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A2 verb 13 min de lecture

beskrive

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces beskrive en 30 secondes

Explication beskrive in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'beskrive' is used for very simple, concrete tasks. You will mostly use it to talk about things you can see right in front of you or basic information about yourself. For example, a teacher might ask you to 'beskrive dit værelse' (describe your room) or 'beskrive din familie' (describe your family). At this stage, your descriptions will rely heavily on basic adjectives like 'stor' (big), 'lille' (small), 'rød' (red), or 'glad' (happy). You don't need to worry about complex sentence structures. The goal is simply to use the verb 'beskrive' to introduce a list of characteristics. You will mainly use the present tense 'beskriver.' For instance: 'Jeg beskriver min hund. Den er hvid og lille.' It's a foundational word that helps you start communicating about the world around you in a structured way. You might also encounter it in simple instructions, like 'Beskriv billedet' (Describe the picture) on a worksheet. Don't worry about being perfectly accurate with the past tense yet; focus on connecting the verb to the object you are talking about. Learning 'beskrive' at A1 gives you the power to share your immediate reality with others, which is a huge step in language acquisition.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'beskrive' in more varied contexts and with slightly more detail. You are expected to describe not just objects, but also people's appearances, your daily routine, and your past experiences in a simple way. You will start using the past tense 'beskrev' more frequently. For example, 'I går beskrev jeg min ferie for min ven' (Yesterday I described my vacation to my friend). You will also start using the preposition 'som' to make your descriptions more sophisticated: 'Han beskrev sin nye bil som meget hurtig' (He described his new car as very fast). At A2, you are also learning to describe feelings and simple symptoms to a doctor. 'Kan du beskrive, hvor det gør ondt?' (Can you describe where it hurts?). This level is about expanding your vocabulary of adjectives and adverbs so that your 'beskrivelser' (descriptions) become more vivid. You are moving away from just 'big' and 'small' to words like 'hyggelig' (cozy), 'moderne' (modern), or 'træt' (tired). You will also encounter 'beskrive' in more 'hv-' clauses, such as 'Beskriv, hvad du laver om morgenen' (Describe what you do in the morning). This level builds the bridge between simple naming and actual storytelling.

At the B1 level, 'beskrive' becomes a tool for expressing opinions and describing more abstract concepts. You can now describe events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions. Your descriptions will include more nuance and better flow. Instead of just listing facts, you might describe the *atmosphere* of a place or the *character* of a person. For example, 'Hun beskrev stemningen til festen som meget afslappet' (She described the atmosphere at the party as very relaxed). You are also expected to use 'beskrive' in the present perfect tense: 'Han har beskrevet sin barndom i sin nye bog' (He has described his childhood in his new book). At B1, you start to see the difference between 'beskrive' and its synonyms like 'skildre' or 'forklare' more clearly. You might be asked to describe a problem at work and suggest a solution. Your ability to 'beskrive' is now linked to your ability to participate in longer conversations and express your viewpoint. You will also use more complex adverbs like 'nøjagtigt' (exactly), 'tydeligt' (clearly), or 'især' (especially) to refine your descriptions. This is the level where you start to feel like you can really 'paint a picture' for your listener, not just provide a list of data points.

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At the B2 level, you use 'beskrive' with a high degree of precision and can handle complex and abstract topics. You can describe social issues, technical processes, or the plot of a complicated movie in detail. You will frequently use 'beskrive' in professional contexts, such as 'beskrive en arbejdsproces' (describe a work process) or 'beskrive resultaterne af en undersøgelse' (describe the results of a study). Your vocabulary is large enough that you can choose synonyms like 'karakterisere' or 'redegøre for' when appropriate. You will also be comfortable using the passive voice 'beskrives' in formal writing. For example, 'I denne artikel beskrives de nyeste tendenser inden for teknologi' (In this article, the latest trends in technology are described). At B2, your descriptions are not just accurate; they are also well-structured and use a variety of linking words. You can describe subtle differences between two things and use 'beskrive' to support an argument. For instance, 'Forfatteren beskriver konflikten på en måde, der gør det let at forstå begge sider' (The author describes the conflict in a way that makes it easy to understand both sides). This level requires a mastery of the strong verb forms and the ability to use 'beskrive' reflexively to discuss identity and personal development.

