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B2 verb 13 Min. Lesezeit

benægte

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Erklärung benægte in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'benægte' is a bit too advanced for your daily vocabulary, but you can understand it as a very strong way of saying 'No, that is not true.' Imagine you are playing a game and someone says you cheated. If you say 'I didn't do it!', you are doing what 'benægte' means. In Danish, you usually start with simple words like 'nej' (no) or 'det passer ikke' (that's not true). 'Benægte' is like those words but more formal. You might see it in very simple stories where a character says they didn't do something wrong. Even though you don't need to use it yet, knowing that it means 'to deny' will help you when you read news or watch TV. Just remember: it is about saying a fact is wrong. You don't use it to say 'no' to a cup of coffee. You use it to say 'no' to a lie or an accusation. It is a verb, so it describes an action—the action of saying 'it's not true.' In Danish, we say 'Jeg benægter det' (I deny it). The word is long and has a special letter 'æ', which sounds like the 'e' in 'pet'. Practice saying 'be-næg-te'. It is a good word to recognize early on because it appears in many important places like the news. At this stage, just focus on the basic meaning: to say something is not true. Don't worry about the complex grammar yet. Just think of it as a formal 'nej' regarding facts. If someone asks 'Did you break the vase?' and you say 'No,' you are benægter-ing the accusation. It is a useful concept to have in your mind as you build your Danish foundation.

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At the A2 level, you are starting to build more complex sentences, and 'benægte' is a word you will begin to encounter in reading materials. It means 'to deny.' You can use it when you want to talk about someone saying that an accusation is false. For example, 'Han benægter alt' (He denies everything). This is a common phrase. You should notice that 'benægte' is a regular verb. In the present tense, you add -r: 'benægter'. In the past tense, you add -de: 'benægtede'. For example: 'I går benægtede hun sandheden' (Yesterday she denied the truth). It is important to distinguish 'benægte' from 'nægte'. Use 'benægte' for facts (like 'I didn't do it') and 'nægte' for refusing to do something (like 'I won't do it'). At A2, you might use 'benægte' in simple reports or when talking about a movie plot. 'Tyven benægter at have stjålet pengene' (The thief denies having stolen the money). This 'at have + past participle' structure is a bit advanced, but you can start to recognize it. Focus on using 'benægte' with simple objects first. 'Han benægter fejlen' (He denies the mistake). It's a great word to make your Danish sound more precise. Instead of always saying 'Han siger det ikke er rigtigt' (He says it's not right), you can say 'Han benægter det.' This makes your language more efficient. You will also see it in news headlines. Danes value honesty, so 'benægte' is a word that carries some weight. When you hear it, think about the truth being challenged. Keep practicing the pronunciation, especially the 'æ' sound and the silent 'e' at the end. It's a stepping stone to more formal Danish.

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At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'benægte' in both speech and writing to discuss more nuanced topics. You are now moving beyond simple facts and into the realm of opinions and social issues. 'Benægte' is perfect for this. You can use it to talk about people who deny climate change: 'Nogle mennesker benægter klimaforandringer.' You should also become comfortable with the passive form 'benægtes,' which is often used in formal contexts. For instance, 'Det kan ikke benægtes, at...' (It cannot be denied that...). This is a very powerful sentence starter for essays or debates. It allows you to state a fact that you believe everyone should agree with before you present your own argument. At B1, you should also pay attention to the adverbs that often accompany 'benægte.' Words like 'hårdnakket' (stubbornly) or 'kategorisk' (categorically) add flavor to your sentences. 'Han benægtede kategorisk alle anklager' (He categorically denied all charges). You are also learning to manage subordinate clauses better. Remember that 'benægte' often introduces a 'at'-clause. 'Hun benægter, at hun var involveret i ulykken.' In these clauses, be careful with the position of 'ikke'. In B1, you are expected to handle these structures with more confidence. You might also start to see the noun form 'benægtelse' (denial), especially in psychological or social contexts. 'Han lever i benægtelse' (He lives in denial). This level is about expanding your reach, and 'benægte' is a key tool for discussing truth, responsibility, and social reality in a more sophisticated way. It helps you move away from 'barnligt' (childish) language and towards 'voksent' (adult) Danish.

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At the B2 level, 'benægte' should be a natural part of your vocabulary. You understand its specific nuances, particularly the difference between 'benægte' and 'nægte.' You know that 'benægte' is about the truth-value of a statement, whereas 'nægte' is often about refusal of an action or permission. You can use 'benægte' in complex argumentative contexts. For example, in a formal essay, you might write: 'Selvom visse grupper benægter videnskabelige fakta, må samfundet handle.' (Even though certain groups deny scientific facts, society must act). You are also aware of the word's formal register. You know that using 'benægte' in a casual conversation with a friend might sound a bit dramatic or overly formal, unless you are intentionally being serious. You should be able to use the verb in all its forms, including the perfect and the past perfect, and combine it with complex objects like long 'at'-clauses or infinitive phrases. For instance: 'Han havde længe benægtet at have kendskab til de økonomiske uregelmæssigheder.' (He had long denied having knowledge of the financial irregularities). At this level, you also recognize the rhetorical power of the word. You can use it to structure an argument, challenging an opponent's 'benægtelse' of a central point. You are also familiar with collocations like 'benægte ethvert kendskab' (deny any knowledge) and 'benægte sin skyld' (deny one's guilt). You can distinguish 'benægte' from synonyms like 'bestride' (to contest) or 'afvise' (to reject), choosing the right word based on the context—whether it's a legal dispute, a social rejection, or a simple denial of fact. Your Danish is now becoming precise and stylistically appropriate for professional and academic environments.

