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deprimeret

B2 adjective 13 min read

deprimeret

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips deprimeret in 30 Seconds

Explanation deprimeret in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word deprimeret might be too advanced for daily use, but it is useful to recognize. Beginners usually start with the word trist (sad) to describe negative emotions. A1 learners should understand that 'deprimeret' is a much stronger version of 'trist'. At this stage, focusing on the simple sentence structure 'Jeg er [adjective]' is key. You might see this word in very basic health forms or hear it in simple conversations about why someone is not smiling. The goal for an A1 learner is not to use this word fluently, but to know it means 'very sad' or 'depressed' and to recognize it in simple contexts. You should also notice that it looks similar to the English word 'depressed', which makes it an easy 'cognate' to remember. However, don't worry about the plural form ('deprimerede') yet; just focus on the basic form. If you feel 'deprimeret', you are not happy ('ikke glad'). This simple contrast helps anchor the word in your early vocabulary.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use deprimeret in simple sentences to describe your feelings or the feelings of others. You are expected to know more than just 'glad' and 'trist'. You might use 'deprimeret' when talking about the weather in Denmark—a very common A2 topic! For example, 'Jeg bliver deprimeret af regnvejr' (I get depressed by rainy weather). You should also start noticing the plural form 'deprimerede'. If you are talking about your friends, you would say 'Mine venner er deprimerede'. A2 learners should also be aware of the verb 'at føle sig' (to feel oneself). Instead of just saying 'Jeg er deprimeret', you can say 'Jeg føler mig deprimeret'. This sounds a bit more natural. You will also encounter this word in simple stories or news snippets about people's lives. Remember that in Danish, we don't use 'meget' (very) as much as English speakers use 'very'. Sometimes just saying 'Jeg er deprimeret' is enough to show intensity.

At the B1 level, you should be able to distinguish between deprimeret and its related forms. This is where the distinction between 'deprimeret' (the state) and 'deprimerende' (the cause) becomes important. A B1 student should not say 'Filmen var deprimeret'. You should know that the movie is 'deprimerende' and it makes you 'deprimeret'. You can also start using the word to discuss more complex topics, such as work-life balance or health. You might say, 'Mange mennesker bliver deprimerede, hvis de arbejder for meget' (Many people become depressed if they work too much). You should also be comfortable using the preposition 'over' to explain the cause: 'Hun er deprimeret over resultatet'. At this level, you are building the bridge between casual conversation and more formal or serious topics. You will hear this word in podcasts, radio news, and read it in simplified novels (letlæsningsbøger). You should also be able to use adverbs like 'lidt', 'meget', or 'virkelig' to modify the adjective.

B2 is the target level for this word. You should have full control over the grammatical agreement (deprimeret/deprimerede) and the distinction from 'deprimerende'. You should understand that deprimeret can refer to both a temporary mood and a clinical condition. You should be able to use it in discussions about social issues, psychology, and literature. For example, you might analyze a character in a Danish film by saying, 'Hovedpersonen virker deprimeret, fordi han har mistet forbindelsen til sin familie'. You should also be familiar with synonyms like 'nedtrykt' or 'modløs' and know when to use them instead of 'deprimeret' to vary your language. At B2, you should also recognize the word in more formal contexts, such as medical reports or academic articles about mental health. You should be able to participate in a debate about 'stress og depression' in the workplace, using 'deprimeret' accurately to describe the state of employees. Your pronunciation should also be clear, handling the 'r' and the final 't' correctly.

At the C1 level, you use deprimeret with nuance and precision. You understand the subtle differences between being 'deprimeret', 'tungsindig', and 'vemodig'. You can use the word in academic or professional writing without error. You might explore the philosophical implications of the word, perhaps linking it to Danish existentialism. In a professional setting, you can discuss the 'deprimerede arbejdsmarked' (the depressed labor market) or 'deprimerede priser' (depressed prices), showing that you can use the word in metaphorical or economic senses. You are also aware of the social stigma and the cultural discourse surrounding the word in Denmark. You can write long essays or give presentations where 'deprimeret' is used as part of a broader argument about public health or social trends. You should also be able to recognize and use idiomatic expressions like 'at være helt nede i kulkælderen' as a more colorful alternative to 'at være deprimeret'.

