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B2 verb 9 min de lecture

igangsætte

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces igangsætte en 30 secondes

Explication igangsætte in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need to use 'igangsætte' yet. It is a big, complicated word. Instead, you should use the word 'starte' (to start). For example, 'Jeg starter min computer' or 'Vi starter nu'. 'Igangsætte' is much more formal. If you see it in a text, just think of it as a fancy way of saying 'start'. It is made of 'i' (in), 'gang' (motion/walking), and 'sætte' (to put). So it means 'to put in motion'. You might see it on a sign or in a very simple news headline, but don't worry about using it in your own speaking yet. Focus on basic verbs first.

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At the A2 level, you might start noticing 'igangsætte' in work-related texts or news snippets. It's a 'Level 2' version of 'starte'. While 'starte' is used for everything, 'igangsætte' is used when a person in charge starts a project or a plan. You can remember it as 'to launch'. For example, if a teacher starts a new lesson plan, they might 'igangsætte et projekt'. You should still mostly use 'starte' or 'begynde' in your own sentences, but try to recognize 'igangsætte' when you read about Danish companies or government actions. Notice that the past tense is 'igangsatte' (initiated).

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At the B1 level, you should begin to use 'igangsætte' in your writing, especially if you are writing about your job or studies. It makes your Danish sound more professional. Use it when you are talking about starting something that has several steps, like a 'proces' (process) or an 'undersøgelse' (investigation). For example: 'Vi skal igangsætte en ny plan'. It's better than 'starte' in this context because it sounds more deliberate. Remember that it's a transitive verb, so you always need an object. You can't just say 'Vi igangsætter'—you must say 'Vi igangsætter *projektet*'.

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At the B2 level, 'igangsætte' should be a natural part of your vocabulary. You are expected to distinguish between 'starte' (general), 'iværksætte' (implementing/formal), and 'igangsætte' (initiating a process). You should be comfortable using it in the passive voice, which is very common in Danish reports: 'Der blev igangsat en undersøgelse' (An investigation was initiated). You should also be aware of the noun form 'igangsættelse' (initiation/launch). At this level, you use 'igangsætte' to show that you understand Danish organizational culture and the importance of formal procedures.

At the C1 level, you use 'igangsætte' with precision and stylistic flair. You understand its nuances compared to 'indlede' (to commence a dialogue) or 'påbegynde' (to start a task). You can use it in complex sentence structures and in the 's-passive' form: 'Projektet igangsættes i næste kvartal'. You also recognize the word in academic and legal contexts, where it might describe the initiation of legislation or economic cycles. Your usage should be flawless, including the irregular past tense 'igangsatte' and the past participle 'igangsat'. You might also use it metaphorically to describe social changes.

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At the C2 level, 'igangsætte' is just one of many tools in your linguistic arsenal. You use it instinctively in high-level professional, academic, or literary contexts. You might use it to discuss the 'igangsættelse af vækst' (initiation of growth) in an economic treatise or in a nuanced political debate. You understand the historical development of the word and can identify when a writer uses it to sound authoritative. You are also capable of spotting rare or archaic uses in older literature. Your mastery includes all derivative forms and the ability to explain the subtle differences between this and its synonyms to other learners.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

igangsætte en 30 secondes

A formal verb meaning to initiate or launch a process, project, or investigation.
Commonly used in professional, political, and academic Danish contexts.
Irregular past tense: igangsatte; past participle: igangsat.
More formal than 'starte' and implies a structured, planned beginning.

The Danish verb igangsætte is a powerful, formal, and highly functional word that translates primarily to 'to initiate,' 'to launch,' or 'to set in motion.' Structurally, it is a compound verb consisting of three parts: i (in), gang (motion/gear/walk), and sætte (to put/set). Literally, it means 'to set into motion.' While English speakers might simply use 'start' for everything from a car to a business, Danish makes a clear distinction between simple beginnings and the formal act of triggering a process or project.

Formal Context: You will most frequently encounter this word in professional settings, government announcements, and academic writing. It implies a deliberate decision to begin a structured activity.
The 'Process' Nuance: Unlike 'starte', which can be instantaneous, 'igangsætte' suggests a sequence of events that follows the initial trigger. It is the spark that starts the engine of a larger machine.

Regeringen har valgt at igangsætte en undersøgelse af forholdene på arbejdsmarkedet.

