At the A1 level, you can think of 'undersøge' as a more formal way of saying 'look at' or 'check'. Even though it's a B1 word, you might hear it when a doctor wants to look at you or when someone says they will 'look into' a simple question. At this stage, just focus on the basic meaning: to check something carefully. You don't need to worry about complex grammar, just remember that it's a regular verb. If you want to sound a bit more advanced than just saying 'kigge' (look), you can use 'undersøge' when you are talking about checking something important, like a homework assignment or a map. For example, 'Jeg undersøger kortet' (I am examining the map). It shows you are being serious and attentive. Most A1 learners will find 'tjekke' easier, but knowing 'undersøge' helps you understand when Danes are being formal or professional. It's a great 'power word' to add to your early vocabulary.
By A2, you should start using 'undersøge' in simple, practical contexts. You might use it to describe what you do at work or in school. For instance, if you work in an office, you can say 'Jeg undersøger tallene' (I am examining the numbers). You should also recognize it when you hear it in the news or from a doctor. At this level, you can start using it with simple objects. It's important to notice that it doesn't need a preposition like 'in' or 'at'. You just 'undersøge' the thing directly. You can also start using the future tense 'vil undersøge' to tell people that you will look into something for them. This is very useful in customer service or when helping friends. 'Jeg vil undersøge det i morgen' (I will look into it tomorrow) is a perfectly natural A2 sentence that sounds very polite and helpful. You are moving beyond just 'looking' to 'investigating'.
At the B1 level, 'undersøge' becomes a key verb for expressing analysis and research. You should be able to use it not just for physical objects, but for abstract ideas and questions. This is where you learn to use 'undersøge om' (investigate if) and 'undersøge hvordan' (investigate how). These structures allow you to express complex thoughts about finding information. You should also be comfortable with the past tense 'undersøgte' and the present perfect 'har undersøgt'. At B1, you are expected to understand the difference between 'undersøge' and more casual words like 'tjekke'. You should use 'undersøge' when discussing serious topics, like social issues, health, or detailed work tasks. For example, 'Vi skal undersøge, hvorfor projektet er forsinket' (We must investigate why the project is delayed). This level is about precision—using 'undersøge' shows that you understand the need for a thorough process, not just a quick glance.
At the B2 level, you should use 'undersøge' with nuance and stylistic awareness. You should be familiar with the noun form 'en undersøgelse' (an investigation/study/survey) and be able to discuss the results of such studies. You will encounter the word frequently in academic texts and professional reports. At this stage, you should also be able to use the passive voice correctly: 'Sagen bliver undersøget' or the more formal 'Sagen undersøges'. You can also start using it in more metaphorical ways, such as 'undersøge sine egne motiver' (examining one's own motives). You should be able to distinguish 'undersøge' from similar verbs like 'granske' (scrutinize) and 'efterforske' (investigate a crime). Using 'undersøge' in a B2 context often involves looking at relationships between different factors, such as 'undersøge sammenhængen mellem kost og sundhed' (investigating the connection between diet and health). Your use of the word should reflect a high degree of cognitive processing and analytical thought.
At the C1 level, 'undersøge' is a standard part of your academic and professional toolkit. You should use it naturally in complex sentence structures, often combining it with advanced adverbs like 'grundigt' (thoroughly), 'videnskabeligt' (scientifically), or 'kritisk' (critically). You should be able to navigate the subtle differences between 'undersøge', 'analysere', 'evaluere', and 'eksplorere'. In C1 writing, you might use 'undersøge' to frame an entire essay or research paper: 'Denne afhandling har til formål at undersøge...' (This thesis aims to investigate...). You should also be aware of the word's role in public discourse, such as 'kommissionsundersøgelser' (commissioned inquiries) and how they impact Danish politics. Your understanding of the word should include its historical roots and how it fits into the broader Germanic family of verbs. At this level, you don't just use the word; you understand its weight and the expectations of thoroughness it implies in a Danish cultural context.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'undersøge' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You can use it in highly specialized contexts, whether it's discussing the nuances of a legal 'forundersøgelse' (preliminary investigation) or the philosophical implications of 'at undersøge eksistensen' (to examine existence). You are comfortable with all its derived forms and can use it in sophisticated rhetorical structures. You understand the historical development of the word from Middle Low German and how it has evolved in modern Danish usage. You can play with the word in literary contexts or use it with irony. Furthermore, you can effortlessly switch between 'undersøge' and its most formal synonyms like 'prospektere' or 'ekshumere' depending on the specific technical field. Your use of 'undersøge' at C2 is characterized by perfect placement, correct register, and an intuitive sense of the depth of investigation the word implies in any given situation. You are capable of critiquing the methodology of an 'undersøgelse' using the verb and its associated vocabulary with total precision.

undersøge 30秒で

  • Undersøge is a Danish verb meaning to examine, investigate, or research something thoroughly and systematically.
  • It is commonly used in medical, legal, academic, and professional contexts to describe a search for facts.
  • The word is a compound of 'under' and 'søge', literally meaning to seek under the surface of things.
  • It is a regular Group 1 verb and is essential for moving from basic to intermediate Danish proficiency.

