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forbindelse

A1 noun 9 min read

forbindelse

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips forbindelse in 30 Seconds

Explanation forbindelse in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'forbindelse' is most commonly used in two very practical ways: travel and technology. You will learn it as 'en forbindelse' (a connection). Imagine you are at a train station in Denmark. You might need to ask, 'Er der en forbindelse til Odense?' (Is there a connection to Odense?). This is a vital survival phrase. Similarly, when using your phone or laptop, you might say 'Jeg har ingen forbindelse' if the Wi-Fi isn't working. At this stage, don't worry about the complex abstract meanings. Just focus on it as a way to say 'link' or 'connection' for transport and internet. Remember it is an 'en' word: 'en god forbindelse'. You can also use it to describe a phone call: 'Dårlig forbindelse!' (Bad connection!) if the line is crackly.

At the A2 level, you start to expand the use of 'forbindelse' into simple social and professional contexts. You will encounter the very important phrase 'i forbindelse med' (in connection with). For example, 'Jeg ringer i forbindelse med mit arbejde' (I am calling in connection with my work). This allows you to explain the purpose of an action. You also learn the plural form 'forbindelser' to talk about having 'contacts'. 'Han har mange forbindelser i København' (He has many connections in Copenhagen). You should also be able to describe the quality of a connection using basic adjectives: 'en hurtig forbindelse' (a fast connection) or 'en stabil forbindelse' (a stable connection). This level is about moving from purely physical links to using the word to link ideas and people.

At the B1 level, 'forbindelse' becomes a tool for more complex sentence construction and formal communication. You will use 'i den forbindelse' (in that connection/regard) as a transition in both speaking and writing. This helps your Danish sound more cohesive. For example, 'Vi skal flytte til sommer. I den forbindelse leder vi efter et nyt hus' (We are moving this summer. In that connection, we are looking for a new house). You will also encounter 'forbindelse' in news reports and articles, often referring to 'diplomatiske forbindelser' (diplomatic relations) or 'handelsforbindelser' (trade relations). You start to understand the difference between 'forbindelse' and 'sammenhæng' (context), though you might still mix them up occasionally. You also learn compound words like 'internetforbindelse' and 'togforbindelse'.

At the B2 level, you should use 'forbindelse' with nuance and precision. You understand its role in academic and professional discourse. You can discuss the 'kausale forbindelse' (causal connection) between two phenomena. You are comfortable using it in formal letters and emails, such as 'I forbindelse med vores samtale i går...' (Following up on/In connection with our conversation yesterday...). You also begin to recognize more idiomatic or specialized uses, such as 'at sætte i forbindelse med' (to associate/link with). For example, 'Politiet sætter ham i forbindelse med tyveriet' (The police are linking him to the theft). Your grammar is solid, and you correctly apply the V2 rule after phrases like 'I den forbindelse'.

At the C1 level, you use 'forbindelse' effortlessly across all registers. You can distinguish between 'forbindelse', 'relation', 'tilknytning', and 'sammenhæng' with high accuracy. You might use the word in philosophical or highly technical discussions, such as describing 'nerveforbindelser' (neural connections) in the brain or 'logiske forbindelser' in an argument. You are aware of the word's historical and etymological roots, and you can use it to express subtle differences in meaning. For instance, you might discuss the 'manglende forbindelse' (lack of connection) between government policy and public opinion. You also use the word in more literary senses, perhaps describing a 'sjælelig forbindelse' (soulful connection) between characters in a book.

At the C2 level, 'forbindelse' is a word you can manipulate to achieve specific rhetorical effects. You understand its most obscure uses, including its role in complex chemical nomenclature or legal documents. You can use it in highly sophisticated transition phrases to structure long, complex arguments. You might use it in a metaphorical sense that borders on the poetic, or in a highly critical sense to deconstruct an opponent's logic. At this level, you don't just know the word; you know the entire web of associations it carries in Danish culture, from the infrastructure of the country to the way Danes network and build social trust. You can also play with the word in wordplay or advanced puns.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

forbindelse in 30 Seconds

A general word for 'connection' or 'link'.
Used for internet, transport, and social ties.
Crucial in the phrase 'i forbindelse med' (in connection with).
Common gender (en forbindelse).