Translation: The government has chosen to initiate an investigation into labor market conditions.

In Danish society, which values consensus and structured planning, igangsætte is the word of choice for project managers and politicians. It signals that the planning phase is over and the execution phase has begun. It is often used with abstract nouns like 'undersøgelse' (investigation), 'projekt' (project), 'proces' (process), and 'initiativ' (initiative). It is rarely used for physical objects like starting a lawnmower, where 'starte' would be the only correct choice.

Historically, the word reflects the Germanic roots of Danish, where combining prepositions and nouns with verbs creates precise meanings. In modern usage, it is synonymous with 'iværksætte', though 'igangsætte' is slightly more common in general organizational contexts, while 'iværksætte' often appears in legal or strictly administrative texts.

Vi må igangsætte produktionen med det samme.

Translation: We must initiate production immediately.

Abstract vs Concrete: Use 'igangsætte' for abstract systems and 'starte' for physical machines or simple daily tasks.

To truly master this word, one must understand the Danish work culture. Danes often spend a significant amount of time in 'møder' (meetings) discussing how to 'igangsætte' something. Once the word is used, it carries a weight of commitment. It is not just 'trying' something; it is the formal commencement of a task that is expected to reach completion. This reflects the Danish value of 'pålidelighed' (reliability).

Projektlederen har igangsat den næste fase af byggeriet.

Using igangsætte correctly requires attention to word order and conjugation. As a weak verb (Group 1/2 hybrid characteristics), its principal parts are: igangsætter (present), igangsatte (past), and har igangsat (present perfect). Because it is a transitive verb, it almost always requires a direct object—you must initiate *something*.

The Present Tense: Used for current or future actions. 'Vi igangsætter projektet i morgen' (We are initiating the project tomorrow).
The Past Tense: Used for completed actions in the past. 'De igangsatte redningsaktionen sent om aftenen' (They initiated the rescue operation late in the evening).

Hvornår forventer I at igangsætte de nye tiltag?

Translation: When do you expect to initiate the new measures?

One of the most common sentence patterns involves modal verbs like 'skal' (shall/must), 'vil' (will), or 'kan' (can). For example, 'Vi skal igangsætte en dialog.' In these cases, 'igangsætte' remains in the infinitive form. Note that in Danish, the object usually follows the verb directly: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Object].

When using the perfect tense, the auxiliary verb is always 'har'. 'Ledelsen har igangsat en gennemgribende reform.' This indicates that the initiation has already occurred and the process is now underway. This is a very common way to report progress in Danish corporations.

Der er blevet igangsat en massiv eftersøgning.

Translation: A massive search has been initiated (Passive voice).

Passive Voice: In news reports, you will often see 'bliver igangsat' or 'er blevet igangsat'. This shifts focus from the person starting the action to the action itself.

A stylistic tip for English speakers: while 'start' is a versatile 'Swiss Army knife' word in English, using 'igangsætte' in your Danish writing instantly elevates your level from basic to professional. It shows that you understand the difference between 'starting a conversation' (starte en samtale) and 'initiating a formal dialogue' (igangsætte en dialog).

Kommunen vil igangsætte flere grønne projekter i år.

If you turn on the Danish news (DR Nyheder or TV2), you will hear igangsætte almost daily. It is the language of bureaucracy and leadership. Journalists use it when reporting on government policies: 'Ministeren vil igangsætte en ny handlingsplan mod kriminalitet.' It sounds official, decisive, and planned.

The Workplace: In Danish offices, during 'statusmøder' (status meetings), a manager might say, 'Vi har valgt at igangsætte projektet nu.' It signals the transition from talk to action.
In the Media: Headlines often use the past participle: 'Ny undersøgelse igangsat' (New investigation initiated). It saves space and conveys immediate information.

Politiet har igangsat en efterforskning af sagen.

Translation: The police have initiated an investigation of the case.

You also hear it in the context of health and social services. A doctor might 'igangsætte en behandling' (initiate a treatment). Here, it implies a medical protocol is being put into effect. In social work, one might 'igangsætte støtteforanstaltninger' (initiate support measures) for a family in need. In all these cases, 'igangsætte' carries a connotation of professional responsibility.

