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A2 adjective 13 min read

bekymret

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips bekymret in 30 Seconds

Explanation bekymret in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are learning the most basic ways to express your feelings. 'Bekymret' is an important word for you because it allows you to tell people when you are not feeling okay about something. At this stage, you should focus on the simplest form: 'Jeg er bekymret' (I am worried). You don't need to worry too much about complex grammar yet. Just remember that if you are talking about yourself, it's 'bekymret'. You can use it when you are waiting for a friend who is late or when you have a small problem. It's a very useful word for basic communication. You might also hear people say 'Er du bekymret?' which means 'Are you worried?'. Learning this word helps you understand when others are asking about your feelings. It's one of the first 'feeling' words you will learn alongside 'glad' (happy) and 'træt' (tired). Even at this early stage, try to remember that 'bekymret' usually takes the preposition 'for' when you are worried about someone. For example, 'Jeg er bekymret for min mor' (I am worried for my mother). This is a simple pattern you can memorize. Don't worry about the plural form 'bekymrede' just yet; focus on getting the singular form right in your daily sentences. Using 'bekymret' correctly will make your Danish sound more natural and help you connect with people on a basic emotional level. It's a building block for your future Danish vocabulary. Practice saying it out loud to get the pronunciation right—the 'y' sound is like the 'u' in French 'lune', which can be tricky for English speakers. But with a little practice, you'll be able to use 'bekymret' with confidence in your very first Danish conversations. Remember, it's okay to be 'bekymret' about learning a new language, but keep practicing and it will get easier!

At the A2 level, you are starting to build more complex sentences and use adjectives more effectively. You should now be aware that 'bekymret' changes its form depending on the subject. If you are talking about more than one person, you must use 'bekymrede'. For example, 'Vi er bekymrede' (We are worried). This is a key grammar point at this level. You should also start using prepositions more accurately. Use 'bekymret for' when you are worried about a person or a potential negative outcome. Use 'bekymret over' when you are concerned about a situation or a fact. For example, 'Jeg er bekymret over vejret' (I am concerned about the weather). At A2, you can also start using the word with 'at'-clauses: 'Jeg er bekymret for, at det regner' (I am worried that it is raining). This allows you to express more specific thoughts. You will encounter 'bekymret' in many everyday situations, such as at the doctor's office, at school, or when talking to friends about their lives. It's a versatile word that helps you describe your mental state in more detail. You might also notice the word used in simple news stories or weather reports. Learning 'bekymret' and its plural 'bekymrede' is a significant step in mastering Danish adjective agreement. It also opens up the possibility of using the verb 'bekymre' in its reflexive form: 'Jeg bekymrer mig' (I worry). While the adjective is more common at this level, knowing the verb form is very helpful. Practice making sentences with both 'være bekymret' and 'blive bekymret' to understand the difference between being in a state of worry and becoming worried. This will help you describe events and feelings more dynamically. By the end of A2, you should feel comfortable using 'bekymret' in most common daily scenarios.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'bekymret' with greater precision and in a wider variety of contexts. You should be comfortable with the distinction between 'bekymret for' and 'bekymret over'. At this level, you can also start to use synonyms like 'urolig' (restless/uneasy) or 'ængstelig' (anxious) to add nuance to your descriptions. You will find 'bekymret' frequently in Danish media, especially in discussions about social issues, the economy, or the environment. Being able to express these types of 'societal concerns' is a hallmark of the B1 level. You should also be able to use the word in professional contexts, such as during a meeting to express concern about a project's progress. 'Jeg er bekymret for tidsplanen' (I am concerned about the schedule) is a perfectly appropriate B1 sentence. You will also start to see 'bekymret' used as an adverb more often: 'Han så bekymret på mig' (He looked at me worriedly). Understanding how to turn adjectives into adverbs by using the -et ending is an important B1 skill. Furthermore, you should be aware of common idioms and phrases involving worry, such as 'at gøre sig bekymringer' (to worry oneself). This reflexive phrase is very common in spoken Danish. At B1, you are also moving beyond just describing your own feelings to describing the feelings of others and the general mood of a group. 'Der er en bekymret stemning i landet' (There is a worried mood in the country) is a more advanced way to use the word. You should also be able to handle the negative form 'ubekymret' (unworried/carefree), which is a great word to describe someone who is relaxed and has no cares. Mastering 'bekymret' at this level means being able to navigate both personal and public discussions about concerns with ease and accuracy.

