', but you will mostly see it in the plural 'tilfælde' or in fixed expressions where the 'et' is already built in. Don't try to use it in complex sentences yet; stick to the short, useful phrases that help you navigate daily life in Denmark. Think of it as a 'danger' or 'surprise' word for now. If you see 'I tilfælde af...', pay attention, because it's telling you what to do in a specific situation! It's a very common word, so even at A1, you will see it everywhere on signs and in simple news headlines about 'cases' of something like the flu or weather events. Just keep it simple: tilfælde = case/instance.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the A2 level, you can start using 'tilfælde' more actively to describe situations. You should be able to say 'I mange tilfælde' (In many cases) to help generalize your sentences. This is very useful when you are talking about your habits or about life in your home country compared to Denmark. For example, 'I mange tilfælde spiser vi sent i mit land' (In many cases, we eat late in my country). You should also understand the difference between 'et tilfælde' (a coincidence) and 'tilfældet' (the case/the truth). If someone asks you a question, you can answer with 'Det er ikke tilfældet' (That is not the case) to mean 'That's not true' or 'That's not how it is'. This makes your Danish sound much more natural than just saying 'Nej'. You are also starting to see how 'tilfælde' is used in medical contexts, like 'et tilfælde af influenza'. You should be comfortable using it with simple adjectives like 'mange' (many), 'nogle' (some), or 'få' (few). Remember that the plural is the same as the singular: 'et tilfælde' and 'to tilfælde'. This is a common pattern for neuter nouns that you are learning at this level, and 'tilfælde' is a perfect example to practice with. Start looking for it in newspapers; you will see it in headlines about statistics or events.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'tilfælde' to structure your arguments and provide nuanced explanations. You should be comfortable using conditional phrases like 'i så tilfælde' (in that case) or 'i det tilfælde' to link ideas together. This is crucial for passing the B1 speaking and writing exams. You should also understand the word as 'coincidence' and be able to use the adverbial form 'tilfældigvis' (by chance) or the phrase 'ved et tilfælde'. For example: 'Jeg mødte ham ved et tilfælde i byen' (I met him by chance in the city). You are also becoming aware of compound words. You should recognize and perhaps even use words like 'nødstilfælde' (emergency) or 'enkelttilfælde' (isolated case). Your understanding of the word should move beyond just 'a thing that happens' to 'a specific occurrence that fits into a pattern'. You can use it to talk about exceptions: 'I særlige tilfælde kan man få lov til...' (In special cases, one is allowed to...). This level is where you really start to see the word's versatility in professional and academic settings. You should also be careful not to confuse it with 'uheld' (accident), which you might have done at A2. Now, you know that 'tilfælde' is neutral or logic-based, while 'uheld' is for when something goes wrong. This distinction is a hallmark of the B1 level.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'tilfælde' in all its common forms and be able to use it in formal writing and debate. You can use phrases like 'i de fleste tilfælde' (in most cases) or 'i de færreste tilfælde' (in the fewest cases/rarely) to add statistical weight to your arguments. You understand the subtle difference between 'tilfælde' and 'sammentræf' (coincidence) and can choose the latter when you want to sound more formal. You are also proficient in using the definite form 'tilfældet' to refer back to complex situations: 'Hvis dette er tilfældet, må vi konkludere, at...' (If this is the case, we must conclude that...). Your use of compound nouns involving 'tilfælde' should be natural; you might use 'sygdomstilfælde', 'dødstilfælde', or 'uheldstilfælde' without thinking. You also understand the abstract concept of 'tilfældighed' (randomness) and can discuss whether something happened by design or by chance. In professional contexts, you use 'tilfælde' to categorize data or legal precedents. You are also aware of the 'soft d' pronunciation and can produce it accurately, ensuring that you sound like a fluent speaker rather than a student reading from a book. You can handle the word in complex sentence structures, including those with relative clauses and inversions caused by the V2 rule when a prepositional phrase with 'tilfælde' starts the sentence.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C1 level, your use of 'tilfælde' is sophisticated and precise. You understand its role in academic discourse, where it is used to define the scope of a study or a theory. You can use it in more philosophical contexts, discussing 'tilfældets magt' (the power of chance) or 'livets tilfældigheder' (the coincidences of life). You are adept at using the word in legal or highly formal bureaucratic Danish, recognizing phrases like 'det foreliggende tilfælde' (the case at hand) or 'i påkommende tilfælde' (should the occasion arise). You can distinguish between the noun 'tilfælde' and its related adjectives and adverbs with perfect accuracy. Furthermore, you are sensitive to the register of the word; you know when to use 'tilfælde' for a clinical or neutral tone and when to switch to more emotive or descriptive language. You can also analyze the word's use in literature or high-level journalism, where it might be used ironically or to create a specific logical framework. Your pronunciation is near-native, handling the prosody of phrases like 'i de fleste tilfælde' with the correct rhythm and stress. You are also aware of rare or archaic uses that might appear in older texts, such as 'i fald' as a synonym for 'i tilfælde af'. At this level, the word is not just a tool for communication but a building block for complex, abstract thought in Danish.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