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At the C1 level, 'beskrive' is used to navigate the finest nuances of the Danish language. You can describe complex emotional states, intricate philosophical theories, and subtle social dynamics with ease. Your descriptions are rich, evocative, and tailored to your audience. You will often use 'beskrive' in the context of literary analysis or high-level professional reporting. For example, 'Analysen beskriver de underliggende magtstrukturer i organisationen' (The analysis describes the underlying power structures in the organization). You are also adept at using 'beskrive' in metaphorical ways. You can choose from a wide range of adverbs and adjectives to create exactly the right tone. At this level, you might use 'beskrive' to critique how something is represented in the media: 'Medierne beskriver ofte denne gruppe på en stigmatiserende måde' (The media often describes this group in a stigmatizing way). You understand the stylistic impact of choosing 'beskrive' over 'skildre', 'gengive', or 'fremstille.' Your command of the language allows you to 'beskrive' things so vividly that the listener or reader can almost experience them themselves. This is the level of near-native fluency where 'beskrive' is no longer just a verb you use, but a tool you wield with artistic and intellectual precision.

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At the C2 level, your use of 'beskrive' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You can describe the most abstract and complex subjects—such as quantum physics, deep psychological trauma, or intricate legal frameworks—with absolute clarity and stylistic flair. You use 'beskrive' in all its forms and registers, from the most formal academic prose to the most nuanced poetic expression. You can engage in 'beskrivelser' that are not only accurate but also persuasive and structurally perfect. You might use the word to discuss the limitations of language itself: 'Nogle følelser er så dybe, at de næsten ikke kan beskrives' (Some feelings are so deep they can almost not be described). At C2, you are also aware of the historical and etymological weight of the word. You can use it in a wide range of idioms and fixed expressions without hesitation. Your ability to 'beskrive' is integrated into your overall communicative competence, allowing you to switch between different modes of description (objective, subjective, technical, artistic) seamlessly. Whether you are writing a doctoral thesis, a novel, or delivering a keynote speech, 'beskrive' is a word you use to demonstrate your total mastery over the Danish language and its capacity to represent the world.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

beskrive en 30 secondes

Beskrive is a strong Danish verb meaning 'to describe.'
It is used for physical, emotional, and abstract descriptions.
Its past tense is 'beskrev' and past participle is 'beskrevet.'
It is a key word in academic, professional, and daily contexts.

The Danish verb beskrive is a fundamental building block of the language, functioning much like the English word 'to describe.' At its core, it is about using words to paint a picture, whether that picture is of a physical object, a person, a complex emotion, or a sequence of events. The word itself is composed of the prefix 'be-' and the root verb 'skrive' (to write). Historically, this prefix often implies a sense of 'about' or 'around,' suggesting that to describe something is to 'write about' it in a way that covers its various aspects and qualities. In modern Danish, however, the word is used just as frequently in spoken language as it is in writing.

Visual Description: When you want someone to tell you what something looks like, you use 'beskrive.' For example, if you lost your keys, you might ask someone to describe them to see if they found the right ones. This involves mentioning color, shape, size, and material.

Kan du beskrive manden, du så ved banken?

Beyond the physical, 'beskrive' is essential in professional and academic settings. Scientists describe their findings, witnesses describe incidents to the police, and authors describe the inner lives of their characters. It is a versatile tool for communication that moves beyond simple naming into the realm of detail and nuance. In a social context, you might be asked to 'beskrive dig selv' (describe yourself) during a job interview or on a dating app. This usage requires a mix of adjectives and verbs to convey personality and history. The word carries a certain weight of accuracy; when you 'beskrive' something, there is an expectation that you are being faithful to the reality of the subject.

Abstract Concepts: It is not just for things you can see. You can describe a feeling of joy, a complicated political situation, or a philosophical theory. In these cases, 'beskrive' acts as a bridge between internal thought and external understanding.

Det er svært at beskrive følelsen af at vinde.

In Danish culture, which often values directness and clarity, being able to 'beskrive' something accurately is highly respected. Whether you are describing a recipe, a technical problem, or a beautiful sunset over the North Sea, using the right words is key. The verb is also central to the Danish educational system, where students are frequently asked to 'beskrive og analysere' (describe and analyze) texts or historical events. This pairing shows that 'beskrive' is the foundational step before deeper interpretation can occur.

Formal vs. Informal: While 'beskrive' is perfectly fine in casual conversation, in very informal settings, Danes might use 'fortælle om' (tell about). However, 'beskrive' remains the standard when precision is needed.

Politiet bad vidnet om at beskrive flugtbilen i detaljer.

