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B1 noun 11 min de lecture

magt

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces magt en 30 secondes

Explication magt in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'magt' is introduced as a simple noun meaning 'power'. You might learn it in the context of stories or very basic social structures. For example, 'Kongen har magt' (The king has power). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex political theories. Just think of it as someone who can decide things for others. You might also see it in very simple compound words like 'supermagt' (superpower), which is easy to recognize from English. It is a common gender noun, so you say 'en magt' and 'magten'. The focus for A1 learners is simply recognizing the word and knowing it relates to control or authority. You will mostly encounter it in the singular form. It is helpful to associate it with people like a 'politibetjent' (police officer) or a 'leder' (leader). Even though the concept of power is complex, at A1, we keep it concrete. You might use it to describe a superhero's strength in a very basic way, although 'styrke' is technically better. The goal is to build a foundation so that when you see the word in a sentence, you know it's about someone being in charge. 'Han har magt' is a perfect A1 sentence. It's short, uses a common verb, and conveys a clear idea. Don't worry about the prepositions yet; just focus on the basic meaning and the fact that it's a noun.

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At the A2 level, you start to use 'magt' in slightly more descriptive sentences. You will learn to use it with adjectives, such as 'stor magt' (great power) or 'lille magt' (little power). You might also begin to see the word in the context of daily news or history lessons. For example, 'Hvem har magten i Danmark?' (Who has the power in Denmark?). This introduces the definite form 'magten', which is very common when talking about the government. You will also learn that 'magt' is not just for people but for things like 'naturens magt' (the power of nature). At this level, you can start using the preposition 'over'. 'Forældre har magt over deres børn' (Parents have power over their children). You might also encounter the verb 'at magte', although usually only in simple negative sentences like 'Jeg magter det ikke' (I can't handle it/I'm too tired for it). This is a very common idiomatic use in Denmark. You are moving from just recognizing the word to being able to place it in a social context. You understand that 'magt' is something people can have, lose, or want. It is a good time to start noticing how it appears in headlines. You might not understand every word in the article, but if you see 'Magt i København', you know the topic is about who is in charge of the city.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to understand 'magt' in more abstract and professional contexts. This is the level where you distinguish between 'magt' (authority/power) and 'styrke' (physical strength). You will learn common collocations like 'at misbruge sin magt' (to abuse one's power) and 'at gribe magten' (to seize power). You can now participate in discussions about 'magtfordeling' (the division of power) and understand why it is important for a democracy. At B1, you should be able to read a newspaper article about a 'magtkamp' (power struggle) in a political party and follow the main points. You will also encounter the word in more nuanced phrases like 'være ved magten' (to be in power). You start to see that 'magt' can be both positive (the power to help) and negative (the power to oppress). In your writing, you can use 'magt' to describe complex relationships. For example, 'Medierne har stor magt over, hvad folk mener' (The media has great power over what people think). You also become familiar with the adjective 'magtfuld' (powerful) and the adverbial use of 'mægtig' (mighty/very). This level is about expanding the word's utility from simple 'control' to 'influence' and 'systemic authority'. You understand that 'magt' is a central theme in Danish society and can use it to express your opinions on social issues.

At the B2 level, you have a deep understanding of the word 'magt' and its various derivatives. You can use it in formal debates and academic writing. You are familiar with terms like 'den udøvende, lovgivende og dømmende magt' (the executive, legislative, and judicial power) and can explain how they interact. You understand the subtle difference between 'magt' and 'myndighed' (official authority). At this level, you can use the plural 'magter' correctly, such as 'stormagterne' (the great powers) or 'overnaturlige magter' (supernatural powers). You are also comfortable with more complex compound words like 'magtbalance', 'magtdistance', and 'magtmisbrug'. You can discuss the 'magtforhold' (power relations) in a historical context or a modern business environment. Your vocabulary includes related verbs like 'at udøve magt' (to exercise power) and 'at besidde magt' (to possess power). You can also use the word metaphorically, such as 'ordets magt' (the power of the word) or 'kærlighedens magt'. You are sensitive to the connotations of the word—understanding that calling someone 'magtbegærlig' (power-hungry) is a strong criticism in Danish culture. You can read complex texts, such as political analyses or sociological papers, where 'magt' is a central concept, and you can summarize these ideas using a variety of synonyms to avoid repetition.