At the C2 level, 'tilfælde' is a word you use with total mastery, often employing it in subtle, idiomatic ways that mirror a native speaker's intuition. You can navigate the most complex legal, medical, and scientific texts where 'tilfælde' is used with extreme precision. You might use the word in creative writing to explore themes of fate versus randomness, playing with the dual meaning of 'case' and 'coincidence'. You are fully aware of the historical etymology of the word and how it has shaped contemporary Danish logic and expression. You can use the word in high-stakes negotiations or academic defenses to precisely delimit your arguments ('Dette gælder kun i de tilfælde, hvor...'). Your understanding of the word extends to its role in the Danish cultural psyche, such as the tendency to attribute success to 'et tilfælde' as a form of social modesty. You can also identify and use very rare idioms or technical terms that include the word. There is no confusion between 'tilfælde' and any of its synonyms; you choose your words with the intent of a stylist. Whether you are drafting a legal brief, writing a philosophical essay, or engaging in a rapid-fire debate, 'tilfælde' is a versatile and perfectly controlled part of your vocabulary. You can even use it in wordplay or puns, demonstrating a deep, multi-layered connection with the Danish language.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

تدرّب عليها أمثلة ملاحظات ونصائح

tilfælde في 30 ثانية

Tilfælde is a neuter noun meaning 'case', 'instance', or 'coincidence', essential for B1 learners to describe specific events and logical conditions.
It is commonly used in phrases like 'i tilfælde af' (in case of) and 'i de fleste tilfælde' (in most cases) to provide nuance.
Grammatically, the plural form is identical to the singular (et tilfælde, to tilfælde), which is a common point of confusion for students.
It can describe both planned medical/legal cases and unplanned random coincidences, making it a very versatile word in daily Danish.

The Danish noun tilfælde is a fundamental word that every learner at the B1 level must master, as it bridges the gap between concrete observations and abstract reasoning. At its core, tilfælde translates most directly to the English word 'case' or 'instance'. However, its semantic range is broader than its English counterparts, often encompassing the concept of 'coincidence' or 'chance' depending on the context. Understanding this duality is key to sounding natural in Danish.

Specific Occurrence: When referring to a specific situation or event that has occurred, such as a medical case or a legal instance. For example, a doctor might discuss a specific sygdomstilfælde (case of illness).

In everyday conversation, you will frequently hear Danes use the phrase 'i det tilfælde' (in that case) to signal a logical progression in a discussion. It acts as a conditional marker, setting the stage for what should happen if a specific set of circumstances arises. This usage is nearly identical to the English 'in that case' or 'should that be the case'.

Hvis det regner, så bliver vi inde; i det tilfælde skal vi bruge brætspil.

Beyond the structured 'case', the word takes on a more whimsical meaning when used to describe things that happen without a planned cause. When a Dane says, 'Det var et tilfælde', they mean 'It was a coincidence'. This is a critical distinction for English speakers who might expect a different word like 'sammentræf' (which also means coincidence but is more formal). Tilfælde is the workhorse for describing the randomness of life.

Random Chance: The state of things happening by accident or without design. Often paired with adjectives like 'rent' (pure) to emphasize the lack of planning.

In professional settings, particularly in law, medicine, and social work, tilfælde is indispensable. It allows professionals to categorize human experiences into manageable units of analysis. A lawyer might refer to 'det foreliggende tilfælde' (the case at hand), while a scientist might look at the 'antal tilfælde' (number of cases) in a study. The word maintains a level of neutrality that makes it suitable for objective reporting.

Der er rapporteret tre nye tilfælde af smitte i denne uge.

Furthermore, the word is highly productive in compound word formation. Danish loves to glue words together, and tilfælde serves as a suffix for many specific types of occurrences. Words like uheldstilfælde (accident case/instance) or nødstilfælde (emergency) demonstrate how the core meaning of 'instance' is specified by the preceding noun. Learning these compounds is a fast track to expanding your vocabulary.

Emergency Context: The compound 'nødstilfælde' is perhaps the most common variant you will see on signs in Denmark, indicating what to do in case of an emergency.

Finally, it is worth noting the grammatical behavior. It is a neuter noun (et tilfælde), and its plural form is identical to the singular (mange tilfælde). This lack of change in the plural can sometimes confuse learners, but it is a common feature of many neuter nouns ending in a consonant or a neutral 'e' sound in Danish. In summary, whether you are discussing a logical condition, a medical statistic, or a lucky meeting on the street, tilfælde is the word that ties these disparate ideas of 'occurrence' together.

I mange tilfælde er det bedre at tie stille end at sige noget forkert.

Det var kun ved et tilfælde, at jeg fandt mine nøgler.

Using tilfælde correctly requires an understanding of its prepositional partners and its role as a neuter noun. The word is most frequently found in prepositional phrases that establish conditions or frequency. Because it is a neuter noun, you must remember to use 'et' and 'det' when modifying it, though in many common expressions, the article is omitted or fixed.

The Conditional 'I fald' vs 'I tilfælde af': While 'i fald' is a bit archaic, 'i tilfælde af' is the standard way to say 'in case of'. It is followed directly by a noun. For example: 'I tilfælde af brand' (In case of fire).

When you want to describe how often something happens, tilfælde is often used in the plural. The phrase 'i de fleste tilfælde' (in most cases) is a staple of Danish academic and professional writing. It allows the speaker to generalize without making absolute claims. Similarly, 'i visse tilfælde' (in certain cases) and 'i mange tilfælde' (in many cases) are essential for nuanced communication.

