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C1 noun 8 min read

anordning

Examples Notes & Tips anordning in 30 Seconds
Explanation anordning in your Level:
At level A1, you don't really need to use the word 'anordning' yet, as it is quite advanced. However, you can think of it simply as a 'thing' or a 'machine' that does a specific job. If you see it in a store or a manual, just know it means a small tool or a part of a machine. You might see it in very simple signs like 'sikkerhedsanordning' (safety thing). For a beginner, just remember: it is a formal word for a 'device'. You won't hear people say it when they are buying groceries or talking about their day. It is a 'big word' for small things that have a purpose.
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At the A2 level, you start to see 'anordning' in more specific contexts, like instructions or simple news. You should recognize that it is a noun ('en anordning'). You might use it if you are trying to describe a gadget but don't know the specific name. For example, if you are talking about a bike lock or a special kitchen tool, you could call it an 'anordning'. It sounds a bit more serious than 'ting'. You should also be aware that it can mean a 'rule', but at A2, you will mostly see the 'device' meaning. It's helpful to know that 'an-' is a prefix often used for formal words in Danish.
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At B1, you should be able to use 'anordning' in a professional or technical conversation. If you work in a technical field, you'll use it to describe components. You should also start noticing it in news reports about government rules. You'll learn that it's more formal than 'dims' (gizmo) or 'apparat' (apparatus). You should be comfortable with the plural 'anordninger' and the definite form 'anordningen'. At this level, you begin to understand that Danish has many words for 'rules', and 'anordning' is one that comes from an authority like a minister. You can use it to describe a 'setup' you've made at home, like a 'smart anordning til at vande planter' (a smart device for watering plants).
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At B2, you are expected to distinguish between the two main meanings (technical vs. legal) based on context. You should use 'anordning' in written assignments when discussing regulations or technical safety. You will understand common collocations like 'lovmæssig anordning' (legal regulation) and 'mekanisk anordning' (mechanical device). You can also use the verb 'anordne' in formal contexts, such as a doctor ordering a treatment. You understand that this word carries a certain weight and precision. You might use it to describe the 'anordning' of a ceremony or a formal event, although 'arrangement' is more common. Your vocabulary is now sophisticated enough to choose 'anordning' to avoid repeating 'maskine' or 'regel'.
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At C1, 'anordning' should be a natural part of your academic and professional vocabulary. You understand the nuances of Danish administrative law where an 'anordning' (or 'bekendtgørelse') is a specific legal instrument. You can read complex technical manuals or legal texts and immediately grasp whether the text refers to a physical mechanism or a regulatory decree. You are aware of historical 'kongelige anordninger' and their role in Danish history. You use the word with precision, choosing it over 'indretning' when you want to emphasize functional design or over 'lov' when you want to be technically accurate about the source of a rule. Your pronunciation is clear, handling the soft 'd' and the 'ning' suffix correctly.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'anordning', including its etymological roots and its place in the evolution of the Danish language. You can use it metaphorically or in highly specialized legal arguments. You understand the subtle difference between an 'anordning' and a 'forordning' (the latter often being an EU regulation). You can use the word in stylistic variations, perhaps using it ironically to describe a complex but useless gadget, or with absolute gravity in a legal brief. You are familiar with the word in literature and historical documents, recognizing how its usage has shifted over centuries. You can explain the difference between 'at anordne' (to decree) and 'at ordne' (to fix/arrange) to other learners. The word is no longer a 'vocabulary item' but a tool for precise expression.
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Examples Notes & Tips