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At the C1 level, you use 'magt' with the precision of a native speaker. You understand the philosophical and sociological nuances of the term. You can discuss the 'diskursiv magt' (discursive power) or the 'symbolsk magt' (symbolic power) within a society. You are familiar with how 'magt' is used in legal language and can navigate documents where the 'magtbeføjelser' (powers/mandates) of an office are defined. Your use of 'magt' in speech is nuanced; you know when to use 'indflydelse' instead to sound more diplomatic. You can interpret literature where 'magt' is a central motif, understanding the psychological underpinnings of a character's desire for control. You are also aware of historical references, such as 'enevælden' (the absolute monarchy) and how it shaped the Danish concept of 'magt'. You can use idiomatic expressions fluently, such as 'at have magt som man har agt' (to have the power to do as one intends). In professional settings, you can lead discussions about 'magtstrukturer' (power structures) and suggest ways to redistribute 'beslutningsmagt' (decision-making power). You understand the etymological roots of the word and how it relates to the Germanic 'Macht'. Your ability to use 'magt' and its derivatives is flexible, allowing you to move between formal, academic, and informal registers with ease.

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At the C2 level, you have mastered the word 'magt' in all its complexity. You can engage in high-level academic discourse regarding the nature of power, drawing on theories from Foucault, Machiavelli, or Weber in Danish. You understand the most obscure uses of the word, including its role in older legal texts or archaic poetry. You can use 'magt' to construct sophisticated arguments about 'geopolitisk magtbalance' or 'biomagt' (biopower). Your command of the language allows you to play with the word, using it ironically or in complex metaphors. You are fully aware of the cultural 'baggage' the word carries in a Scandinavian context, including its relationship with 'Janteloven' and the collective suspicion of concentrated power. You can write persuasive essays or deliver speeches where 'magt' is used to inspire, warn, or analyze. You understand the difference between 'magt' and 'vold' (violence) in political theory and can articulate these differences clearly. For you, 'magt' is not just a word but a multi-dimensional tool for analyzing human interaction, society, and history. You can switch between the literal, the legal, the metaphorical, and the theoretical meanings of 'magt' without hesitation. Your proficiency is such that you can even critique the way 'magt' is used in contemporary Danish media, identifying underlying biases and structural assumptions.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

magt en 30 secondes

Magt means power or authority in Danish.
It is a common gender noun: en magt, magten.
Commonly used in political, social, and workplace contexts.
Can also refer to natural forces or personal self-control.

The Danish word magt is a fundamental concept in the Danish language, primarily translating to 'power' or 'authority' in English. At its core, it refers to the ability to influence behavior, control resources, or dictate the course of events. Unlike the English word 'might' which can sometimes feel archaic, 'magt' is used daily in political, social, and personal contexts. In Denmark, a country known for its flat hierarchy and egalitarian values, the word 'magt' often carries a weight of responsibility rather than just raw dominance. When you speak of 'magt' in a political sense, you are referring to the mandate given by the people to the government. For example, 'den udøvende magt' refers to the executive power, one of the three branches of government in the Danish democratic system. Beyond politics, 'magt' describes the influence one person holds over another. This could be a boss in a company, a teacher in a classroom, or even the psychological power one individual has in a relationship. It is important to distinguish 'magt' from 'styrke' (strength) or 'kraft' (force). While 'styrke' is often an internal quality of being strong, 'magt' is relational—it exists because of a structure or a position.

Political Context: In Danish politics, 'magt' is frequently discussed in terms of 'magtmisbrug' (abuse of power) or 'magtfordeling' (distribution of power). The Danish constitution, Danmarks Riges Grundlov, is designed to ensure that no single entity holds too much 'magt'.

Statsministeren har den øverste magt i regeringen.

Social Influence: Socially, 'magt' can refer to the 'magtbalance' (balance of power) in a friendship or marriage. If one person always decides where to eat or how to spend money, they are said to have the 'magt'.

Han følte, at han ikke længere havde magt over sit eget liv.

Physical and Abstract Force: In literature and abstract thought, 'magt' can represent the forces of nature or fate. 'Naturens magt' refers to the power of nature, suggesting something that humans cannot control.

Vejrets magt tvang sømændene til at vende om.

Mange frygter de store teknologifirmaers magt.

Kærlighedens magt kan overvinde alt, siger man.

Understanding 'magt' requires recognizing that it is not just about commanding others, but about the systemic ability to effect change. Whether it is the 'købsmagt' (purchasing power) of a consumer or the 'ordets magt' (the power of the word) in a speech, the term encapsulates the capacity to act and influence. In historical contexts, 'enevældens magt' refers to the absolute power of the monarchy that existed in Denmark until 1849. Today, 'magt' is more decentralized, distributed across institutions, corporations, and the public opinion. When you use this word, you are tapping into a deep discourse about how society is organized and who gets to decide the rules of the game.

