Use 'dem' when referring to multiple people or objects as the object of a sentence.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Used as an object pronoun for multiple people or things.
- Corresponds to the English word 'them'.
- Never used as the subject of a sentence.
Oversigt
'Dem' er flertalsformen af tredje person objekt-pronomen på dansk. Det svarer til det engelske 'them'. Når man taler om en gruppe mennesker eller genstande, der allerede er introduceret i samtalen, bruger man 'dem' for at undgå gentagelser af navne eller substantiver. 2) Brugsmønstre: 'Dem' placeres typisk efter verbet eller efter en præposition. Eksempelvis: 'Jeg ser dem' (efter verbet) eller 'Jeg købte gaven til dem' (efter præpositionen). Det er vigtigt at bemærke, at 'dem' aldrig bruges som subjekt (grundled) i en sætning; her skal man bruge 'de'. 3) Almindelige kontekster: Ordet bruges i næsten alle dagligdagssituationer, uanset om man taler om venner, kolleger eller genstande. Det er et fundamentalt ord for at opretholde flydende kommunikation, da det binder sætninger sammen ved at henvise tilbage til tidligere emner. 4) Sammenligning: 'Dem' forveksles ofte med 'de'. 'De' bruges kun som subjekt (f.eks. 'De spiser'), mens 'dem' bruges som objekt (f.eks. 'Jeg ser dem'). En anden vigtig distinktion er 'deres', som er ejestedordet (possessivt pronomen), der indikerer ejerskab, hvorimod 'dem' blot refererer til selve personerne eller tingene.
Examples
Jeg ser dem i parken.
everydayI see them in the park.
Vi har inviteret dem til mødet.
formalWe have invited them to the meeting.
Hvor er de? Jeg kan ikke finde dem.
informalWhere are they? I can't find them.
Dataene viser, at dem, der læser mest, lærer hurtigst.
academicThe data shows that those who read most learn fastest.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Hvad med dem?
What about them?
Jeg kender dem godt
I know them well
Giv dem besked
Let them know
Often Confused With
Used as the subject of a sentence (they). 'Dem' is the object (them).
The possessive form meaning 'their' or 'theirs'. It indicates ownership.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Use 'dem' only as an object pronoun. It is neutral in register. Ensure you distinguish it from the subject pronoun 'de' to maintain correct grammar.
Common Mistakes
The most common error is using 'dem' as a subject. For example, saying 'Dem spiser' is incorrect; it should be 'De spiser'. Always check if the pronoun is performing the action or receiving it.
Tips
Subject vs Object distinction
Remember the rule: 'De' does the action, 'dem' receives the action. Think of 'dem' as the target of the verb.
Avoid using dem as subject
A very common mistake is using 'dem' at the start of a sentence. Always use 'de' if they are the ones doing the action.
Formal address history
In old Danish, 'Dem' was used for formal address. Today, this is extremely rare and mostly seen in very old literature.
Word Origin
Derived from Old Norse 'þeim', which was the dative case of the pronoun for 'they'. It has evolved through Middle Danish to the modern form used today.
Cultural Context
In modern Danish, the distinction between 'de' and 'dem' is strictly grammatical. Unlike some languages, there is no social hierarchy attached to these pronouns today.
Memory Tip
Remember: 'De' does the deed, 'dem' is the victim of the verb. If they are the subject, use 'de'!
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsDu bruger 'de', når personerne udfører handlingen (subjekt), og 'dem', når handlingen bliver udført på dem (objekt).
Ja, 'dem' kan bruges om både mennesker og genstande i flertal.
Historisk blev 'Dem' brugt som høflig tiltale i ental, men i moderne dansk bruges det næsten udelukkende som flertals-objekt.
Det placeres typisk efter verbet eller efter en præposition, ligesom 'mig' eller 'ham'.
Test Yourself
Jeg kan godt lide ___.
Da 'dem' modtager handlingen fra 'kan lide', skal det være objektformen.
___ kommer til middag i aften.
Her er der tale om subjektet, der udfører handlingen 'at komme'.
gav / jeg / dem / bogen
Sætningen følger dansk ordstilling: subjekt, verbum, indirekte objekt (dem), direkte objekt.
Score: /3
Summary
Use 'dem' when referring to multiple people or objects as the object of a sentence.
- Used as an object pronoun for multiple people or things.
- Corresponds to the English word 'them'.
- Never used as the subject of a sentence.
Subject vs Object distinction
Remember the rule: 'De' does the action, 'dem' receives the action. Think of 'dem' as the target of the verb.
Avoid using dem as subject
A very common mistake is using 'dem' at the start of a sentence. Always use 'de' if they are the ones doing the action.
Formal address history
In old Danish, 'Dem' was used for formal address. Today, this is extremely rare and mostly seen in very old literature.
Examples
4 of 4Jeg ser dem i parken.
I see them in the park.
Vi har inviteret dem til mødet.
We have invited them to the meeting.
Hvor er de? Jeg kan ikke finde dem.
Where are they? I can't find them.
Dataene viser, at dem, der læser mest, lærer hurtigst.
The data shows that those who read most learn fastest.