The Danish verb undersøge is a foundational element of the Danish language, particularly as one moves into the intermediate B1 level. At its core, it translates to 'to examine', 'to investigate', or 'to research'. It is a compound verb, formed from the preposition 'under' (meaning under) and the verb 'søge' (meaning to seek or look for). This literal construction of 'seeking under' perfectly captures the essence of the word: it implies a deep look beneath the surface of a situation, a physical object, or a theoretical concept. Unlike the simpler verb 'kigge' (to look), undersøge suggests a systematic, intentional, and often professional effort to uncover facts or determine the state of something.

Medical Context
In a healthcare setting, a doctor or nurse will undersøge a patient. This refers to the physical examination or the diagnostic process required to find the cause of an illness.

Lægen er nødt til at undersøge dit knæ før vi kan stille en diagnose.

Translation: The doctor needs to examine your knee before we can make a diagnosis.

Beyond the medical field, the word is indispensable in legal and academic circles. The police undersøger a crime scene or a suspicious circumstance to gather evidence. In a university setting, a researcher undersøger a hypothesis or a specific dataset to draw conclusions. It is the standard term used when the goal is to obtain more information through careful observation or analysis. It is not just about seeing; it is about analyzing and interpreting what is seen.

Scientific/Academic Context
Scientists use this verb when they are conducting experiments or literature reviews to explore a phenomenon.

Forskerne vil undersøge effekten af klimaforandringer på de danske kyster.

Translation: Researchers will investigate the effect of climate change on Danish coasts.

In everyday life, you might use undersøge when you are checking something thoroughly. If your car is making a strange noise, you might say you want to undersøge the engine. If you are planning a trip, you might undersøge the different flight options or hotel prices. It implies a level of diligence that goes beyond a casual glance. It is the difference between 'looking at the menu' and 'examining the menu for allergens'.

Legal/Police Context
Used for criminal investigations or formal inquiries into misconduct or accidents.

Politiet er i gang med at undersøge årsagen til branden.

Translation: The police are in the process of investigating the cause of the fire.

Furthermore, the word often appears in the passive voice or as a noun ('en undersøgelse'). When a news report states that 'sagen undersøges' (the case is being investigated), it conveys a sense of official action being taken. It is a word that carries weight and authority, signaling that a process of discovery is underway. Whether it is a small child examining a beetle in the garden or a government committee investigating a financial scandal, undersøge is the verb of choice for any form of scrutiny.

Vi skal undersøge alle muligheder, før vi træffer en beslutning.

Translation: We must examine all possibilities before we make a decision.

Using undersøge correctly requires understanding its grammatical behavior as a regular Group 1 verb (-er ending in present tense). It typically functions as a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object—the thing or person being examined. However, it can also be used with subordinate clauses to describe the nature of the inquiry. Mastering these patterns is essential for achieving fluency at the B1 level and beyond.

Direct Object Construction
The most common way to use the word is by placing the object directly after the verb. [Subject] + [undersøge] + [Object].

Jeg vil gerne undersøge bilen, før jeg køber den.

Translation: I would like to examine the car before I buy it.

When you want to investigate a question or a possibility, you often use the word 'om' (if/whether) or question words like 'hvorfor' (why) or 'hvordan' (how). This creates a more complex sentence structure that is very common in professional and academic Danish. It shows that the 'investigation' is directed toward a specific uncertainty.

Subordinate Clause Construction
[Subject] + [undersøge] + [om/hvordan/hvorfor] + [Clause]. This indicates what the investigation aims to find out.

Vi skal undersøge, om der er ledige pladser på kurset.

Translation: We need to check if there are available spots on the course.

In the past tense, the verb becomes undersøgte, and the perfect tense uses har undersøgt. It is important to remember that 'undersøge' is a separable-looking verb but it is actually treated as a single unit; you don't typically separate 'under' and 'søge' in modern Danish when using this specific meaning. This makes it easier to conjugate than some other Danish verbs.

Passive Usage
In formal reports, you will see the -s passive: 'Sagen undersøges af politiet' (The case is being investigated by the police).

Patienten blev undersøgt grundigt af specialisten.

Translation: The patient was examined thoroughly by the specialist.

When using undersøge in the future tense, Danes often use 'vil' or 'skal'. 'Jeg vil undersøge det' implies a promise or intent to look into it, while 'Jeg skal undersøge det' often implies a duty or a planned action. In a work context, 'Jeg skal nok undersøge det' is a very common way to say 'I will definitely look into that for you'.

