anmelde

§ What 'Anmelde' Means

Danish Word

anmelde (verb)

CEFR Level

B2

Definition

To review a product or report a crime.

§ How to Use 'Anmelde'

The Danish verb 'anmelde' is pretty useful because it covers two main ideas. You can use it when you want to talk about reviewing something, like a movie, a book, or a restaurant. It also means to report something, usually a crime or an incident, to the authorities. It's a regular '-re' verb, so its conjugation is straightforward once you know the pattern.

When you're talking about reviewing something, 'anmelde' usually takes a direct object. Think of it as 'to review [something]'.

Hint

I am going to review the new film.

Hint

Have you read the review of the book?

When 'anmelde' means to report a crime or an incident, it also typically takes a direct object. You're reporting *something*. Often, you'll see it used with 'til' (to) to indicate who you're reporting it to, like 'til politiet' (to the police).

Hint

They chose to report the theft to the police.

Hint

Have you reported your bike stolen?

Sometimes, you might hear 'anmelde sig syg' or 'anmelde sig til' something. This is a bit different. 'Anmelde sig syg' means to report oneself sick (to an employer, for example). 'Anmelde sig til' means to register or sign up for something.

Hint

He had to report himself sick this morning.

Hint

Do you want to register for the course?

§ Conjugation of 'Anmelde'

Here's a quick look at how 'anmelde' changes in different tenses:

• Infinitive: at anmelde (to review/report)
• Present Tense: anmelder (reviews/reports)
• Past Tense: anmeldte (reviewed/reported)
• Past Participle: anmeldt (reviewed/reported)

§ Understanding "anmelde"

The Danish verb "anmelde" is quite versatile and important to know. It has two primary meanings that are quite distinct but both involve some form of official communication or public declaration. Let's break them down.

§ Meaning 1: To review (a product, book, movie)

When you're talking about culture or commerce, "anmelde" means to review something. Think of a critic reviewing a film, a customer reviewing a product online, or a journalist reviewing a new restaurant. It's about providing a public assessment or opinion.

DEFINITION

To give a critical assessment or evaluation of a product, service, or artistic work, often for publication.

You'll often see this in newspaper headlines, on websites, or in casual conversation when people are discussing their opinions on something they've experienced.

*Hint: The reviewer wanted to review the new film.*

*Hint: I need to review the book for the blog.*

*Hint: Have you read the review of the new restaurant?*

§ Meaning 2: To report (a crime, an incident)

The second main meaning of "anmelde" is much more serious. It means to report something, usually a crime or an official incident, to the authorities, like the police. This implies a formal action with legal consequences.

DEFINITION

To formally notify the police or other authorities about a crime, incident, or wrongdoing.

You'll hear this in news reports, police statements, or in situations where someone is discussing illegal activities.

*Hint: The police encourage people to report thefts.*

*Hint: He chose to report the assault.*

*Hint: There is a report of fraud.*

§ "Anmelde" in Daily Life and Media

Because of its dual meanings, "anmelde" appears in a wide range of contexts. You might encounter it:

• In newspapers and online: Reading movie or book reviews (filmanmeldelse, bokanmeldelse) or news about crimes being reported.
• At work: If you work in customer service, you might deal with customers wanting to "anmelde" a faulty product, which could mean reporting it for repair/replacement. In a more formal setting, an employee might "anmelde" harassment.
• In conversations: Discussing a new TV series you watched and want to "anmelde" (give your opinion on), or hearing about someone who had to "anmelde" a stolen bicycle.

The key to understanding which meaning is being used is always the surrounding context. Is it about art, products, or services? Then it's likely 'to review'. Is it about illegal activities, complaints to authorities, or formal declarations? Then it's 'to report'.

§ Understanding 'Anmelde'

The Danish verb 'anmelde' is quite versatile and can be a bit tricky for learners because it has two main, distinct meanings. At a B2 level, it's important to grasp both of them to use the word correctly in conversation and writing.

Meaning 1

To review a product, book, movie, or service.

This meaning is similar to the English 'to review' or 'to critique'. When you 'anmelder' something in this context, you're giving your opinion or assessment of it, often in a public forum like a newspaper, website, or even just to friends.

Meaning 2

To report a crime, an incident, or someone to the authorities.

This meaning is more serious and implies formal reporting. If you 'anmelder' a crime, you're making an official complaint or statement to the police or other relevant authorities. It can also be used for reporting someone for misconduct.

§ Similar Words and When to Use 'Anmelde'

Let's look at some words that might seem similar but have different uses. Knowing these distinctions will help you sound more natural in Danish.

• 'Vurdere' (to assess, to evaluate): While 'anmelde' can involve assessment (especially in the review context), 'vurdere' is a more general term for evaluating something, often professionally or formally. It doesn't carry the connotation of public critique or reporting a crime.

  Banken skal vurdere min økonomi. (The bank needs to assess my finances.)

• 'Indberette' (to report, usually for statistics or formal records): This word is closer to 'anmelde' in its 'reporting' sense, but it's typically used for reporting data, statistics, or information to an official body, often for administrative purposes, not necessarily a crime or complaint.

  Virksomheden skal indberette sit regnskab. (The company must report its accounts.)

• 'Klage' (to complain): If you just want to express dissatisfaction without necessarily involving authorities or writing a formal review, 'klage' is the word you need. It's a general complaint.

  Jeg vil klage over maden. (I want to complain about the food.)

• 'Gennemgå' (to go through, to examine): This implies a thorough examination or inspection, which might be part of a review, but 'gennemgå' doesn't necessarily result in a public critique or a formal report.

  Vi skal gennemgå rapporten grundigt. (We need to examine the report thoroughly.)

So, when should you use 'anmelde'?

• Use 'anmelde' for public reviews of cultural works, products, or services. Think critics, bloggers, or anyone giving a public opinion.

  Hun anmeldte teaterstykket positivt. (She reviewed the play positively.)

• Use 'anmelde' for officially reporting a crime, a suspected crime, or an infringement to the police or other legal entities.

  De valgte at anmelde svindlen. (They chose to report the fraud.)