At the C1 level, you have a deep, intuitive understanding of 'benægte' and its place within the broader Danish linguistic system. You can use it to discuss abstract philosophical concepts or complex legal theories. You understand the subtle implications of using 'benægte' over 'bestride' or 'dementere.' For example, you know that 'dementere' implies a formal, often public, correction of a previously stated 'fact,' while 'benægte' is the act of the individual or entity rejecting the claim. You can use 'benægte' to analyze literature or political rhetoric, identifying when a speaker is using denial as a strategic tool. Your use of the word is stylistically varied; you can use it in the passive voice to create an objective tone or in the active voice to emphasize agency and responsibility. 'Det må benægtes, at denne politik har haft den ønskede effekt.' (It must be denied that this policy has had the desired effect). You are also comfortable with the word in specialized contexts, such as psychology, where 'benægtelse' is a defense mechanism. You can discuss the nuances of 'selvbedrag' (self-deception) and how it relates to 'at benægte over for sig selv' (denying to oneself). At C1, you also appreciate the historical development of the word and its cognates in other Germanic languages, which helps you understand its formal 'be-' prefix. You can use the word in high-level debates, where you might say: 'Man kan ikke benægte det ontologiske argument uden også at forkaste dets præmisser.' (One cannot deny the ontological argument without also rejecting its premises). Your command of the word allows you to express subtle shades of meaning, making your Danish not just correct, but elegant and persuasive.

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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'benægte' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use the word with total precision, sensitivity to register, and rhetorical flair. You can employ 'benægte' in the most complex syntactical structures without hesitation. You are aware of the word's resonance in Danish cultural history, from its use in legal statutes to its role in the works of Søren Kierkegaard or other Danish thinkers. You can use 'benægte' to deconstruct arguments in a way that is both intellectually rigorous and linguistically sophisticated. For example, you might explore the tension between 'at benægte' and 'at fortie' (to keep silent about), discussing the ethical implications of each in a political context. You can use the word in creative writing to convey deep psychological states, where a character's 'benægtelse' of their own identity or past forms a central theme. You also understand the most obscure collocations and idiomatic uses, and you can play with the word's meaning for ironic or humorous effect. In academic or professional writing, you use 'benægte' to establish authority, using phrases like 'Det lader sig ikke benægte' (It cannot be denied/It doesn't let itself be denied) to introduce undeniable truths. You are a master of the subtle distinctions between 'benægte,' 'negere,' 'bestride,' and 'afvise,' and you choose between them with an artist's precision. Your Danish is not just a tool for communication, but a medium for complex thought, and 'benægte' is a vital part of your intellectual arsenal. You can participate in the highest levels of Danish public life, from legal proceedings to academic symposia, using this word to navigate the most challenging discussions about truth, reality, and human nature.

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benægte in 30 Sekunden

Benægte means 'to deny' in a formal or factual context.
It is a regular Group 1 verb: benægter, benægtede, har benægtet.
Commonly used in law, news, and serious personal arguments.
Distinguish it from 'nægte', which usually means 'to refuse'.

The Danish verb benægte is a sophisticated and essential term in the Danish language, primarily used to express the act of declaring something as untrue or refusing to admit the existence or reality of a fact. At its core, it translates to the English 'to deny.' However, its usage in Danish carries a specific weight that often leans towards formal, legal, or serious interpersonal contexts. When you use benægte, you are not just saying 'no' to a request; you are challenging the validity of a statement, an accusation, or a perceived truth. It is a transitive verb, meaning it almost always takes an object—the thing that is being denied. In everyday Danish life, you might encounter this word in news reports regarding politicians who benægter ethvert kendskab (deny any knowledge) of a scandal, or in a courtroom setting where a defendant benægter anklagerne (denies the charges). It is a word of resistance and contradiction. Understanding benægte requires recognizing the difference between simply refusing (which is often nægte) and denying a fact. For example, if someone asks you to help them move and you say no, you nægter to help. If someone accuses you of stealing their sandwich and you say you didn't do it, you benægter the theft. This distinction is crucial for reaching a B2 level of proficiency.

Legal Context: In Danish law, the term is used when a suspect does not plead guilty to the charges presented by the prosecution. It signifies a formal rejection of the presented evidence or narrative.

Selv da beviserne blev lagt på bordet, valgte han at benægte alt.

Beyond the legal and formal, benægte is also used in psychological contexts. One might benægte sine følelser (deny one's feelings) or live in a state of benægtelse (denial). This usage mirrors the English psychological concept where an individual refuses to accept a painful reality. The word carries a certain level of intellectual activity; it implies that there is a claim being made which the subject is actively pushing back against. It is not a passive word.

