Cette page dans ta langue
English فارسی العربية Deutsch Español 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
B1 adjective 8 min de lecture

jævn

Exemples jævn en 30 secondes
Explication jævn in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should focus on the most basic physical meaning of 'jævn'. Think of it as the word for 'flat' or 'smooth' when talking about a road or a table. Imagine you are playing with a toy car; it drives well on a 'jævn' surface. You might use it in very simple sentences like 'Vejen er jævn' (The road is even). At this stage, don't worry too much about the metaphorical meanings. Just remember that it is the opposite of 'ujævn' (bumpy). You will also see it in very simple cooking contexts, like making sure a soup is smooth. It is a useful word for describing your surroundings in a simple way. Focus on the common gender form 'jævn' first, as you will use it with words like 'vej' (road) and 'overflade' (surface).
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète
At the A2 level, you can start using 'jævn' to describe movements and simple processes. You might say 'Han går i et jævnt tempo' (He walks at a steady pace). This introduces the idea of 'jævn' as something that doesn't change quickly. You should also become comfortable with the neuter form 'jævnt'. For example, if you are spreading butter on bread, you want to do it 'jævnt' (evenly). You will also hear this word in weather reports on the radio, specifically 'jævn vind', which means a moderate breeze. This is a great level to start noticing how 'jævn' is used as an adverb to describe how an action is performed steadily. You might also encounter it when people talk about 'jævne mennesker', meaning regular, everyday people.
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète
At the B1 level, you are expected to understand 'jævn' in more varied contexts, including abstract ones. You should be able to use it to describe a steady flow of information, a consistent performance, or an average quality. For instance, 'Filmen var jævn' means the movie was okay—not great, but not bad. You should also understand the concept of 'jævnbyrdig', which means being on equal footing or of equal status. This is the level where you start to see 'jævn' as a word that describes social equality and the Danish cultural value of not standing out too much. You should be able to inflect the word correctly in all forms (jævn, jævnt, jævne) and use it in comparative sentences like 'Denne overflade er jævnere end den anden'.
At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'jævn'. You can use it to discuss economic trends, such as 'en jævn stigning i priserne' (a steady increase in prices). You should also be familiar with more complex phrases like 'i en jævn strøm' (in a steady stream) and how they apply to abstract concepts like migration or data flow. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'jævn' and its synonyms like 'ensartet' or 'stabil' and choose the one that fits the context best. You might also encounter the word in more formal or literary texts where it describes a person's character as 'jævn og ligefrem' (plain and direct/honest). Your usage should be grammatically perfect, and you should be able to use the word in both formal and informal registers.
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète
At the C1 level, you can appreciate the historical and cultural weight of the word 'jævn'. You understand its connection to the Danish 'folkelighed' (the quality of being of the people) and how it has been used in literature to promote egalitarian ideals. You can use 'jævn' in academic or professional contexts to describe statistical distributions or technical consistencies. You are also comfortable with idiomatic expressions and can use 'jævnt' as a subtle qualifier in your speech and writing. For example, you might describe a political debate as having a 'jævnt niveau', implying it was consistently competent but perhaps lacked brilliance. You can also use the verb form 'at jævne' in both literal (leveling a ground) and metaphorical (smoothing over a conflict) ways.
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète
At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'jævn' and all its derivatives. You can use it with precision in highly specialized fields, such as fluid dynamics or advanced economics. You understand the subtle irony that can sometimes be attached to the word when used to describe something as 'plain' or 'ordinary' in a sophisticated context. You can navigate the full range of the word's history, from its Old Norse roots to its modern usage in digital technology (e.g., 'jævn opdateringshastighed'). Your ability to use 'jævn' reflects a deep understanding of Danish linguistic heritage and contemporary social values. You can write complex essays where 'jævn' is used to analyze social structures or aesthetic qualities with absolute native-like accuracy.
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète
Exemples

jævn en 30 secondes

  • Jævn means even, level, or smooth when describing physical surfaces like roads or floors.
  • It also means steady or constant when describing speed, flow, or time-based processes.
  • Socially, it can mean ordinary, humble, or down-to-earth, describing people or lifestyles.
  • In cooking and quality control, it refers to a smooth consistency or an average, mediocre level.

The Danish adjective jævn is a versatile word that primarily describes something that is even, level, or steady. At its most literal level, it refers to physical surfaces that lack bumps or irregularities. If you are driving on a road that has been recently paved and feels perfectly smooth, a Dane would describe that surface as jævn. However, the utility of this word extends far beyond physical geography into the realms of physics, mathematics, social status, and even personality traits.