I de fleste tilfælde virker medicinen efter hensigten.

Another important grammatical construction involves using tilfælde as the subject or object to describe a coincidence. Here, the indefinite article 'et' is crucial. 'Det var et rent tilfælde' (It was a pure coincidence). Notice how the adjective 'rent' (pure/clean) matches the neuter gender of the noun. If you were to say 'by chance' as an adverbial phrase, you would say 'ved et tilfælde'.

Word Order and Prepositions: When 'tilfælde' starts a sentence in a prepositional phrase, remember the V2 rule. 'I mange tilfælde er (verb) det (subject) svært.' The verb must stay in the second position.

In more complex sentences, tilfælde can be modified by relative clauses. For instance, 'Det er et tilfælde, som vi må undersøge nærmere' (It is a case that we must investigate further). Here, the word acts as a standard noun. You can also see it used with the definite article 'tilfældet' to refer back to a previously mentioned situation: 'Det er desværre ofte tilfældet' (That is unfortunately often the case).

Hvis det er tilfældet, skal vi handle hurtigt.

For learners progressing towards C1, the use of tilfælde in abstract philosophical or scientific contexts becomes more common. Phrases like 'tilfældets magt' (the power of chance) or 'overladt til tilfældighederne' (left to chance - note the plural 'tilfældigheder' which specifically means 'random occurrences') show how the root word expands into more complex ideas of luck and fate.

Compound Construction: When building compounds, 'tilfælde' usually comes last. 'Enkelttilfælde' (isolated case), 'sygdomstilfælde' (case of illness), 'dødstilfælde' (fatality/death case).

Finally, let's look at the negative. If something is not a coincidence, you might say 'Det er ikke noget tilfælde' (It is no coincidence). This uses 'noget' because tilfælde is neuter. This is a very common way to imply that there is a hidden reason or a plan behind an event that looks random at first glance.

Det er ikke noget tilfælde, at de valgte netop ham.

I hvert tilfælde er resultatet det samme.

In Denmark, tilfælde is ubiquitous, but its frequency and tone vary depending on whether you are in a hospital, a courtroom, or a coffee shop. In the public sphere, specifically in news broadcasting, you will hear it daily. News anchors use it to describe statistics: 'Der er i dag konstateret 500 nye tilfælde af corona.' Here, it is purely technical and clinical.

The Medical Environment: In Danish healthcare, 'tilfælde' is the standard term for a diagnosis or an instance of a condition. Doctors use it to remain objective. 'Et mildt tilfælde' (a mild case) is a common phrase patients hear.

If you move to the legal and bureaucratic world, tilfælde becomes a tool for categorization. If you are applying for a visa or dealing with the Danish tax authorities (SKAT), you might see the phrase 'i særlige tilfælde' (in special cases). This indicates that there are exceptions to the general rules. It sounds formal, authoritative, and precise.

Reglerne kan fraviges i særlige tilfælde.

In everyday social interactions, the word shifts towards the meaning of 'coincidence'. Imagine bumping into a friend at the supermarket. You might say: 'Sikke et tilfælde!' (What a coincidence!). This is a very common exclamation. It’s friendly and informal, showing surprise at a random event. In this context, it replaces the more formal 'sammentræf'.

Social Exclamations: Danes love to acknowledge the randomness of life. Using 'hvilket tilfælde!' or 'det var da et tilfælde' is a great way to bond over shared surprises.

On Danish television and in movies, particularly in crime dramas (Nordic Noir), you will hear investigators talk about 'et mærkeligt tilfælde' (a strange case). Here, 'case' refers to the specific crime they are solving. However, they might also use it to mean 'coincidence' when questioning a suspect's alibi: 'Tror du virkelig, det bare er et tilfælde?' (Do you really think it's just a coincidence?).

Det er ikke noget tilfælde, at de begge var der den aften.

In educational settings, teachers use the word to set up hypothetical scenarios. 'Lad os tage et tilfælde, hvor...' (Let's take a case where...). This is standard classroom language for introducing examples. Students are expected to use it when discussing literature or scientific results to refer to specific instances in the text or data.

Academic Scenarios: In university lectures, you will hear 'i dette specifikke tilfælde' (in this specific case) to narrow down a broad theory to a single example.

Finally, you will see it in safety instructions. Whether on a train, in a plane, or in a public building, 'I tilfælde af...' is the standard opening for emergency procedures. 'I tilfælde af nød, træk i håndtaget' (In case of emergency, pull the handle). This usage is so common that it becomes almost invisible to native speakers, but for a learner, it's a vital signpost for safety.

I tilfælde af spørgsmål er I velkomne til at kontakte os.

Det er kun i få tilfælde, at det sker.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using tilfælde is confusing it with other Danish words for 'case' or 'accident'. In English, the word 'case' can mean a physical box, a legal matter, or a medical instance. In Danish, these are split. You should never use tilfælde to refer to a physical suitcase (kuffert) or a shipping crate (kasse). This is a classic false friend error.

Physical vs. Abstract: 'Tilfælde' is strictly abstract. If you can touch it or put clothes in it, it's not a 'tilfælde'. Use 'kuffert' for luggage and 'etui' or 'hylster' for a phone case.