anordning in 30 Seconds

  • Anordning means a device or a technical mechanism used for a specific purpose.
  • It also refers to a formal administrative regulation or decree issued by an authority.
  • It is a common gender noun (en anordning) and is considered formal/professional.
  • It is often confused with 'ordning' (arrangement) but is more specific and technical.
The Danish word anordning is a versatile and sophisticated noun that primarily functions in two distinct semantic spheres: the mechanical/technical and the legal/administrative. At its core, the word refers to something that has been 'ordered' or 'arranged' for a specific purpose. In a technical context, an anordning is a device, mechanism, or apparatus designed to perform a particular function. It implies a level of intentional design and complexity, often used when the speaker wants to sound more precise than using a generic word like 'ting' (thing) or 'maskine' (machine). For example, a safety release on a pressure cooker or a specialized locking mechanism on a door can be described as an anordning.
Technical Nuance
In engineering, it suggests a sub-component or a clever structural arrangement rather than a standalone heavy machine.
Moving to the legal and administrative realm, anordning takes on a more authoritative tone, translating to 'regulation', 'decree', or 'ordinance'. In the Danish legal hierarchy, an anordning is a rule issued by an administrative authority (like a ministry or the monarch) based on powers granted by a higher law (lov). It is not a law passed by Parliament itself, but a formal instruction on how the law should be applied or specific rules for a certain sector.

Ministeriet har udstedt en ny anordning om brandsikkerhed i offentlige bygninger.

This dual nature makes it a C1-level word because it requires the speaker to understand context to determine if they are talking about a physical gadget or a piece of government red tape. You will encounter it in technical manuals, legal documents, and formal news reports. It is rarely used in casual conversation unless someone is speaking ironically about a 'strange contraption' they've built. Understanding anordning is key to navigating Danish bureaucracy and professional environments. It suggests a structured approach to problem-solving, whether that structure is made of gears and levers or paragraphs and clauses.
Etymological Root
Derived from 'ordne' (to order), emphasizing that the object or rule brings order to a situation.

Denne mekaniske anordning sikrer, at vandet ikke løber over.

In summary, use anordning when 'apparat' (apparatus) feels too scientific or 'regel' (rule) feels too informal. It bridges the gap between physical utility and legal authority.
Using anordning correctly requires attention to its grammatical gender (common gender: 'en') and the specific context. In technical descriptions, it often appears with adjectives like 'sindrig' (ingenious), 'mekanisk' (mechanical), or 'elektronisk' (electronic).
Technical Placement
When describing a gadget: 'Der er monteret en sikkerhedsmæssig anordning på maskinen'.
Here, it functions as the subject or object describing a physical part. In legal Danish, it follows a very specific syntax, often linked to a specific ministry or a date.

I henhold til anordningen af 12. maj 2023, skal alle virksomheder registrere deres affald.

Notice the use of 'i henhold til' (in accordance with), which is a classic legal collocation. When you want to describe a makeshift or temporary solution, you might use 'en midlertidig anordning'. This implies that the setup is functional but perhaps not permanent.
Abstract Usage
Rarely, it can refer to a social arrangement or 'setup', though 'ordning' is more common for this.

Vi har lavet en praktisk anordning i køkkenet til sortering af plastik.

To sound like a native C1 speaker, distinguish between 'en anordning' (the regulation itself) and 'at anordne' (the act of ordering or decreeing). While the noun is very common, the verb is quite formal and often replaced by 'bestemme' or 'befale' in modern Danish.

Lægen anordnede fuldstændig ro for patienten.

This shows the verb being used for a medical prescription or order, which is another specialized niche for this word family. Always check if you are describing a 'thing' or a 'rule' before choosing your adjectives.
You are most likely to encounter anordning in professional, academic, or administrative settings. If you are reading the Danish 'Statstidende' (the official gazette) or 'Retsinformation.dk', the word will appear constantly. It is the bread and butter of Danish administrative law.
News Media
Journalists use it when reporting on new government mandates that don't require a full parliamentary vote.
In a workshop or a factory, a foreman might point to a safety guard on a circular saw and call it a 'beskyttelsesanordning'. This highlights the word's presence in health and safety (HSE) contexts.

Husk altid at kontrollere maskinens anordninger før brug.

In medical circles, a 'lægelig anordning' refers to a doctor's formal instruction or a medical device.

Patienten fik indopereret en lille anordning til at regulere hjerterytmen.

You will also hear it in historical contexts. Denmark has many 'kongelige anordninger' dating back centuries that still influence modern life, especially regarding the church (Folkekirken) or the university systems.
DIY and Engineering
YouTube tutorials in Danish for complex machinery will use this word to describe mechanisms like tensioners or feeders.