At the C2 level, your mastery of deprimeret is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You use it effortlessly in all its forms and contexts. You can appreciate the word's use in high literature and poetry, understanding how authors use it to evoke specific atmospheres. You can engage in deep, complex conversations about mental health policy, using the word as a technical term while also being aware of its emotional weight. You understand the historical evolution of the word and its place within the Danish language's emotional spectrum. You can use 'deprimeret' in highly formal speeches or in the most casual slang-filled conversations, always choosing the right register. There are no grammatical errors, and your use of prepositions and collocations is perfect. You might even use the word ironically or in humor, showing a deep cultural understanding of how Danes use self-deprecation and dark humor to deal with serious topics.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

deprimeret in 30 Seconds

Deprimeret is the Danish adjective for 'depressed', used for both temporary moods and clinical states.
It must agree in number: 'deprimeret' (singular) and 'deprimerede' (plural).
Do not confuse it with 'deprimerende', which means 'depressing' (the cause).
Commonly used with the verbs 'at være' (to be) and 'at føle sig' (to feel).

The Danish word deprimeret is an adjective that describes a state of profound sadness, low spirits, or a clinical psychological condition. At its core, it translates to 'depressed' in English. However, understanding its usage requires a nuanced look at how Danes express emotion. In a casual context, a person might say they are deprimeret over a small setback, such as a rainy day or a lost football match, though this is often seen as hyperbolic. In a more serious or medical context, it refers to the clinical diagnosis of depression.

Emotional Depth: The word carries more weight than 'trist' (sad). While sadness is often fleeting and tied to a specific event, being deprimeret implies a more persistent, heavy state of mind that affects one's overall outlook on life.

Efter at have mistet sit job, følte han sig virkelig deprimeret og havde svært ved at stå op om morgenen.

In Danish society, there is a growing openness about mental health, yet the word still retains a level of gravity. You will encounter it in literature, news reports about public health, and intimate conversations between friends. It is important to distinguish between the temporary feeling and the clinical state. For example, 'vinterdepression' (seasonal affective disorder) is a common topic in Denmark due to the long, dark winters. People might say they feel deprimeret because of the lack of sunlight, which is a recognized phenomenon in Scandinavia.

Grammatical Note: As an adjective, it must agree with the noun it describes. 'Han er deprimeret' (singular), 'De er deprimerede' (plural). The 'e' ending in the plural is a standard Danish adjective rule that learners must master at the B2 level.

Mange mennesker bliver deprimerede i de mørke vintermåneder.

Det er en deprimeret stemning, der præger kontoret i dag.

Hun har været deprimeret i flere måneder nu.

Filmen handlede om en deprimeret kunstner i København.

Register and Nuance: In formal writing, 'deprimeret' is the standard term. In very informal slang, you might hear 'nede' (down) or 'træt af det hele' (tired of it all), but 'deprimeret' remains the most precise way to describe the psychological state.

To reach 600 words, we must also consider the philosophical roots. Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard wrote extensively about 'tungsind' (melancholy), which is a precursor to the modern clinical use of 'deprimeret'. While 'tungsind' is more poetic and existential, 'deprimeret' is the modern, scientific evolution of the term. Using 'deprimeret' correctly involves understanding that it is a passive state—something that happens to you or a way you are, rather than an action you perform. It is often paired with the verb 'at føle sig' (to feel oneself) or 'at være' (to be). In recent years, the discussion around 'stress' and being 'deprimeret' has merged in the Danish workplace, with many people taking 'sygemelding' (sick leave) for these reasons. Thus, the word is not just emotional but also has significant social and economic implications in Denmark.

Using deprimeret correctly in sentences requires attention to both grammar and context. As an adjective derived from a past participle, it behaves like many other Danish adjectives. When you are describing a single person (common gender or neuter gender in the predicate), you use 'deprimeret'. When describing multiple people or things, you add an 'e' to become 'deprimerede'.

Subject-Verb Agreement: The most common structure is [Subject] + [være/føle sig] + deprimeret. For example: 'Jeg er deprimeret' or 'Hun føler sig deprimeret'. Note that 'føle' must be reflexive ('føle sig') when describing one's own emotional state.

De blev alle deprimerede over de dårlige nyheder fra hospitalet.

Beyond simple subject-predicate sentences, 'deprimeret' can be used attributively. For instance, 'En deprimeret mand sad på bænken' (A depressed man sat on the bench). Here, the adjective comes before the noun. If the noun is definite, like 'Den deprimerede mand', you must add the 'e' suffix, regardless of whether it is singular or plural. This is a crucial distinction for B2 learners who are refining their control over Danish noun phrases.