Finally, 'beskrive' can also be used in a geometrical or mathematical sense, such as describing a circle or a curve. This reinforces its meaning of 'tracing' or 'outlining' the characteristics of an object. To master 'beskrive' is to master the art of making others see what you see, feel what you feel, and understand what you know through the power of the Danish language.

Using beskrive correctly in a sentence involves understanding its syntax and the common patterns it follows. As a transitive verb, it usually requires a direct object—the thing or person being described. The most basic structure is [Subject] + [beskriver] + [Object]. For example, 'Jeg beskriver huset' (I am describing the house). To add more detail, you can use adverbs like 'nøje' (carefully/precisely) or 'kort' (briefly).

The 'Som' Construction: One of the most frequent ways to use 'beskrive' is with the preposition 'som' to link the object to a specific quality or role. This is equivalent to 'describe [object] as [quality].'

Han beskrev situationen som kritisk.

When describing an action or a process, you might use a 'hv-' clause (who, what, where, how). For example, 'Hun beskrev, hvordan man laver kagen' (She described how to make the cake). This is a very common way to provide instructions or explain a sequence of events. In more advanced Danish, 'beskrive' can be used in the passive voice, 'beskrives,' which is common in academic or journalistic writing. 'Problemet beskrives i rapporten' (The problem is described in the report). This shifts the focus from the person doing the describing to the description itself.

Reflexive Use: You can use 'beskrive' reflexively with 'sig selv' to talk about self-identity. 'Hvordan vil du beskrive dig selv?' is a classic interview question.

Hun beskriver sig selv som en kreativ person.

Another important aspect is the use of the past participle 'beskrevet' as an adjective. You might talk about 'en velbeskrevet karakter' (a well-described character) or 'den ovenfor beskrevne metode' (the method described above). This is particularly useful in formal writing to refer back to previously mentioned information. It's also worth noting the difference between 'beskrive' and 'forklare.' While 'beskrive' focuses on the *what* and *how it looks/feels*, 'forklare' focuses on the *why* and the underlying logic. If you are describing a machine, you talk about its parts; if you are explaining it, you talk about how it works.

Detailed Adverbs: To enhance your sentences, use adverbs: 'udførligt' (extensively), 'levende' (vividly), 'overfladisk' (superficially). These change the depth of the description significantly.

Forfatteren beskriver landskabet meget levende.

Finally, pay attention to the tense. Since 'beskrive' is a strong verb, learners often make mistakes with the past tense. Remember: 'beskrev' (past) and 'beskrevet' (past participle). Practicing these forms in context will help you use the word naturally in both spoken and written Danish.

In Denmark, beskrive is everywhere, from the classroom to the courtroom. If you are a student in a Danish school (folkeskole) or university, you will hear your teacher or professor say 'Prøv at beskrive...' multiple times a day. It is the starting point for almost every academic exercise. In the news, journalists use it to report on events: 'Øjenvidner beskriver eksplosionen som øredøvende' (Eyewitnesses describe the explosion as deafening). This use in media highlights the word's role in conveying objective or subjective reality to a wider audience.

Police and Legal Context: In legal settings, 'beskrive' is crucial. Police reports are filled with descriptions of suspects, vehicles, and crime scenes. A victim might be asked: 'Kan du beskrive gerningsmanden?' (Can you describe the perpetrator?).

Vidnet kunne ikke beskrive bilens farve præcist.

In the workplace, 'beskrive' is used in job descriptions (jobbeskrivelser) and project plans. During a meeting, a manager might ask a team member to 'beskrive status på projektet' (describe the status of the project). It’s also very common in the creative industries. An architect might describe their vision for a building, or a designer might describe the user experience of an app. In Danish literature and film criticism, you'll hear critics talk about how a director 'beskriver det moderne liv' (describes modern life). This usage refers to the artistic representation of themes and social realities.

Medical and Therapeutic Settings: Doctors and psychologists rely on patients' ability to 'beskrive' their physical or mental state. 'Kan du beskrive smerten?' (Can you describe the pain?) is a standard medical question.

Patienten beskrev en stikkende smerte i ryggen.

On social media, people use 'beskrive' in captions to give context to their photos. For instance, 'Billedet beskriver perfekt min weekend' (The picture perfectly describes my weekend). In the world of dating, 'beskriv dig selv med tre ord' (describe yourself with three words) is a ubiquitous prompt. Even in sports, commentators will 'beskrive' the action on the field for those listening on the radio or watching on TV.