Det er nytteløst at benægte, at klimaet ændrer sig.

In Danish culture, which values consensus and directness (within certain social norms), benægte can sometimes feel confrontational. To benægte something that others perceive as obvious can lead to social friction. Therefore, the word is often accompanied by adverbs to soften or strengthen the impact, such as hårdnakket (stubbornly) or kategorisk (categorically).

Philosophical Usage: In philosophical debates, 'benægte' is used to reject the truth-value of a proposition or the existence of a deity or metaphysical concept.

Han kunne ikke benægte eksistensen af en højere magt.

Social Context: Using 'benægte' in a family argument might sound a bit formal; 'sige nej' or 'det passer ikke' are more common in casual speech, but 'benægte' emphasizes the gravity of the lie or the truth being rejected.

Hun forsøgte at benægte, at hun var ked af det, men hendes øjne afslørede hende.

Man kan ikke benægte fakta, uanset hvor meget man prøver.

In summary, benægte is about the truth. It is about the friction between what is claimed and what one is willing to admit. Whether in the high-stakes environment of a courtroom or the quiet realization of a personal truth, benægte serves as the linguistic tool for rejection of reality.

Using benægte correctly requires an understanding of Danish sentence structure and the verb's relationship with its objects. As a regular verb of the first conjugation (Group 1), it follows the standard pattern: benægter (present), benægtede (past), and har benægtet (perfect). The most common construction involves a direct object, often a noun phrase or a 'at'-clause (that-clause). For instance, 'He denies the fact' becomes Han benægter fakta. If you want to say 'He denies that he was there,' it becomes Han benægter, at han var der. Note the comma before 'at,' which is a standard rule in many Danish writing styles, though modern rules have made it optional in some contexts; however, for learners, keeping it helps clarify the structure.

Direct Object Usage: When followed by a noun: 'Ministeren benægter anklagen' (The minister denies the accusation). Here, 'anklagen' is the direct object.

Han fortsatte med at benægte ethvert kendskab til sagen.

Another frequent use is the impersonal construction det kan ikke benægtes, which translates to 'it cannot be denied' or 'it is undeniable.' This is a very useful phrase for academic writing or formal debates to introduce a point that is widely accepted as true. It functions similarly to 'it is a fact that...' but with more rhetorical flair.

Det kan ikke benægtes, at resultaterne er imponerende.

Passive Voice: The passive form 'benægtes' is often used in formal reports. 'Anklagen benægtes af den sigtede' (The accusation is denied by the accused).

One nuance to master is the combination with reflexive pronouns, though this is rare and often replaced by other verbs. Usually, benægte stays focused on external facts or internal truths. You might also see it used with adverbs of degree. Han benægtede det fuldstændig (He denied it completely). Hun benægtede det pure (She denied it flatly/categorically).

De benægtede hårdnakket, at de havde begået en fejl.

Common Collocations: 'Benægte sandheden' (deny the truth), 'benægte sin skyld' (deny one's guilt), 'benægte alt' (deny everything).

Hvorfor bliver du ved med at benægte virkeligheden?

Politiet bad ham stoppe med at benægte de faktiske omstændigheder.

In the past tense, benægtede is used to describe a historical denial. 'Dengang benægtede han alt, men i dag indrømmer han det' (At that time he denied everything, but today he admits it). This illustrates the common pairing of benægte with its opposite, indrømme (to admit). Mastering these two verbs as a pair will significantly enhance your ability to discuss truth and accountability in Danish. Always ensure that the tense of benægte matches the timeframe of the denial itself, while the content of the denial (the 'at'-clause) reflects the timeframe of the event being denied.

In the modern Danish landscape, benægte is a staple of news media and political discourse. If you tune into DR1 or TV2 news, you will frequently hear journalists questioning spokespeople who benægter responsibility for a policy failure or a financial discrepancy. It is the language of the 'official statement.' When a company is accused of polluting a local river, their PR department will issue a statement saying they benægter anklagerne om forurening. This formal air makes it less common in the playground or among friends talking about what they had for lunch, where simpler verbs like sige or nægte might suffice. However, in the context of a serious discussion about values or facts, benægte appears.

News Media: Headlines often use 'benægte' for brevity and impact: 'Direktør benægter svindel' (Director denies fraud).

I nyhederne i aften benægter statsministeren at have kendt til sagen.

You will also hear it in Danish cinema and television, particularly in crime dramas (Krimi). The interrogation scene is the natural habitat of benægte. Detectives will say, 'Du kan ikke benægte, at vi fandt dine fingeraftryk' (You cannot deny that we found your fingerprints). In these settings, the word emphasizes the futility of the suspect's lies. It is also found in literature and high-level debate. Danish philosophers or commentators might discuss 'klima-benægtere' (climate deniers), a term borrowed and adapted into the Danish context to describe those who reject scientific consensus.

Han blev stemplet som en person, der ville benægte selv de mest åbenlyse sandheder.