Another common pitfall is the confusion between tilfælde and uheld. While tilfælde means 'coincidence' or 'instance', uheld means 'accident' or 'bad luck'. If you trip and fall, it is an uheld, not a tilfælde (unless you are discussing it as a 'case of a fall' in a medical report). Learners often say 'Det var et tilfælde' when they mean 'It was an accident', which can lead to confusion. A tilfælde is neutral; an uheld is negative.

Fejl: Det var et tilfælde, at jeg spildte kaffen. (Correct: Det var et uheld.)

Grammatically, the plural form is a major stumbling block. Because many Danish nouns take -er or -e in the plural, learners are tempted to say 'tilfælder' or 'tilfældene' (wait, 'tilfældene' is correct for definite plural, but 'tilfælder' is always wrong). Remember: et tilfælde -> flere tilfælde. The indefinite plural doesn't change. If you add an -er, you are creating a word that doesn't exist in Danish.

Pluralization Error: Incorrect: 'Jeg har set mange tilfælder.' Correct: 'Jeg har set mange tilfælde.' This is a rule for most neuter nouns ending in 'e'.

Preposition choice is also a source of error. Learners often translate 'in case of' literally as 'i tilfælde af', which is correct, but they sometimes use 'på' or 'ved' incorrectly. 'Ved et tilfælde' specifically means 'by chance'. You cannot say 'I et tilfælde' to mean 'by chance'. Prepositions in Danish are idiomatic and must be learned as part of the phrase.

Husk: 'Ved et tilfælde' betyder 'by chance'. 'I dette tilfælde' betyder 'in this case'.

Confusion with the word 'chance' is also prevalent. In Danish, 'en chance' usually refers to a positive opportunity (like 'I have a chance to win'). If you want to talk about the probability of something random happening, 'tilfælde' or 'tilfældighed' is often better. Using 'chance' when you mean 'random occurrence' can make you sound like you are hoping for something that is actually just a neutral event.

Chance vs. Tilfælde: Use 'chance' for opportunities. Use 'tilfælde' for instances or coincidences. Don't say 'Det var en god chance' if you mean 'It was a lucky coincidence' (use 'et heldigt tilfælde').

Finally, watch out for the definite form 'tilfældet'. Learners sometimes use it where the indefinite 'et tilfælde' is required. 'Det er tilfældet' means 'That is the case' (referring to a known fact). If you are introducing a new coincidence, you must use 'et'. 'Det var et tilfælde' (It was a coincidence). Mixing these up changes the meaning from 'It was a random event' to 'It was the specific situation we discussed'.

Er det virkelig tilfældet? (Is that really the case?)

Vi må behandle hvert tilfælde for sig selv.

Danish offers several synonyms and related terms for tilfælde, and choosing the right one depends on whether you want to emphasize the 'case', the 'coincidence', or the 'event'. Understanding these nuances will elevate your Danish from functional to fluent.

Sammentræf (Coincidence): While 'tilfælde' is the common word for coincidence, 'sammentræf' is more formal and literal (from 'sammen' + 'træf' - hitting together). Use this in writing or formal speeches. 'Et mærkeligt sammentræf' sounds slightly more sophisticated than 'et mærkeligt tilfælde'.

When you mean 'case' in a legal or administrative sense, you might hear the word sag. However, there is a distinction. A sag is a 'matter' or a 'file' (like a court case or an insurance claim). A tilfælde is the 'instance' of it happening. You open a sag to deal with a tilfælde. If you say 'min sag', you mean 'my case/matter'. If you say 'mit tilfælde', you mean 'my specific instance/situation'.

Advokaten kiggede på min sag, som var et meget specielt tilfælde.

For 'instance' or 'example', eksempel is the most direct alternative. While tilfælde refers to the occurrence itself, eksempel refers to the occurrence as a representative of a larger group. 'I dette tilfælde' (In this instance) vs. 'Som et eksempel' (As an example). They are often interchangeable, but tilfælde feels more tied to the actual event.

Begivenhed (Event): If the 'case' is a large, noteworthy event (like a festival or a major accident), 'begivenhed' is better. 'Tilfælde' is usually for smaller, more clinical, or more random occurrences.

In the context of 'circumstances', omstændighed is a strong alternative. 'Under de givne omstændigheder' (Under the given circumstances) is more descriptive than 'i dette tilfælde'. Use omstændigheder when you want to talk about the 'why' and 'how' surrounding the event, rather than just the event itself.

Vi må tage alle omstændigheder i betragtning i dette tilfælde.

Finally, consider the word lod (fate/lot). This is more poetic. While tilfælde is random chance, lod implies a more destined or assigned outcome. 'Det blev hans lod i livet' (That became his lot in life). You wouldn't use 'tilfælde' here. Using tilfælde keeps the conversation grounded in reality and logic, whereas these alternatives can add emotional or formal weight.

Comparison Table Summary: - Tilfælde: General instance, coincidence, clinical case.
- Sag: Legal/administrative matter, a 'file'.
- Eksempel: Representative instance used for teaching.
- Sammentræf: Formal word for coincidence.
- Uheld: Specifically a negative accident.

By learning these distinctions, you avoid the 'one-size-fits-all' approach to translation. A B1 student knows tilfælde; a B2/C1 student knows when to swap it for sammentræf or omstændighed to sound more precise and professional.

I så fald (In that case/event) er vi klar.

Det er et klassisk eksempel på et mærkeligt tilfælde.