In a more casual but still organized setting, like a local sports club (en forening), the chairman might 'igangsætte en indsamling' (initiate a collection/fundraiser). Even though the setting is less formal than a ministry, the act of starting a structured effort justifies the use of the word. However, you would *not* use it to say 'I'm starting to cook dinner'—that would sound hilariously pompous!

Vi skal have igangsat debatten om klimaet.

Academic Lectures: Professors use it to describe historical events: 'Industrialiseringen igangsatte en stor vandring fra land til by' (Industrialization initiated a large migration from country to city).

Overall, 'igangsætte' is a word that bridges the gap between a simple 'start' and a complex 'implementation'. It is ubiquitous in any Danish context where plans meet reality.

English speakers often struggle with igangsætte because they try to use it as a direct synonym for 'start' in every situation. This leads to several common errors that can make your Danish sound unnatural or even comical.

Overuse in Casual Situations: Mistake: 'Jeg igangsætter filmen nu' (I am initiating the movie now). Correction: Use 'Jeg starter filmen'. 'Igangsætte' is too heavy for everyday leisure activities.
Confusing with 'Sætte i gang': While they mean the same thing, 'igangsætte' is a single verb, while 'sætte i gang' is a phrasal verb. You cannot say 'Jeg igang satte projektet'. It must be one word.

Fejl: Han igangsatte sin bil.

Correction: Han startede sin bil. (You don't 'initiate' a car engine in this way).

Another frequent error is incorrect conjugation in the past tense. Many learners try to treat it as a regular '-ede' verb (igangsættede). This is incorrect. Because it contains the verb 'sætte', it follows the irregular pattern of 'sætte' -> 'satte'. Therefore, the past tense is 'igangsatte'.

Preposition errors also occur. Some learners try to add 'med' after the verb, influenced by 'begynde med' (to begin with). However, 'igangsætte' is a direct transitive verb. You 'igangsætter noget', you don't 'igangsætter med noget'.

Korrekt: Vi har igangsat processen.

Incorrect: Vi har igangsat med processen.

The 'Passive' Trap: Danish uses the -s ending for some passive verbs (e.g., 'igangsættes'). Learners often forget this and use 'bliver igangsat' exclusively. While 'bliver' is correct, 'igangsættes' is often more natural in formal documents.

Finally, ensure you don't confuse 'igangsætte' with 'iværksætte'. While they are 90% interchangeable, 'iværksætte' is often used for sanctions, laws, or emergency measures, whereas 'igangsætte' is more general for projects and activities. Using 'iværksætte' for a small office project might sound a bit too dramatic.

To expand your Danish vocabulary, it is essential to understand the synonyms and near-synonyms of igangsætte. Each has a specific 'register' (level of formality) and context where it fits best.

Starte: The most common and versatile word. Use it for machines, races, or simple daily tasks. 'Jeg starter computeren'.
Iværksætte: Very formal. Often used for implementing plans, sanctions, or major reforms. 'EU har iværksat sanktioner'.
Begynde: Means 'to begin'. It is more focused on the starting point in time rather than the act of initiation. 'Filmen begynder klokken otte'.

Sammenligning:
1. Vi igangsætter projektet (We initiate the project).
2. Vi starter projektet (We start the project - more neutral).

Another interesting alternative is the phrasal verb sætte i gang. This is the less formal cousin of 'igangsætte'. In spoken Danish, you are much more likely to hear 'Lad os sætte det i gang' than 'Lad os igangsætte det'. The meaning is identical, but the rhythm is more natural for conversation.

For technical or creative processes, you might use søsætte (literally 'to launch into the sea'). This is used for websites, new products, or major campaigns. It carries a sense of excitement and public reveal. 'Vi søsætter vores nye webshop på mandag'.

Politikerne vil påbegynde arbejdet efter ferien.

'Påbegynde' is another formal synonym, meaning 'to commence'.

Aktivere: Used for alarms, accounts, or specific functions. 'Du skal aktivere dit kort'.

By choosing between 'igangsætte', 'iværksætte', 'starte', and 'søsætte', you show a deep understanding of the context and the 'weight' of the action you are describing. 'Igangsætte' remains the solid, professional middle ground for most organizational actions.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'gang' is related to 'gå' (to walk), so you are literally 'putting something into walking'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /iˈɡɑŋˌsεdə/

US /iˈɡɑŋˌsɛdə/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: i-GANG-sætte.