Podcasts and Talk Shows: In intellectual podcasts like 'Genstart' or 'P1 Eftermiddag', guests use 'benægte' to dissect complex social issues.

Det er svært at benægte, at samfundet har ændret sig markant.

Academic Lectures: Professors use the phrase 'Man kan ikke benægte...' to establish a foundational premise before moving to a more controversial argument.

Historikere kan ikke benægte begivenhedens betydning for eftertiden.

Vi kan ikke benægte, at der er brug for nye løsninger.

Finally, in the healthcare sector, doctors might use benægtelse to describe a patient's reaction to a diagnosis. 'Patienten benægter symptomerne' (The patient denies the symptoms). In all these contexts, the word signals a serious engagement with truth and reality. It is a word that demands a response and often marks a point of conflict or a foundational truth.

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with benægte is confusing it with the simpler verb nægte. While both can be translated as 'to deny' or 'to refuse' in certain contexts, they are not interchangeable. Nægte is much broader and often means 'to refuse to do something' or 'to refuse someone something.' For example, if you refuse to pay, you nægter at betale. You would almost never say benægter at betale unless you were somehow denying the abstract concept of payment. Benægte is strictly for denying the truth of a statement or the existence of a fact. A common error is saying 'Han benægtede at give mig pengene.' This sounds like he denied the fact that he gave you money (as if he's saying it never happened), when you probably meant he refused to give you the money (Han nægtede at give mig pengene).

Confusing 'benægte' and 'nægte': Wrong: Jeg benægter at spise kage. (This sounds like you are denying the existence of the act of eating cake). Correct: Jeg nægter at spise kage (I refuse to eat cake) or Jeg benægter at have spist kage (I deny having eaten the cake).

Mange bytter om på 'nægte' og 'benægte', men de har forskellige betydninger.

Another mistake involves the use of prepositions. Benægte is a transitive verb and does not usually take a preposition before its object. Some learners try to add 'om' or 'på' after it, influenced by other verbs like 'tale om' or 'tro på.' For example, 'Han benægter om sandheden' is incorrect; it should be Han benægter sandheden. Grammatically, the object should follow the verb directly. Furthermore, in the perfect tense, learners sometimes forget to use 'har' and accidentally use 'er.' Since benægte is an action directed at an object, it always uses har: Jeg har benægtet.

Preposition Errors: Avoid: Han benægter til anklagen. Correct: Han benægter anklagen.

Husk at man benægter noget (direkte objekt) uden forholdsord.

Tense Confusion: Using present tense when past is required: 'Han benægter det i går' (Wrong). 'Han benægtede det i går' (Correct).

Det er en fejl at benægte fortidens synder.

Hun benægtede alt, selvom vi vidste hun løj.

Finally, pay attention to the word order in 'at'-clauses. Because benægte often introduces a subordinate clause, the 'ikke' (not) must come before the verb in that clause if you are using the old-fashioned or formal 'bisætningsordstilling.' Example: 'Han benægter, at han ikke (adverb) har (verb) gjort det.' If you place 'ikke' after the verb in a subordinate clause, it can sound unnatural to a native speaker, although this is changing in modern spoken Danish. Staying consistent with the 'adverb before verb' rule in subordinate clauses will make your use of benægte sound much more professional.

To truly master benægte, you must know its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. The most common alternative is afvise, which means 'to reject' or 'to dismiss.' While you can benægte an accusation (say it's not true), you can afvise an accusation (dismiss it as irrelevant or refuse to consider it). Afvise is more active and can apply to offers, people, or ideas. Another close relative is bestride, which is often used in legal or academic contexts to mean 'to contest' or 'to dispute.' If you bestrider a claim, you are actively fighting against it with arguments or evidence.

Benægte vs. Afvise: Benægte: To say 'it didn't happen.' Afvise: To say 'I don't accept this' or 'No thank you.'

I stedet for at benægte fejlen, valgte han at afvise kritikken.

Dementere is a very specific synonym used almost exclusively in the media. It means 'to issue a formal denial' or 'to debunk.' If a newspaper prints a false story, the person involved might dementere the story. It implies a public correction of the record. For more philosophical or logic-based contexts, you might use negere, which means 'to negate.' This is rare in conversation but common in mathematics, philosophy, and linguistics.

Benægte vs. Bestride: Benægte: Focuses on the truth-value. Bestride: Focuses on the conflict or disagreement over a claim.

Advokaten valgte at benægte alt, mens han samtidig bestred bevisernes gyldighed.

Formal Alternatives: 'Gå imod' (to go against), 'modstride' (to contradict), 'forkaste' (to reject/discard).

Det nytter ikke at benægte, når man kan modstride argumentet logisk.

Han forsøgte at benægte sit ansvar ved at frasige sig sin stilling.

In everyday speech, if you want to be less formal, you can use phrases like sige nej til (say no to), ikke vedkende sig (not acknowledge), or simply lyve om (lie about). However, benægte remains the most precise word for the specific act of truth-denial. Understanding when to use benægte versus afvise or bestride is a hallmark of a student moving from intermediate to advanced Danish. It shows a sensitivity to the context of the disagreement and the nature of the claim being rejected.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

"De sigtede benægter ethvert kendskab til de ulovlige aktiviteter."