At the B2 level, your use of 'bekymret' should be fluent and nuanced. You should understand the subtle differences between 'bekymret', 'betænkelig', and 'nervøs'. For example, you should know that 'betænkelig' is often used when someone has professional or ethical doubts about a course of action. You should also be able to use 'bekymret' in complex sentence structures, including those with multiple clauses and varied prepositions. At this level, you will encounter the word in more sophisticated literature and in-depth news analysis. You should be able to discuss the causes and consequences of worry in a structured way. For instance, you might write an essay about why young people are 'bekymrede for fremtiden' (worried about the future). Your ability to use the word in the passive or with modal verbs should also be well-developed: 'Man kan ikke lade være med at blive bekymret' (One cannot help but become worried). You should also be familiar with the noun form 'bekymring' (worry/concern) and use it effectively: 'Min største bekymring er...' (My biggest concern is...). At B2, you should also be sensitive to the tone and register of the word. You'll know that 'bekymret' is generally neutral but can be made more formal or informal depending on the surrounding vocabulary. You might also start to use more idiomatic expressions like 'at have rynker i panden' (to have wrinkles in the forehead), which implies being worried. Your understanding of 'bekymret' should now include its role in Danish 'hygge' culture—sometimes, sharing worries is a way to build intimacy and 'hygge' with close friends. Overall, at B2, 'bekymret' is a word you use not just to communicate basic needs, but to engage in meaningful, nuanced conversations about the human experience and societal trends.

At the C1 level, you have a near-native grasp of 'bekymret' and its related forms. You can use the word and its synonyms to express very specific shades of meaning. You understand that 'bekymret' can sometimes be used ironically or hyperbolically in certain social contexts. You are also proficient in using the word in highly formal settings, such as academic writing or legal discussions, where you might use terms like 'bekymringsværdig' (concerning/worrisome). Your vocabulary includes a wide range of collocations, such as 'dybt bekymret' (deeply concerned) or 'alvorligt bekymret' (seriously worried). You can also use the word to describe complex psychological states, perhaps in a discussion about 'bekymringsangst' (generalized anxiety disorder). At this level, you are also aware of the historical and etymological roots of the word and how they influence its current usage. You can analyze how 'bekymret' is used in political rhetoric to sway public opinion or to show empathy. You are comfortable using the word in all its grammatical forms, including the less common ones, and you never make mistakes with agreement or prepositions. You can also switch between the adjective 'bekymret', the verb 'bekymre', and the noun 'bekymring' with total fluidity to vary your sentence structure and style. Your understanding of the word is also deeply tied to your understanding of Danish culture; you know exactly when it is appropriate to express worry and when it might be seen as oversharing or being too 'pessimistisk'. At C1, 'bekymret' is just one tool in a very large and sophisticated toolkit for expressing the complexities of human thought and emotion in Danish.

At the C2 level, you have mastered 'bekymret' to the point where your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can use the word in the most subtle and sophisticated ways, often employing it in literary or philosophical contexts. You might use it to discuss existential themes, such as 'den bekymrede sjæl' (the worried soul), or to analyze the 'bekymringskultur' (culture of worry) in modern society. Your command of the word includes an effortless ability to use it in complex metaphorical and idiomatic expressions. You are also fully aware of the regional variations in how the word might be used or pronounced across Denmark. You can write long, complex texts where 'bekymret' and its derivatives are used to build a coherent and nuanced argument. Your understanding of the word's register is perfect; you know exactly how to use it in a high-level diplomatic communication versus a casual conversation. You can also critique how the word is used in media and public discourse, identifying shifts in meaning or emotional tone. At this level, 'bekymret' is not just a word you know; it is a word you inhabit, using it to express the full range of human concern with precision, elegance, and cultural depth. You might even explore the word's relationship with other Nordic languages or its influence on Danish philosophy, such as the works of Søren Kierkegaard, where themes of anxiety and concern are central. Your mastery of 'bekymret' is complete, reflecting a profound connection to the Danish language and its unique way of expressing the weight of the world.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

bekymret in 30 Seconds

Bekymret means 'worried' or 'concerned' in Danish. It is an adjective used to express anxiety about something.
It changes to 'bekymrede' when describing more than one person or in plural contexts.
Commonly used with prepositions: 'bekymret for' (worried about someone/safety) and 'bekymret over' (concerned about a fact).
It is a very common word in both daily conversation and formal news in Denmark.

The Danish word bekymret is a fundamental adjective used to describe a state of mind characterized by worry, anxiety, or concern. In its most basic sense, it translates directly to the English word 'worried' or 'concerned'. However, the nuances of its application in Danish culture and language reveal a deeper layer of emotional expression. When a Dane says they are bekymret, they are signaling a psychological weight regarding a future event, a current situation, or the well-being of another person. It is not merely a fleeting thought of stress but often implies a lingering sense of unease that requires attention or resolution. This word is essential for English speakers to master because it bridges the gap between simple anxiety and formal concern.

Emotional Depth: The term encompasses everything from a mother's worry about a child coming home late to a politician's concern regarding economic inflation. It is versatile and ubiquitous in both private and public discourse.

Lægen ser meget bekymret ud efter at have læst testresultaterne.