Using 'magt' correctly in Danish involves understanding its grammatical role as a common gender noun (en magt) and its common prepositional pairings. The most frequent construction is 'magt over' followed by a noun or pronoun. This indicates control or authority over something. For example, 'Regeringen har magt over lovgivningen' (The government has power over the legislation). Another critical usage is with the verb 'at have' (to have). 'At have magt' is the standard way to express possessing authority. However, you can also 'gribe magten' (seize power), 'miste magten' (lose power), or 'misbruge sin magt' (abuse one's power).

Common Verb Pairings: Verbs like 'udøve' (exercise), 'besidde' (possess), and 'dele' (share) are frequently used with 'magt'. For instance, 'Politiet udøver deres magt med forsigtighed' (The police exercise their power with caution).

Generalen forsøgte at gribe magten ved et kup.

Phrasal Usage: The phrase 'være ved magten' is the standard way to say 'to be in power' in a political sense. 'Socialdemokratiet er ved magten' means the Social Democrats are in government.

Det er svært at sige sandheden til magten.

Adjectival Forms: The adjective 'magtfuld' means powerful. 'En magtfuld politiker' is a powerful politician. 'Mægtig' is another adjective meaning mighty or very large, though it is often used as an intensifier in informal speech (e.g., 'mægtig god' - very good).

Hun er en af de mest magtfulde kvinder i erhvervslivet.

Han følte sig som et offer for højere magter.

Vi må kæmpe med al vores magt.

In sentences, 'magt' can also function in compound words, which is very common in Danish. Words like 'magtkamp' (power struggle), 'magtesløs' (powerless/impotent), and 'magtdistance' (power distance) are essential for nuanced communication. When you say 'Jeg er magtesløs', you are expressing a deep sense of inability to change a situation. Conversely, 'magtfuldkommenhed' is a term used to describe a state of having absolute authority. Pay attention to the context: is the power legal, physical, or moral? This will help you choose the right accompanying adjectives and verbs. In everyday conversation, you might hear 'at have magt over tingene', meaning to have everything under control. This is a positive use of the word, suggesting competence and mastery rather than oppression.

You will encounter the word 'magt' across a broad spectrum of Danish society, from the evening news to philosophical debates. In the political arena, 'magt' is the keyword. During election cycles, news programs like 'TV2 News' or 'DR Nyheder' will constantly analyze 'magtbalancen' (the balance of power) between the blue and red blocs. You will hear journalists ask, 'Hvem får magten?' (Who will get the power?). In this context, it is almost synonymous with the right to form a government. In legal settings, you will hear about 'den dømmende magt' (the judicial power) when discussing the courts.

The Workplace: In Danish workplaces, the concept of 'magt' is often downplayed due to the 'flad struktur' (flat structure). However, people still talk about 'beslutningsmagt' (decision-making power). You might hear a colleague say, 'Det har jeg ikke magten til at ændre' (I don't have the power to change that).

I nyhederne taler de ofte om magtfordelingen i EU.

Literature and Media: In fantasy movies or historical dramas, 'magt' is used in its more traditional sense of dominion. In the Danish translation of 'The Lord of the Rings', the 'One Ring' is 'Herskerringen', but its influence is described as 'magt'.

Dokumentaren handlede om magtmisbrug i sportens verden.

Everyday Expressions: In daily life, 'magt' appears in phrases about self-control. 'At have magt over sig selv' means to have self-discipline. If someone is struggling with an addiction, they might say the substance has 'magt over dem'.

Han har mistet magten over sit temperament.

Læreren har en vis magt i klasseværelset.

Vi diskuterer ofte mediernes magt til at forme folkestemningen.

Another place you will hear 'magt' is in the context of international relations, where 'stormagter' (great powers) like the USA or China are discussed. In history class, students learn about 'magtens tredeling' (the tripartite division of power) by Montesquieu, which is a cornerstone of Danish democracy. You might also hear the word in more poetic or religious contexts, such as 'Guds magt' (God's power) or 'mørkets magter' (the powers of darkness). Whether you are watching a political thriller on Netflix (like the Danish show 'Borgen') or reading a newspaper article about corporate mergers, 'magt' is the invisible thread that connects these various domains of human activity and influence.