How Formal Is It?

حقيقة ممتعة

The concept of 'falling' to describe events is common across many languages; consider the English word 'befall' or the Latin 'accidere' (from which we get 'accident'), both of which mean 'to fall upon'.

دليل النطق

UK /ˈtelˌfɛlðə/

US /ˈtɪlˌfɛlə/

Primary stress is on the first syllable 'til'.

يتقافى مع

fælde (trap) vælde (power) gælde (to apply) melde (to report) skælde (to scold) hælde (to pour) tælle (to count) fortælle (to tell)

أخطاء شائعة

Pronouncing the 'd' as a hard English 'd' (like in 'dog').
Pronouncing the 'æ' like an 'ay' (like in 'play') instead of a short 'e'.
Putting stress on the second syllable.
Making the final 'e' sound like a long 'ee'.
Forgetting to make the 'l' in 'til' short and crisp.

مستوى الصعوبة

القراءة 3/5

Easy to recognize in text due to its frequent use in signs and news.

الكتابة 5/5

Requires knowledge of the V2 rule and correct prepositional use.

التحدث 6/5

The 'soft d' and identical plural form can be tricky for learners.

الاستماع 4/5

Usually clear in context, though the 'd' is often swallowed.

ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك

المتطلبات الأساسية

et fald en sag at ske mange hvis

تعلّم لاحقاً

tilfældig tilfældigvis omstændighed sammentræf instans

متقدم

kausalitet stokastisk præcedens påkommende forekomst

قواعد يجب معرفتها

Neuter Nouns Ending in 'e'

Et tilfælde -> Mange tilfælde (No change in plural).

V2 Word Order

I mange tilfælde **er** (V) det (S) koldt.

Adjective Agreement (Neuter)

Et **rent** tilfælde (Adding -t for neuter).

Definite Suffix

Tilfælde + -t = Tilfældet (The case/coincidence).

Prepositional Phrases as Adverbs

'Ved et tilfælde' functions as an adverb meaning 'by chance'.

سجّل مجاناً لقراءة الشرح الكامل

أمثلة حسب المستوى

I tilfælde af brand, gå ud.

In case of fire, go out.

Fixed phrase 'I tilfælde af' + noun.

Det var et tilfælde.

It was a coincidence.

Neuter noun 'et tilfælde'.

Er det et nyt tilfælde?

Is it a new case?

Adjective 'nyt' matches neuter 'tilfælde'.

I mange tilfælde regner det.

In many cases it rains.

Plural 'tilfælde' is the same as singular.

Hvilket tilfælde!

What a coincidence!

Exclamatory use.

I det tilfælde kommer jeg.

In that case, I'm coming.

Definite 'det' used with 'tilfælde'.

Der er et tilfælde her.

There is a case here.

Simple subject-verb-object.

Det er ikke tilfældet.

That is not the case.

Definite form 'tilfældet' means 'the reality'.

I de fleste tilfælde er de glade.

In most cases they are happy.

Plural definite 'tilfælde' with 'de fleste'.

Vi mødtes ved et tilfælde.

We met by chance.

Prepositional phrase 'ved et tilfælde'.

I visse tilfælde skal man betale.

In certain cases, you have to pay.

V2 rule: 'I visse tilfælde' (1) 'skal' (2) 'man' (3).

Det var kun et lille tilfælde.

It was only a small coincidence.

Neuter adjective 'lille' with 'tilfælde'.

Er det ofte tilfældet i Danmark?

Is that often the case in Denmark?

Using 'tilfældet' for general situations.

Jeg kender et lignende tilfælde.

I know a similar case.

Neuter adjective 'lignende'.

I så tilfælde skal vi skynde os.

In that case, we must hurry.

Fixed expression 'i så tilfælde'.

Der er få tilfælde af sygdom nu.

There are few cases of illness now.

Plural 'få' with 'tilfælde'.

I det her specifikke tilfælde må vi gøre en undtagelse.

In this specific case, we must make an exception.

Demonstrative 'det her' with adjective and noun.

Det var et rent tilfælde, at vi fandt huset.

It was a pure coincidence that we found the house.

Adjective 'rent' (pure) used for emphasis.

Man bør altid have en plan i tilfælde af problemer.

One should always have a plan in case of problems.

'I tilfælde af' followed by plural noun.

I mange tilfælde er det svært at vælge.

In many cases, it is difficult to choose.

V2 rule with adverbial start.

Det er desværre ikke altid tilfældet.

Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Adverb 'altid' placed before the predicate.

Vi undersøger hvert enkelt tilfælde grundigt.

We investigate every single case thoroughly.

'Hvert enkelt' (every single) matches neuter noun.

I det tilfælde at det regner, flytter vi festen indenfor.

In the event that it rains, we move the party inside.

'I det tilfælde at' + subordinate clause.

Det var et mærkeligt tilfælde, synes du ikke?

It was a strange coincidence, don't you think?

Question tag 'synes du ikke?'.

I de fleste tilfælde kan fejlen rettes hurtigt.

In most cases, the error can be fixed quickly.

Passive voice 'kan rettes'.

Det er i hvert fald tilfældet for de fleste unge.

That is at least the case for most young people.

Adverbial phrase 'i hvert fald' (at least).

Vi må skelne mellem de forskellige tilfælde.

We must distinguish between the different cases.