Kan du undersøge, hvorfor computeren ikke virker?

Translation: Can you investigate why the computer isn't working?

In Denmark, undersøge is a word you will encounter daily if you follow the news, visit a doctor, or work in an office. It is part of the professional vocabulary of 'the system' (systemet) that Danes interact with frequently. Because Danish society is highly organized and values data and evidence, 'undersøgelser' (investigations/studies) are constantly being commissioned and discussed in the public sphere.

News and Media
News anchors on DR (Danmarks Radio) or TV2 frequently report on new scientific studies or political inquiries using this verb.

En ny rapport har undersøgt danskernes motionsvaner.

Translation: A new report has investigated Danes' exercise habits.

If you go to the 'lægevagt' (out-of-hours doctor) or your 'egen læge' (GP), the first thing they will say after you describe your symptoms is likely something related to undersøge. They might say, 'Lad mig lige undersøge dig' (Let me just examine you). This is a standard part of the patient-doctor interaction in Denmark, where the physical exam is a key step before any prescription or referral.

Workplace and Bureaucracy
In meetings, when a problem arises that no one has an immediate answer for, a colleague will often volunteer to 'undersøge sagen' (look into the matter).

Jeg skal nok undersøge, om vi kan få rabat på ordren.

Translation: I will look into whether we can get a discount on the order.

Crime dramas (Krimier) are extremely popular in Denmark (think 'Broen' or 'Forbrydelsen'). In these shows, you will hear the word undersøge constantly. Forensics experts undersøger DNA evidence, and detectives undersøger alibis. It is the core verb of the genre, representing the search for truth in a complex web of lies. Even in casual conversation, if someone tells a strange story, a friend might jokingly say, 'Det må vi lige undersøge nærmere' (We must look into that more closely).

Education
Students from primary school to university are taught to 'undersøge' sources and phenomena, rather than just memorizing facts.

I denne opgave skal I undersøge forholdet mellem udbud og efterspørgsel.

Translation: In this assignment, you must investigate the relationship between supply and demand.

Finally, you will see the word in consumer contexts. Websites like 'Tænk' (the Danish consumer council) constantly undersøger products to see which one is the 'best in test'. If you are shopping for a new washing machine or insurance policy, you are likely reading an 'undersøgelse' that helps you make an informed choice. It is a word that permeates the logical, evidence-based fabric of Danish life.

Even though undersøge seems straightforward, English speakers often make specific errors when translating 'investigate', 'examine', or 'check' into Danish. The most frequent mistakes involve using the wrong preposition, confusing it with similar-sounding verbs, or applying it in a context where a more casual word like 'tjekke' would be more appropriate.

Mistake: Using Prepositions
English speakers often want to say 'investigate into' or 'examine on'. In Danish, undersøge is almost always used without a preposition before the object.

Vi undersøger om sagen.
Vi undersøger sagen.

Correct: We are investigating the case.

Another common confusion is between undersøge and efterforske. While both mean 'investigate', efterforske is strictly reserved for criminal investigations by the police. If you use efterforske when talking about a scientific study or a medical check-up, it sounds very strange to a native ear, as if the doctor is looking for a criminal inside your body!

Confusing with 'Lede efter'
'Lede efter' means 'to look for' something lost. 'Undersøge' means to analyze something you have already found. Don't say 'undersøge mine nøgler' if you lost them; say 'lede efter mine nøgler'.

Jeg leder efter mine briller. (I am looking for my glasses.)
Jeg undersøger mine briller. (I am examining my glasses for scratches.)

Overusing undersøge in casual contexts is also a stylistic mistake. While it is not grammatically wrong to say 'Jeg vil undersøge min telefon for beskeder', it sounds overly formal. In daily life, Danes use the loanword 'tjekke'. 'Jeg tjekker lige min telefon' is much more natural. Reserve undersøge for when the 'checking' is serious, formal, or involves a deeper level of scrutiny.

Mistake: Word Order in Clauses
When using 'undersøge om...', learners often forget to put the subject before the verb in the dependent clause.

Jeg undersøger om er der mælk.
Jeg undersøger, om der er mælk.

Correct: I'm checking if there is milk.

Finally, be careful with the passive form. Learners sometimes try to create a passive by adding 'bliver' but then forget the past participle form. 'Sagen bliver undersøge' is wrong; it must be 'Sagen bliver undersøgt' or 'Sagen undersøges'. The latter (the -s form) is much more common in written Danish and formal announcements.

To truly master Danish, you need to know when to use undersøge and when to opt for a more specific or nuanced alternative. Danish has a rich set of verbs for the act of looking, seeking, and analyzing. Choosing the right one depends on the context, the intensity of the search, and the professional field you are in.

Undersøge vs. Efterforske
Undersøge: General examination (medical, academic, general).
Efterforske: Specifically for police investigations into crimes.