Art and Culture: In museums, audio guides and plaques 'beskriver' the history and significance of the artworks. Here, the word is used to provide educational context.

Guiden beskrev maleriets symbolik for de besøgende.

In summary, 'beskrive' is a high-frequency word that bridges the gap between seeing and understanding, making it essential for anyone living or working in a Danish-speaking environment.

For English speakers learning Danish, the verb beskrive presents a few common pitfalls. The most frequent error is confusing 'beskrive' with 'forklare.' While English uses 'describe' and 'explain' somewhat distinctly, learners often swap them in Danish. Remember: 'beskrive' is for *what* something is like (attributes, appearance, feelings), while 'forklare' is for *why* something is the way it is (logic, reasons, mechanics). If you say 'Jeg vil beskrive, hvorfor jeg kom for sent,' it sounds slightly odd; you should use 'forklare' because you are giving a reason.

Conjugation Errors: As a strong verb, 'beskrive' does not follow the standard '-ede' or '-te' ending in the past tense. Many learners mistakenly say 'beskrivede' instead of the correct 'beskrev.'

Fejl: Han beskrivede sin bil. Korrekt: Han beskrev sin bil.

Another mistake involves the use of prepositions. English speakers might try to say 'beskrive om noget' (describe about something), following the pattern of 'tale om' (talk about) or 'fortælle om' (tell about). However, 'beskrive' is transitive and takes the object directly: 'beskrive noget' (describe something). Adding 'om' is unnecessary and incorrect.

Misusing 'Som': While 'beskrive [object] som [adjective]' is correct, learners sometimes forget the 'som' when they want to say 'describe as.' For example, 'Han beskrev filmen kedelig' is incorrect; it must be 'Han beskrev filmen som kedelig.'

Husk: Man beskriver altid noget som noget andet.

Pronunciation can also be a hurdle. The 'v' in 'beskrive' and 'beskrev' is voiced, and the 'e' in 'beskrev' is a long, clear vowel. Learners often swallow the ending or mispronounce the vowel change, making it hard for native speakers to distinguish between the present and past tenses. Furthermore, the word 'beskrivelse' (description) is often misspelled by learners who forget the '-else' suffix or try to use 'beskrivning' (which is Swedish, not Danish).

Word Order in Questions: When asking a question, the verb must come first. Learners often carry over English word order: 'Du kan beskrive det?' instead of 'Kan du beskrive det?'

Korrekt spørgsmål: Hvordan vil du beskrive din stil?

Finally, avoid overusing 'beskrive.' While it's a great word, sometimes 'tegne' (draw/paint a picture of), 'skildre' (depict), or 'gengive' (reproduce/render) can be more precise depending on the context. Using 'beskrive' for everything can make your Danish sound a bit repetitive and 'textbook-like.' By being aware of these common mistakes—especially the 'forklare' distinction and the strong verb conjugation—you will sound much more like a native speaker.

In Danish, while beskrive is the most common way to say 'describe,' there are several other words that offer more specific nuances. Choosing the right one can elevate your language from functional to eloquent. The most important alternative to know is skildre. This word is often used in literature and art. While 'beskrive' can be clinical or objective, 'skildre' implies a more artistic or atmospheric depiction. If an author 'skildrer' a landscape, they are not just listing its features; they are conveying its mood and feeling.

Skildre vs. Beskrive: 'Beskrive' is 'to describe' (general). 'Skildre' is 'to depict' or 'to portray' (often artistic or narrative).

Bogen skildrer livet i 1800-tallet meget præcist.

Another useful word is portrættere, which specifically means 'to portray.' Just like in English, this is mostly used for people. You can portrættere someone in a painting, but also in a biography or a news article. Then there is gengive, which means 'to render' or 'to reproduce.' If you are 'gengive' a conversation, you are repeating what was said as accurately as possible. It’s about faithful reproduction rather than just description.

Technical Alternatives: 'Opridse' means 'to outline' or 'to sketch out.' Use this when you want to give a brief, high-level description without going into all the details.

Lad mig kort opridse hovedpunkterne i planen.

For more abstract uses, karakterisere is excellent. It means 'to characterize.' You use this when you want to identify the most defining features of something. 'Hvordan vil du karakterisere hans ledelsesstil?' (How would you characterize his leadership style?). This goes deeper than a simple 'beskrivelse' by looking for essential traits. In a more physical sense, afbilde means 'to depict' or 'to represent' visually, like in a drawing or a photograph.