Physical Surface
When describing a floor, a table, or a landscape, it implies a lack of hills, holes, or textures. It is the opposite of 'ujævn' (uneven).
Consistency and Flow
In the context of movement or time, it describes a steady, rhythmic, or constant pace. A 'jævn strøm' is a steady stream, whether of water, electricity, or people.
Social and Personal Character
Historically and culturally, 'jævn' describes someone who is plain, down-to-earth, or ordinary. A 'jævn mand' is a common man, someone without pretension or high social standing, often used with a sense of honest simplicity.

Vejen er meget jævn og behagelig at køre på.

Translation: The road is very even and pleasant to drive on.

In culinary terms, you will often encounter this word when making sauces. A sauce must be 'jævn', meaning smooth and without lumps. If you are thickening a sauce, you might use a 'jævner' (thickener) to achieve that desired consistency. This transition from a liquid to a smooth, thick state is central to Danish home cooking.

Han holdt en jævn hastighed hele vejen hjem.

De er bare helt jævne mennesker med et normalt liv.

Technical Application
In mathematics or statistics, it refers to a distribution that is uniform or spread out without significant peaks or valleys.

Sørg for at dejen er jævn og uden klumper.

Using jævn correctly requires an understanding of Danish adjective declension. Like most Danish adjectives, 'jævn' changes its ending based on the gender and number of the noun it describes. For common gender nouns (en-words), we use 'jævn'. For neuter gender nouns (et-words), we use 'jævnt'. For plural nouns or when the adjective is in the definite form, we use 'jævne'.

Common Gender (En)
En jævn vej (An even road). Her, the noun 'vej' is common gender, so the adjective remains in its base form.
Neuter Gender (Et)
Et jævnt lag (An even layer). Here, 'lag' is neuter, so we add a '-t' to the end of the adjective.
Plural and Definite
De jævne overflader (The even surfaces). In plural or definite cases, we add '-e'.

Vi har brug for en jævn fordeling af ressourcerne.

Beyond simple description, 'jævn' is frequently used in the comparative and superlative forms: jævnere (evener/steadier) and jævnest (evenest/steadiest). For example, 'Denne vej er jævnere end den forrige' (This road is more even than the previous one). This is particularly useful when comparing the quality of work or the smoothness of different materials.

Temperaturen skal holdes på et jævnt niveau.

De jævne bevægelser gør det lettere at balancere.

Abstract Usage
When talking about someone's temper, 'et jævnt humør' implies a stable, predictable mood—neither excessively happy nor deeply depressed.

Han er kendt for sin jævne og ærlige facon.

You will encounter jævn in a variety of everyday Danish contexts. If you are watching a home improvement show like 'I hus til halsen', the craftsmen might discuss whether a wall or floor is 'jævn' enough for painting or tiling. In this professional context, precision is key, and 'jævn' is the standard for quality.

News and Economy
On TV Avisen or in Børsen, you will hear about 'jævn vækst' (steady growth). Economists prefer 'jævn' because it implies stability and lack of volatile swings in the market.
Weather Reports
Meteorologists often describe wind speeds using this word. 'Jævn vind' refers to a moderate breeze (Force 4 on the Beaufort scale). It is enough to move small branches but not enough to cause damage.

Der vil være jævn vind fra vest i eftermiddag.

In the kitchen, every Danish grandmother uses this word. Whether she is making 'brun sovs' (brown gravy) or 'kartoffelmos' (mashed potatoes), the goal is always a 'jævn' consistency. If the sauce is too thin, she will 'jævne' it with a mixture of flour and water (en meljævning).

Det er en film for den jævne biografgænger.

Vandet løber i en jævn strøm gennem røret.

Literature and History
In classic Danish literature, 'jævn' is often a virtue. It represents the Nordic ideal of modesty and equality—not being 'too much' or 'too high-and-mighty'.

Han taler et jævnt og forståeligt dansk.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing jævn with 'flad' (flat) or 'lige' (straight/equal). While they are related, they are not interchangeable in Danish. 'Flad' describes a 2D orientation (like a flat tire or a flat landscape), whereas 'jævn' describes the texture or consistency of that surface (smooth, without bumps).

Jævn vs. Flad
A road can be 'flad' (it has no hills) but still be 'ujævn' (it has many small potholes). Conversely, a road going up a mountain can be 'jævn' if the asphalt is perfectly smooth.
Jævn vs. Lige
'Lige' means straight (as in a straight line) or equal (as in 2+2=4). While 'jævn' can mean equal in the sense of 'even distribution', 'lige' is more common for mathematical equality.

Fejl: Vejen er lige (når man mener den er uden bump).

Correct: Vejen er jævn.