In Danish society, which values social cohesion and collective well-being, being bekymret is often seen as a sign of empathy. To be concerned for one's neighbor or the environment is a common topic of conversation in Denmark. The word is frequently paired with prepositions like 'for' (for) or 'over' (about/over), which we will explore in later sections. Understanding the weight of this word helps learners navigate social interactions where expressing care is paramount. It is not a word to be used lightly, as it carries a genuine emotional charge.

Social Context: In professional settings, being 'bekymret' about a project's timeline is a polite way to signal that things are off track without being overly aggressive or accusatory.

Jeg er bekymret for, om vi når deadlinen på fredag.

De er bekymrede over de stigende priser på el og varme.

Min far bliver altid bekymret, når jeg kører bil i snevejr.

Der er ingen grund til at være bekymret, alt skal nok gå.

Linguistic Origin: The word comes from the verb 'bekymre', which traces back to Middle Low German 'bekummeren', meaning to trouble or to grieve. This history explains the weight of the word today.

To summarize, 'bekymret' is the go-to word for expressing that something is weighing on your mind. Whether it is a small personal matter or a large-scale global issue, this adjective provides the necessary linguistic tool to convey concern accurately in Danish. Its usage is consistent across formal and informal registers, making it a versatile addition to any learner's vocabulary. By understanding its nuances, you can better empathize with Danish speakers and express your own concerns in a way that sounds natural and culturally appropriate. The word also acts as a gateway to understanding Danish social values, where caring for others and the future is deeply ingrained in the language and the national psyche.

Using bekymret correctly involves understanding its grammatical properties as an adjective and its relationship with prepositions. As an adjective, it must agree with the noun it modifies in number and definiteness, although its most common use is as a predicative adjective (following a verb like 'være' or 'blive'). For a singular subject (common or neuter gender), the form is 'bekymret'. For plural subjects or in definite constructions, the form changes to 'bekymrede'. This distinction is crucial for sounding like a native speaker. For example, 'Jeg er bekymret' (I am worried) vs. 'Vi er bekymrede' (We are worried).

Prepositional Patterns: The choice of preposition after 'bekymret' changes the meaning slightly. 'Bekymret for' is used when you are worried about someone or something's safety or future success. 'Bekymret over' is used when expressing concern about a specific event, fact, or development that has already occurred or is ongoing.

Hun er meget bekymret for sin syge hund.

In this sentence, 'for' indicates that the focus of the worry is the well-being of the dog. Conversely, 'Jeg er bekymret over de nye regler' uses 'over' to show concern about the implications of rules that have been introduced. Another common structure is 'bekymret for, at...' followed by a clause. This translates to 'worried that...'. This is a very common way to express specific fears.

Vi er bekymrede for, at toget bliver forsinket.

Note the plural form 'bekymrede' because the subject is 'vi' (we).

Using 'Blive' vs 'Være': 'Være bekymret' describes a state of being worried, while 'blive bekymret' describes the process of becoming worried or the moment the worry starts. 'Jeg er bekymret' (I am worried) vs. 'Jeg blev bekymret, da han ikke ringede' (I became worried when he didn't call).

Mange forældre er bekymrede over deres børns skærmtid.

Han gav hende et bekymret blik, da hun hostede.

In the second example, 'bekymret' modifies 'blik' (look/glance), which is a neuter noun, hence the -et ending remains. If it were 'bekymrede miner' (worried expressions), the plural form would be used. Mastering these small changes in the word's ending is what separates a beginner from an intermediate speaker. It's also important to note that 'bekymret' can be used as an adverb in some contexts, though it is less common than its adjectival use. For example, 'Han kiggede bekymret på hende' (He looked worriedly at her). Here, the -et ending is standard for adverbs derived from adjectives.

Negation: To say you are not worried, simply add 'ikke'. 'Jeg er ikke bekymret.' This is often used to reassure others: 'Du skal ikke være bekymret' (You shouldn't be worried).

Through these various sentence structures, 'bekymret' becomes a flexible tool for expressing a wide range of concerns. Whether you are describing a person's state, an action done with worry, or a specific concern about a situation, the rules remain consistent. Practice switching between the singular 'bekymret' and the plural 'bekymrede' to gain fluency in its application.

You will encounter the word bekymret in almost every facet of Danish life. It is a staple of news reporting, where journalists frequently describe the public's or experts' concerns about various issues. For instance, a news segment might begin with, 'Eksperter er bekymrede over klimaforandringerne' (Experts are concerned about climate change). This formal usage highlights the word's role in serious discourse. In a more personal setting, you will hear it in healthcare. Doctors and nurses use it to assess a patient's mental state or to express their own medical concern. 'Er du bekymret for dit helbred?' (Are you worried about your health?) is a common question in a medical consultation.

In the Workplace: In Danish work culture, which is relatively flat and emphasizes communication, expressing concern is a standard way to highlight risks. A manager might say, 'Jeg er bekymret for projektets fremdrift,' to initiate a problem-solving discussion.