The Danish word forbindelse is a versatile and essential noun that every learner must master early on. At its core, it refers to a 'connection,' 'link,' or 'bond' between two or more entities. However, its usage spans across various domains, ranging from the physical and technical to the abstract and social. In the most literal sense, it describes a physical link, such as a bridge connecting two islands or a cable connecting a computer to a monitor. In the modern world, you will most frequently encounter it in technical contexts, specifically regarding internet connectivity or phone signals. If your Wi-Fi is down, you lack a internetforbindelse. If you are traveling through a tunnel and your call drops, it is because the forbindelse was lost. Beyond technology, the word is indispensable in the realm of transportation. Denmark, being a nation of islands, relies heavily on togforbindelser (train connections) and færgeforbindelser (ferry connections). When you are at a station, you might ask if there is a 'direkte forbindelse' (direct connection) to your destination. This implies a seamless transition from one point to another without the need for detours. In a social or professional context, forbindelse refers to the ties between people or organizations. Having 'gode forbindelser' (good connections) is often the key to career success in the Danish labor market, which values networking and informal introductions. It can also describe a romantic or illicit 'liaison' in more formal or literary contexts, though this is less common in daily speech. Furthermore, the word is used to describe a logical or causal link between ideas or events. If there is no forbindelse between two facts, they are unrelated. This abstract usage is vital for academic and professional Danish, where you must explain how one concept relates to another.

Technical Context: Used for internet (internetforbindelse), phone signals (mobilforbindelse), and electrical wiring.
Transport Context: Refers to train, bus, or ferry links between geographic locations.
Social Context: Describes relationships, networking, and professional contacts.

Der er ingen forbindelse til serveren lige nu.

Vi har en god forbindelse til København med toget.

Han har mange forbindelser i erhvervslivet.

I den forbindelse vil jeg gerne sige noget.

Kemiske forbindelser kan være farlige.

Using 'forbindelse' correctly requires understanding its role as a common gender noun (en forbindelse) and its frequent appearance in fixed prepositional phrases. The most important phrase to learn is 'i forbindelse med', which translates to 'in connection with' or 'in relation to'. This phrase acts as a transition or a way to provide context. For example, 'I forbindelse med mødet drak vi kaffe' (In connection with the meeting, we drank coffee). It is incredibly common in formal emails, news reports, and business discussions. Another crucial phrase is 'i den forbindelse', which means 'in that regard' or 'in that connection'. It is used to refer back to something previously mentioned. For instance, if you are discussing a new project and want to mention the budget, you might say, 'I den forbindelse skal vi tale om budgettet'. Grammatically, 'forbindelse' follows the standard pattern for Danish nouns ending in -else. The plural is formed by adding -er (forbindelser), and the definite plural is 'forbindelserne'. When describing the quality of a connection, you will use adjectives like 'dårlig' (bad), 'god' (good), 'stabil' (stable), or 'hurtig' (fast). In technical settings, you will often see it paired with verbs like 'at oprette' (to establish), 'at afbryde' (to disconnect/interrupt), or 'at miste' (to lose). For example, 'Vi mistede forbindelsen midt i samtalen' (We lost the connection in the middle of the conversation). In transport, you look for 'skift' (changes) to find your next 'forbindelse'. If a train is delayed and you miss your next leg, you have 'mistet din forbindelse'. In chemistry, 'forbindelse' is the word for a 'compound', such as 'en kemisk forbindelse'. This demonstrates the word's ability to describe things that are fundamentally joined together at a molecular level.

Prepositional Phrases: 'I forbindelse med' is used to link two related events or topics.
Adjective Agreement: Since it is an 'en' word, adjectives remain in their common form: 'en god forbindelse'.
Verbal Pairings: Common verbs include: oprette, afbryde, genskabe (restore), and vedligeholde (maintain).

Jeg skriver til dig i forbindelse med din ansøgning.

Der er en direkte forbindelse mellem rygning og lungekræft.

Kan du tjekke om forbindelsen er tændt?

You will hear 'forbindelse' everywhere in Denmark, from the bustling train stations to the quiet offices of Copenhagen. One of the most common places is on public transport. If you are taking the DSB (Danish State Railways), the automated announcements often mention 'forbindelser til...' followed by a list of cities. If a train is running late, the conductor might apologize because 'passagerer kan miste deres forbindelse' (passengers may miss their connection). In the workplace, 'forbindelse' is a staple of professional jargon. During a meeting, a colleague might say, 'I den forbindelse vil jeg gerne tilføje...' to pivot the conversation to a related point. It sounds professional and helps the flow of discussion. If you are calling a customer service line, you might hear 'Vi stiller dig nu i forbindelse med en medarbejder' (We are now putting you in touch with an employee). In the news, journalists use it to describe diplomatic relations ('forbindelserne mellem Danmark og USA') or to link a suspect to a crime ('politiet har fundet en forbindelse'). Even in casual conversation, if someone is explaining a complex story, you might ask, 'Hvad er forbindelsen?' to understand how the different parts of the story fit together. In the digital age, 'forbindelse' is the word of choice for anyone experiencing tech issues. You'll hear 'Min forbindelse er vildt dårlig' (My connection is really bad) constantly in cafes or shared offices. Finally, in scientific or academic lectures, you will hear it used to describe correlations or chemical structures. Its ubiquity across these diverse fields makes it one of the top 500 most useful nouns in the Danish language. Understanding the context—whether it's a train, a person, or a Wi-Fi router—is key to interpreting its meaning correctly.