Politiet efterforsker tyveriet, mens forsikringen undersøger skaden.

Translation: The police are investigating the theft, while the insurance company is examining the damage.

If you are doing something very detailed and critical, you might use granske. This word implies a very thorough, almost suspicious scrutiny. It is often used in the context of auditing accounts or reviewing legal documents where every tiny detail matters. It is 'undersøge' on steroids.

Undersøge vs. Granske
Undersøge: To look into.
Granske: To scrutinize or pore over intensely.

Revisionen vil granske alle regnskaberne for fejl.

Translation: The audit will scrutinize all the accounts for errors.

In a more informal setting, tjekke is the most common alternative. It's a loanword from English 'to check' and is used for quick verifications. If you are just making sure you have your keys or seeing if the mail has arrived, use 'tjekke'. Using 'undersøge' here would make you sound like a scientist investigating a mundane task.

Undersøge vs. Tjekke
Undersøge: Formal, thorough, analytical.
Tjekke: Informal, quick, routine.

Jeg tjekker lige vejret, før vi går.

Translation: I'll just check the weather before we go.

Finally, consider udforske. This means 'to explore'. While undersøge is about finding answers to specific questions, udforske is more about discovery and wandering into the unknown. You undersøger a problem, but you udforsker a new city or a new field of interest. The distinction is subtle but important for sounding natural in Danish.

Undersøge vs. Udforske
Undersøge: To solve/diagnose/research.
Udforske: To explore/discover.

Børnene elsker at udforske skoven.

Translation: The children love to explore the forest.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The word implies that the truth is hidden beneath the surface, requiring one to 'seek' (søge) 'under' the obvious layer.

発音ガイド

UK /ˈɔnɐˌsøːə/
US /ˈunərˌsøːə/
The primary stress is on the first syllable 'un-'.
韻が合う語
besøge forøge forsøge søge bøge løge møge røge
よくある間違い
  • Pronouncing the 'd' as a hard 'd' like in English 'under'. It should be the soft Danish 'd'.
  • Pronouncing the 'g' in 'søge'. In this word, the 'g' is silent or forms a diphthong with the 'ø'.
  • Mispronouncing the 'ø' as 'o' or 'e'.
  • Stressing the second syllable 'søge' instead of the first 'un-'.
  • Forgetting the schwa sound at the end.

難易度

読解 3/5

Easy to recognize because of the 'under' prefix and 'søge' root.

ライティング 4/5

Requires correct spelling of the 'ø' and 'g' and understanding clause structure.

スピーキング 5/5

The soft 'd' and 'ø' sound can be challenging for English speakers.

リスニング 3/5

Clear pronunciation in formal speech, though 'g' can be subtle.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

søge under se kigge spørge

次に学ぶ

efterforske granske analysere undersøgelse resultat

上級

ekshumere prospektere verificere diagnosticere

知っておくべき文法

Group 1 Verbs

undersøge -> undersøger -> undersøgte -> har undersøgt

Subordinate Clauses with 'om'

Jeg undersøger, om han kommer.

The -s Passive

Sagen undersøges.

Inversion in Questions

Undersøger du sagen?

Word Order with Adverbs in Clauses

Vi undersøger, om de ikke vil deltage.

レベル別の例文

1

Jeg vil undersøge min computer.

I want to examine my computer.

Simple subject + modal + verb + object.

2

Lægen skal undersøge dig.

The doctor must examine you.

The object 'dig' (you) comes after the verb.

3

Vi undersøger kortet.

We are examining the map.

Present tense with -er ending.

4

Kan du undersøge det?

Can you check/examine that?

Question form using 'kan'.

5

Han undersøger sin cykel.

He is examining his bicycle.

Possessive 'sin' refers back to 'han'.

6

De undersøger maden.

They are examining the food.

Third person plural.

7

Jeg undersøger bogen.

I am examining the book.

Direct object 'bogen'.

8

Hun vil undersøge kassen.

She wants to examine the box.

Future intent with 'vil'.

1

Jeg skal undersøge, om der er mælk.

I need to check if there is milk.

Using 'om' to start a subordinate clause.

2

Vi undersøgte sagen i går.

We investigated the matter yesterday.

Past tense 'undersøgte'.

3

Han har undersøgt bilen.

He has examined the car.

Present perfect tense.

4

Læren undersøger vores lektier.

The teacher is examining our homework.

Present tense in a school context.

5

Jeg vil undersøge prisen på rejsen.

I want to check the price of the trip.

Compound noun 'rejsen' as object.

6

De undersøger, hvor han bor.

They are investigating where he lives.

Using 'hvor' as a conjunction.

7

Kan du undersøge, hvornår toget kører?

Can you check when the train leaves?

Using 'hvornår' in a clause.

8

Vi undersøger alle mulighederne.

We are examining all the possibilities.

Plural definite object.