Rime avec

fortsætte indsætte omstille afsætte tilsætte erstatte nedsætte udsætte

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'g' in 'gang' too hard (it should be soft/nasal).
Pronouncing the 'tt' as a hard English 't' instead of the soft Danish 'd' sound.
Forgetting the glottal stop (stød) which may occur in 'gang'.
Confusing the vowel in 'sætte' with 'satte'.
Treating the 'i' as a long 'ee' sound instead of a short 'i'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 3/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'gang' and 'sætte'.

Écriture 6/5

Requires knowledge of irregular past tense 'igangsatte'.

Expression orale 5/5

Pronunciation of 'gang' and 'sætte' can be tricky for beginners.

Écoute 4/5

Common in news and workplace speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

starte gang sætte proces projekt

Apprends ensuite

iværksætte gennemføre afslutte tiltag undersøgelse

Avancé

implementere eksekvere facilitere koncipere udarbejde

Grammaire à connaître

Inversion in Danish

Nu igangsætter vi projektet. (Verb comes second).

Irregular Verbs (sætte)

Han satte (past) - Han har sat (perfect).

Compound Verbs

Igangsætte is a fixed compound; the parts stay together in formal writing.

Passive with -s

Undersøgelsen igangsættes i morgen.

Modal Verbs

Vi skal igangsætte... (No 'at' before the infinitive).

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Exemples par niveau

Vi starter nu.

We start now. (Simple alternative)

A1 uses 'starte' instead of 'igangsætte'.

Jeg starter bilen.

I start the car.

Simple transitive verb.

Filmen begynder.

The movie begins.

Intransitive use of a synonym.

Han sætter det i gang.

He sets it in motion.

Phrasal version of igangsætte.

Vi skal i gang.

We need to get going.

Common expression using 'gang'.

Start projektet.

Start the project.

Imperative mood.

De starter en klub.

They are starting a club.

Present tense.

Hvornår starter vi?

When do we start?

Question form.

Læreren vil igangsætte et projekt.

The teacher will initiate a project.

Modal verb + infinitive.

Vi igangsætter legen nu.

We are initiating the game now.

Present tense.

De igangsatte en plan.

They initiated a plan.

Past tense 'igangsatte'.

Kan vi igangsætte det i dag?

Can we initiate it today?

Interrogative with modal.

Han har igangsat arbejdet.

He has initiated the work.

Present perfect.

Hvem vil igangsætte mødet?

Who wants to initiate the meeting?

Subject question.

Vi må igangsætte noget nyt.

We must initiate something new.

Modal 'må'.

Igangsæt processen!

Initiate the process!

Imperative.

Kommunen har valgt at igangsætte en undersøgelse.

The municipality has chosen to initiate an investigation.

Infinitive phrase.

Vi skal igangsætte en dialog med borgerne.

We must initiate a dialogue with the citizens.

Abstract object 'dialog'.

Projektet blev igangsat i mandags.

The project was initiated on Monday.

Passive voice with 'blev'.

Hvordan vil du igangsætte denne proces?

How will you initiate this process?

Adverbial question.

Lederen igangsatte straks en redningsaktion.

The leader immediately initiated a rescue operation.

Adverb 'straks' placement.

Det er vigtigt at igangsætte de rigtige tiltag.

It is important to initiate the right measures.

Impersonal construction.

Vi har igangsat produktionen af de nye varer.

We have initiated the production of the new goods.

Compound object.

De igangsatte forhandlingerne tidligt.

They initiated the negotiations early.

Past tense.

Regeringen vil igangsætte en gennemgribende reform af skolesystemet.

The government will initiate a thorough reform of the school system.

Professional register.

Der er blevet igangsat en massiv eftersøgning i området.

A massive search has been initiated in the area.

Passive present perfect.

For at igangsætte væksten kræves der nye investeringer.

To initiate growth, new investments are required.

Infinitive as purpose clause.

Virksomheden har igangsat en række grønne initiativer.

The company has initiated a series of green initiatives.

Corporate context.

Det var nødvendigt at igangsætte sanktioner mod landet.

It was necessary to initiate sanctions against the country.

Political context.

Han formåede at igangsætte en vigtig debat om emnet.

He managed to initiate an important debate on the topic.

Verb 'formåede' + infinitive.