Forklare vs. Beskrive: As mentioned before, 'forklare' (explain) is the most common word confused with 'beskrive.' Use 'forklare' for reasons and 'beskrive' for appearances/feelings.

Læreren forklarede reglerne, mens eleverne beskrev deres forsøg.

Lastly, definere (to define) is used when you are giving the exact meaning or boundaries of a concept. While you can describe a 'stol' (chair), you 'definere' what makes a chair a chair in a philosophical or dictionary sense. Understanding these synonyms helps you choose the right level of detail and formality for your Danish communication, making your speech and writing more precise and engaging.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Neutre

Informel

Child friendly

Argot

Le savais-tu ?

The root 'skrive' comes from the Latin 'scribere'. So, 'beskrive' is a distant cousin of 'scribe' and 'script' in English.

Guide de prononciation

UK /bɛˈskʁiːvə/

US /bɛˈskriːvə/

The stress is on the second syllable: be-SKRIVE.

Rime avec

skrive drive give (partially) live (adjective) blive stive knive skive

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'be-' too strongly.
Shortening the long 'i' in the second syllable.
Pronouncing the 'v' like an English 'w'.
Misplacing the stress on the first syllable.
Hardening the final 'e' into an 'ay' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize due to the root 'skrive'.

Écriture 4/5

Challenging to remember the strong verb forms (beskrev).

Expression orale 3/5

Pronunciation of the 'v' and the vowel change needs practice.

Écoute 2/5

Usually clear in context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

skrive som hvad hvordan god

Apprends ensuite

beskrivelse forklare skildre redegøre forestille

Avancé

fremstilling karakteristik eksponering narrativ diskurs

Grammaire à connaître

Strong Verbs

beskrive -> beskrev -> beskrevet

V2 Word Order

I dag beskriver jeg min hund.

Passive with -s

Situationen beskrives i avisen.

Prepositional phrases with 'som'

Beskrive noget som vigtigt.

Infinitive with 'at'

Det er svært at beskrive.

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Exemples par niveau

Kan du beskrive din kat?

Can you describe your cat?

Simple question with 'kan du' + infinitive.

Jeg beskriver mit hus.

I am describing my house.

Present tense 'beskriver'.

Beskriv din far.

Describe your father.

Imperative mood 'Beskriv'.

Hun beskriver en rød bil.

She describes a red car.

Subject + verb + object.

Kan du beskrive din skole?

Can you describe your school?

Infinitive after modal verb.

Jeg beskriver min mad.

I describe my food.

Direct object 'mad'.

Beskriv din ven.

Describe your friend.

Imperative.

Han beskriver en stor hund.

He describes a big dog.

Adjective 'stor' before the noun.

Han beskrev sin ferie i går.

He described his vacation yesterday.

Past tense 'beskrev'.

Kan du beskrive, hvordan han ser ud?

Can you describe how he looks?

'Hvordan' clause used as an object.

Hun beskrev huset som meget hyggeligt.

She described the house as very cozy.

Using 'som' to link description.

Vi beskrev vores dag for læreren.

We described our day to the teacher.

Past tense 'beskrev'.

Kan du beskrive din by?

Can you describe your town?

Standard A2 description task.

Lægen bad mig beskrive min smerte.

The doctor asked me to describe my pain.

Infinitive 'beskrive' after 'bad mig'.

Jeg vil gerne beskrive min nye hobby.

I would like to describe my new hobby.

'Vil gerne' + infinitive.

De beskrev filmen som kedelig.

They described the movie as boring.

Using 'som' + adjective.

Hun har beskrevet sin barndom i en dagbog.

She has described her childhood in a diary.

Present perfect 'har beskrevet'.

Det er svært at beskrive den følelse.

It is difficult to describe that feeling.

Infinitive phrase as subject complement.

Artiklen beskriver, hvordan krisen startede.

The article describes how the crisis started.

'Hvordan' clause with past tense verb.

Kan du beskrive atmosfæren på din arbejdsplads?

Can you describe the atmosphere at your workplace?

Describing an abstract concept (atmosphere).

Han beskrev sin plan meget detaljeret.

He described his plan very detailedly.

Adverbial use of 'detaljeret'.

Jeg kan ikke beskrive, hvor glad jeg er.

I cannot describe how happy I am.

Expressing intense emotion.

Bogen beskriver livet på landet.

The book describes life in the countryside.

Standard B1 literary description.

Hvordan vil du beskrive din personlighed?

How would you describe your personality?

Reflexive context (implied).