Public Transport: Announcements at stations and on trains regarding transfers.
Professional Meetings: Used as a transition phrase to link topics or introduce new information.
News & Media: Reporting on international relations, crime investigations, or scientific findings.

Der er gode forbindelser til Aarhus fra denne perron.

Vi har mistet forbindelsen til vores korrespondent i Berlin.

English speakers often make the mistake of using 'forbindelse' in every situation where they would use 'connection', but Danish has more specific words for certain nuances. One major pitfall is the confusion between 'forbindelse' and 'sammenhæng'. While 'forbindelse' is a general link, 'sammenhæng' specifically refers to 'context' or 'coherence'. For example, if you say 'Jeg forstår ikke forbindelsen', you mean you don't see how two things are linked. But if you say 'Jeg forstår ikke sammenhængen', you mean you don't understand the context or how the whole picture fits together. Another common error is using 'forbindelse' when you should use 'kontakt'. If you want to say 'Get in touch with me', you should say 'Tag kontakt til mig' or 'Kontakt mig', not 'Gør en forbindelse til mig'. 'Forbindelse' implies the state of being connected, while 'kontakt' is the act of reaching out. Furthermore, learners often struggle with the preposition in 'i forbindelse med'. They might try to use 'på' or 'til', but it is always 'i'. Another mistake is related to word order in the phrase 'i den forbindelse'. Since this phrase often starts a sentence, it triggers the V2 rule, meaning the verb must come immediately after the phrase. Wrong: 'I den forbindelse jeg vil sige...'. Correct: 'I den forbindelse vil jeg sige...'. Finally, be careful with the plural. While 'connections' in English can mean 'friends', in Danish 'forbindelser' usually implies professional or influential contacts. If you are talking about close personal friends, just use 'venner'. Using 'forbindelser' for your best friends might make you sound like a networking-obsessed corporate climber!

Forbindelse vs. Sammenhæng: Use 'forbindelse' for links; use 'sammenhæng' for context and coherence.
The V2 Rule: When 'I den forbindelse' starts a sentence, the verb must come second.
Contacting People: Use 'kontakt' for the act of reaching out, not 'forbindelse'.

To sound more like a native speaker, it is helpful to know the synonyms and related terms for 'forbindelse' and when to choose them. 'Kontakt' is the most frequent alternative when referring to social or professional interactions. If you have 'gode kontakter', you have people you can call for help. 'Relation' is used for more formal or abstract relationships, such as 'handelsrelationer' (trade relations) or 'interpersonelle relationer'. While 'forbindelse' can be a one-time link, 'relation' often implies a more enduring state. 'Sammenhæng', as mentioned before, is the go-to word for 'context' or the 'big picture'. If a story doesn't make sense, it lacks 'sammenhæng'. In technical contexts, you might use 'opkobling' specifically for the act of connecting to a network. For example, 'Min opkobling til nettet fejlede'. If you are talking about physical bridges or roads, 'forbindelsesvej' (connecting road) or 'broforbindelse' (bridge connection) are more specific. In chemistry and science, 'binding' is used for the actual bond between atoms, whereas 'forbindelse' is the resulting compound. For example, 'en kovalent binding' (a covalent bond) creates a 'kemisk forbindelse'. Finally, 'lænke' (link/chain) is used for physical chains or, metaphorically, for being 'linked' in a sequence, like 'en lænke i en kæde'. Knowing these distinctions allows you to be precise. If you are talking about a train, use 'forbindelse'. If you are talking about a meaningful human relationship, use 'relation'. If you are talking about why two events happened together, consider 'sammenhæng'.

Sammenhæng: Focuses on how things fit together as a whole (context).
Kontakt: The act of communicating or the person you communicate with.
Relation: Formal or long-term relationships between people or entities.

Der er en klar sammenhæng mellem pris og kvalitet.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"I forbindelse med Deres henvendelse kan vi oplyse følgende..."

Neutral

"Der er en god forbindelse til København."

Informal

"Min forbindelse sutter!"

Child friendly

"Toget hjælper os med at få en forbindelse til mormor."

Slang

"Han har de sygeste forbindelser."

Fun Fact

The root 'binde' is the same as in the English word 'bind'. So 'forbindelse' is literally a 'for-binding'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /fʌˈbenəlsə/

US /fɔrˈbɪnəlsə/

Stress is on the second syllable: for-BIND-else.

Rhymes With

erkendelse bekendelse anvendelse henvendelse udsendelse indsendelse forandring (near rhyme) begyndelse

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'd' too hard (it should be soft or almost silent)
Failing to reduce the final 'e' to a schwa sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'connect'.