Hvilke faktorer igangsatte den økonomiske krise?

Which factors initiated the economic crisis?

Causal question.

Vi har igangsat et samarbejde med vores naboer.

We have initiated a collaboration with our neighbors.

Noun 'samarbejde' as object.

De præventive foranstaltninger blev igangsat for at dæmme op for smitten.

The preventive measures were initiated to stem the infection.

Complex passive construction.

Det er afgørende, at vi igangsætter en tværfaglig indsats.

It is crucial that we initiate a multidisciplinary effort.

Subordinate clause with 'at'.

Klimaforandringerne har igangsat en uigenkaldelig proces.

Climate change has initiated an irreversible process.

Academic tone.

Man bør igangsætte en dialog, før konflikten eskalerer.

One should initiate a dialogue before the conflict escalates.

Modal 'bør' for recommendation.

Efterforskningen blev igangsat på baggrund af nye beviser.

The investigation was initiated on the basis of new evidence.

Prepositional phrase 'på baggrund af'.

Det kræver mod at igangsætte så store forandringer.

It requires courage to initiate such large changes.

Abstract subject 'det'.

Institutionen har igangsat en evaluering af sine egne metoder.

The institution has initiated an evaluation of its own methods.

Reflexive possessive 'sine'.

Lovforslaget vil igangsætte en række administrative ændringer.

The bill will initiate a series of administrative changes.

Legislative context.

Eksperimentet igangsættes under kontrollerede forhold i laboratoriet.

The experiment is initiated under controlled conditions in the laboratory.

S-passive present tense.

En katalysator blev brugt til at igangsætte den kemiske reaktion.

A catalyst was used to initiate the chemical reaction.

Scientific terminology.

Det er tvivlsomt, om de planlagte tiltag vil igangsætte den ønskede udvikling.

It is doubtful whether the planned measures will initiate the desired development.

Complex conditional structure.

Forfatteren formår at igangsætte en tankevækkende refleksion hos læseren.

The author manages to initiate a thought-provoking reflection in the reader.

Literary analysis register.

Igangsættelsen af projektet blev forsinket af bureaukratiske forhindringer.

The initiation of the project was delayed by bureaucratic obstacles.

Nominalization 'Igangsættelsen'.

Man må igangsætte en gennemgribende analyse af de strukturelle problemer.

One must initiate a thorough analysis of the structural problems.

Formal 'man' and adjective 'gennemgribende'.

Den teknologiske revolution har igangsat et paradigmeskift.

The technological revolution has initiated a paradigm shift.

High-level abstract noun 'paradigmeskift'.

Det var gnisten, der igangsatte oprøret.

It was the spark that initiated the rebellion.

Metaphorical usage.

Collocations courantes

igangsætte en undersøgelse

igangsætte et projekt

igangsætte en proces

igangsætte tiltag

igangsætte en dialog

igangsætte produktionen

igangsætte en behandling

igangsætte forhandlinger

igangsætte en redningsaktion

igangsætte en reform

Phrases Courantes

at få igangsat

— To get something started by someone else or through effort.

Vi skal have igangsat debatten.

blive igangsat

— To be initiated (passive).

Undersøgelsen blev igangsat i går.

klar til at igangsætte

— Ready to launch/initiate.

Vi er nu klar til at igangsætte planen.

beslutte at igangsætte

— To decide to initiate.

Bestyrelsen besluttede at igangsætte fusionen.

forsøg på at igangsætte

— An attempt to initiate.

Deres forsøg på at igangsætte en strejke mislykkedes.

hjælpe med at igangsætte

— To help initiate.

Konsulenten skal hjælpe med at igangsætte projektet.

mulighed for at igangsætte

— Opportunity to initiate.

Der er nu mulighed for at igangsætte nye tiltag.

igangsætte på eget initiativ

— To initiate on one's own initiative.

Hun igangsatte projektet på eget initiativ.

hurtigt igangsat

— Quickly initiated.

Hjælpen blev hurtigt igangsat.

officielt igangsat

— Officially initiated.

Arbejdet er nu officielt igangsat.

Souvent confondu avec

igangsætte vs iværksætte

Very similar, but 'iværksætte' is often more formal or used for sanctions/laws.

igangsætte vs indstille

Means to suspend or stop, which is the opposite of igangsætte.

igangsætte vs indsætte

Means to insert or appoint, sounds similar but very different meaning.