One of the most common mistakes English speakers make when learning Danish is confusing 'magt' with 'kraft' or 'styrke'. While all three can translate to 'power' in certain English contexts, they are not interchangeable in Danish. 'Kraft' usually refers to physical force, energy, or mechanical power (like 'hestekræfter' - horsepower). 'Styrke' refers to the quality of being strong, whether physically or mentally. Using 'magt' when you mean physical strength sounds very strange. For example, if you say 'Han har meget magt i sine arme', a Dane will understand you, but it sounds like his arms have political authority. You should say 'Han har meget styrke i sine arme'.

Preposition Errors: Learners often use 'på' or 'til' instead of 'over'. The correct preposition for authority over someone is 'over'. 'Magt over folket' (Power over the people), not 'magt på folket'.

Fejl: Han har magt til at løfte tunge ting. (Korrekt: Han har styrke til...)

Confusing Noun and Verb: There is a verb 'at magte', which means 'to be able to handle' or 'to cope with'. Beginners often confuse this with 'at have magt'. If you say 'Jeg magter det ikke', it means 'I can't cope with it' or 'I don't have the energy for it', not 'I don't have the power over it'.

Fejl: Filmen var magtfuld god. (Korrekt: Filmen var mægtig god.)

Definite vs. Indefinite: Using 'magt' without the article when referring to the concept in general is correct, but when talking about the current government, you must use 'magten'. Saying 'Han er ved magt' is incorrect; it must be 'Han er ved magten'.

Han misbrugte sin magt (Correct) vs. Han misbrugte magten (Correct, but refers to 'The Power' in general).

Politiet er en myndighed, der har magt til at arrestere folk.

At have magt er ikke det samme som at have ret.

Another nuance is the plural 'magter'. While 'powers' in English can be used for 'his powers of persuasion', in Danish, 'magter' is almost exclusively used for external entities (political powers or supernatural ones). For personal abilities, use 'evner' or 'færdigheder'. If you say 'Han har mange magter', it sounds like he has multiple governments or spirits at his disposal. Understanding these distinctions will prevent you from sounding like you are translating literally from English and help you capture the specific social and physical nuances that Danish speakers associate with the word 'magt'.

To enrich your Danish vocabulary beyond just 'magt', it is helpful to look at synonyms and related terms that carry different shades of meaning. 'Indflydelse' (influence) is a very common alternative, especially in professional or social contexts where 'magt' might sound too aggressive. While 'magt' implies the ability to command, 'indflydelse' implies the ability to persuade or affect outcomes indirectly. 'Autoritet' (authority) is another close relative, but it refers specifically to power that is recognized as legitimate or expert-based.

Magt vs. Indflydelse: 'Magt' is direct control; 'Indflydelse' is the ability to shape opinions. A lobbyist has 'indflydelse', but the minister has the 'magt' to sign the law.

Hun har stor indflydelse på projektets retning.

Magt vs. Myndighed: 'Myndighed' refers to official, legal authority. If you are 'myndig', you are of legal age. As a noun, 'en myndighed' is a government body like the health board (Sundhedsstyrelsen).

Lægen taler med en naturlig autoritet.

Magt vs. Herredømme: 'Herredømme' means mastery or rule. It is often used in terms like 'verdensherredømme' (world domination) or 'selvherredømme' (self-mastery).

Han har fuldt herredømme over bolden.

Virksomheden har en dominerende position på markedet.

Politikeren søger altid efter mere magt.

When choosing an alternative, consider the tone. 'Magt' is heavy and serious. 'Indflydelse' is softer and more collaborative. 'Autoritet' is respectful. 'Vælde' is poetic. If you are writing a business email, you might say 'Vi har stor indflydelse i denne branche' rather than 'Vi har stor magt', as the latter could sound arrogant. However, if you are analyzing a political conflict, 'magtkamp' is the most accurate term. By learning these synonyms, you gain the ability to navigate the subtle social hierarchies that exist in Danish culture, where appearing too 'magtbegærlig' (power-hungry) is generally frowned upon. Use these words to tailor your message to the audience and the situation.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The English word 'may' (as in 'I may go') is distantly related to 'magt', as they both stem from a root meaning 'to be able'.

Guide de prononciation

UK /mɑɡt/

US /mɑkt/

Stress is on the only syllable: MAGT.

Rime avec

agt jagt fragt pagt sagt takt vagt pragt

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'g' like a hard English 'g' in 'goat'.
Making the 'a' sound like 'ei' as in 'mate'.
Forgetting the glottal stop (stød) which is present in some related forms but not the base noun 'magt'.
Pronouncing it as 'makt' with a very hard 'k' sound.
Adding an extra vowel sound at the end.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The word itself is short and easy to recognize, appearing in many news headlines.