1

Politiet undersøger årsagen til ulykken.

The police are investigating the cause of the accident.

Professional context with a direct object.

2

Vi må undersøge, hvordan vi kan spare penge.

We must investigate how we can save money.

Modal 'må' + 'hvordan' clause.

3

Forskerne undersøger en ny type medicin.

The researchers are investigating a new type of medicine.

Scientific context.

4

Jeg vil undersøge, om jeg kan få fri på fredag.

I will check if I can have Friday off.

Workplace context.

5

Det er vigtigt at undersøge kilderne grundigt.

It is important to examine the sources thoroughly.

Infinitive form with 'at'.

6

Han undersøgte markedet før han startede firmaet.

He researched the market before he started the company.

Business context, past tense.

7

Vi har undersøgt problemet, men fandt ingen løsning.

We have investigated the problem but found no solution.

Contrastive sentence with 'men'.

8

De vil undersøge muligheden for et samarbejde.

They want to investigate the possibility of a collaboration.

Abstract object 'muligheden'.

1

Sagen undersøges i øjeblikket af en uafhængig kommission.

The case is currently being investigated by an independent commission.

Passive -s form 'undersøges'.

2

Undersøgelsen undersøger sammenhængen mellem stress og søvn.

The study investigates the connection between stress and sleep.

Using both noun and verb forms.

3

Man bør undersøge de langsigtede konsekvenser af lovforslaget.

One should investigate the long-term consequences of the bill.

Formal 'man' and complex object.

4

Vi har undersøgt sagen til bunds.

We have investigated the matter to the bottom (thoroughly).

Idiomatic expression 'til bunds'.

5

Det er nødvendigt at undersøge, hvorvidt metoden er effektiv.

It is necessary to investigate to what extent the method is effective.

Using the formal conjunction 'hvorvidt'.

6

Journalisten undersøgte rygterne om korruption.

The journalist investigated the rumors of corruption.

Media context.

7

Vi må undersøge, om der er belæg for påstanden.

We must investigate whether there is evidence for the claim.

Using 'belæg' (evidence/basis).

8

Rapporten undersøger de socioøkonomiske faktorer i området.

The report investigates the socio-economic factors in the area.

Academic/Sociological context.

1

Denne artikel undersøger de epistemologiske udfordringer ved kunstig intelligens.

This article investigates the epistemological challenges of artificial intelligence.

High-level academic vocabulary.

2

Det er afgørende at undersøge de underliggende magtstrukturer i organisationen.

It is crucial to investigate the underlying power structures in the organization.

Critical analysis context.

3

Vi må undersøge, hvordan diskursen har ændret sig over tid.

We must investigate how the discourse has changed over time.

Linguistic/Sociological context.

4

Studiet undersøger prævalensen af hjertekarsygdomme i landdistrikterne.

The study investigates the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in rural areas.

Medical research terminology.

5

Ved at undersøge fænomenet fra flere vinkler opnår vi en dybere forståelse.

By investigating the phenomenon from several angles, we achieve a deeper understanding.

Gerund-like 'Ved at' construction.

6

Kommissionen skal undersøge, om der er sket et brud på lovgivningen.

The commission must investigate whether a breach of legislation has occurred.

Legal inquiry context.

7

Man har undersøgt muligheden for at implementere borgerløn.

The possibility of implementing universal basic income has been investigated.

Political science context.

8

Vi undersøger de kvalitative data for at finde mønstre i adfærden.

We are investigating the qualitative data to find patterns in the behavior.

Research methodology context.

1

Værket undersøger den menneskelige tilstands iboende dualitet.

The work investigates the inherent duality of the human condition.

Literary/Philosophical analysis.

2

Forskerne søger at undersøge de kvantemekaniske egenskaber ved subatomare partikler.

Researchers seek to investigate the quantum mechanical properties of subatomic particles.

Theoretical physics context.

3

Det er nødvendigt at undersøge de historiske fortilfælde for denne politiske krise.

It is necessary to investigate the historical precedents for this political crisis.

Historical/Political analysis.

4

Analysen undersøger de semantiske nuancer i de diplomatiske korrespondancer.

The analysis investigates the semantic nuances in the diplomatic correspondences.

Linguistic/Diplomatic context.

5

Vi må undersøge validiteten af de anvendte statistiske modeller.

We must investigate the validity of the statistical models used.

Epistemological/Statistical critique.

6

Filmen undersøger grænserne mellem virkelighed og fiktion.

The film investigates the boundaries between reality and fiction.

Artistic/Cinematic critique.

7

Man har undersøgt de kausale sammenhænge bag den økonomiske recession.

The causal links behind the economic recession have been investigated.

Macroeconomic analysis.

8

Projektet undersøger den arkitektoniske arv fra modernismen i København.

The project investigates the architectural heritage of modernism in Copenhagen.