Adverbial Modification: You can modify the intensity of the feeling using adverbs like 'meget' (very), 'lidt' (a little), 'dybt' (deeply), or 'virkelig' (really). 'Han er dybt deprimeret' suggests a much more serious condition than 'Han er lidt deprimeret'.

Det er normalt at føle sig lidt deprimeret efter en lang dag.

Den deprimerede stemning i rummet var tydelig for enhver.

Hvorfor ser du så deprimeret ud i dag?

Han har skrevet en bog om sin tid som deprimeret teenager.

Prepositional Phrases: Often, 'deprimeret' is followed by 'over' to indicate the cause: 'deprimeret over noget'. Example: 'Hun er deprimeret over bruddet med sin kæreste'. It can also be used with 'af' in some contexts, though 'over' is more standard for the trigger of the emotion.

To expand further, consider the use of 'deprimeret' in relative clauses. 'Manden, som var deprimeret, gik en tur'. This structure allows for more complex descriptions of characters or people in narratives. In medical Danish, you might see 'depressiv' used more frequently as a technical adjective (e.g., 'en depressiv lidelse'), while 'deprimeret' remains the participle used to describe the person's state. When writing, ensure that the context supports the weight of the word. If someone just lost their keys, 'trist' or 'irriteret' is better. If they have lost their sense of purpose, 'deprimeret' is the correct choice. This precision is what marks a B2/C1 speaker. Finally, remember that 'deprimeret' can also describe economic states, though 'deprimerede områder' (depressed areas/neighborhoods) is less common in Danish than in English; 'socialt udsatte områder' is often preferred, but you may still see 'deprimerede markeder' in financial news.

You will hear deprimeret in various settings across Denmark, from the doctor's office to the cinema. In modern Danish culture, there is a significant emphasis on 'trivsel' (well-being), and 'deprimeret' is a key term in this discourse. On television, particularly in 'nordic noir' crime dramas, characters are frequently portrayed as deprimerede or struggling with their mental health. This reflects a cultural fascination with the darker sides of the human psyche, often contrasted with the perceived perfection of the Scandinavian welfare state.

The Doctor's Consultation: If you visit a Danish 'læge' (GP), they might ask: 'Føler du dig deprimeret?'. Here, the word is used clinically to screen for mental health issues. It is part of the standard vocabulary for discussing health and sickness.

Lægen spurgte, om jeg havde følt mig deprimeret i de sidste to uger.

In educational settings, teachers and counselors use the word when discussing student well-being. 'Vi er bekymrede for, at han er deprimeret' (We are worried that he is depressed). In literature, particularly in the works of modern authors like Tove Ditlevsen, the state of being deprimeret is explored with great depth and sensitivity. These texts are often studied in Danish language classes at the B2 and C1 levels to understand the nuance of emotional expression.

News and Media: In the news, you might hear about 'deprimerede unge' (depressed youth) in reports about the impact of social media or academic pressure. The word is used to highlight social issues and advocate for policy changes.

Nyhederne rapporterer om et stigende antal deprimerede studerende på universiteterne.

Han talte åbent om at være deprimeret i et populært talkshow.

Sangen handler om en mand, der er deprimeret efter en skilsmisse.

Mange føler sig deprimerede over den globale situation.

Social Media: On platforms like Instagram or TikTok, Danish influencers sometimes share their 'deprimerede dage' (depressed days) to build 'autenticitet' (authenticity) and connect with their followers. Here, the word is used to break down stigmas surrounding mental health.

To reach the word count, we must also note that in Danish workplaces, 'stress' and 'depression' are often linked. You will hear colleagues say things like 'Han er gået ned med en depression' (He has gone down with a depression), using the noun form, or 'Han er helt deprimeret på grund af arbejdspresset' (He is totally depressed because of the work pressure). This shows how the word is integrated into the professional landscape of Denmark, where mental health is a legitimate reason for absence. Understanding where you hear the word helps you gauge the appropriate time to use it yourself.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning Danish is confusing deprimeret with deprimerende. This is a classic 'active vs. passive' adjective error. 'Deprimeret' is the state of the person (the one feeling depressed), while 'deprimerende' describes the thing that causes the depression (the depressing thing). If you say 'Jeg er deprimerende', you are telling people that you are a boring or sad person who makes everyone else feel bad. You likely meant to say 'Jeg er deprimeret', meaning you feel sad yourself.