Nyhederne rapporterer, at befolkningen er bekymret for økonomien.

On social media and in blogs, the word is used to express personal anxieties about life, parenting, or current events. Parenting forums in Denmark are full of threads starting with 'Jeg er lidt bekymret for min datter' (I am a little worried about my daughter), where parents seek advice from the community. In literature and film, 'bekymret' is used to build tension or characterize a person as thoughtful and caring. A character might be described as having 'et bekymret udtryk' (a worried expression) to show they are under pressure.

In Daily Conversations: If you are meeting a Danish friend for coffee and they seem off, you might ask, 'Du ser bekymret ud, er der noget galt?' (You look worried, is something wrong?). It is a natural way to show you care.

Min chef virkede bekymret under mødet i morges.

Bliver du aldrig bekymret over fremtiden?

Hun ringede til politiet, fordi hun var bekymret for sin nabo.

Læreren er bekymret for elevens fravær.

Radio and Podcasts: In Danish podcasts, especially those dealing with psychology or current events, 'bekymret' is a keyword. It is often analyzed in the context of 'bekymringsangst' (worry-related anxiety).

In summary, 'bekymret' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a cultural marker. It appears in high-stakes environments like hospitals and boardrooms, but also in the most intimate family settings. Its presence in the Danish language reflects a culture that is attentive to risks, empathetic towards others, and open about discussing mental states. Hearing 'bekymret' in the wild is an excellent opportunity for learners to observe the tone and context of Danish emotional expression. Pay attention to the prepositions that follow and the facial expressions of the speaker, and you will quickly grasp the full spectrum of its meaning.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using bekymret is confusing it with other adjectives that describe similar but distinct emotions, such as 'nervøs' (nervous) or 'bange' (afraid). While you might be 'nervøs' before a test, you are 'bekymret' about your overall grades. 'Nervøs' is about jittery energy and immediate performance, whereas 'bekymret' is about a deeper, more cognitive concern. Another common error is the misuse of prepositions. Many learners default to 'om' (about) because it feels like a direct translation of the English 'worried about'. However, Danish requires 'for' or 'over'. Saying 'Jeg er bekymret om min bil' sounds unnatural; it should be 'Jeg er bekymret for min bil'.

Agreement Errors: Forgetting to change 'bekymret' to 'bekymrede' when the subject is plural is a classic A2-B1 level mistake. Remember: 'Han er bekymret' but 'De er bekymrede'. The 'e' at the end is essential for plural subjects.

Vi er bekymret. → Vi er bekymrede.

Another nuance that can trip up learners is the difference between the adjective 'bekymret' and the verb 'bekymre'. In English, 'it worries me' is a common structure. In Danish, you would say 'det bekymrer mig'. Beginners often try to force the adjective into this structure, resulting in 'det er bekymret mig', which is grammatically incorrect. You must choose either the adjective ('Jeg er bekymret') or the verb ('Det bekymrer mig').

Overusing the Word: While 'bekymret' is common, using it for very minor things can sound dramatic. If you just can't find your keys, 'Jeg kan ikke finde mine nøgler' is enough. Using 'Jeg er bekymret for mine nøgler' implies they might have been stolen or lost forever in a dangerous place.

Jeg er bekymret om vejret. → Jeg er bekymret over vejret.

Han er bekymret for at han dør. → Han er bekymret for, at han dør.

De bekymret folk. → De bekymrede mennesker.

Jeg er bekymret over dig. → Jeg er bekymret for dig.

Confusion with 'Urolig': 'Urolig' means restless or uneasy. While related, 'bekymret' is more about the thought process of worrying, while 'urolig' is more about the physical or general feeling of unease. You can be 'urolig' in your sleep, but you are 'bekymret' about a debt.

Avoiding these common mistakes will significantly improve your Danish. Pay close attention to the prepositions 'for' and 'over', ensure your adjective endings match the subject, and distinguish between the temporary state of being 'nervøs' and the deeper state of being 'bekymret'. With practice, these distinctions will become second nature, allowing you to express concern with precision and clarity.

While bekymret is the most common word for worry, Danish offers several alternatives that can add precision to your speech. Understanding these synonyms and their specific contexts will elevate your Danish from basic to advanced. For instance, 'ængstelig' is a stronger word, often translated as 'anxious' or 'fearful'. It implies a higher level of distress than 'bekymret'. On the other hand, 'uroelig' suggests a sense of restlessness or unease, often used when someone cannot relax because something is bothering them.

Synonym Comparison: Bekymret vs. Ængstelig: 'Bekymret' is cognitive concern (thinking about a problem). 'Ængstelig' is more emotional and visceral (feeling fear or dread about a problem).

Hun var ængstelig for at gå alene hjem i mørket.