Écriture 3/5

Requires knowledge of prepositions like 'over' and compound word rules.

Expression orale 3/5

The soft 'g' can be tricky for English speakers to master correctly.

Écoute 2/5

Usually clearly articulated in news and formal speech.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

Have Politik Leder Bestemme Over

Apprends ensuite

Myndighed Indflydelse Beslutning Ansvar Demokrati

Avancé

Legitimitet Hegemoni Suverænitet Mandat Parlamentarisme

Grammaire à connaître

Compound Nouns

Magt + Kamp = Magtkamp. In Danish, these are written as one word.

Preposition 'Over'

Always use 'over' for authority: 'Magt over folket'.

Genitive Case

Naturens magt. Add -s to the noun to show possession.

Definite Suffix

Magt -> Magten. Add -en for common gender definite form.

Verb Conjugation

At magte (infinitive), magter (present), magtede (past).

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Exemples par niveau

Kongen har meget magt.

The king has much power.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

Har du magt?

Do you have power?

Question form using 'har'.

Han er en mand med magt.

He is a man with power.

Using 'med' (with) as a prepositional phrase.

Hvem har magten?

Who has the power?

Definite form 'magten'.

Politiet har magt.

The police have power.

Plural noun 'politiet' with singular 'magt'.

Hun vil have magt.

She wants power.

Using the modal verb 'vil' (want).

Magt er vigtigt.

Power is important.

Abstract noun as subject.

De har ingen magt.

They have no power.

Using 'ingen' (no/none) to negate.

Læreren har magt over klassen.

The teacher has power over the class.

Using 'magt over' for authority.

Han mistede sin magt i går.

He lost his power yesterday.

Past tense 'mistede'.

Naturens magt er stor.

The power of nature is great.

Genitive case 'naturens'.

De kæmper om magten i firmaet.

They are fighting for power in the company.

Using 'kæmpe om' (fight for/about).

Jeg magter ikke at lave mad i dag.

I can't manage to cook today.

Verb 'at magte' meaning to cope/manage.

Hun er en magtfuld kvinde.

She is a powerful woman.

Adjective 'magtfuld'.

Vi skal bruge vores magt til noget godt.

We must use our power for something good.

Using 'bruge... til' (use... for).

Han har magten i sit eget liv.

He has power in his own life.

Possessive 'sit eget'.

Magten korrumperer ofte mennesker.

Power often corrupts people.

General statement using definite form.

Regeringen har den udøvende magt.

The government has the executive power.

Political terminology.

Han misbrugte sin magt som chef.

He abused his power as a boss.

Common collocation 'misbruge sin magt'.

Det er vigtigt med en balance i magten.

It is important to have a balance of power.

Using 'balance i'.

Hun har stor indflydelse, men ingen formel magt.

She has great influence, but no formal power.

Contrast between 'indflydelse' and 'magt'.

Folket gav ham magten ved valget.

The people gave him power at the election.

Past tense 'gav' (gave).

De mørke magter forsøger at vinde.

The dark powers are trying to win.

Plural 'magter' in a fantasy context.

Han føler sig magtesløs i denne situation.

He feels powerless in this situation.

Compound adjective 'magtesløs'.

Magtfordelingen i samfundet er skæv.

The distribution of power in society is uneven.

Compound noun 'magtfordeling'.

Han har magt som han har agt.

He has power as he has intention (He can do as he pleases).

Traditional Danish idiom.

Stormagterne mødtes for at diskutere fred.

The great powers met to discuss peace.

Compound noun 'stormagter' (great powers).

Hun udøver sin magt gennem sociale medier.

She exercises her power through social media.

Verb 'udøve' (exercise/exert).

Der opstod en magtkamp mellem de to direktører.

A power struggle arose between the two directors.

Compound noun 'magtkamp'.

Politikeren er kendt for sin magtbegærlighed.

The politician is known for his greed for power.

Abstract noun 'magtbegærlighed'.

Vi må ikke lade teknologien få for meget magt.

We must not let technology get too much power.

Using 'lade... få' (let... get).

Han besidder den nødvendige magt til at ændre loven.

He possesses the necessary power to change the law.

Formal verb 'besidde' (possess).

Diskursiv magt handler om at definere virkeligheden.

Discursive power is about defining reality.

Academic terminology.

Enevælden var en periode med absolut magt.

The absolute monarchy was a period of absolute power.

Historical context.

Hun analyserede magtstrukturerne i organisationen.

She analyzed the power structures in the organization.

Compound noun 'magtstrukturer'.