Expressions idiomatiques

"at sætte skub i"

— To give something a push / to speed up a process.

Vi skal sætte skub i igangsættelsen.

Informal

"at få bolden til at rulle"

— To get the ball rolling.

Vi igangsætter projektet for at få bolden til at rulle.

Neutral

"at tænde gnisten"

— To light the spark (initiate something explosive or exciting).

Hans tale igangsatte oprøret og tændte gnisten.

Literary

"at lægge de første sten"

— To lay the first stones (to start a long process).

Vi igangsætter byggeriet og lægger de første sten i dag.

Metaphorical

"at stikke en kæp i hjulet"

— To put a stick in the wheel (to stop what was initiated).

De forsøgte at stikke en kæp i hjulet på den igangsatte proces.

Informal

"at tage det første skridt"

— To take the first step.

Ved at igangsætte dialogen tager vi det første skridt.

Neutral

"at rydde vejen"

— To clear the way (to make initiation possible).

Vi må rydde vejen, før vi kan igangsætte projektet.

Neutral

"at kaste sig ud i"

— To throw oneself into (to initiate something with energy).

Hun igangsatte sit eget firma og kastede sig ud i det.

Informal

"at bryde isen"

— To break the ice.

Mødet igangsatte en samtale, der brød isen.

Neutral

"at åbne dørene for"

— To open the doors for (to initiate opportunities).

Reformen vil igangsætte vækst og åbne dørene for nye firmaer.

Formal

Facile à confondre

igangsætte vs starte

Both mean 'to start'.

'Starte' is for machines and general use; 'igangsætte' is for formal processes.

Jeg starter bilen, men regeringen igangsætter en reform.

igangsætte vs begynde

Both mean 'to begin'.

'Begynde' is often intransitive (something begins); 'igangsætte' is always transitive (someone starts something).

Filmen begynder nu. Vi igangsætter projektet.

igangsætte vs iværksætte

Extremely close synonyms.

'Iværksætte' is more common in legal contexts; 'igangsætte' is more common in organizational contexts.

Politiet iværksatte en aktion. Vi igangsatte et kursus.

igangsætte vs påbegynde

Both mean 'to commence'.

'Påbegynde' often refers to the actual physical start of a piece of work.

Vi påbegynder malerarbejdet i morgen.

igangsætte vs indlede

Both mean 'to initiate'.

'Indlede' is specifically for sequences like negotiations or book chapters.

Han indledte sin tale med en vittighed.

Structures de phrases

Jeg vil igangsætte [ting].

Jeg vil igangsætte en leg.

Vi har igangsat [proces].

Vi har igangsat undersøgelsen.

Der er blevet igangsat [ting].

Der er blevet igangsat en reform.

Det er nødvendigt at igangsætte [ting].

Det er nødvendigt at igangsætte tiltag.

[Ting] igangsættes af [person].

Projektet igangsættes af ledelsen.

Ved at igangsætte [ting], kan vi [verb].

Ved at igangsætte dialogen, kan vi løse problemet.

Igangsættelsen af [ting] medførte [resultat].

Igangsættelsen af krigen medførte store tab.

Man bør overveje at igangsætte...

Man bør overveje at igangsætte en evaluering.

Famille de mots

Noms

igangsættelse (initiation/launch)

igangsætter (initiator/entrepreneur)

igangsætning (the act of starting)

Verbes

igangsætte (to initiate)

sætte (to set/put)

Adjectifs

igangsat (initiated)

igangværende (ongoing)

Apparenté

iværksætter

startskud

begyndelse

initiativ

proces

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

High in news and business; medium in daily speech.

Erreurs courantes

Jeg igangsætter min computer. → Jeg starter min computer.
Igangsætte is for processes, not electronic devices.
Vi igangsættede projektet. → Vi igangsatte projektet.
The past tense is irregular, following 'sætte' -> 'satte'.
De har igangsat med undersøgelsen. → De har igangsat undersøgelsen.
Do not use the preposition 'med' after igangsætte.
Projektet er igangsatet. → Projektet er igangsat.
The past participle is 'igangsat', not 'igangsatet'.
Han er en god igangsætte. → Han er en god igangsætter.
Use the noun 'igangsætter' for a person, not the verb.