Rapporten beskriver de økonomiske konsekvenser.

The report describes the economic consequences.

Formal/Professional register.

Problemet beskrives ofte som uløseligt.

The problem is often described as insoluble.

Passive voice 'beskrives'.

Han beskrev situationen med stor præcision.

He described the situation with great precision.

Noun phrase 'med stor præcision'.

Kan du beskrive processen trin for trin?

Can you describe the process step by step?

Describing a sequence/process.

Hun beskrev sig selv som en ambitiøs leder.

She described herself as an ambitious leader.

Reflexive 'beskrev sig selv'.

Forfatteren beskriver samfundets ulighed.

The author describes society's inequality.

Describing social issues.

Vidnet beskrev hændelsen meget nøje.

The witness described the incident very carefully.

Adverb 'nøje'.

Det er vigtigt at beskrive målgruppen korrekt.

It is important to describe the target group correctly.

Infinitive after 'vigtigt at'.

Analysen beskriver de subtile nuancer i teksten.

The analysis describes the subtle nuances in the text.

Academic register.

Han formår at beskrive det ubeskrivelige.

He manages to describe the indescribable.

Using 'ubeskrivelige' (the indescribable).

Bogen beskriver den menneskelige psyke indgående.

The book describes the human psyche in depth.

Adverb 'indgående' (thoroughly).

Kritikeren beskrev filmen som et mesterværk.

The critic described the film as a masterpiece.

Cultural/Critical register.

Metoden beskrives udførligt i bilaget.

The method is described extensively in the appendix.

Passive voice in formal documentation.

Hun beskrev landskabet med en næsten poetisk kraft.

She described the landscape with an almost poetic power.

High-level descriptive language.

Hvordan vil du beskrive forholdet mellem de to lande?

How would you describe the relationship between the two countries?

Describing complex geopolitical relations.

Politikeren beskrev reformen som en nødvendighed.

The politician described the reform as a necessity.

Rhetorical use of 'beskrive'.

Værket beskriver eksistensens fundamentale vilkår.

The work describes the fundamental conditions of existence.

Philosophical register.

Det er umuligt at beskrive rædslen fuldt ud.

It is impossible to describe the horror fully.

Idiomatic 'fuldt ud' (fully).

Teorien beskriver interaktionen mellem atomer.

The theory describes the interaction between atoms.

Scientific/Technical register.

Han beskrev sin vision med en utrolig veltalenhed.

He described his vision with incredible eloquence.

Noun 'veltalenhed' (eloquence).

Rapporten beskriver en række komplekse sammenhænge.

The report describes a series of complex correlations.

Formal analytical language.

Forfatteren beskriver karakterernes indre monolog.

The author describes the characters' internal monologue.

Literary theory context.

Man kan beskrive dette fænomen fra flere vinkler.

One can describe this phenomenon from several angles.

Abstract analytical perspective.

Dokumentet beskriver de juridiske spidsfindigheder.

The document describes the legal subtleties.

Specialized legal vocabulary.

Collocations courantes

beskrive detaljeret

beskrive nøje

beskrive præcist

beskrive kort

beskrive levende

beskrive en situation

beskrive en følelse

beskrive et forløb

beskrive virkeligheden

beskrive udførligt

Phrases Courantes

Nærmere beskrevet

— Used to introduce more specific details or a more precise explanation.

Problemet er, nærmere beskrevet, mangel på tid.

Som beskrevet ovenfor

— A formal way to refer to something mentioned earlier in a text.

Som beskrevet ovenfor, er planen klar.

Beskriv dig selv

— A common prompt in interviews or social profiles.

Beskriv dig selv med tre ord.

Svært at beskrive

— Used when something is beyond words or very complex.

Det er svært at beskrive glæden.

Beskrive i detaljer

— To give a very thorough account of something.

Han beskrev turen i detaljer.

Beskrive med ord

— To put something into words.

Jeg kan ikke beskrive det med ord.

Beskrive som

— To categorize or label something through description.

Han beskrev det som en fejl.

Beskrive en cirkel

— To trace the shape of a circle (mathematical/geometrical).

Passeren beskriver en cirkel.

Beskrive en bue

— To move in an arc.

Billedet beskriver en bue på væggen.

Beskrive overfladisk

— To give only a brief or shallow description.

Hun beskrev kun sagen overfladisk.