Denne anordning gør det muligt at løfte tunge genstande med minimal kraft.

It is a word of 'how things work'—whether those things are physical or societal. It implies a degree of formality and structural complexity that simpler words lack.
The most frequent mistake learners make with anordning is confusing it with the shorter word 'ordning'. While they share a root, 'ordning' usually refers to an arrangement, a deal, or a system (like 'en flexordning' for working hours), whereas anordning is more specific to a physical device or a formal legal decree.
Confusion with 'Apparat'
Don't use 'anordning' for simple household appliances like a toaster or a TV. Use 'apparat' or the specific name of the item.
Another error is using 'anordning' when you actually mean 'lov' (law). Remember that an anordning is subordinate to a law. If you are discussing the Danish Constitution or a major act passed by the Folketing, calling it an 'anordning' would be a significant technical error.

Forkert: Grundloven er en vigtig anordning. (Rigtigt: Grundloven er en lov/forfatning).

Learners also struggle with the plural. It is a regular common gender noun, so it becomes 'anordninger'. Avoid adding an 'e' at the end of the singular 'anordninge'—this is a common spelling mistake.
Register Mismatch
Using this word in a very casual setting (e.g., 'Jeg har en anordning til at åbne min øl') can sound overly formal or even humorous, as if you're pretending to be a scientist.

Pas på med at kalde en simpel gaffel for en anordning; det lyder for prætentiøst.

Finally, ensure you don't confuse it with 'forordning'. A 'forordning' is specifically an EU regulation or a historical royal decree. While similar, 'anordning' is the standard modern term for Danish administrative regulations.
To master anordning, you must see where it sits among its synonyms. In the physical sense, its closest relatives are 'indretning', 'mekanisme', and 'apparat'.
Anordning vs. Indretning
'Indretning' is more general and can refer to the interior design of a room or a clever way something is set up. 'Anordning' is more technical and specific to a functional part.

Køkkenets indretning er flot, men denne anordning på vasken er upraktisk.

In the legal sense, compare it with 'bekendtgørelse', 'regulativ', and 'forordning'. A 'bekendtgørelse' is the most common modern term for a specific administrative rule, often used interchangeably with 'anordning' in casual legal talk, but 'anordning' sounds slightly more formal or traditional.
Anordning vs. Mekanisme
'Mekanisme' focuses on the moving parts and the physics of how something works. 'Anordning' focuses on the object as a functional unit.

Urets mekanisme er kompleks, og den lille anordning øverst styrer alarmen.

If you want to say 'device' in a modern tech sense (like a phone or tablet), the word is 'enhed'. Never use 'anordning' for an iPhone.
Anordning vs. Enhed
'Enhed' is for digital devices (phones, sensors). 'Anordning' is for mechanical or regulatory setups.
Using these distinctions will elevate your Danish from 'understandable' to 'precise and professional'. Always consider if the 'order' you are describing is physical, digital, or legal.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Neutral

""

Informal

""

Child friendly

""

Slang

""

Fun Fact

The word 'anordning' was historically used by Danish kings to bypass the council of nobles, allowing them to issue direct 'royal' decrees. Today, it still represents the power of the executive branch over the legislative branch.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ænˈɔːdnɪŋ/
US /ænˈɔːrdnɪŋ/
The primary stress is on the second syllable: an-ORD-ning.
Rhymes With
ordning forordning indretning retning forretning omretning slutning virkning
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'd' too hard (like in 'dog'). In Danish, it's a soft 'd' or almost silent.
  • Confusing it with 'ordning' (dropping the 'an-').
  • Stress on the first syllable.
  • Mispronouncing the 'ng' as a hard 'g'. It should be a nasal 'ng' sound.
  • Pronouncing 'an-' like the English word 'an' instead of a short Danish 'a'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Common in formal texts but requires context to distinguish meanings.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of formal Danish syntax and legal terms.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is moderate; usage is rare in casual speech.