Magtfuldkommenhed er sjældent et sundt tegn.

Absolute authority is rarely a healthy sign.

Complex abstract noun.

Han har en naturlig autoritet, der rækker ud over hans formelle magt.

He has a natural authority that extends beyond his formal power.

Comparison between 'autoritet' and 'magt'.

Forhandlingerne bar præg af en ulige magtbalance.

The negotiations were characterized by an unequal balance of power.

Idiom 'bære præg af' (be characterized by).

Det er en hårfin grænse mellem ledelse og magtmisbrug.

It is a fine line between leadership and abuse of power.

Metaphorical use of 'grænse'.

Hendes ord besidder en mægtig kraft.

Her words possess a mighty force.

Using 'mægtig' as an adjective.

Foucaults teorier om biomagt er stadig relevante i dag.

Foucault's theories on biopower are still relevant today.

Highly specialized academic term.

At dekonstruere magten kræver en dyb indsigt i sproget.

To deconstruct power requires a deep insight into language.

Infinitive as subject.

Hun navigerede behændigt i de politiske magtforhold.

She navigated the political power relations skillfully.

Adverb 'behændigt' (skillfully).

Magtens anatomi er ofte skjult for det blotte øje.

The anatomy of power is often hidden from the naked eye.

Metaphorical use of 'anatomi'.

Der findes en subtil magt i tavshed.

There exists a subtle power in silence.

Abstract philosophical observation.

Han udfordrede de etablerede magthavere med sit manifest.

He challenged the established power-holders with his manifesto.

Noun 'magthavere' (those in power).

Kritikken ramte lige ind i magtens centrum.

The criticism hit right into the center of power.

Idiomatic placement of 'lige ind i'.

Spørgsmålet er, om sandheden overhovedet har en magt i sig selv.

The question is whether truth has any power in itself at all.

Complex conditional clause.

Synonymes

Autoritet Indflydelse Myndighed Herredømme Vælde Dominans Styrke Kraft

Antonymes

Afmagt Magtesløshed Svaghed Underkastelse

Collocations courantes

Politisk magt

Absolut magt

Udøve magt

Misbruge sin magt

Gribe magten

Miste magten

Magt over

Naturens magt

Være ved magten

Stormagt

Phrases Courantes

Magten og æren

— Power and glory. Often used in religious or very formal contexts.

Dit er riget, magten og æren.

Ordets magt

— The power of words. Refers to eloquence and persuasion.

Han forstår virkelig ordets magt.

Viden er magt

— Knowledge is power. A common proverb.

Læs bøger, for viden er magt.

Magtens korridorer

— The corridors of power. Refers to the places where decisions are made.

Han er vant til at gå i magtens korridorer.

At have magt over tingene

— To have things under control. Suggests competence.

Hun har virkelig magt over tingene i sit nye job.

I sin gode magt

— In one's prime or at the height of one's strength.

Han var i sin gode magt, da han vandt løbet.

Højere magter

— Higher powers. Refers to God, fate, or the universe.

Vi må overlade det til højere magter.

Med magt

— By force. Using physical or compulsory means.

Døren blev åbnet med magt.

Magtens tredeling

— The separation of powers. A fundamental democratic principle.

Magtens tredeling sikrer demokratiet.

Penge er magt

— Money is power. Reflects the influence of wealth.

I denne verden er penge desværre magt.

Souvent confondu avec

magt vs Kraft

Kraft is physical force or energy (like electricity or a punch).

magt vs Styrke

Styrke is the quality of being strong (muscles or character).

magt vs Myndighed

Myndighed is official/legal authority or a government agency.

Expressions idiomatiques

"At have magt som man har agt"

— To have the ability to carry out one's intentions.

Han har magt som han har agt i det firma.

Traditional

"At tage magten fra nogen"

— To strip someone of their authority or influence.

De forsøgte at tage magten fra direktøren.

Neutral

"At være i lommen på magten"

— To be controlled by those in power.

Pressen må ikke være i lommen på magten.

Informal/Critical

"Magt gør blind"

— Power makes one blind to the needs or feelings of others.

Pas på, for magt gør ofte blind.

Proverbial

"At danse efter magtens pibe"

— To do exactly what those in power want you to do.

Han vil ikke danse efter magtens pibe.

Informal

"At smage på magten"

— To get a small experience of having authority.

Da han blev valgt, fik han lov at smage på magten.

Metaphorical

"Magtens sødme"

— The sweetness of power. The pleasure derived from being in control.

Han nød magtens sødme lidt for meget.