Neutral

"Han benægter, at det var hans skyld."

Informell

"Du kan ikke bare benægte, at du tog min øl!"

Child friendly

"Han siger, han ikke gjorde det, selvom han gjorde."

Umgangssprache

"Han b-nægter den bare helt vildt."

Wusstest du?

The 'be-' prefix in Danish often comes from German influence and typically transforms a verb into one that takes a direct object, often making it more formal.

Aussprachehilfe

UK [peˈnɛːd̥ə]

US [beˈnɛːd̥ə]

Stress is on the second syllable: be-NÆG-te.

Reimt sich auf

pægte mægte vægte ægte lægte smægte fægte slægte

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'g' like a hard English 'g' (as in 'goat').
Failing to make the 'æ' sound distinct from 'e'.
Putting stress on the first syllable 'be-'.
Over-pronouncing the final 'e'.
Making the 'b' too voiced/heavy.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Recognizing it in news is easy, but nuances in literature can be harder.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires correct 'at'-clause word order and distinguishing from 'nægte'.

Sprechen 4/5

The pronunciation of 'æ' and soft 'g' can be tricky for English speakers.

Hören 3/5

Clearly articulated in formal speech, but can be swallowed in rapid talk.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

nej nægte sandhed sige ikke

Als Nächstes lernen

indrømme erkende bestride afvise dementere

Fortgeschritten

fornægte uomtvistelig sandhedsværdi modstridende verificere

Wichtige Grammatik

V2 Rule in Main Clauses

Nu benægter han alt. (Verb is second).

Subordinate Clause Word Order

Han siger, at han ikke benægter det. ('ikke' before verb in sub-clause).

Regular Verb Conjugation (Group 1)

Jeg benægter, jeg benægtede, jeg har benægtet.

Passive with -s

Det benægtes af alle involverede.

Infinitive with 'at'

Det er svært at benægte.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Han siger nej og vil benægte det.

He says no and wants to deny it.

Simple present tense use of 'vil' + infinitive.

Du må ikke benægte sandheden.

You must not deny the truth.

Modal verb 'må' with 'ikke' and 'benægte'.

Jeg kan ikke benægte det.

I cannot deny it.

Modal verb 'kan' + 'benægte'.

Hvorfor benægter du det?

Why are you denying it?

Question form in present tense.

Han benægter alt.

He denies everything.

Verb + 'alt' (everything) as object.

Hun vil benægte fejlen.

She will deny the mistake.

Future intent with 'vil'.

De benægter at de var der.

They deny that they were there.

Introduces a simple 'at'-clause.

Vi kan ikke benægte fakta.

We cannot deny facts.

Plural subject with modal verb.

Tyven benægtede at have stjålet bilen.

The thief denied having stolen the car.

Past tense 'benægtede' with a perfect infinitive clause.

Det er svært at benægte sandheden.

It is hard to deny the truth.

Infinitive phrase after 'det er + adjective'.

Han benægter, at han kender hende.

He denies that he knows her.

Present tense with 'at'-clause.

Politiet siger, han benægter alt.

The police say he denies everything.

Reported speech structure.

Ingen kan benægte hendes talent.

No one can deny her talent.

Negative subject 'ingen'.

Han benægtede det med et smil.

He denied it with a smile.

Past tense with a prepositional phrase.

De benægter anklagerne mod dem.

They deny the charges against them.

Noun phrase as object.

Hvorfor benægtede du det i går?

Why did you deny it yesterday?

Question in the past tense.

Det kan ikke benægtes, at vejret er blevet varmere.

It cannot be denied that the weather has become warmer.

Passive voice 'benægtes' in an impersonal construction.

Han benægtede hårdnakket at have begået fejlen.

He stubbornly denied having committed the mistake.

Use of the adverb 'hårdnakket'.

Mange benægter stadig realiteterne i krisen.

Many still deny the realities of the crisis.

Present tense with 'stadig' (still).

Hun forsøgte at benægte sine følelser for ham.

She tried to deny her feelings for him.

Verb 'forsøgte' followed by 'at' + infinitive.

Det nytter ikke at benægte de faktiske forhold.

It is no use denying the factual circumstances.

Idiomatic expression 'det nytter ikke at'.

Han benægter pure at have modtaget brevet.

He flatly denies having received the letter.

Use of the adverb 'pure' for emphasis.

Vi må ikke benægte vores eget ansvar.

We must not deny our own responsibility.

Reflexive possessive 'vores eget'.

Politikeren benægter ethvert kendskab til korruption.

The politician denies any knowledge of corruption.

Common collocation 'ethvert kendskab til'.

Anklagede benægter sig skyldig i alle punkter.

The accused denies being guilty on all counts.

Formal legal phrasing.

Det lader sig ikke benægte, at resultaterne er skuffende.

It cannot be denied that the results are disappointing.

Reflexive passive construction 'lader sig ikke benægte'.

Han benægtede kategorisk at have talt med pressen.