Listening 4/5

Hard to distinguish from 'ordning' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ordne ting maskine regel lov

Learn Next

bekendtgørelse forordning myndighed mekanisme paragraf

Advanced

hjemmel dekret forskrifter teleologi instrumentel

Grammar to Know

Common Gender Nouns

En anordning -> Anordningen.

Compound Nouns

Sikkerhed + Anordning = Sikkerhedsanordning.

Present Participle as Adjective

Den gældende anordning (the current regulation).

Passive Voice with 'blev'

Anordningen blev vedtaget (The regulation was passed).

Genitive Case

Anordningens indhold (The content of the regulation).

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Examples by Level

1

Hvad er denne anordning?

What is this device?

Simple subject-verb-object.

2

Det er en lille anordning.

It is a small device.

Common gender 'en' matches 'lille'.

3

Brug denne anordning forsigtigt.

Use this device carefully.

Imperative mood.

4

Her er en anordning til vand.

Here is a device for water.

Prepositional phrase 'til vand'.

5

Anordningen er rød.

The device is red.

Definite singular form.

6

Jeg ser en anordning.

I see a device.

Basic transitive verb.

7

Er det en anordning?

Is it a device?

Question structure.

8

En anordning kan hjælpe dig.

A device can help you.

Modal verb 'kan'.

1

Denne anordning åbner døren.

This device opens the door.

Present tense verb 'åbner'.

2

Vi har mange anordninger i køkkenet.

We have many devices in the kitchen.

Plural indefinite form.

3

Kan du forklare denne anordning?

Can you explain this device?

Infinitive after 'kan'.

4

Anordningen virker ikke i dag.

The device is not working today.

Negation with 'ikke'.

5

Det er en teknisk anordning.

It is a technical device.

Adjective 'teknisk' modifies the noun.

6

Hvor finder jeg anordningen?

Where do I find the device?

Question word 'Hvor'.

7

Denne anordning sparer tid.

This device saves time.

Abstract object 'tid'.

8

De bruger en speciel anordning.

They use a special device.

Third person plural 'De'.

1

Maskinen har en indbygget anordning til sikkerhed.

The machine has a built-in device for safety.

Compound adjective 'indbygget'.

2

Regeringen har vedtaget en ny anordning.

The government has passed a new regulation.

Present perfect 'har vedtaget'.

3

Vi skal følge denne anordning nøje.

We must follow this regulation closely.

Adverb 'nøje' modifying the verb.

4

Denne anordning forhindrer ulykker.

This device prevents accidents.

Verb 'forhindrer' (prevents).

5

Det er en kompleks mekanisk anordning.

It is a complex mechanical device.

Double adjectives.

6

Anordningen trådte i kraft i går.

The regulation came into force yesterday.

Idiom 'træde i kraft'.

7

Hvem har opfundet denne anordning?

Who invented this device?

Past participle 'opfundet'.

8

Der findes en anordning til ethvert problem.

There is a device for every problem.

Pronoun 'ethvert'.

1

Ifølge anordningen skal alle bære hjelm.

According to the regulation, everyone must wear a helmet.

Preposition 'Ifølge'.

2

De tekniske anordninger blev testet grundigt.

The technical devices were tested thoroughly.

Passive voice 'blev testet'.

3

Lægen anordnede en streng diæt til patienten.

The doctor ordered a strict diet for the patient.

Verb form 'anordnede' used medically.

4

Anordningen af udstillingen tog flere uger.

The arrangement of the exhibition took several weeks.

Abstract 'arrangement' meaning.

5

Denne anordning er afgørende for processen.

This device is crucial for the process.

Adjective 'afgørende'.

6

Vi må ikke ignorere de gældende anordninger.

We must not ignore the current regulations.

Present participle 'gældende'.

7

En sindrig anordning løste problemet hurtigt.

An ingenious device solved the problem quickly.

Adjective 'sindrig'.

8

Anordningen specificerer kravene til byggeri.

The regulation specifies the requirements for construction.

Verb 'specificerer'.

1

Den kongelige anordning fastlægger rammerne for kirken.

The royal decree establishes the framework for the church.

Specific legal term 'kongelig anordning'.

2

Der er tale om en yderst sofistikeret anordning.