Souvent confondu avec

beskrive vs forklare

Forklare is for 'why' (explanation), beskrive is for 'what' (description).

beskrive vs fortælle

Fortælle is 'to tell' (story/fact), beskrive is more detailed and focused on attributes.

beskrive vs tegne

Tegne is 'to draw' (physical), but can be used metaphorically like 'beskrive'.

Expressions idiomatiques

"At beskrive noget med syvtommersøm"

— To describe something very clearly and emphatically, leaving no doubt.

Han beskrev reglerne med syvtommersøm.

informal/idiomatic

"At beskrive noget i de mest malende vendinger"

— To describe something in very colorful and vivid language.

Hun beskrev rejsen i de mest malende vendinger.

literary

"At beskrive noget til punkt og prikke"

— To describe something perfectly and in every tiny detail.

Vidnet beskrev hændelsen til punkt og prikke.

neutral

"At beskrive noget med en bred pensel"

— To describe something in broad strokes, without much detail.

Han beskrev projektet med en bred pensel.

metaphorical

"Ord kan ikke beskrive det"

— Something is so amazing or terrible that words are insufficient.

Ord kan ikke beskrive min taknemmelighed.

neutral

"At beskrive noget sort på hvidt"

— To describe something very clearly and undeniably, often in writing.

Kontrakten beskriver reglerne sort på hvidt.

neutral

"At beskrive noget fra A til Z"

— To describe something from beginning to end, comprehensively.

Bogen beskriver historien fra A til Z.

informal

"At beskrive noget som en dans på roser"

— To describe something as very easy or pleasant (often used sarcastically).

Han beskrev sit job som en dans på roser.

idiomatic

"At beskrive noget med et glimt i øjet"

— To describe something with a touch of humor or irony.

Hun beskrev sin chef med et glimt i øjet.

informal

"At beskrive noget i bløde vendinger"

— To describe something in a gentle or indirect way to avoid offense.

Han beskrev fyringen i bløde vendinger.

neutral

Facile à confondre

beskrive vs beskrivelse

It's the noun form.

Beskrivelse is the act or result of describing; beskrive is the action itself.

Hans beskrivelse var god. Han kan beskrive alt.

beskrive vs overskrive

Looks similar.

Overskrive means to write over something or overwrite data.

Jeg overskrev filen ved en fejl.

beskrive vs udskrive

Looks similar.

Udskrive means to print something or to prescribe medicine.

Lægen udskrev en recept.

beskrive vs skrive

It's the root word.

Skrive is just 'to write'; beskrive is 'to write about/describe'.

Jeg skriver et brev. Jeg beskriver brevet.

beskrive vs indskrive

Looks similar.

Indskrive means to enroll or register.

Han blev indskrevet på universitetet.

Structures de phrases

Jeg beskriver [ting].

Jeg beskriver min bil.

Kan du beskrive [person/ting]?

Kan du beskrive din bror?

Han/hun beskrev [ting] som [adjektiv].

Hun beskrev maden som god.

Det er [adjektiv] at beskrive [ting].

Det er svært at beskrive lykke.

Jeg har beskrevet [ting] i [sted].

Jeg har beskrevet min dag i bogen.

[Ting] beskrives som [adjektiv].

Filmen beskrives som spændende.

Forfatteren beskriver [abstrakt begreb].

Forfatteren beskriver ensomhed.

Beskrive [ting] indgående/detaljeret.

Han beskrev processen indgående.

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high; one of the top 1000 words in Danish.

Erreurs courantes

Han beskrivede huset. → Han beskrev huset.
'Beskrive' is a strong verb and does not take the '-ede' ending.
Jeg vil beskrive om min ferie. → Jeg vil beskrive min ferie.
'Beskrive' does not take the preposition 'om'. It takes a direct object.
Kan du forklare, hvordan han ser ud? → Kan du beskrive, hvordan han ser ud?
Use 'beskrive' for appearance and 'forklare' for reasons or logic.
Det er en god beskrivning. → Det er en god beskrivelse.
'Beskrivning' is Swedish. In Danish, the noun is 'beskrivelse'.
Hun beskrev ham venlig. → Hun beskrev ham som venlig.
You need the preposition 'som' when describing someone as having a certain quality.

Astuces

Strong Verb Alert

Always remember the vowel shift i -> e in the past tense: beskrive -> beskrev. This is a common test point for Danish learners.

Paint with Words

When you use 'beskrive', try to pair it with at least two adjectives to make your Danish sound more natural and descriptive.

Medical Use

In a medical context, 'beskrive' is the most important verb for telling the doctor how you feel. Practice describing 'smerte' (pain).