Architectural/Historical context.

よく使う組み合わせ

undersøge en sag
undersøge en patient
undersøge en mulighed
undersøge et fænomen
undersøge grundigt
undersøge nærmere
undersøge markedet
undersøge årsagen
undersøge effekten
undersøge forholdene

よく使うフレーズ

Lad mig lige undersøge det.

— A polite way to say you will look for information or check something.

Jeg ved det ikke, men lad mig lige undersøge det.

Det skal undersøges.

— States that something requires further investigation or attention.

Der er en mærkelig lyd fra motoren; det skal undersøges.

Vi undersøger om...

— The standard opening for checking a condition or possibility.

Vi undersøger om der er ledige værelser.

Sagen bliver undersøgt.

— Official statement that an investigation is currently active.

Politiet siger, at sagen bliver undersøgt.

Undersøge til bunds.

— To investigate something completely and thoroughly.

Vi vil undersøge denne skandale til bunds.

Undersøge alt mellem himmel og jord.

— To investigate everything possible (idiomatic).

Han undersøger alt mellem himmel og jord for at finde svaret.

Det må undersøges nærmere.

— Suggests that more detail is needed before a conclusion can be reached.

Dit forslag lyder spændende, det må undersøges nærmere.

At undersøge terrænet.

— To scout the area or 'test the waters' before acting.

Vi skal lige undersøge terrænet, før vi lancerer produktet.

Blive undersøgt for...

— To be tested for a specific condition or crime.

Han blev undersøgt for doping.

Undersøge mulighederne.

— To look at different options before deciding.

Vi undersøger mulighederne for en ny bil.

よく混同される語

undersøge vs efterforske

Only for police/criminal work. Don't use for medical exams.

undersøge vs lede efter

Used for finding lost items. Undersøge is for analyzing items you have.

undersøge vs besøge

Means 'to visit' a person or place. Sounds similar but very different meaning.

慣用句と表現

"undersøge til bunds"

— To leave no stone unturned; to investigate every detail.

Journalisterne undersøgte sagen til bunds.

Neutral
"kigge efter i sømmene"

— To examine very closely for flaws (literally: look in the seams).

Vi skal kigge budgettet efter i sømmene.

Informal/Idiomatic
"vende hver en sten"

— To turn every stone; to search everywhere and investigate everything.

Vi har vendt hver en sten for at finde fejlen.

Idiomatic
"gå i dybden med"

— To go into depth with; to investigate a topic thoroughly.

I denne opgave skal I gå i dybden med emnet.

Academic
"stikke en finger i jorden"

— To stick a finger in the ground; to assess the situation or mood before acting.

Vi må lige stikke en finger i jorden og undersøge stemningen.

Informal/Idiomatic
"se efter i kortene"

— To look at the cards; to check someone's plans or hidden motives.

Vi må se dem efter i kortene.

Idiomatic
"tage under luppen"

— To take under the magnifying glass; to examine something very closely.

Regeringen vil tage sundhedsvæsenet under luppen.

Media/Formal
"bore i noget"

— To drill into something; to keep asking questions to find the truth.

Han blev ved med at bore i mine svar.

Informal
"kaste lys over"

— To cast light over; to investigate something to make it clear.

Undersøgelsen skal kaste lys over hændelsen.

Formal
"gå efter i bedene"

— To check up on someone or interfere in their area of expertise.

Du skal ikke gå mig i bedene.

Informal/Idiomatic

間違えやすい

undersøge vs besøge

Similar sound and spelling.

Besøge is visiting; undersøge is investigating.

Jeg besøger min mormor, men jeg undersøger min computer.

undersøge vs forsøge

Both end in -søge.

Forsøge means to try/attempt; undersøge means to examine.

Jeg vil forsøge at løbe, og bagefter vil lægen undersøge mit ben.

undersøge vs ansøge

Both end in -søge.

Ansøge means to apply (for a job or permit).

Jeg vil ansøge om et job, hvor man skal undersøge data.

undersøge vs efterforske

Both translate to 'investigate'.

Efterforske is strictly for crimes; undersøge is general.

Politiet efterforsker mordet, men forskeren undersøger celler.

undersøge vs granske

Both mean to look closely.

Granske is much more intense and detail-oriented scrutiny.

Han granskede hver eneste linje i kontrakten.

文型パターン

A1

[Subject] + undersøger + [Object]

Jeg undersøger bilen.

A2

[Subject] + vil undersøge + [Object]

Han vil undersøge prisen.

B1

[Subject] + undersøger + om + [Clause]

Vi undersøger, om det regner.

B1

[Subject] + har undersøgt + [Object]

Lægen har undersøgt barnet.

B2

[Object] + undersøges + af + [Agent]

Sagen undersøges af politiet.

C1

Ved at undersøge + [Object] + [Main Clause]

Ved at undersøge dataene fandt vi fejlen.