We are talking about an extremely sophisticated device.

Phrase 'Der er tale om'.

3

Anordningen blev ophævet med øjeblikkelig virkning.

The regulation was repealed with immediate effect.

Legal phrase 'ophævet med øjeblikkelig virkning'.

4

Denne anordning er en integreret del af systemet.

This device is an integrated part of the system.

Adjective 'integreret'.

5

Myndighederne har udstedt en anordning om emballage.

The authorities have issued a regulation regarding packaging.

Verb 'udstedt' (issued).

6

Anordningen tjener et dobbelt formål.

The device serves a dual purpose.

Verb 'tjener' (serves).

7

Uden denne anordning ville produktionen gå i stå.

Without this device, production would come to a standstill.

Conditional 'ville gå i stå'.

8

Man bør undersøge anordningens juridiske status.

One should examine the legal status of the regulation.

Genitive case 'anordningens'.

1

Anordningen bærer præg af en forældet retsopfattelse.

The regulation bears the mark of an outdated legal perception.

Metaphorical phrase 'bærer præg af'.

2

Denne tekniske anordning er kulminationen på års forskning.

This technical device is the culmination of years of research.

Noun 'kulminationen'.

3

Anordningen fungerer som en katalysator for forandring.

The regulation functions as a catalyst for change.

Simile with 'som'.

4

Der er rejst tvivl om anordningens overensstemmelse med EU-ret.

Doubts have been raised about the regulation's compliance with EU law.

Complex noun 'overensstemmelse'.

5

Denne sindrige anordning trodser de gængse fysiske love.

This ingenious device defies the conventional laws of physics.

Verb 'trodser' (defies).

6

Anordningen blev implementeret trods massiv modstand.

The regulation was implemented despite massive opposition.

Preposition 'trods'.

7

Man må skelne mellem en anordning og en decideret lov.

One must distinguish between a regulation and an actual law.

Verb 'skelne' (distinguish).

8

Anordningens ordlyd er bevidst tvetydig.

The wording of the regulation is deliberately ambiguous.

Noun 'ordlyd' (wording).

Common Collocations

Teknisk anordning
Lovmæssig anordning
Kongelig anordning
Sikkerhedsmæssig anordning
Mekanisk anordning
Træde i kraft (ved anordning)
Udstede en anordning
Sindrig anordning
Elektronisk anordning
Midlertidig anordning

Common Phrases

I henhold til anordningen

— Used in legal contexts to say 'according to the regulation'.

I henhold til anordningen skal vi betale gebyr.

En praktisk anordning

— A useful little tool or setup.

Det er en meget praktisk anordning til haven.

Følge en anordning

— To obey or comply with a rule.

Alle ansatte skal følge anordningen.

Ophæve en anordning

— To cancel or repeal a regulation.

Regeringen valgte at ophæve anordningen.

En fast anordning

— A permanent fixture or device.

Det er blevet en fast anordning i vores hus.

Anordning om...

— The title or subject of a regulation.

Dette er en anordning om jagttider.

Særlig anordning

— A special device for a specific task.

Der kræves en særlig anordning for at åbne boksen.

Lægelig anordning

— A doctor's formal instruction or a medical device.

Det var en klar lægelig anordning.

Anordningens gyldighed

— The validity of the regulation.

Vi må tjekke anordningens gyldighed.

En mærkelig anordning

— A strange contraption.

Hvad skal den mærkelige anordning bruges til?

Idioms & Expressions

"At anordne noget"

— To arrange or decree something, often used for parties or events in a slightly formal way.

Værten havde anordnet en fantastisk middag.

Formal
"Efter anordning"

— By order or by decree.

Flaget blev hejst efter anordning.

Formal
"En sindrig anordning"

— An incredibly clever or complex mechanism.

Det er en sindrig anordning, han har lavet.

Neutral
"Under anordning"

— Being organized or regulated.

Området er under anordning af staten.

Formal
"Anordningens bogstav"

— The literal meaning of the regulation (following the 'letter' of the law).

Vi følger anordningens bogstav.