Formal Reports

In formal reports, use the passive 'beskrives' to sound more objective and professional.

The 'Som' Link

Get comfortable with the 'beskrive [object] som [adjective]' pattern; it's one of the most useful structures in the language.

Danish Directness

Danes appreciate clear, factual descriptions. Avoid overly flowery language unless you are writing poetry or a novel.

Beskrive vs. Forklare

Ask yourself: Am I saying WHAT it is (beskrive) or WHY it is (forklare)? This will help you choose the right word every time.

Root Recognition

If you know 'skrive' (write), you already know the core of 'beskrive'. Use this to help you remember the meaning.

Soft 'v' sound

Listen for the soft Danish 'v' at the end of 'beskrive'. It's not as sharp as the English 'v'.

Daily Routine

Try to 'beskrive' one thing you see on your way to work or school every day to build your vocabulary.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'BE-ing a SCRIBE' (beskrive). A scribe's job is to write down and describe things.

Association visuelle

Imagine a person holding a pen and drawing a circle around an object while talking about it. The 'be-' is the circle around the 'skrive' (writing).

Word Web

ord billeder detaljer forklare skrive tegne se føle

Défi

Try to describe three things in your room using 'Jeg beskriver...' and then three things you did yesterday using 'Jeg beskrev...'

Origine du mot

From Middle Low German 'beschriven', which is a loan translation of the Latin 'describere'.

Sens originel : To write about, to trace, or to outline.

Germanic (Danish, derived from Low German).

Contexte culturel

When describing people, be aware of modern Danish sensitivities regarding race, gender, and disability, as in any language.

English speakers might find 'beskrive' more formal than 'tell about', but in Danish, it is used very naturally in both formal and informal settings.

H.C. Andersen's vivid descriptions in his fairy tales. Søren Kierkegaard's philosophical descriptions of the human condition. Karen Blixen's evocative descriptions of Africa.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At the doctor

Jeg vil beskrive min smerte.
Kan du beskrive symptomerne?
Smerten beskrives som stikkende.
Hvornår startede det, du beskriver?

Job interview

Beskriv din største styrke.
Hvordan vil du beskrive dit samarbejde?
Beskriv en svær situation.
Kan du beskrive dine opgaver?

Police report

Beskriv gerningsmanden.
Kan du beskrive bilen?
Beskriv hændelsesforløbet.
Vidnet beskrev en kniv.

School/University

Beskriv forsøgets resultat.
Du skal beskrive teksten.
Beskrivelsen er mangelfuld.
Redegør og beskriv.

Travel

Beskriv vejen til stationen.
Kan du beskrive hotellet?
Han beskrev turen som fantastisk.
Beskrivelsen passede ikke.

Amorces de conversation

"Hvordan vil du beskrive din bedste ven?"

"Kan du beskrive dit drømmehus for mig?"

"Hvordan vil du beskrive den danske sommer?"

"Beskriv den bedste film, du nogensinde har set."

"Kan du beskrive en perfekt dag i København?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beskriv en person, der har haft stor betydning for dit liv.

Beskriv dine følelser lige nu på dansk.

Beskriv et sted, hvor du føler dig helt tryg.

Beskriv dine mål for at lære dansk i det næste år.

Beskriv en sjov oplevelse, du har haft for nylig.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it is a strong verb. The forms are beskrive, beskriver, beskrev, har beskrevet. You must memorize the past tense 'beskrev.'

No, 'beskrive' is transitive and takes a direct object. Say 'beskrive noget,' not 'beskrive om noget.'

Use 'som' when you are saying what something is like or what category it belongs to, e.g., 'Jeg beskriver ham som venlig' (I describe him as friendly).

'Beskrive' is general and can be objective. 'Skildre' is more artistic and often used in literature to convey mood or atmosphere.

Yes! You can describe anything that can be perceived: 'Kan du beskrive lyden?' (Can you describe the sound?) or 'Han beskrev duften af kaffe.'

Yes, it is the standard noun for 'description.' For example, 'en detaljeret beskrivelse' (a detailed description).

The Danish word is 'ubeskrivelig.' For example, 'Det var en ubeskrivelig oplevelse.'

Yes, 'beskrives' is common in formal writing. 'Problemet beskrives i kapitel 2.'

Yes, to describe a shape or a motion, like 'Cirklen beskrives af denne ligning' (The circle is described by this equation).

It means 'job description'—a document outlining the tasks and requirements of a job.

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