Literary

"At tale magten midt imod"

— To speak truth to power or challenge authority.

Hun turde tale magten midt imod.

Formal

"At ligge under for en magt"

— To be subordinate to or oppressed by a power.

Folket lå under for en fremmed magt.

Formal

"At have bukserne på"

— To have the power in a household (idiomatic equivalent).

Det er hende, der har bukserne på og magten i hjemmet.

Informal

Facile à confondre

magt vs Magte

It looks like the noun but is a verb.

The verb 'at magte' means to be able to do something or cope with it, whereas 'magt' is the noun for power. 'Jeg magter det ikke' is about energy, not authority.

Jeg magter ikke at løbe i dag.

magt vs Mægtig

It can mean 'powerful' or just 'very'.

In older Danish, it means powerful. In modern spoken Danish, it is often an intensifier like 'very'. 'En mægtig mand' (A powerful man) vs 'Mægtig god' (Very good).

Han er en mægtig modstander.

magt vs Magtesløs

Often used where English speakers might say 'weak'.

It specifically means lacking the power to change a situation, often with a psychological undertone of despair.

Hun følte sig magtesløs over for sygdommen.

magt vs Stormagt

Literal translation 'Big power'.

Specifically refers to a 'Superpower' or 'Great Power' in international relations.

Kina er en voksende stormagt.

magt vs Magthaver

Literal translation 'Power haver'.

A formal term for 'those in power' or 'rulers'.

Magthaverne ignorerede folkets protester.

Structures de phrases

[Subject] har magt.

Han har magt.

[Subject] har magt over [Object].

Hun har magt over hunden.

[Subject] misbruger sin magt.

Direktøren misbruger sin magt.

Der er en [Adjective] magtbalance.

Der er en ulige magtbalance.

Magten er fordelt mellem [A] og [B].

Magten er fordelt mellem staten og kirken.

Det er en dekonstruktion af den [Adjective] magt.

Det er en dekonstruktion af den patriarkalske magt.

At gribe [Definite Noun].

At gribe magten.

Naturens [Noun].

Naturens magt.

Famille de mots

Noms

Magthaver

Magtmisbrug

Magtkamp

Magtbalance

Magtfordeling

Afmagt

Magtesløshed

Verbes

Magte

Adjectifs

Magtfuld

Magtesløs

Mægtig

Magtbegærlig

Apparenté

Myndighed

Autoritet

Styrke

Kraft

Vælde

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very common in news, history, and workplace discussions.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'magt' for physical strength. → Han har stor styrke.
'Magt' refers to authority or control, not the ability to lift heavy things.
Saying 'magt på folket'. → Magt over folket.
The preposition 'over' is required when expressing power over someone or something.
Confusing 'magt' (noun) and 'magte' (verb). → Jeg magter det ikke. / Han har magten.
'Magte' is a verb meaning to cope; 'magt' is the noun meaning power.
Using 'mægtig' to mean 'powerful' in a formal context. → En magtfuld politiker.
In modern Danish, 'mægtig' is often used as an informal intensifier like 'very'.
Forgetting the definite form 'magten' in political contexts. → De kæmper om magten.
When referring to 'the power' in a specific context like government, the definite form is mandatory.

Astuces

Use 'over' for authority

Always remember that you have 'magt over' someone. Using other prepositions like 'på' or 'til' is a common mistake for learners.

Learn compound words

Danish builds many specific meanings by combining 'magt' with other nouns. Learn 'magtkamp', 'magtbalance', and 'magtmisbrug' as single units.

Be modest with 'magt'

In Denmark, bragging about your 'magt' is frowned upon. It is better to talk about your 'ansvar' (responsibility) or 'indflydelse' (influence).

Master 'Jeg magter det ikke'

This phrase will make you sound very natural. Use it when you are overwhelmed by a task or simply too tired to do something.

Watch 'Borgen'

The Danish TV series 'Borgen' is the best way to hear 'magt' used in various political and personal contexts. It is a masterclass in 'magtens sprog' (the language of power).

Use 'myndighed' for government

When writing about a government office or legal authority, 'myndighed' is often more precise than 'magt'.

Viden er magt

This is a great proverb to use in essays or discussions about education. It translates directly to 'Knowledge is power'.

The soft 'g'

Don't over-pronounce the 'g'. If you are struggling, it is better to make it almost silent than to make it a hard 'g'.

Link to 'Might'

Since 'magt' and 'might' share the same root, use this connection to remember the meaning instantly.