Preposition 'mellem' with plural definite.

Ved et utroligt tilfælde overlevede alle passagererne.

By an incredible coincidence, all passengers survived.

Adjective 'utroligt' (incredible) in neuter.

I tilfælde af at forhandlingerne bryder sammen, har vi en plan B.

In case the negotiations break down, we have a plan B.

Subordinate clause with 'bryder sammen'.

Der er tale om et isoleret tilfælde.

It is a matter of an isolated case.

Idiom 'Der er tale om' (It is a matter of).

Hvis det viser sig at være tilfældet, må vi handle.

If it turns out to be the case, we must act.

Reflexive verb 'viser sig'.

I de færreste tilfælde fører det til succes.

In very few cases does it lead to success.

Superlative 'færreste' (fewest).

I det foreliggende tilfælde må vi fravige de normale procedurer.

In the present case, we must deviate from normal procedures.

Formal adjective 'foreliggende'.

Det er ikke noget tilfælde, at reformen blev vedtaget nu.

It is no coincidence that the reform was passed now.

Negative 'ikke noget' for emphasis.

Man kan ikke overlade så vigtige beslutninger til tilfældet.

One cannot leave such important decisions to chance.

Abstract use of 'tilfældet'.

I påkommende tilfælde vil vi aktivere nødplanen.

Should the occasion arise, we will activate the emergency plan.

Formal/archaic adjective 'påkommende'.

Hans succes var resultatet af hårdt arbejde, ikke blot et tilfælde.

His success was the result of hard work, not just a coincidence.

Contrastive 'ikke blot' (not just).

Der findes talrige tilfælde, hvor denne teori ikke holder.

There are numerous cases where this theory does not hold.

Adjective 'talrige' (numerous).

I det omfang det er tilfældet, skal vi kompensere kunderne.

To the extent that this is the case, we must compensate the customers.

Complex conjunction 'I det omfang'.

Det er et klassisk tilfælde af magtmisbrug.

It is a classic case of abuse of power.

Compound-like structure 'magtmisbrug'.

Tilfældets lunefuldhed præger ofte historiens gang.

The capriciousness of chance often characterizes the course of history.

Genitive 'Tilfældets' used abstractly.

Vi må gardere os mod ethvert tænkeligt tilfælde.

We must guard ourselves against every conceivable case.

Determiner 'ethvert' (every/any) in neuter.

Skulle det mod forventning være tilfældet, har vi en løsning.

Should it, contrary to expectations, be the case, we have a solution.

Inverted conditional 'Skulle det...'.

Det er et tilfælde, der trodser enhver logisk forklaring.

It is a case that defies any logical explanation.

Relative clause 'der trodser...'.

I de sjældne tilfælde, hvor dette indtræffer, er reaktionen voldsom.

In the rare cases where this occurs, the reaction is violent.

Formal verb 'indtræffer' (occurs).

Man kan argumentere for, at alt er overladt til tilfældighederne.

One can argue that everything is left to chance.

Plural 'tilfældighederne' (the random events).

Hvis det forholder sig som i det førnævnte tilfælde, er vi advaret.

If the situation is as in the aforementioned case, we are warned.

Formal adjective 'førnævnte'.

Det var et lykkeligt tilfælde, der førte dem sammen.

It was a happy coincidence that brought them together.

Neuter adjective 'lykkeligt'.

تلازمات شائعة

i de fleste tilfælde

i tilfælde af

et rent tilfælde

i hvert fald

enkelte tilfælde

i det her tilfælde

alvorligt tilfælde

særlige tilfælde

ved et tilfælde

hvis det er tilfældet

العبارات الشائعة

I så tilfælde

— Means 'in that case'. Used to respond to a piece of information with a logical consequence.

I så tilfælde må vi aflyse mødet.

Det er tilfældet

— Means 'that is the case' or 'that is true'. Confirms a statement.

Det er desværre ofte tilfældet.

I modsat tilfælde

— Means 'otherwise' or 'in the opposite case'.

Svar venligst nu; i modsat tilfælde ringer jeg.

I alle tilfælde

— Means 'in any case' or 'regardless'.

I alle tilfælde er det en god idé.

I givet tilfælde

— Means 'if necessary' or 'in the event of'. Often used in formal instructions.

I givet tilfælde kan vi ændre planen.

Rent tilfælde

— Pure coincidence. Used to stress that there was no planning involved.

Det var et rent tilfælde, intet andet.

Et særskilt tilfælde

— A separate or distinct case.

Dette er et helt særskilt tilfælde.

I yderste tilfælde

— As a last resort or in extreme cases.

I yderste tilfælde må vi bruge magt.

Efter omstændighederne et tilfælde

— An instance based on the circumstances.

Det var efter omstændighederne et lykkeligt tilfælde.

I mange tilfælde

— In many cases/instances. Used for generalizations.

I mange tilfælde er det billigere at flyve.

يُخلط عادةً مع

tilfælde vs uheld

Uheld is an accident where something goes wrong. Tilfælde is a neutral occurrence or coincidence.

tilfælde vs kuffert

Kuffert is a physical suitcase (English 'case'). Tilfælde is only for abstract situations.

tilfælde vs chance

Chance is a positive opportunity. Tilfælde is a neutral instance or random event.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"Overladt til tilfældet"

— Left to chance. Used when there is no control over an outcome.