Another useful word is 'betænkelig'. This is often used in formal or professional contexts to mean 'doubtful' or 'concerned about the wisdom of something'. If a manager is 'betænkelig' about a plan, they aren't necessarily worried in an emotional sense, but they have serious doubts about its success. 'Utryg' is another important alternative, meaning 'insecure' or 'unsafe'. If you are 'utryg' in a situation, you feel a lack of safety, which often leads to being 'bekymret'.

Antonyms: The opposite of 'bekymret' could be 'rolig' (calm), 'tryg' (secure/safe), or 'ligeglad' (indifferent/don't care). 'Jeg er helt rolig' is a common way to say you are not worried at all.

Efter samtalen med chefen følte han sig mere tryg.

Han er betænkelig ved at investere alle sine penge nu.

Barnet blev urolig, da moderen forlod rummet.

Vi er optimistiske trods de svære tider.

Verbal Alternatives: Instead of the adjective, you can use verbs like 'at gruble' (to ponder/brood) or 'at spekulere' (to speculate/worry). 'Hun går og spekulerer på fremtiden' implies a more active, ongoing process of worrying.

By expanding your vocabulary to include these related words, you can describe your emotions and thoughts with much greater accuracy. Whether you want to express a deep-seated anxiety ('ængstelig'), a professional doubt ('betænkelig'), or a physical restlessness ('urolig'), Danish has the specific word you need. However, 'bekymret' remains the most versatile and safe choice for most situations where you want to say you are worried. Understanding when to stick with 'bekymret' and when to reach for a more specific alternative is a key part of mastering the Danish language's emotional landscape.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Vi er dybt bekymrede over den nuværende udvikling i sagen."

Neutral

"Jeg er lidt bekymret for min eksamen i morgen."

Informal

"Jeg er sgu lidt bekymret for ham."

Child friendly

"Er du bekymret for din bamse?"

Slang

"Jeg er helt stresset og bekymret, mand!"

Fun Fact

In the past, 'bekymre' could also mean 'to look after' or 'to care for', similar to the English 'concern' which can mean both 'worry' and 'business/interest'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK [beˈkʰømˀʁet]

US [bəˈkʏmʁət]

The stress is on the second syllable: be-KYM-ret.

Rhymes With

opmuntret forundret beundret afondret uforandret forandret oprindret hindret

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'y' like an English 'i' (it should be rounded).
Over-pronouncing the final 't' (it is often very soft).
Forgetting the glottal stop (stød) on the 'm' sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is very common and easy to recognize in text.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering the plural -e and the correct prepositions.

Speaking 4/5

The 'y' sound and the soft ending can be difficult for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

Easily heard in news and conversation once the 'y' sound is mastered.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

være glad træt for over

Learn Next

bekymring ængstelig urolig nervøs tryg

Advanced

bekymringsværdig betænkelig eksistentiel

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

En bekymret mand, et bekymret barn, to bekymrede kvinder.

Prepositional Use

Bekymret for (people/safety) vs. Bekymret over (facts/events).

Adverb Formation

Han kiggede bekymret (worriedly) på hende.

Reflexive Verbs

Jeg bekymrer mig (I worry myself).

At-clauses

Jeg er bekymret for, at det bliver dyrt.

Examples by Level

Jeg er bekymret.

I am worried.

Simple subject + verb + adjective structure.

Er du bekymret?

Are you worried?

Question form using inversion.

Han er bekymret for sin kat.

He is worried about his cat.

Use of 'for' to indicate the object of worry.

Min mor er bekymret.

My mother is worried.

Adjective modifying a singular common gender noun.

Du skal ikke være bekymret.

You should not be worried.

Negation using 'ikke'.

Hvorfor er du bekymret?

Why are you worried?

Question with 'hvorfor' (why).

Jeg er lidt bekymret.

I am a little worried.

Use of 'lidt' (a little) to modify the adjective.

Han ser bekymret ud.

He looks worried.

The phrase 'ser ... ud' means 'looks like'.

Vi er bekymrede for dig.

We are worried about you.

Plural form 'bekymrede' used with 'vi'.

De er bekymrede over prøven.

They are worried about the test.

Plural form 'bekymrede' used with 'de'.

Jeg blev bekymret, da du ikke kom.

I became worried when you didn't come.

Use of 'blive' (to become) in the past tense 'blev'.

Er I bekymrede for fremtiden?

Are you (plural) worried about the future?

Plural 'bekymrede' used with the plural 'I'.

Hun gav ham et bekymret blik.

She gave him a worried look.

'Bekymret' modifies the neuter noun 'blik'.

Vi skal ikke være bekymrede.

We shouldn't be worried.

Plural negation.

Er de bekymrede over de nye regler?

Are they worried about the new rules?

Plural agreement and 'over' for specific facts.

Hvorfor ser de så bekymrede ud?

Why do they look so worried?