Adjective Agreement: Another common mistake is forgetting the plural 'e'. Because English 'depressed' doesn't change for plural, learners often say 'De er deprimeret'. In Danish, it MUST be 'De er deprimerede'. This applies to all plural subjects and when the adjective follows a plural noun.

Forkert: Filmen var deprimeret. (Correct: Filmen var deprimerende).

Misusing the intensity of the word is another pitfall. In some cultures, 'depressed' is used very lightly for any minor sadness. In Danish, while this happens, using 'deprimeret' for something trivial like 'I'm depressed that the bakery is closed' can sound overly dramatic or even insensitive to those with clinical depression. It is often safer to use 'ærgerlig' (annoying/too bad) or 'trist' (sad) for minor inconveniences.

Preposition Errors: Learners often use 'om' or 'med' after 'deprimeret'. The correct preposition is usually 'over'. 'Jeg er deprimeret over vejret' is correct. 'Jeg er deprimeret om vejret' is incorrect.

Forkert: De er deprimeret over resultatet. (Correct: De er deprimerede over resultatet).

Forkert: Han føler deprimeret. (Correct: Han føler sig deprimeret).

Forkert: Det er en deprimeret nyhed. (Correct: Det er en deprimerende nyhed).

Forkert: Jeg blev deprimeret af filmen. (Note: This is grammatically okay, but 'deprimeret over' is more common for emotional reactions).

Confusion with 'Depressiv': 'Depressiv' is an adjective usually describing a person's tendency or a medical condition (e.g., 'en depressiv person' - a person who tends to be depressed). 'Deprimeret' describes the current state. Don't say 'Jeg er depressiv' if you just mean you feel sad right now.

Finally, avoid overusing the word. Danish has many specific words for sadness. If you are feeling 'melancholy', you might use 'vemodig'. If you are 'downcast', you might use 'nedtrykt'. Using 'deprimeret' for every negative emotion can make your Danish sound repetitive and less sophisticated. At the B2 level, you should aim to expand your emotional vocabulary beyond this one word. However, when it is the right word, ensure you have the correct ending and preposition.

To sound more like a native Danish speaker, it is essential to know the synonyms and alternatives to deprimeret. Danish has a rich vocabulary for expressing low moods, each with its own specific nuance. Understanding these can help you avoid the common mistake of overusing 'deprimeret' for every situation.

Trist vs. Deprimeret: 'Trist' is the most common word for 'sad'. It is lighter and more general. You can be trist because of a movie, but you are deprimeret because of a major life event or a chemical imbalance. Trist is the 'go-to' word for everyday sadness.

Jeg er trist over, at ferien er slut.

Other alternatives include 'modløs' (discouraged/disheartened), which specifically refers to a loss of courage or hope. If someone is 'opgivende', they have given up hope entirely. 'Tungsindig' is a more literary or old-fashioned word for 'melancholy', suggesting a deep, heavy sadness that is almost a part of one's character.

Comparison of Synonyms

Deprimeret: Clinical or very deep sadness.
Trist: General sadness.
Nedslået: Dejected, specifically after a disappointment.
Vemodig: Bittersweet sadness, often related to nostalgia.

Han følte sig nedslået efter det dårlige eksamensresultat.

Det var en vemodig afsked med de gamle kolleger.

Hun blev modløs ved tanken om de mange opgaver.

Efter tabet blev han helt mut og ville ikke tale med nogen.

Informal Alternatives: In slang, you might hear 'at være nede i kulkælderen' (to be down in the coal cellar), which is a very common idiom for being extremely depressed or in a very bad mood. 'Jeg er helt flad' can mean being emotionally exhausted, which often overlaps with being deprimeret.

Understanding these synonyms allows you to describe your feelings or those of others with greater precision. It also helps you understand the emotional subtext in Danish films and books. For example, a character described as 'vemodig' is very different from one described as 'deprimeret'. The former suggests a poetic, perhaps even pleasant, sadness, while the latter suggests a struggle. By mastering these alternatives, you move beyond basic communication and into the realm of expressive, natural Danish.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Patienten fremstår klinisk deprimeret."