Intet blev overladt til tilfældet i deres planlægning.

neutral

"Tilfældets magt"

— The power of chance. Refers to how random events can change everything.

Vi må ikke undervurdere tilfældets magt.

literary

"I fald"

— A shorter, slightly older version of 'i tilfælde af' (in case).

I fald du kommer, så ring.

formal/old-fashioned

"I påkommende tilfælde"

— Should the need arise / in case of need.

I påkommende tilfælde kan reserven bruges.

formal

"Gøre et tilfælde ud af noget"

— To make a 'case' or a big deal out of a specific instance.

Lad være med at gøre et stort tilfælde ud af det.

informal

"Et grelt tilfælde"

— A blatant or extreme case (often negative).

Det er et grelt tilfælde af snyd.

neutral

"I hvert fald"

— At least / in any case. This is one of the most common idioms in Danish.

Jeg kommer i hvert fald.

neutral

"Ved et lykketræf"

— By a stroke of luck (related to 'ved et tilfælde').

Ved et lykketræf vandt jeg.

neutral

"At lade tilfældet råde"

— To let chance decide.

Vi lod tilfældet råde og kastede en mønt.

neutral

"I modsat fald"

— If not / in the opposite case.

Kom nu, i modsat fald går vi uden dig.

neutral

سهل الخلط

tilfælde vs sag

Both can mean 'case'.

Sag is the legal file or the matter being discussed. Tilfælde is the specific instance of it happening.

Sagen omhandler tre forskellige tilfælde af tyveri.

tilfælde vs eksempel

Both can mean 'instance'.

Eksempel is used when showing a rule. Tilfælde is used when describing the event itself.

Dette tilfælde er et godt eksempel på problemet.

tilfælde vs hændelse

Both mean 'event'.

Hændelse is a general incident. Tilfælde often implies a category or a coincidence.

Det var en ubehagelig hændelse.

tilfælde vs sammentræf

Both mean 'coincidence'.

Sammentræf is more formal and literally means 'hitting together'. Tilfælde is the everyday word.

Et mærkeligt sammentræf af omstændigheder.

tilfælde vs instans

Both relate to 'instances'.

Instans refers to a level of authority (like a court level). Tilfælde is a single occurrence.

Sagen blev afgjort i første instans.

أنماط الجُمل

I tilfælde af [Noun]

I tilfælde af brand.

Det var et [Adjective] tilfælde

Det var et mærkeligt tilfælde.

I [Quantity] tilfælde...

I mange tilfælde regner det.

Ved et tilfælde + [Verb]

Ved et tilfælde så jeg ham.

Hvis det er tilfældet, så...

Hvis det er tilfældet, så går vi.

I de fleste tilfælde...

I de fleste tilfælde virker det.

I det foreliggende tilfælde...

I det foreliggende tilfælde må vi vente.

Overladt til tilfældet

Alt var overladt til tilfældet.

عائلة الكلمة

الأسماء

tilfældighed (randomness/coincidence)

nødstilfælde (emergency)

sygdomstilfælde (case of illness)

enkelttilfælde (isolated case)

uheldstilfælde (accident)

الأفعال

tilfalde (to fall to/be granted to - related root)

الصفات

tilfældig (random/accidental)

مرتبط

fald (fall/case)

til (to)

sammentræf (coincidence)

instans (instance/authority)

hændelse (incident)

سجّل مجاناً لرؤية جميع الأمثلة

كيفية الاستخدام

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Danish.

أخطاء شائعة

Jeg har en tilfælde. → Jeg har et tilfælde.
Tilfælde is a neuter noun, so it must use the article 'et', not 'en'.
Der er mange tilfælder. → Der er mange tilfælde.
The plural form of 'tilfælde' is identical to the singular. Do not add -er.
Det var et uheld, at vi mødtes. → Det var et tilfælde, at vi mødtes.
Use 'tilfælde' for a neutral coincidence. 'Uheld' implies something bad happened (an accident).
I tilfælde af jeg kommer... → I tilfælde af at jeg kommer...
When followed by a clause, you must include 'at' after 'i tilfælde af'.
Min telefon-tilfælde er blå. → Mit telefon-cover er blåt.
Do not use 'tilfælde' for physical cases. Use 'cover', 'etui', or 'hylster'.

نصائح

Plural Mastery

Always remember that 'tilfælde' does not change in the plural. This will make your Danish sound much more accurate and natural.

Generalizing

Use 'i de fleste tilfælde' when you want to make a general point without being 100% certain. It's a great 'safety' phrase for learners.

The Soft D

If the 'soft d' is too hard, try just saying 'til-fæl-le' quickly. Many Danes swallow the 'd' anyway, and it will sound better than a hard 'd'.

Safety First

Memorize 'I tilfælde af...' for reading signs. It's the most common way to start emergency instructions in Denmark.

Modesty

If someone praises you, saying 'Det var bare et tilfælde' (It was just a coincidence) is a very Danish way to be humble.

Logical Links

Use 'I så tilfælde' to link two sentences logically. It's much better than just using 'så' (so) every time.

Medical Reports

If you are reading the news, 'antal tilfælde' always refers to the number of cases (usually of a disease or a crime).

Formal Situations

In a job interview or a meeting, use 'I dette tilfælde' to refer to a specific example you are giving.