C2

Det er essentielt at undersøge + [Complex Object]

Det er essentielt at undersøge de kausale faktorer.

C2

[Subject] + søger at undersøge + [Object]

Artiklen søger at undersøge sandheden.

語族

名詞

undersøgelse (investigation/study)
undersøger (investigator)
forundersøgelse (preliminary investigation)

動詞

undersøge (to examine)
genundersøge (to re-examine)

形容詞

undersøgende (investigative/inquiring)
undersøgt (examined)

関連

søge
efterforskning
analyse
check
kontrol

使い方

frequency

Highly frequent in professional, medical, and news contexts.

よくある間違い
  • Jeg undersøger om sagen. Jeg undersøger sagen.

    You don't need 'om' (about) when 'undersøge' is followed by a noun. It takes a direct object.

  • Lægen efterforsker patienten. Lægen undersøger patienten.

    'Efterforske' is only for police investigations. Doctors 'undersøger'.

  • Jeg undersøger om er han her. Jeg undersøger, om han er her.

    In a subordinate clause, the subject must come before the verb.

  • Jeg undersøger mine nøgler. Jeg leder efter mine nøgler.

    If you lost them, you 'leder efter' them. If you are looking at them for scratches, you 'undersøger' them.

  • Sagen bliver undersøge. Sagen bliver undersøgt.

    After 'bliver', you must use the past participle form of the verb.

ヒント

Direct Object

Never put 'på' or 'i' after 'undersøge'. Just go straight to the object: 'Undersøg bilen', not 'Undersøg på bilen'.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'undersøge' for work and health, and 'tjekke' for friends and hobbies. It helps you sound more natural.

The Soft D

Practice the 'd' in 'under' by placing your tongue against your lower teeth. It's a key sound in Danish.

Academic Tone

In essays, use 'undersøge' to describe your methodology. It sounds much better than 'skrive om' (write about).

News Keywords

Listen for 'undersøgelse viser...' in the news. It's the standard way to introduce new data or facts.

Medical Context

If a doctor says 'Jeg vil lige undersøge dig', just relax—it's the standard term for a check-up.

Root Seeking

Remember 'søge' (to seek). You are seeking knowledge that is 'under' the surface.

Danish Logic

Danes love 'undersøgelser'. Mentioning a study or an investigation adds weight to your arguments in Denmark.

Collocations

Learn 'undersøge sagen' as a single block. It's one of the most common phrases in Danish offices.

Visual Link

Visualize a submarine (under) with a searchlight (søge). That's what you are doing with your mind.

暗記しよう

記憶術

Think of 'Under-Seek'. You are seeking for answers UNDER the surface of a problem.

視覚的連想

Imagine a detective with a magnifying glass looking UNDER a rug. He is 'under-søging'.

Word Web

Læge Politi Forskning Rapport Analyse Spørgsmål Svar Sandhed

チャレンジ

Try to use 'undersøge' three times today: once for something you check on your phone, once for something you read, and once for a health-related thought.

語源

Derived from the Middle Low German word 'undersöken'.

元の意味: The literal meaning is 'to seek under' or 'to search through'.

Germanic (Danish, German, Dutch all have similar forms like 'untersuchen' and 'onderzoeken').

文化的な背景

When a doctor says they need to 'undersøge' you, it is a professional term and not inherently invasive, but it always implies a physical or close check.

English speakers might use 'check' or 'look into' more often than Danes use 'tjekke' in formal settings. In Danish, 'undersøge' is the required formal term.

The TV show 'Forbrydelsen' (The Killing) features constant 'undersøgelser' of crime scenes. Hans Christian Andersen often describes characters who 'undersøgte' strange objects they found. Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard wrote about the need to 'undersøge' the self.

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

At the Doctor's Office

  • Jeg skal undersøge dit hjerte.
  • Hvornår blev du sidst undersøgt?
  • Vi skal undersøge din blodprøve.
  • Undersøgelsen gjorde ikke ondt.

At Work/Office

  • Kan du undersøge dette tal?
  • Vi undersøger markedet.
  • Jeg vil undersøge sagen nærmere.
  • Har du undersøgt muligheden for rabat?

In Education/Research

  • Vi undersøger kilderne.
  • Opgaven er at undersøge emnet.
  • Studiet undersøger effekten af...
  • De har undersøgt dataene.

Police/News

  • Politiet undersøger tyveriet.
  • Sagen undersøges stadig.
  • De undersøger årsagen til branden.
  • En ny undersøgelse viser...

Home/DIY

  • Jeg må undersøge vaskemaskinen.
  • Vi undersøger priserne på nettet.
  • Undersøg lige om døren er låst.
  • Han undersøger haven for ukrudt.

会話のきっかけ

"Har du nogensinde undersøgt din slægtshistorie?"