'Ser ... ud' with plural adjective.

Mange danskere er bekymrede for klimaet.

Many Danes are worried about the climate.

Plural agreement with 'mange danskere'.

Jeg er bekymret for, at vi kommer for sent.

I am worried that we will be late.

Use of 'for, at' to introduce a clause.

Lægen var bekymret over mine testresultater.

The doctor was concerned about my test results.

'Over' used for specific information/results.

Hun kiggede bekymret på sin telefon.

She looked worriedly at her phone.

Adverbial use of 'bekymret'.

Der er ingen grund til at være bekymret.

There is no reason to be worried.

Common idiomatic expression.

Han er dybt bekymret for sin søns fremtid.

He is deeply worried about his son's future.

Use of the intensifier 'dybt' (deeply).

Vi er bekymrede over den politiske situation.

We are concerned about the political situation.

Plural agreement and 'over' for a situation.

Det er en bekymret mine, du har der.

That is a worried expression you have there.

'Bekymret' modifying the common gender noun 'mine'.

Regeringen er bekymret for den økonomiske vækst.

The government is concerned about the economic growth.

Collective noun 'regeringen' treated as singular.

Hun følte sig bekymret uden helt at vide hvorfor.

She felt worried without quite knowing why.

'Føle sig' (to feel) followed by the adjective.

Eksperterne er alvorligt bekymrede over udviklingen.

The experts are seriously concerned about the development.

Use of 'alvorligt' (seriously) as an intensifier.

Man kan ikke undgå at blive bekymret i disse tider.

One cannot avoid becoming worried in these times.

Use of 'man' (one) and 'blive'.

Han udviste et bekymret engagement i sagen.

He showed a worried involvement in the case.

Adjective modifying a neuter noun 'engagement'.

De er bekymrede for, om projektet kan gennemføres.

They are worried about whether the project can be completed.

Use of 'for, om' (worried about whether).

Befolkningen virker mere bekymret end sidste år.

The population seems more worried than last year.

Comparative structure with 'end'.

Det er bekymrende, at så mange er bekymrede.

It is worrisome that so many are worried.

Contrast between the present participle 'bekymrende' and the past participle 'bekymrede'.

Der hersker en udpræget bekymret stemning i bestyrelsen.

There is a distinctly worried atmosphere in the board of directors.

'Udpræget' (distinct/pronounced) modifying the adjective phrase.

Han var bekymret for, at hans ord ville blive misforstået.

He was worried that his words would be misunderstood.

Complex clause with passive voice.

Miljøorganisationerne er med rette bekymrede over rapporten.

The environmental organizations are rightly concerned about the report.

'Med rette' (rightly/with justification).

Hendes bekymrede mine røbede hendes sande følelser.

Her worried expression betrayed her true feelings.

'Røbe' (to betray/reveal).

Vi er bekymrede for de langsigtede konsekvenser af denne beslutning.

We are concerned about the long-term consequences of this decision.

'Langsigtede konsekvenser' (long-term consequences).

Han forholdt sig bekymret, men fattet, til situationen.

He remained worried, but composed, regarding the situation.

'Fattet' (composed/calm).

Mange er bekymrede for, hvorvidt teknologien vil overtage deres jobs.

Many are worried about whether technology will take over their jobs.

Use of 'hvorvidt' (whether) for formal tone.

Den bekymrede borger rettede henvendelse til kommunen.

The concerned citizen contacted the municipality.

Attributive use in a formal context.

Den eksistentielle bekymring over menneskets vilkår gennemsyrer værket.

The existential concern over the human condition permeates the work.

Using the noun 'bekymring' in a philosophical context.

Han var bekymret for, at den skrøbelige fred ville briste.

He was worried that the fragile peace would break.

Metaphorical usage.

Der er en voksende bekymring for, at diskursen bliver for polariseret.

There is a growing concern that the discourse is becoming too polarized.

'Voksende bekymring' (growing concern).

De bekymrede miner ved forhandlingsbordet sagde alt.

The worried expressions at the negotiating table said it all.

Idiomatic use of 'sagde alt'.

Han reflekterede over sin egen bekymrede tilgang til livet.

He reflected on his own worried approach to life.

Self-reflective context.

Bekymret for sit eftermæle valgte han at donere hele sin formue.

Worried about his legacy, he chose to donate his entire fortune.

Participial phrase at the start of the sentence.

Det er bekymringsværdigt, at ingen tager affære.

It is concerning that no one is taking action.

Use of 'bekymringsværdigt' (concerning).

Hun var bekymret for, at hendes tavshed ville blive tolket som accept.

She was worried that her silence would be interpreted as acceptance.

Complex psychological and social nuance.

Common Collocations

dybt bekymret

alvorligt bekymret

bekymret for

bekymret over

se bekymret ud

være bekymret

blive bekymret

en bekymret mine

bekymret blik

bekymret borger

Common Phrases

Ingen grund til bekymring

— There is no reason to worry. Used to reassure someone.