Formal
"Mod anordningen"

— Against the rules or regulations.

Det strider mod anordningen.

Neutral
"En fast anordning"

— Something that has become a habit or a standard setup.

Fredagskage er en fast anordning her.

Informal
"I kraft af en anordning"

— By virtue of a regulation.

I kraft af en anordning fik han tilladelsen.

Formal
"Lov og anordning"

— Law and order/regulation (often used as a pair).

Vi lever i et land med lov og anordning.

Formal
"En teknisk anordning"

— Often used to describe a 'gadget' in a slightly dismissive or very formal way.

Det er bare en lille teknisk anordning.

Neutral

Sentence Patterns

A2

Det er en [adjective] anordning.

Det er en ny anordning.

B1

Anordningen bruges til at [verb].

Anordningen bruges til at måle trykket.

B2

Ifølge anordningen skal man [verb].

Ifølge anordningen skal man sortere affald.

C1

Der er udstedt en anordning vedrørende [noun].

Der er udstedt en anordning vedrørende fiskeri.

C2

Anordningen bærer præg af [abstract noun].

Anordningen bærer præg af hastværk.

B1

Denne anordning gør det muligt at [verb].

Denne anordning gør det muligt at køre hurtigere.

B2

Man har monteret en [noun]anordning.

Man har monteret en låseanordning.

C1

Anordningen har til hensigt at [verb].

Anordningen har til hensigt at mindske forurening.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

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How to Use It

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'AN-OR-DNING' as an 'AN-ORDER-THING'. It's a 'thing' that provides 'order'—either a mechanical order (device) or a legal order (regulation).

Visual Association

Imagine a complex Swiss watch (technical anordning) sitting on top of a stack of legal papers (legal anordning). Both are 'anordninger'.

Word Web

mekanisme apparat lov regel bekendtgørelse indretning system dekret

Challenge

Try to find three 'anordninger' in your kitchen (technical) and search for one 'anordning' on a Danish government website (legal).

Word Origin

From Middle Low German 'anordeninge', which is a loan translation of the Latin 'ordinatio'. It entered Danish during the period of heavy German influence on legal and technical terminology.

Original meaning: The act of putting things in order or a formal arrangement.

Germanic (Indo-European).

Cultural Context

No particular sensitivities, though 'anordning' can sound 'cold' or 'bureaucratic' if used in personal contexts.

In English, we split this word into 'device' and 'ordinance'. Danes use one word for both, which can be confusing for English speakers who see no connection between a gadget and a rule.

Kongelig Anordning om Folkekirkens Liturgi (Royal decree on church liturgy) Statens anordninger (The state's regulations)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace Safety

  • sikkerhedsanordning
  • beskyttelsesanordning
  • er anordningen tjekket?
  • følg anordningen

Government/Law

  • udstede en anordning
  • ifølge anordningen
  • anordningen trådte i kraft
  • ny anordning om...

Engineering/DIY

  • mekanisk anordning
  • en smart anordning
  • montere anordningen
  • hvordan virker denne anordning?

Medicine

  • lægelig anordning
  • anordne medicin
  • medicinsk anordning
  • patientens anordning

Museums/Exhibitions

  • anordning af genstande
  • udstillingens anordning
  • en smuk anordning
  • historisk anordning

Conversation Starters

"Har du set den nye anordning, de har sat op nede i parken?"

"Hvad synes du om regeringens seneste anordning om el-cykler?"

"Jeg har brug for en smart anordning til at holde mine nøgler."

"Er der en særlig anordning, man skal bruge for at åbne dette vindue?"

"Ved du, hvornår denne anordning officielt trådte i kraft?"

Journal Prompts

Beskriv en teknisk anordning, som du bruger hver dag, og hvorfor den er vigtig.

Hvis du kunne lave en ny anordning (lov) i dit land, hvad skulle den så handle om?

Har du nogensinde bygget en 'sindrig anordning' selv? Fortæl om processen.

Hvorfor tror du, det er vigtigt at have faste anordninger i et samfund?

Reflektér over forskellen på en 'anordning' og en 'lov' i det danske system.

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