Another common error involves the adverbial form. Learners often forget to add the '-t' when using the word to modify a verb. You cannot say 'Han løber jævn'; it must be 'Han løber jævnt'. This '-t' is crucial for grammatical accuracy in Danish adverbs.

Det er vigtigt at fordele smørret jævnt på brødet.

Hendes puls var jævn og rolig.

Inflection Errors
Learners sometimes use 'jævn' for plural nouns. For example, 'De jævn overflader' is wrong; it must be 'De jævne overflader'.

Vi søger en jævn overgang mellem de to systemer.

Danish offers several synonyms and related words for jævn, depending on whether you are talking about physical texture, mathematical distribution, or social status. Understanding these nuances will make your Danish sound more natural and precise.

Ensartet
This means 'uniform' or 'consistent'. Use this when describing a set of things that are all the same, rather than a single surface that is smooth.
Stabil
While 'jævn' can mean steady, 'stabil' is often better for describing a situation, a person's health, or a technical system that isn't fluctuating.
Glat
Meaning 'smooth' or 'slippery'. If you want to emphasize that a surface has no friction, 'glat' is the word. 'Jævn' is more about the lack of bumps.

Resultaterne var meget ensartede på tværs af grupperne.

When describing a person as 'jævn', you might also use 'folkelig' (of the people) or 'nede på jorden' (down to earth). 'Jævn' in this context has a slightly more old-fashioned or humble connotation, while 'nede på jorden' is very common in modern spoken Danish.

Han er en meget nede på jorden type.

Vi har brug for en stabil strømforsyning.

Regelmæssig
Meaning 'regular'. Use this for patterns or events that happen at fixed intervals. 'Jævn' is more about the flow itself.

Der var en kontinuerlig strøm af besøgende.

Inscris-toi gratuitement pour lire l'explication complète

Exemples par niveau

1

Vejen er jævn.

The road is even.

Basic adjective use with a common gender noun.

2

Bordet er jævnt.

The table is even.

Neuter form 'jævnt' because 'bord' is an et-word.

3

Her er en jævn plads.

Here is an even space.

Adjective modifying 'plads' (en-word).

4

Dejen er jævn.

The dough is smooth.

Describing consistency.

5

Huden er jævn.

The skin is even.

Describing texture.

6

Gulvet skal være jævnt.

The floor must be even.

Neuter form with 'gulv'.

7

Det er en jævn overflade.

It is an even surface.

Adjective + noun construction.

8

Er jorden jævn her?

Is the ground even here?

Question form.

1

Han går med jævne skridt.

He walks with steady steps.

Plural form 'jævne' with 'skridt'.

2

Der er jævn vind i dag.

There is a moderate breeze today.

Meteorological term.

3

Fordel smørret jævnt.

Spread the butter evenly.

Adverbial use of 'jævnt'.

4

Bilen kører med en jævn fart.

The car drives at a steady speed.

Describing steady motion.

5

Hun har et jævnt humør.

She has a steady mood.

Describing personality.

6

De er jævne folk.

They are ordinary people.

Social description.

7

Varmen skal være jævn.

The heat must be even.

Cooking context.

8

Hæld vandet i en jævn strøm.

Pour the water in a steady stream.

Describing flow.

1

Filmen fik en jævn modtagelse.

The movie received a mediocre reception.

Describing average quality.

2

Priserne stiger jævnt.

Prices are rising steadily.

Adverbial use in economic context.

3

Vi er jævnbyrdige partnere.

We are equal partners.

Compound word 'jævnbyrdig'.

4

Han taler et jævnt dansk.

He speaks a plain/ordinary Danish.

Describing language style.

5

Der er en jævn fordeling af opgaver.

There is an even distribution of tasks.

Abstract distribution.

6

Suppen skal jævnes med mel.

The soup must be thickened with flour.

Verb form 'at jævne'.

7

Det var en jævn præstation.

It was an average performance.

Qualitative use.

8

De bor i et jævnt kvarter.

They live in an ordinary neighborhood.

Social context.

1

Der er tale om en jævn vækst i eksporten.

There is a steady growth in exports.

Formal economic usage.

2

Han førte en jævn og rolig tilværelse.

He led a steady and quiet life.

Describing lifestyle.

3

Malingen skal påføres i et jævnt lag.

The paint must be applied in an even layer.

Technical instruction.

4

Hun svarede med en jævn stemme.

She answered with a steady voice.

Describing vocal tone.

5

Der kom en jævn strøm af klager.

A steady stream of complaints came in.

Metaphorical flow.

6

Vi må jævne vejen for samarbejde.

We must smooth the way for cooperation.

Idiomatic use of the verb.

7

Det er jævnt kedeligt.

It is quite boring.

Adverb used for emphasis.