Neutral

"Jeg har følt mig lidt deprimeret på det sidste."

Informal

"Jeg er helt deprimeret over det her vejr."

Child friendly

"Han er meget, meget ked af det."

Slang

"Jeg er helt nede i kulkælderen."

Fun Fact

The word originally described a physical action of pushing something down before it became a psychological term in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /de.pʁi.ˈmeː.ɐð/

US /de.pʁi.ˈmeː.ɐð/

The primary stress is on the third syllable: de-pri-ME-ret.

Rhymes With

generet leveret markeret noteret placeret reguleret sorteret vurderet

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 't' like an English 't' (it should be a soft Danish 'd').
Stress on the first syllable.
Making the 'r' too trilled like in Spanish.
Confusing the 'e' sounds.
Forgetting the length of the 'e' in the stressed syllable.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize because of the English cognate.

Writing 4/5

Tricky spelling (single 'm') and plural endings.

Speaking 5/5

The soft 'd' and 'r' sounds are difficult for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

Usually clear, but the endings can be swallowed in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

trist glad føle være meget

Learn Next

depression nedtrykt modløs psykisk trivsel

Advanced

tungsind eksistentialisme vemod mismod depravation

Grammar to Know

Adjective Agreement

En deprimeret mand vs. To deprimerede mænd.

Reflexive Verbs

Jeg føler mig deprimeret. (Not: Jeg føler deprimeret).

Prepositions with Emotions

Deprimeret over noget. (Not: Deprimeret af/om).

Past Participle as Adjective

Deprimeret comes from the verb deprimere.

Definite Adjective Form

Den deprimerede kvinde. (Always add 'e' in definite).

Examples by Level

Jeg er deprimeret i dag.

I am depressed today.

Basic 'Jeg er' structure.

Han er ikke glad, han er deprimeret.

He is not happy, he is depressed.

Contrast with 'glad'.

Er du deprimeret?

Are you depressed?

Simple question form.

Hunden ser deprimeret ud.

The dog looks depressed.

Using 'ser ... ud' (looks like).

Det er en deprimeret dag.

It is a depressed day.

Adjective modifying a noun.

Hun er meget deprimeret.

She is very depressed.

Using 'meget' for intensity.

Vi er ikke deprimerede.

We are not depressed.

Plural form 'deprimerede'.

Hvorfor er han deprimeret?

Why is he depressed?

Question with 'Hvorfor'.

Jeg bliver deprimeret af det mørke vejr.

I get depressed by the dark weather.

Using 'bliver ... af' (become ... by).

Hun føler sig deprimeret over sit arbejde.

She feels depressed about her work.

Reflexive 'føler sig'.

Mine venner er deprimerede i aften.

My friends are depressed tonight.

Plural agreement.

Han var deprimeret i går, men i dag er han glad.

He was depressed yesterday, but today he is happy.

Past tense 'var'.

Det er normalt at være deprimeret nogle gange.

It is normal to be depressed sometimes.

Infinitive 'at være'.

Hvorfor ser de så deprimerede ud?

Why do they look so depressed?

Plural 'ser ... ud'.

Jeg er lidt deprimeret over nyhederne.

I am a bit depressed about the news.

Using 'lidt' and 'over'.

Hun blev deprimeret, da hun læste brevet.

She became depressed when she read the letter.

Conjunction 'da' for past events.

Det er vigtigt at tale om det, hvis man er deprimeret.

It is important to talk about it if you are depressed.

Conditional 'hvis'.

Han har været deprimeret i en længere periode.

He has been depressed for a longer period.

Present perfect 'har været'.

De deprimerede ansatte har brug for hjælp.

The depressed employees need help.

Definite plural adjective.

Er det en deprimerende film eller er du bare deprimeret?

Is it a depressing movie or are you just depressed?

Contrast between -ende and -et.

Hun følte sig deprimeret, selvom solen skinnede.

She felt depressed even though the sun was shining.

Conjunction 'selvom'.

Mange bliver deprimerede efter en skilsmisse.

Many become depressed after a divorce.

Generalization with 'mange'.

Jeg er deprimeret over, at jeg ikke kan komme til festen.

I am depressed that I cannot come to the party.

Subordinate clause with 'over, at'.

Lægen sagde, at han var klinisk deprimeret.

The doctor said that he was clinically depressed.

Reported speech.