Astuces

Past Tense Spelling

Remember the double 't' in 'igangsatte' (past) and the single 't' in 'igangsat' (perfect).

Professionalism

Use 'igangsætte' in emails to your Danish boss to sound more proactive and professional.

Phrasal Alternative

If you forget 'igangsætte' while speaking, just say 'sætte i gang'. It's easier and very natural.

Workplace Usage

It's the perfect word for 'launching' a new IT system or a marketing campaign.

Not for People

You don't 'igangsætte' a person. You 'igangsætte' a process that involves people.

Newspaper Clues

When you see 'igangsat' in a headline, look for the object (what was started) nearby.

The 'Gang' Root

Connect it to 'gang' (hallway/motion). You are putting the project in the hallway to let it move.

Passive S-ending

In formal reports, use 'igangsættes' for a very high-level professional tone.

Soft D Sound

Listen for the soft 'd' at the end of 'igangsætte'. It sounds almost like 'igang-sed-uh'.

The Starter Pistol

Imagine 'igangsætte' is the sound of a starter pistol at a race for projects.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think: 'I-GANG-SET'. I am in the GANG and I SET the project in motion.

Association visuelle

Imagine a large green 'START' lever being pulled in a factory. That lever is the 'igangsætter'.

Word Web

Projekt Undersøgelse Proces Leder Start Plan Beslutning Handling

Défi

Try to use 'igangsætte' in a sentence about a new hobby you want to start, but make it sound like a formal government announcement.

Origine du mot

From Danish 'i' (in) + 'gang' (motion/going) + 'sætte' (to put/set). It is a calque of similar Germanic constructions.

Sens originel : To put into a state of motion or action.

North Germanic / Indo-European.

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral professional term.

English speakers use 'launch' for products and 'initiate' for procedures. 'Igangsætte' covers both.

Regeringens 'igangsættelse' af store infrastrukturprojekter som Storebæltsbroen. DR (Danish Radio) often uses the word in headlines regarding social reforms. Danish business icons like LEGO 'igangsætter' new product lines globally.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Business

Igangsætte projektet
Igangsætte produktionen
Igangsætte en kampagne
Igangsætte ansættelsesprocessen

Politics

Igangsætte en reform
Igangsætte forhandlinger
Igangsætte en lovændring
Igangsætte sanktioner

Police/Legal

Igangsætte en efterforskning
Igangsætte en eftersøgning
Igangsætte en retssag
Igangsætte afhøringer

Medical

Igangsætte en behandling
Igangsætte en kur
Igangsætte en undersøgelse
Igangsætte fødslen

Education

Igangsætte et gruppearbejde
Igangsætte en diskussion
Igangsætte et forsøg
Igangsætte en evaluering

Amorces de conversation

"Hvornår tænker du, vi skal igangsætte det næste projekt?"

"Hvad var det, der igangsatte din interesse for dansk?"

"Hvilke tiltag bør regeringen igangsætte for at hjælpe miljøet?"

"Har I igangsat processen med at finde en ny medarbejder?"

"Hvordan igangsætter man bedst en svær samtale?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beskriv et projekt, du har igangsat for nylig. Hvad var målet?

Hvis du var statsminister, hvilken reform ville du så igangsætte først?

Hvad igangsatte din beslutning om at flytte til et andet land eller skifte job?

Skriv om en gang, hvor du igangsatte noget, der ikke gik som planlagt.

Hvordan føles det, når et stort projekt endelig bliver igangsat?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, that would sound very strange. Use 'starte' for cars and machines.

They mean the same thing, but 'igangsætte' is one word and more formal, while 'sætte i gang' is a phrasal verb used in speech.

Yes, it follows the verb 'sætte'. Past: igangsatte. Participle: igangsat.

Use 'iværksætte' for official implementation of laws, sanctions, or emergency measures.

Yes, 'igangsættelse' (the launch/initiation) or 'igangsætter' (the person who starts things).

It sounds a bit formal. 'Jeg er begyndt at male' is more natural than 'Jeg har igangsat maling'.

Yes, very often in news: 'En undersøgelse er blevet igangsat'.

It refers to the entrepreneurial spirit or the desire to start new things.

No, it's a direct verb. You 'igangsætter noget', not 'igangsætter med noget'.

No, the stress is on the second syllable: i-GANG-sætte.

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