Catching the Article

Listen for 'et' vs 'det'. 'Et tilfælde' is a coincidence; 'det tilfælde' is that specific case you are talking about.

In Any Case

Learn 'i hvert fald'. It technically uses 'fald' (case/fall), but it's the most common way to say 'in any case' or 'at least'.

احفظها

وسيلة تذكّر

Think of a 'tilfælde' as a 'till' (cash register) that 'falls' (fald) on your head by 'chance'. It's a 'case' of bad luck!

ربط بصري

Imagine a giant legal folder (a case) falling from the sky and landing on a person by complete coincidence.

Word Web

Case Instance Coincidence Chance Emergency Statistic Logic Condition

تحدٍّ

Try to use 'i de fleste tilfælde' and 'ved et tilfælde' in the same conversation today. For example, 'I de fleste tilfælde drikker jeg kaffe, men i dag mødte jeg en ven ved et tilfælde og drak te.'

أصل الكلمة

The word 'tilfælde' originates from the Middle Low German word 'to-val', which corresponds to the modern German 'Zufall'. It entered the Danish language during the period of heavy German linguistic influence in the late Middle Ages.

المعنى الأصلي: The literal meaning is 'something that falls to one' (til + fald), describing an event that drops into one's life unexpectedly.

Germanic (Danish/Low German).

السياق الثقافي

No specific sensitivities; the word is neutral. However, in medical contexts, use it with empathy when discussing 'tilfælde af sygdom'.

English speakers often over-use 'chance' or 'accident'. In Danish, 'tilfælde' is the more neutral and versatile term for these concepts.

The Søren Kierkegaard quote regarding 'tilfældighed' in human existence. Danish news reports during the COVID-19 pandemic frequently using 'smittetilfælde'. The movie 'Tilfældets høst' (The Harvest of Chance).

تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية

سياقات واقعية

Medical / Health

et mildt tilfælde
antallet af tilfælde
et nyt tilfælde
behandle tilfældet

Legal / Official

i særlige tilfælde
det foreliggende tilfælde
i hvert enkelt tilfælde
i modsat tilfælde

Daily Life / Social

ved et tilfælde
sikke et tilfælde
et rent tilfælde
i det her tilfælde

Safety / Instructions

i tilfælde af brand
i tilfælde af nød
i tilfælde af uheld
hvis dette er tilfældet

Academic / Logic

i de fleste tilfælde
i visse tilfælde
overladt til tilfældet
et isoleret tilfælde

بدايات محادثة

"Har du nogensinde mødt en gammel ven ved et rent tilfælde?"

"Hvad gør du normalt i tilfælde af, at din computer går i stykker?"

"Tror du på skæbnen, eller er alt bare et tilfælde?"

"I hvilke tilfælde synes du, det er okay at lyve?"

"Er det også tilfældet i dit hjemland, at folk spiser meget rugbrød?"

مواضيع للكتابة اليومية

Beskriv et mærkeligt tilfælde, der skete for dig for nylig. Hvordan reagerede du?

Skriv om en situation, hvor du var nødt til at handle hurtigt i et nødstilfælde.

Reflektér over sætningen 'Intet er et tilfælde'. Er du enig eller uenig?

I hvilke tilfælde føler du dig mest glad og afslappet i Danmark?

Beskriv et tilfælde, hvor en lille beslutning ændrede hele din dag.

الأسئلة الشائعة

10 أسئلة

No, it only means coincidence in certain contexts, usually when used with 'et' like 'Det var et tilfælde'. In most other contexts, like 'i mange tilfælde', it means 'case' or 'instance'. For example, a doctor talking about 'sygdomstilfælde' is talking about cases of illness, not coincidences.

No, that is a common error. The plural of 'tilfælde' is just 'tilfælde'. Neuter nouns that end in a neutral 'e' often have no change in the plural. Example: 'ét tilfælde' (one case), 'mange tilfælde' (many cases).

You can say 'ved et tilfælde' or use the adverb 'tilfældigvis'. For example: 'Jeg mødte hende ved et tilfælde' or 'Jeg mødte hende tilfældigvis'. Both are very common.

No, you cannot. For a physical case like a phone case, you should use 'etui', 'hylster', or 'cover'. 'Tilfælde' is strictly for abstract situations or events.

An 'uheld' is specifically an accident where something bad happens (like breaking a glass). A 'tilfælde' is a neutral word for an occurrence or a coincidence. If you meet a friend, it's a 'tilfælde'. If you crash your car, it's an 'uheld'.

It means 'in case of fire'. This is a very common phrase found on safety signs throughout Denmark. 'I tilfælde af' is the standard way to set a condition.

Yes, it is extremely common. You will hear it in news reports, in hospitals, in legal settings, and in daily conversations about coincidences. It is a core part of the B1 vocabulary.

The 'd' is a 'soft d' (blødt d). It is not like the English 'd'. Instead, place your tongue near your bottom teeth and let the air flow, similar to the 'th' in the English word 'mother' but even softer.

No, 'tilfælde' is only a noun. However, there is a related verb 'tilfalde', which means to fall to someone or be granted to someone, but it is much less common.

It means 'That is the case' or 'That is true'. It is a very useful phrase for confirming that a situation is exactly as described. 'Er det tilfældet?' means 'Is that the case?'.

سجّل مجاناً للنصائح والملاحظات