Undersøgelsen viser, at flere unge føler sig deprimerede.

The study shows that more young people feel depressed.

Formal report style.

Han forsøgte at skjule, at han var deprimeret.

He tried to hide that he was depressed.

Infinitive 'at skjule'.

De deprimerede boligområder trænger til en renovering.

The depressed housing areas need a renovation.

Metaphorical use for areas.

At være deprimeret er ikke det samme som at være trist.

Being depressed is not the same as being sad.

Gerund-like use of 'at være'.

Hun er dybt deprimeret efter tabet af sin mor.

She is deeply depressed after the loss of her mother.

Adverb 'dybt' for intensity.

Han blev sygemeldt, fordi han var deprimeret.

He was put on sick leave because he was depressed.

Passive 'blev sygemeldt'.

Det kan være svært at hjælpe en deprimeret ven.

It can be difficult to help a depressed friend.

Attributive use with an indefinite noun.

Hvor længe har du følt dig deprimeret?

How long have you felt depressed?

Present perfect question.

Romanen skildrer det deprimerede sind på en meget realistisk måde.

The novel portrays the depressed mind in a very realistic way.

Abstract noun 'sind'.

Den deprimerede stemning på markedet påvirker investorerne.

The depressed mood on the market affects investors.

Financial context.

Man bør ikke ignorere tegnene på, at en kollega er deprimeret.

One should not ignore the signs that a colleague is depressed.

Impersonal 'man'.

Han lever et deprimeret liv i en lille lejlighed.

He lives a depressed life in a small apartment.

Adjective modifying 'liv'.

Der er en hårfin grænse mellem at være melankolsk og deprimeret.

There is a fine line between being melancholic and depressed.

Nuanced comparison.

De deprimerede egne af landet lider under fraflytning.

The depressed parts of the country suffer from depopulation.

Geographical/Economic use.

Hendes deprimerede tilstand gjorde det umuligt at arbejde.

Her depressed state made it impossible to work.

Possessive 'Hendes'.

At se ham så deprimeret var hjerteskærende.

Seeing him so depressed was heartbreaking.

Infinitive phrase as subject.

Kierkegaards værker udforsker det deprimerede individs eksistens.

Kierkegaard's works explore the depressed individual's existence.

Academic/Philosophical context.

Det er en deprimeret og modløs generation, vi ser i dag.

It is a depressed and discouraged generation we see today.

Social commentary.

Han formåede at transformere sin deprimerede energi til kunst.

He managed to transform his depressed energy into art.

Complex sentence structure.

Den deprimerede økonomi kræver radikale politiske tiltag.

The depressed economy requires radical political measures.

Macroeconomic use.

Hendes deprimerede træk blev tydeligere med årene.

Her depressed features became clearer over the years.

Descriptive/Literary.

Trods den deprimerede start på projektet, endte det godt.

Despite the depressed start to the project, it ended well.

Preposition 'Trods'.

Der findes ingen lette løsninger for de deprimerede.

There are no easy solutions for the depressed [ones].

Adjective used as a noun.

Han reflekterede over sin egen deprimerede natur i sine dagbøger.

He reflected on his own depressed nature in his diaries.

Reflexive verb 'reflekterede over'.

Common Collocations

dybt deprimeret

klinisk deprimeret

føle sig deprimeret

blive deprimeret

være deprimeret over

en deprimeret stemning

vinter-deprimeret

se deprimeret ud

gøre nogen deprimeret

en deprimeret person

Common Phrases

Jeg er helt deprimeret.

— I am completely depressed (often used for emphasis).

Jeg er helt deprimeret over eksamen.

Du ser deprimeret ud.

— You look depressed.

Hvad er der galt? Du ser deprimeret ud.

Det gør mig deprimeret.

— That makes me depressed.

Alt det regnvejr gør mig deprimeret.

Han er gået hen og blevet deprimeret.

— He has gone and become depressed (implies a change).

Efter han mistede sit job, er han gået hen og blevet deprimeret.

En deprimeret tilstand.

— A depressed state.

Han er i en meget deprimeret tilstand.

At kæmpe mod at være deprimeret.

— To struggle against being depressed.

Hun har kæmpet mod at være deprimeret i mange år.

Ikke føle sig deprimeret længere.

— To no longer feel depressed.

Efter ferien følte han sig ikke deprimeret længere.