Magt vs. Styrke

Always ask yourself: Is this about authority (magt) or physical/inner strength (styrke)? This distinction is crucial in Danish.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Might'. 'Magt' sounds like 'Might' and means the same thing. If you have 'Might', you have 'Magt'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a giant hand (the hand of power) holding a small chess piece. The hand represents 'magt'.

Word Web

Politik Penge Indflydelse Kontrol Leder Lov Styrke Ansvar

Défi

Try to use the word 'magt' in three different sentences today: one about a boss, one about nature, and one about yourself.

Origine du mot

Derived from Old Norse 'máttr', which comes from the Proto-Germanic 'mahtiz'. It is closely related to the German 'Macht' and the English 'might'.

Sens originel : The original meaning was 'ability', 'capability', or 'strength'.

Indo-European > Germanic > North Germanic > Danish.

Contexte culturel

Avoid using 'magt' to describe physical strength in a gym setting; it sounds weird. Use 'styrke' instead.

In English, 'power' can be more neutral or even positive (e.g., 'empowerment'). In Danish, 'magt' almost always sounds a bit more serious and potentially dangerous.

The TV show 'Borgen' - a deep dive into Danish political 'magt'. The Danish Constitution (Grundloven) - defines the 'tredeling af magten'. Nietzsche's 'Viljen til magt' (The Will to Power) - often discussed in Danish philosophy.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Politics

Regeringen har magten.
Magtens tredeling.
Politiske magtkampe.
At vinde magten.

Workplace

Chefen har den øverste magt.
Beslutningsmagt i projekter.
Magtbalance på kontoret.
At delegere magt.

Nature/Fate

Naturens voldsomme magt.
Højere magter bestemmer.
Skæbnens magt.
Vejrets magt.

Relationships

Magtfordeling i parforholdet.
At have magt over sin partner.
En ulige magtbalance.
Kærlighedens magt.

Legal/Social

Politiets magtanvendelse.
Lovens magt.
Misbrug af magt.
At stå uden magt.

Amorces de conversation

"Hvem synes du har mest magt i verden i dag?"

"Er det altid godt at have magt, eller følger der for meget ansvar med?"

"Hvordan er magtfordelingen på din arbejdsplads?"

"Tror du på højere magter, eller styrer vi alt selv?"

"Kan man have indflydelse uden at have formel magt?"

Sujets d'écriture

Beskriv en situation, hvor du følte dig helt magtesløs. Hvad skete der?

Hvis du fik absolut magt over dit land i én dag, hvad ville du så ændre?

Reflektér over forholdet mellem magt og ansvar. Kan man have det ene uden det andet?

Hvordan påvirker sociale medier den måde, magt fungerer på i dagens samfund?

Skriv om en person, du kender, som bruger sin magt på en positiv måde.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, it is not always negative, but it is often treated with caution. In Danish culture, having 'magt' is seen as a responsibility that must be handled with transparency and consensus. While it can refer to 'power' in a positive sense (like the power to help), it is frequently discussed in the context of 'magtmisbrug' (abuse of power).

No, that would sound very strange to a Dane. If you want to say you are strong or have powerful muscles, use the word 'styrke' (strength) or 'stærk' (strong). 'Magt' is for authority, influence, and control over systems or people.

This is a very common idiomatic expression. It literally means 'I don't have the power/capacity for it', but it is used to say 'I can't cope with it', 'I'm too tired for it', or 'I don't have the energy for this right now'. It is very common in informal Danish.

You say 'magtbalancen'. It is a compound word: 'magt' + 'balance' + the definite suffix '-n'. It is used in politics, international relations, and even in discussions about relationships.

They are 'den lovgivende magt' (the legislative power - Folketinget), 'den udøvende magt' (the executive power - Regeringen), and 'den dømmende magt' (the judicial power - Domstolene). This is known as 'magtens tredeling'.

It is common gender (fælleskøn), so you use 'en' and '-en'. For example: 'en stor magt' and 'magten er stor'. It is never 'et magt' or 'magtet'.

The plural is 'magter'. It is often used for 'stormagter' (great powers) or 'højere magter' (higher/spiritual powers).

No. For electricity or mechanical power, you should use 'strøm' (current), 'energi' (energy), or 'kraft' (force/power). For example, 'hestekræfter' is horsepower.

It means 'abuse of power'. It is a very common word in Danish news, used when someone in a position of authority uses their influence in an illegal, unethical, or unfair way.

In standard Danish, the 'g' is soft. It is not a hard 'g' like in 'gate'. It is a voiced velar fricative, which sounds a bit like a soft, gargling sound at the back of the throat, or in some dialects, it is almost silent.

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