He categorically denied having spoken with the press.

Adverb 'kategorisk' for strong denial.

Hun kunne ikke benægte eksistensen af problemet længere.

She could not deny the existence of the problem any longer.

Negative modal with 'længere'.

Mange vælger at benægte videnskaben til fordel for ideologi.

Many choose to deny science in favor of ideology.

Phrase 'til fordel for' (in favor of).

Han benægter, at han nogensinde har set dokumentet.

He denies that he has ever seen the document.

Subordinate clause with 'nogensinde'.

Man kan ikke benægte den historiske betydning af denne dag.

One cannot deny the historical significance of this day.

Impersonal 'man' as subject.

De benægtede at have haft noget med sagen at gøre.

They denied having had anything to do with the case.

Complex infinitive construction.

Det ville være tåbeligt at benægte de strukturelle problemer i samfundet.

It would be foolish to deny the structural problems in society.

Conditional 'ville være' with infinitive.

Han benægtede sit ophav for at passe ind i de nye cirkler.

He denied his origins to fit into the new circles.

Metaphorical use of 'benægte' for identity.

Det kan ikke benægtes, at diskursen er blevet mere polariseret.

It cannot be denied that the discourse has become more polarized.

Academic passive construction.

Forskeren benægtede ikke muligheden for en fejlmargin.

The researcher did not deny the possibility of a margin of error.

Double negative sense (not denying = admitting possibility).

Han forsøgte desperat at benægte den uundgåelige sandhed.

He tried desperately to deny the inevitable truth.

Use of the adverb 'desperat'.

At benægte fakta er det første skridt mod intellektuel isolation.

To deny facts is the first step toward intellectual isolation.

Infinitive phrase used as a noun/subject.

Ministeren benægtede at have handlet i strid med loven.

The minister denied having acted in violation of the law.

Phrase 'i strid med' (in violation of).

Hun benægtede pure at have kendskab til de fortrolige oplysninger.

She flatly denied having knowledge of the confidential information.

Adverbial emphasis with 'pure'.

Det lader sig ikke benægte, at den menneskelige psyke er tilbøjelig til selvbedrag.

It cannot be denied that the human psyche is prone to self-deception.

Highly formal reflexive passive.

At benægte eksistensen af en objektiv virkelighed er en filosofisk blindgyde.

To deny the existence of an objective reality is a philosophical dead end.

Philosophical subject-clause.

Han benægtede hårdnakket enhver form for meddelagtighed i komplottet.

He stubbornly denied any form of complicity in the plot.

Sophisticated vocabulary ('meddelagtighed', 'komplottet').

Man kan ikke benægte den melankoli, der gennemsyrer hans senere værker.

One cannot deny the melancholy that permeates his later works.

Literary analysis context.

Hun benægtede at have ladet sig påvirke af de politiske strømninger.

She denied having allowed herself to be influenced by the political currents.

Passive infinitive 'at have ladet sig påvirke'.

Der er ingen grund til at benægte, at vi står over for en eksistentiel trussel.

There is no reason to deny that we are facing an existential threat.

Complex existential construction.

Forsvaret valgte at benægte validiteten af de indsamlede beviser.

The defense chose to deny the validity of the collected evidence.

Legal terminology 'validiteten'.

Han benægtede sit ansvar med en arrogance, der chokerede alle.

He denied his responsibility with an arrogance that shocked everyone.

Relative clause describing the manner of denial.

Häufige Kollokationen

benægte ethvert kendskab

benægte fakta

benægte anklagerne

hårdnakket benægte

kategorisk benægte

benægte sin skyld

benægte sandheden

benægte eksistensen af

benægte en fejl

benægte alt

Häufige Phrasen

Det kan ikke benægtes

— It is an undeniable fact. Used to introduce a strong point.

Det kan ikke benægtes, at vi har et problem.

Benægte sig skyldig

— To plead not guilty in a legal setting.

Han benægtede sig skyldig i retten.

At leve i benægtelse

— To live in a state of refusing to accept reality (psychological).

Hun lever i fuldstændig benægtelse om sin økonomi.

Benægte pure

— To flatly or absolutely deny something.

Han benægtede det pure, da jeg spurgte ham.

Benægte fakta

— To ignore or reject proven information.

Man kan ikke bare benægte fakta, fordi de er ubehagelige.

Benægte adgang

— Note: This is a rare/incorrect use; 'nægte adgang' is correct for 'deny access'.

Man skal bruge 'nægte adgang', ikke 'benægte'.

Uden at benægte

— Without denying; admitting while adding more info.

Uden at benægte fejlen, vil jeg sige, det var svært.

Forsøge at benægte

— To try to say something isn't true.

Han forsøgte at benægte, at han var fuld.

Benægte virkeligheden

— To refuse to see things as they are.

Han benægter virkeligheden og lever i sin egen verden.

Benægte ansvaret

— To say one is not responsible for something.