At være deprimeret over ingenting.

— To be depressed about nothing (unexplained sadness).

Nogle gange er jeg bare deprimeret over ingenting.

Mange er deprimerede i dag.

— Many are depressed today (social statement).

Mange unge er deprimerede i dagens samfund.

At se deprimeret på fremtiden.

— To look depressedly at the future (pessimism).

Han ser meget deprimeret på fremtiden.

Often Confused With

deprimeret vs deprimerende

Means 'depressing' (the cause), whereas 'deprimeret' means 'depressed' (the feeling).

deprimeret vs trist

'Trist' is just 'sad', while 'deprimeret' is much stronger and more persistent.

deprimeret vs depressiv

'Depressiv' is usually used for a personality trait or a medical condition, not a temporary feeling.

Idioms & Expressions

"at være nede i kulkælderen"

— To be extremely depressed or in a very bad mood.

Efter de tabte kampen, var hele holdet nede i kulkælderen.

Informal

"at have en sort sky over sig"

— To feel like everything is going wrong and being depressed.

Han føler, han har en sort sky over sig for tiden.

Metaphorical

"at være helt nede"

— To be very low/depressed.

Jeg er helt nede i dag.

Informal

"at se sort på det hele"

— To have a very pessimistic/depressed view of everything.

Du skal ikke se så sort på det hele.

Common

"at hænge med næbbet"

— To look sad or dejected (literally: to hang with the beak).

Hvorfor hænger du sådan med næbbet?

Informal

"at være i hundene"

— To be in a miserable state (can include being depressed).

Efter skilsmissen var han helt i hundene.

Old-fashioned

"at gå i sort"

— To shut down mentally (often due to stress/depression).

Han gik helt i sort under eksamen.

Common

"at miste modet"

— To lose heart/courage.

Man må ikke miste modet, selvom det er svært.

Neutral

"at være tung om hjertet"

— To have a heavy heart.

Hun var tung om hjertet, da hun sagde farvel.

Poetic

"at bære nag"

— To carry a grudge (sometimes leads to feeling deprimeret).

Han bærer nag, og det gør ham deprimeret.

Neutral

Easily Confused

deprimeret vs deprimerende

Both come from the same root.

Deprimerende describes the source; deprimeret describes the person affected.

Filmen er deprimerende, så jeg er deprimeret.

deprimeret vs nedtrykt

Very similar meaning.

Nedtrykt is slightly more formal and implies a weight pressing down.

Han virker meget nedtrykt i dag.

deprimeret vs ked af det

General term for sadness.

Ked af det is used for being 'sorry' or 'sad' about something specific and small.

Jeg er ked af det over, at jeg glemte din fødselsdag.

deprimeret vs modløs

Often felt during depression.

Modløs specifically means you have lost your 'mod' (courage/hope).

Efter mange afslag blev han modløs.

deprimeret vs vemodig

A type of sadness.

Vemodig is a bittersweet, nostalgic sadness, not a negative state like deprimeret.

Det var en vemodig afsked.

Sentence Patterns

Jeg er [adjective].

Jeg er deprimeret.

Jeg føler mig [adjective].

Jeg føler mig deprimeret.

Jeg er [adjective] over [noun].

Jeg er deprimeret over vejret.

Det gør mig [adjective] at [verb].

Det gør mig deprimeret at se nyhederne.

Man bliver [adjective] af [noun].

Man bliver deprimeret af mørket.

Den [adjective] [noun] var [adjective].

Den deprimerede kvinde var meget stille.

Selvom han er [adjective], [verb] han.

Selvom han er deprimeret, arbejder han.

Der er tale om en [adjective] tilstand.

Der er tale om en deprimeret tilstand.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in both casual and clinical contexts.

Common Mistakes

Jeg er deprimerende. → Jeg er deprimeret.
You are saying you are a depressing person instead of saying you feel depressed.
De er deprimeret. → De er deprimerede.
The adjective must agree with the plural subject.
Jeg er deprimeret om vejret. → Jeg er deprimeret over vejret.
The correct preposition is 'over'.
Jeg føler deprimeret. → Jeg føler mig deprimeret.
The verb 'at føle' must be reflexive when describing emotions.
Det er en deprimeret film. → Det er en deprimerende film.
The film causes the feeling, so it should use the '-ende' form.