"Hvad er det mest mærkelige, du har undersøgt?"

"Skal vi undersøge, om der er billetter til koncerten?"

"Hvorfor er det vigtigt at undersøge kilderne på nettet?"

"Har du fået undersøgt din bil for nylig?"

日記のテーマ

Skriv om en gang, hvor du undersøgte noget meget grundigt. Hvad fandt du ud af?

Hvilket emne ville du gerne undersøge, hvis du var forsker for en dag?

Beskriv din seneste oplevelse hos lægen. Hvad undersøgte de?

Hvorfor er det vigtigt for samfundet at undersøge korruption?

Undersøg dine egne vaner. Hvilken vane vil du gerne ændre?

よくある質問

10 問

You can, but it sounds very formal. It's better to use 'tjekke' for daily tasks like checking email, phone, or the weather. Use 'undersøge' if you are looking for a specific, serious issue within the email, like a security breach.

'Efterforske' is a specialized word used by the police or legal system for criminal investigations. 'Undersøge' is a general word used for medical exams, scientific research, and general checking. For example, 'Lægen undersøger dig' but 'Politiet efterforsker tyveriet'.

No, it is a transitive verb. You 'undersøger' something directly. For example, 'Jeg undersøger sagen' (I am investigating the case). Do not say 'undersøge i sagen' or 'undersøge om sagen' unless 'om' starts a subordinate clause like 'undersøge om det virker'.

The noun is 'en lægeundersøgelse'. The verb is 'at blive undersøgt af en læge'. It is a very common term in Denmark's healthcare system.

Yes, it follows the Group 1 pattern: undersøge, undersøger, undersøgte, har undersøgt. This makes it relatively easy to conjugate once you know the stem.

Yes, 'undersøge' is the most common verb for 'to research' in an academic or scientific context. For example, 'Vi undersøger klimaforandringer' (We are researching climate change).

It is an idiom meaning 'to investigate thoroughly' or 'to get to the bottom of something'. It implies a very deep and complete investigation where no detail is missed.

'Se på' (look at) is neutral and can be casual. 'Undersøge' is more active and implies a goal of finding information or a problem. You 'se på' a beautiful painting, but you 'undersøge' it to see if it's a forgery.

You use 'om' when you are investigating a 'yes/no' question. 'Jeg vil undersøge, om han er hjemme' (I will check if he is home). Note the comma before 'om' and the subject-verb word order in the clause.

In standard Danish, the 'g' is not pronounced as a hard 'g'. It creates a soft transition or a diphthong with the 'ø'. It sounds more like 'unner-sø-e'.

自分をテスト 200 問

writing

Write a sentence about a doctor examining a patient.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence about the police investigating a crime.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using 'har undersøgt'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using 'undersøge om'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence about a scientist researching a topic.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence in the past tense.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence about checking a computer.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using 'vil undersøge'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a formal sentence about an inquiry.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence about examining a map.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using the passive 'undersøges'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence about a journalist.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence about a child examining something.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence about market research.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence about checking the price.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence about a detective.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence about a blood test.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence using 'undersøge til bunds'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence about checking a building.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
writing

Write a sentence about a teacher checking homework.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Jeg vil undersøge det.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Lægen undersøger mig.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Vi må undersøge sagen.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Har du undersøgt prisen?'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Politiet undersøger ulykken.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Lad mig lige undersøge det.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Det skal undersøges nærmere.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Jeg undersøgte det i går.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Vi undersøger alle muligheder.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Sagen undersøges af politiet.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Jeg vil undersøge, om han kommer.'

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Say: 'Kan du undersøge min computer?'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Vi har undersøgt markedet.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Forskerne undersøger klimaet.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Det er en grundig undersøgelse.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'De undersøgte rygterne.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Jeg skal undersøge sagen til bunds.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Vi undersøger årsagen.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Lægen har undersøgt mit øje.'

Read this aloud:

正解! おしい! 正解:
speaking

Say: 'Hvad undersøger I?'

Read this aloud:

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listening

Listen and identify the verb: 'Vi skal undersøge prisen.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

Listen and identify the tense: 'Han undersøgte bilen.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

Listen and identify the object: 'Lægen undersøger barnet.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the word: 'Sagen undersøges.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Har du undersøgt det?'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify: 'En ny undersøgelse.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the context: 'Politiet undersøger tyveriet.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the context: 'Lægen undersøger patienten.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
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listening

Listen and identify: 'Vi undersøger om det virker.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Jeg vil undersøge det nærmere.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the speaker: 'Jeg skal undersøge dit hjerte.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify: 'De undersøgte alle detaljer.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Sagen bliver undersøgt.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify the question: 'Hvad skal vi undersøge?'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Vi undersøger markedet.'

正解! おしい! 正解:
正解! おしい! 正解:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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