Ledelsen benægter ansvaret for underskuddet.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

benægte vs nægte

English speakers use 'deny' for both, but Danish uses 'nægte' for refusing/denying and 'benægte' for rejecting truth.

benægte vs afvise

Afvise means to reject/dismiss, whereas benægte means to say something is untrue.

benægte vs fornægte

Fornægte is often religious or deeply personal, like Peter denying Jesus.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"At benægte solen på en højlys dag"

— To deny something that is completely obvious to everyone.

At sige han ikke var der, er som at benægte solen på en højlys dag.

informal/figurative

"Hårdnakket benægtelse"

— A stubborn refusal to admit the truth.

Hans hårdnakkede benægtelse hjalp ham ikke i retten.

neutral

"Benægte til det sidste"

— To keep denying until the very end, even when caught.

Han vil benægte det til det sidste, uanset hvad vi finder.

neutral

"I benægtelsens fase"

— In the stage of denial (often regarding grief or bad news).

Han er stadig i benægtelsens fase efter fyringen.

psychological

"Benægte sit eget kød og blod"

— To disown or deny one's own family/children.

Han kunne aldrig finde på at benægte sit eget kød og blod.

literary/emotional

"Benægte alt mellem himmel og jord"

— To deny every single thing possible.

Han benægtede alt mellem himmel og jord under afhøringen.

informal/emphatic

"En benægtende holdning"

— A negative or dismissive attitude toward facts.

Hendes benægtende holdning gjorde samarbejdet svært.

neutral

"At benægte sig selv"

— To deny one's own needs or identity (often religious/ascetic).

Munken lærte at benægte sig selv for at finde fred.

religious/philosophical

"Benægte historien"

— To deny historical facts (like the Holocaust).

Det er strafbart i nogle lande at benægte historien.

political/legal

"Benægte sin natur"

— To try to act against one's true character.

Man kan ikke benægte sin natur i længden.

philosophical

Leicht verwechselbar

benægte vs nægte

Both translate to 'deny' in English.

Nægte is broader and often means refuse. Benægte is specifically for denying facts.

Han nægtede at gå. (He refused to go). Han benægtede at have gået. (He denied having gone).

benægte vs bestride

Both involve disagreement.

Bestride is more about contesting a claim or evidence. Benægte is about the truth of the fact.

Jeg bestrider regningen. (I dispute the bill).

benægte vs afvise

Both involve saying 'no'.

Afvise is to reject an offer or dismiss a person. Benægte is to reject a statement of truth.

Hun afviste gaven. (She rejected the gift).

benægte vs fornægte

Very similar spelling and meaning.

Fornægte is more about disowning or rejecting a belief/person. Benægte is for facts.

Han fornægtede sin tro. (He renounced his faith).

benægte vs dementere

Both are formal denials.

Dementere is specifically for public, official corrections of media reports.

Slottet dementerede rygtet. (The palace denied the rumor).

Satzmuster

Jeg benægter [ting].

Jeg benægter fejlen.

Han benægter, at [sætning].

Han benægter, at han var der.

[Person] benægter at have [kort tillægsform].

Hun benægter at have set ham.

Det kan ikke benægtes, at [sætning].

Det kan ikke benægtes, at det er koldt.

[Person] benægter [adverbium] [ting].

Han benægter kategorisk anklagen.

At benægte [ting] er [adjektiv].

At benægte fakta er farligt.

[Ting] benægtes af [person].

Ansvaret benægtes af direktøren.

Det lader sig ikke benægte, at [sætning].

Det lader sig ikke benægte, at vi fejlede.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in media and formal writing; less common in casual daily chatter.

Häufige Fehler

Jeg benægter at betale regningen. → Jeg nægter at betale regningen.
You refuse an action (paying), so you should use 'nægte'. 'Benægte' would mean you deny the fact of paying, which makes no sense here.
Han benægter om sandheden. → Han benægter sandheden.
'Benægte' is a transitive verb and takes its object directly without 'om'.
Det er benægtet at han var der. → Det benægtes, at han var der.
In impersonal constructions, the present passive 'benægtes' is more natural than the perfect passive.
Hun benægter at hun kender ikke ham. → Hun benægter, at hun ikke kender ham.
In subordinate clauses, the negation 'ikke' must come before the verb.
Han benægter hans skyld. → Han benægter sin skyld.
Use the reflexive possessive 'sin' because the guilt belongs to the subject 'han'.

Tipps

Verb Group

Remember that 'benægte' belongs to Group 1. This means it's very predictable: -er, -ede, -et. This makes it easier to use once you know the root.

Truth vs. Action

Always ask yourself: Am I denying a fact (benægte) or refusing an action (nægte)? This simple check will save you from common mistakes.

Academic Writing

Use 'Det kan ikke benægtes, at...' to start a paragraph where you want to state a widely accepted truth. It sounds very professional.

The Soft G

The 'g' in 'benægte' is very soft. Don't pronounce it like the 'g' in 'good'. It's more like a subtle transition between the 'æ' and the 't'.

Noun Form

Learn 'benægtelse' (denial) alongside the verb. It's used just like in English: 'Han lever i benægtelse'.

Legal Use

If you watch Danish crime shows, listen for 'benægter sig skyldig'. It's the standard way to say 'pleads not guilty'.