Alt er okay, ingen grund til bekymring.

Gøre sig bekymringer

— To worry oneself about something.

Du skal ikke gøre dig så mange bekymringer.

Være bekymret for fremtiden

— To be worried about what will happen in the future.

Mange unge er bekymrede for fremtiden.

En kilde til bekymring

— A source of worry.

Hans helbred er en kilde til bekymring.

Udtrykke bekymring

— To express concern formally.

EU har udtrykt bekymring over situationen.

Dele sine bekymringer

— To share one's worries with others.

Det hjælper at dele sine bekymringer.

Være bekymret for, at...

— To be worried that a specific thing will happen.

Jeg er bekymret for, at det regner.

Lidt bekymret

— A little worried. A common way to downplay worry.

Jeg er bare lidt bekymret.

Meget bekymret

— Very worried.

Vi er meget bekymrede for ham.

Bekymret over udviklingen

— Concerned about the way things are going.

Økonomer er bekymrede over udviklingen.

Often Confused With

bekymret vs nervøs

Nervøs is for temporary jitters; bekymret is for deeper concern.

bekymret vs bange

Bange is for fear/scared; bekymret is for worry/anxiety.

bekymret vs urolig

Urolig is for restlessness; bekymret is for cognitive worry.

Idioms & Expressions

"At have rynker i panden"

— To be worried or thinking hard about a problem.

Han har fået rynker i panden over budgettet.

Informal

"At bære på en bekymring"

— To carry a worry inside oneself.

Hun har båret på denne bekymring længe.

Literary

"At ligge søvnløs over noget"

— To be so worried that you cannot sleep.

Jeg ligger søvnløs over mine lån.

Neutral

"At se spøgelser ved højlys dag"

— To worry about things that aren't there or are unlikely.

Du ser spøgelser ved højlys dag, alt er fint.

Informal

"At tage sorgerne på forskud"

— To worry about things before they happen.

Lad være med at tage sorgerne på forskud.

Common

"At have ondt i maven over noget"

— To be so worried it feels like a stomach ache.

Jeg har ondt i maven over eksamen.

Informal

"At være gråhåret af bekymring"

— To be extremely worried for a long time.

Jeg bliver gråhåret af bekymring over de børn.

Hyperbolic

"At have hovedet fuldt af bekymringer"

— To have a mind full of worries.

Han har hovedet fuldt af bekymringer for tiden.

Neutral

"At kaste bekymringerne over bord"

— To stop worrying and just relax.

Nu kaster vi bekymringerne over bord og nyder ferien.

Metaphorical

"At drukne sine bekymringer"

— To try to forget worries by drinking alcohol.

Han forsøgte at drukne sine bekymringer på baren.

Common

Easily Confused

bekymret vs bekvemt

Sounds similar to a beginner.

Bekvemt means comfortable; bekymret means worried.

Sofaen er bekvem, men jeg er bekymret.

bekymret vs bestemt

Both end in -emt/-et.

Bestemt means certain/determined; bekymret means worried.

Jeg er bestemt ikke bekymret.

bekymret vs berømt

Ending sound is similar.

Berømt means famous; bekymret means worried.

En berømt skuespiller så bekymret ud.

bekymret vs beskidt

Both start with 'be-' and end with '-t'.

Beskidt means dirty; bekymret means worried.

Min bil er beskidt, og jeg er bekymret.

bekymret vs bekræftet

Very similar prefix and suffix.

Bekræftet means confirmed; bekymret means worried.

Det er bekræftet, at han er bekymret.

Sentence Patterns

Jeg er bekymret.

Han er bekymret for [noun].

Han er bekymret for sin hund.

Vi er bekymrede.

De er bekymrede over [noun].

De er bekymrede over vejret.

Jeg er bekymret for, at [clause].

Jeg er bekymret for, at vi taber.

Han ser [adverb] bekymret ud.

Han ser meget bekymret ud.

Man bliver bekymret, når [clause].

Man bliver bekymret, når priserne stiger.

[Noun] er en kilde til bekymring.

Økonomien er en kilde til bekymring.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Danish.

Common Mistakes

Jeg er bekymret om dig. → Jeg er bekymret for dig.
Danish uses 'for' when worried about a person's well-being.
Vi er bekymret. → Vi er bekymrede.
Adjectives must agree with plural subjects by adding -e.
Det er bekymret mig. → Det bekymrer mig.
Don't use the adjective where a verb is needed. 'Det bekymrer mig' means 'It worries me'.
Jeg er nervøs for klimaet. → Jeg er bekymret for klimaet.
'Nervøs' is usually for immediate personal performance; 'bekymret' is for general concern.
Hun ser bekymret ud for... → Hun er bekymret for... / Hun ser bekymret ud.
Don't mix 'ser ... ud' with a prepositional object directly; keep the structures separate.