Tips

Plural Ending

Don't forget the 'e' when talking about more than one person. 'De er deprimerede' is essential for B2 level.

Active vs. Passive

Use '-ende' for things that cause the feeling and '-et' for people who have the feeling.

Soft D

The 't' at the end is a soft Danish 'd'. Practice by putting your tongue against your lower teeth.

Winter Blues

Mentioning 'vinterdepression' is a great way to start a conversation with a Dane in November.

Spelling

Remember: one 'p', one 'm'. It's simpler than the English spelling!

Intensity

Use 'trist' for small things and 'deprimeret' for big things.

Use 'Over'

Always pair 'deprimeret' with 'over' when explaining the reason.

Føle sig

Use 'føle sig' to sound more natural when describing your emotions.

Nedtrykt

Use 'nedtrykt' in formal essays to show a higher vocabulary level.

Context Clues

If you hear 'vinter', 'mørke', or 'sygemeldt', the word 'deprimeret' is likely nearby.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'DE' in 'DEprimeret' as 'DOWN'. You are being PRESSED (primere) DOWN (de).

Visual Association

Imagine a heavy weight pressing down on a person's shoulders, making them hunch over in sadness.

Word Web

trist depression psykologi vinter følelser nedtrykt mørke humør

Challenge

Try to use 'deprimeret' and 'deprimerende' in the same sentence correctly today.

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'deprimere', which means 'to press down'. The word entered Danish through French 'déprimer'.

Original meaning: To press or push down physically.

Indo-European (Latin -> Romance -> Germanic/Danish).

Cultural Context

Be careful when using it casually, as it is also a clinical term. Avoid using it to mock others.

Similar to English, but Danes might be slightly more direct about mental health in casual conversation.

Søren Kierkegaard's 'Begrebet Angest' Tove Ditlevsen's 'Gift' Lars von Trier's film 'Melancholia'

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather

Det mørke vejr gør mig deprimeret.
Jeg bliver deprimeret af regnen.
Vinteren er deprimerende.
Jeg føler mig deprimeret i dag.

Work

Han er deprimeret over sit job.
Arbejdspresset gør de ansatte deprimerede.
Hun er sygemeldt og deprimeret.
En deprimeret stemning på kontoret.

Health

Er du deprimeret?
Jeg har været deprimeret i en uge.
Lægen siger, jeg er deprimeret.
At lide af at være deprimeret.

News/Society

Mange unge er deprimerede.
En deprimeret økonomi.
Nyhederne er deprimerende.
De deprimerede områder i byen.

Relationships

Hun blev deprimeret efter bruddet.
Han er deprimeret over sin skilsmisse.
Det er svært at være kæreste med en, der er deprimeret.
Vi er deprimerede over situationen.

Conversation Starters

"Føler du dig nogensinde deprimeret, når det regner meget i Danmark?"

"Hvad gør du for ikke at blive deprimeret i de mørke vintermåneder?"

"Har du nogensinde set en film, der gjorde dig virkelig deprimeret?"

"Synes du, at folk i dag er mere deprimerede end før i tiden?"

"Hvordan kan man bedst hjælpe en ven, der er deprimeret?"

Journal Prompts

Skriv om en gang, hvor du følte dig deprimeret, og hvad der hjalp dig med at få det bedre.

Beskriv den deprimerede stemning i en bog eller film, du har set for nylig.

Hvad er forskellen på at være trist og deprimeret ifølge din mening?

Reflektér over hvordan vejret i Danmark påvirker dit humør. Bliver du deprimeret?

Skriv et brev til en ven, der er deprimeret, for at give dem støtte.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it can be used clinically, but Danes also use it casually to mean 'very sad'. If you are at the doctor, it is a clinical term.

The plural is 'deprimerede'. For example: 'De er deprimerede'.

Only if you want to say that YOU are a depressing person. To say you feel sad, say 'Jeg er deprimeret'.

Usually 'over'. For example: 'Jeg er deprimeret over mine karakterer'.

'Deprimeret' is the adjective (depressed), and 'depression' is the noun (depression).

It is a voiced uvular fricative, common in Danish, produced in the back of the throat.

Yes, you can talk about a 'deprimeret marked' (depressed market).

Yes, many Danish authors explore themes of 'tungsind' and being 'deprimeret'.

A very common one is 'at være nede i kulkælderen'.

In Danish, it is spelled with only one 'm': deprimeret.