Adverbs

To sound more like a native, use adverbs like 'pure' or 'hårdnakket' with 'benægte'. It adds a lot of character to your speech.

Comma Rule

In written Danish, remember the comma before 'at' when 'benægte' introduces a clause. It's a hallmark of good grammar.

Antonym Practice

Practice 'benægte' and 'indrømme' together. They are natural opposites and often used in the same context.

News Catch

Try to spot 'benægte' in a Danish news clip on YouTube. It's one of the most common 'serious' verbs you'll hear.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'be-' as 'about' and 'nægte' as 'no'. So you are saying 'no about' a fact. Or imagine a 'Be-Negative' person who always denies the truth.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a courtroom with a judge holding a sign that says 'FAKTA' and a defendant pushing it away with both hands.

Word Web

Sandhed Løgn Retssag Anklage Indrømme Fakta Virkelighed Nægte

Herausforderung

Try to write three sentences about a famous person who had to benægte a scandal, using at least one adverb like 'kategorisk'.

Wortherkunft

Derived from the Middle Low German word 'beneyen', which is composed of the prefix 'be-' and 'neyen' (to say no).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To say 'no' to something or to reject a claim.

Germanic (Indo-European).

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful when using 'benægte' regarding sensitive historical events like the Holocaust (Holocaust-benægtelse), as this is a serious and often illegal act in many European contexts.

English speakers often use 'deny' for both refusing and denying facts. In Danish, you must split this into 'nægte' and 'benægte'.

Bill Clinton's 'I did not have sexual relations...' is a classic example of what Danes would call 'at benægte'. Peter's denial of Jesus in the Bible (Peters fornægtelse) uses a related word 'fornægte'. Climate change debates often feature 'klimabenægtere'.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Courtroom

Benægte anklagen
Benægte sig skyldig
Benægte ethvert kendskab
Benægte beviserne

Politics

Benægte ansvaret
Benægte rygterne
Benægte kendskab til sagen
Benægte fakta

Personal Relationships

Benægte sine følelser
Benægte at have løjet
Benægte virkeligheden
Benægte utroskab

Science/Environment

Klimabenægtelse
Benægte videnskabelige resultater
Benægte data
Benægte årsagssammenhæng

Academic Writing

Det kan ikke benægtes
Benægte en teori
Benægte validiteten
Benægte eksistensen af

Gesprächseinstiege

"Tror du, det er muligt for en politiker at benægte alt og stadig blive valgt?"

"Har du nogensinde prøvet at benægte dine egne følelser for at beskytte dig selv?"

"Hvorfor tror du, at nogle mennesker benægter videnskabelige fakta som klimaforandringer?"

"Kan man benægte sandheden, hvis man selv tror på sin egen løgn?"

"Hvad ville du gøre, hvis nogen benægtede noget, som du vidste var sandt?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Skriv om en gang, hvor du benægtede noget, selvom du vidste, det var sandt. Hvorfor gjorde du det?

Reflektér over sætningen 'Det kan ikke benægtes, at verden ændrer sig hurtigt.' Hvad tænker du om det?

Beskriv en karakter i en bog eller film, der lever i benægtelse. Hvordan påvirker det deres liv?

Hvordan reagerer du, når du ser folk benægte fakta i nyhederne eller på sociale medier?

Er der ting ved dig selv, som du har forsøgt at benægte tidligere, men som du nu har accepteret?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, you should use 'sige nej tak' or 'tak, men nej tak'. 'Benægte' is only for denying the truth of a statement or the existence of a fact. Using it for a social invitation would sound very strange and overly formal.

'Nægte' usually means 'to refuse' (e.g., refusing to do something) or 'to deny' in a general sense. 'Benægte' is more specific and formal, used for denying the truth of a claim or accusation. If you deny a crime, you 'benægter' it. If you refuse to pay, you 'nægter' to pay.

Yes, it is quite strong. It implies that there is a serious claim being made which you are actively contradicting. It is common in legal and political contexts where the stakes are high.

It is a regular Group 1 verb: Jeg benægter (present), Jeg benægtede (past), Jeg har benægtet (perfect). It follows the same pattern as 'at elske' or 'at vente'.

Yes, 'benægtes' is quite common in formal writing. For example: 'Det benægtes af ledelsen' (It is denied by the management). The phrase 'det kan ikke benægtes' (it cannot be denied) is also very frequent.

Yes, the noun is 'benægtelse', which means 'denial'. You might hear it in phrases like 'han er i benægtelse' (he is in denial).

No, 'benægte' is a transitive verb and takes a direct object. You say 'benægte noget', not 'benægte om noget' or 'benægte på noget'.

Use 'dementere' when a formal, public statement is being made to correct a false report in the news. 'Benægte' is for the general act of denying, while 'dementere' is for the official media correction.

'Klimabenægtelse' is the Danish word for climate change denial. It refers to the rejection of scientific evidence regarding changes in the Earth's climate.

It is common in serious conversations, debates, and news broadcasts. In very casual, everyday speech, people might use simpler phrases like 'sige det ikke passer' (say it's not true).

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