Tips

Plural Check

Always look at the subject before writing 'bekymret'. If it's more than one, add an 'e' at the end.

For vs Over

Remember: 'For' is for people/safety, 'Over' is for news/situations. This is a common test question!

Soft Endings

Don't pronounce the final 't' too sharply. In Danish, final 't's in adjectives are often very soft.

Learn the Family

Learn 'bekymring' (noun) and 'bekymre' (verb) at the same time to triple your vocabulary efficiency.

Societal Concern

Danes love to be 'bekymrede' about the environment. Use this in your next Danish conversation class!

The Antonym

If someone is 'bekymret', tell them 'Alt skal nok gå' (Everything will be fine) to sound like a native.

Listen for the 'Y'

The 'y' sound is key. If you hear an 'i' sound, it's a different word.

Comma Usage

Remember the comma before 'at' if you use 'bekymret for, at...'. Danish is strict about this!

Not just Nervous

Don't use 'nervøs' when you mean 'worried'. 'Nervøs' is for when you're about to do something; 'bekymret' is for thinking about it.

Rynker i panden

Use the idiom 'rynker i panden' to describe a worried person in a creative way.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'be-CALM-er' who is NOT 'bekymret'. If you are bekymret, you need a be-calmer!

Visual Association

Imagine a person with their hand on their forehead (a classic worried pose) while looking at a pile of bills.

Word Web

Worry Anxiety Concern Stress Future Risk Care Empathy

Challenge

Try to use 'bekymret' in three different sentences today: one about yourself, one about a friend, and one about a world event.

Word Origin

The word 'bekymret' comes from the verb 'bekymre', which was borrowed into Danish from Middle Low German 'bekummeren'.

Original meaning: To trouble, to grieve, or to take care of.

Germanic (Danish, from Low German).

Cultural Context

Expressing concern for others is generally positive, but being 'altid bekymret' (always worried) can be seen as pessimistic.

English speakers often use 'worried' for everything, but Danes might use 'nervøs' for tests and 'bekymret' for health.

Søren Kierkegaard's philosophy of anxiety (angst) is a deeper version of bekymring. Danish news headlines often use 'bekymret' to describe public mood.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the doctor

Jeg er bekymret for mit hjerte.
Er der grund til bekymring?
Lægen ser bekymret ud.
Jeg har været bekymret længe.

At work

Jeg er bekymret for deadline.
Vi er bekymrede over budgettet.
Min chef er bekymret.
Er du bekymret for dit job?

Parenting

Jeg er bekymret for mit barn.
Han er et bekymringsbarn.
Er du bekymret for skolen?
Vi er bekymrede for hans trivsel.

The environment

Mange er bekymrede for klimaet.
Jeg er bekymret over plastik i havet.
Er du bekymret for fremtiden?
Vi bør være bekymrede.

Traveling

Jeg er bekymret for flyet.
Er du bekymret for at fare vild?
Vi er bekymrede over vejret.
Vær ikke bekymret, vi når det.

Conversation Starters

"Hvad er du mest bekymret for i øjeblikket?"

"Er du nogensinde bekymret for fremtiden?"

"Hvad gør du, når du føler dig bekymret?"

"Synes du, at folk er for bekymrede over nyhederne?"

"Er du bekymret for klimaforandringerne?"

Journal Prompts

Skriv om en gang du var meget bekymret. Hvad skete der?

Er der noget i dit liv lige nu, som gør dig bekymret?

Hvordan håndterer du dine bekymringer i hverdagen?

Beskriv en person, du kender, som ofte er bekymret.

Hvad betyder det for dig at være 'ubekymret'?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'bekymret' is the direct translation of 'worried' and is used in almost the same way in Danish as in English. It describes a state of anxiety or concern about something.

You use 'bekymrede' when you are talking about more than one person (plural) or in definite constructions. For example: 'De er bekymrede' or 'De bekymrede forældre'.

'Bekymret for' is usually for people or outcomes (I'm worried for you), while 'bekymret over' is for facts or situations (I'm concerned about the news).

Yes, if you say 'Han kiggede bekymret på mig', you are using it as an adverb to mean 'worriedly'.

It is a neutral to strong word. It's stronger than 'lidt nervøs' but less intense than 'panikslagen' (panic-stricken).

The most common way is 'Vær ikke bekymret' or 'Du skal ikke være bekymret'. You can also say 'Bare rolig'.

The noun is 'en bekymring', which means 'a worry' or 'a concern'.

While English says 'worried about', Danish usually avoids 'om' here. Use 'for' or 'over' instead to sound more natural.

Yes, very often. It is a polite way to signal that there is a problem or a risk that needs to be discussed.

It is a rounded front vowel. Place your tongue as if saying 'ee' but round your lips as if saying 'oo'.