8

Han er af jævn herkomst.

He is of humble origin.

Formal/historical social description.

1

Forfatteren skriver i et jævnt og ligefremt sprog.

The author writes in a plain and direct language.

Literary analysis.

2

Hendes jævne væsen gjorde hende vellidt.

Her down-to-earth nature made her well-liked.

Describing character.

3

Markedet har vist en jævn tendens over de sidste år.

The market has shown a steady trend over the last years.

Professional analysis.

4

Vi skal sikre jævne overgange mellem modulerne.

We must ensure smooth transitions between the modules.

Technical/systemic context.

5

Det jævne og det ophøjede mødes i hans kunst.

The ordinary and the sublime meet in his art.

Philosophical/Artistic usage.

6

Der findes ingen jævn vej til succes.

There is no smooth road to success.

Proverbial usage.

7

Trykket i beholderen er jævnt.

The pressure in the container is even.

Scientific context.

8

Han forholdt sig jævnt kølig over for forslaget.

He remained steadily cool toward the proposal.

Nuanced adverbial use.

1

Den jævne fordeling af sandsynlighed er central her.

The uniform distribution of probability is central here.

Advanced statistical terminology.

2

Han formåede at jævne alle stridigheder i partiet.

He managed to smooth over all disputes in the party.

Metaphorical verb usage.

3

Værkets jævne rytme skaber en meditativ effekt.

The work's steady rhythm creates a meditative effect.

Aesthetic analysis.

4

Det er en jævnt fordelt byrde i samfundet.

It is an evenly distributed burden in society.

Sociopolitical analysis.

5

Han er indbegrebet af den jævne, danske folkelighed.

He is the epitome of ordinary, Danish folk-spirit.

Cultural critique.

6

Processen kræver en jævn tilførsel af katalysator.

The process requires a steady supply of catalyst.

Technical/Scientific.

7

Stilen er jævn, grænsende til det banale.

The style is plain, bordering on the banal.

Critical/Nuanced evaluation.

8

Lysets jævne fald over landskabet var betagende.

The even fall of light over the landscape was breathtaking.

Poetic/Descriptive.

Collocations courantes

jævn fart
jævn strøm
jævn fordeling
jævn vind
jævne folk
jævnt humør
jævnt lag
jævn overgang
jævn vækst
jævn overflade

Phrases Courantes

over det jævne

— Above average quality or status.

Hendes præstation var over det jævne.

under det jævne

— Below average quality or status.

Resultatet var desværre under det jævne.

jævnt og samt

— Steadily and continuously (older expression).

Det regnede jævnt og samt hele dagen.

den jævne dansker

— The average or typical Danish person.

Hvad mener den jævne dansker om skatten?

i et jævnt tempo

— At a steady pace.

Vi fortsatte i et jævnt tempo.

en jævn mand

— A common, unpretentious man.

Han var kendt som en jævn mand af folket.

jævnt fordelt

— Evenly distributed.

Vægten skal være jævnt fordelt.

gøre jævn

— To make smooth or level.

Vi må gøre vejen jævn.

jævnt god

— Consistently good (but not amazing).

Maden var jævnt god hele ugen.

jævnt kedelig

— Consistently boring.

Foredraget var jævnt kedeligt fra start til slut.

Expressions idiomatiques

"at jævne med jorden"

— To raze to the ground; to destroy completely.

Bygningen blev jævnet med jorden.

neutral
"at jævne vejen for"

— To pave the way for; to make something easier to achieve.

Aftalen jævnede vejen for fred.

metaphorical
"at jævne modsætninger ud"

— To smooth over differences or conflicts.

De forsøgte at jævne modsætningerne ud.

formal
"i en jævn strøm"

— In a continuous and steady flow.

Gæsterne ankom i en jævn strøm.

neutral
"at holde en jævn kurs"

— To stay on a steady course (literally or metaphorically).

Vi må holde en jævn kurs i krisetider.

neutral
"jævnt hen"

— Generally or steadily over time.

Det går jævnt hen fremad.

informal
"jævn og ligefrem"

— Plain-spoken and honest; without pretension.

Han er en jævn og ligefrem type.

positive
"at jævne sig"

— To level out or stabilize.

Priserne vil jævne sig med tiden.

neutral
"jævnt og ret"

— Fair and square (older usage).

Alt foregik jævnt og ret.

literary
"på det jævne"

— In an ordinary or average way.

Vi lever bare på det jævne.

neutral
Inscris-toi gratuitement pour voir tous les exemples

Contenu associé

C'tait utile ?

Commentaires (0)

Connectez-vous pour Commenter
Pas encore de commentaires. Soyez le premier à partager vos idées !