Writing 4/5

Tricky to remember the 'i forbindelse med' structure and V2 rule.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation is moderate due to the soft 'd' and 'else' ending.

Listening 3/5

Common in announcements, but can be spoken quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

at binde en vej at bruge god dårlig

Learn Next

sammenhæng kontakt relation at afbryde at oprette

Advanced

kausalitet korrelation infrastruktur netværksdannelse

Grammar to Know

V2 Rule with Introductory Phrases

I den forbindelse *skal* vi (not: vi skal).

Common Gender Noun Inflection

En forbindelse -> forbindelsen -> forbindelser -> forbindelserne.

Compound Noun Formation

Internet + forbindelse = internetforbindelse.

Prepositional Usage of 'I'

Always 'i forbindelse med', never 'på' or 'til'.

Adjective Agreement

En *god* forbindelse (no -t because it is common gender).

Examples by Level

Jeg har en god forbindelse.

I have a good connection.

'Forbindelse' is the object here, modified by the adjective 'god'.

Er der en forbindelse til Odense?

Is there a connection to Odense?

Used in the context of transport/travel.

Min forbindelse er langsom.

My connection is slow.

Subject-verb-adjective structure.

Vi har ingen forbindelse.

We have no connection.

'Ingen' is used for 'no' with common gender nouns.

Hvor er min forbindelse?

Where is my connection?

Possessive pronoun 'min' matches common gender.

En hurtig forbindelse er vigtig.

A fast connection is important.

Adjective 'hurtig' precedes the noun.

Tak for forbindelsen!

Thanks for the connection!

Used here in a slightly more abstract way.

Der er en forbindelse her.

There is a connection here.

'Der er' means 'There is'.

Jeg ringer i forbindelse med jobbet.

I am calling in connection with the job.

The fixed phrase 'i forbindelse med' is introduced.

Han har mange forbindelser.

He has many connections.

Plural form 'forbindelser'.

Vi mistede forbindelsen i går.

We lost the connection yesterday.

Past tense of 'at miste' (to lose).

Er forbindelsen stabil nu?

Is the connection stable now?

Definite form 'forbindelsen'.

Jeg skriver i forbindelse med din mail.

I am writing in connection with your email.

Standard business Danish.

Der er ingen direkte forbindelse.

There is no direct connection.

'Direkte' is an adjective modifying 'forbindelse'.

De har en stærk forbindelse.

They have a strong connection.

Abstract usage for social bonds.

Husk at tjekke din forbindelse.

Remember to check your connection.

Imperative 'husk' (remember).

I den forbindelse vil jeg gerne spørge om noget.

In that connection, I would like to ask something.

Note the V2 word order: phrase + verb + subject.

Der er en forbindelse mellem de to ting.

There is a connection between the two things.

Using 'mellem' (between) to show a link.

Vi arbejder på at forbedre forbindelsen.

We are working on improving the connection.

Gerund-like structure using 'at' + infinitive.

Handelsforbindelserne er blevet stærkere.

The trade relations have become stronger.

Compound noun in definite plural.

Han blev sat i forbindelse med sagen.

He was linked to the case.

Passive construction 'blev sat'.

Det skete i forbindelse med festen.

It happened in connection with the party.

Using the phrase to denote time/event context.

Forbindelsen blev afbrudt pludseligt.

The connection was interrupted suddenly.

Passive voice 'blev afbrudt'.

Har du en god forbindelse til din chef?

Do you have a good connection with your boss?

Abstract social usage.

I forbindelse med renoveringen er huset lukket.

In connection with the renovation, the house is closed.

Formal usage for providing reasons.

Der er en klar årsagsforbindelse.

There is a clear causal connection.

'Årsagsforbindelse' is a compound meaning 'causal link'.

Vi skal styrke vores internationale forbindelser.

We must strengthen our international connections.

'Styrke' (strengthen) is a common verb here.

I den forbindelse er det vigtigt at nævne budgettet.

In that regard, it is important to mention the budget.

Formal transition phrase.

Forbindelsen mellem kost og sundhed er velkendt.

The link between diet and health is well known.

Scientific/General fact statement.

De kriminelle forbindelser blev afsløret.

The criminal connections were revealed.

'Afsløret' means revealed/uncovered.

Opret forbindelse til netværket før du logger ind.

Establish a connection to the network before you log in.

'Opret forbindelse' is the standard phrase for 'connect'.

Hans forbindelser hjalp ham med at få jobbet.

His connections helped him get the job.

Plural 'forbindelser' as 'contacts'.

Forbindelsen mellem teori og praksis er ofte kompleks.

The connection between theory and practice is often complex.

Academic usage.

I forbindelse med lovændringen opstod der debat.

In connection with the change in law, a debate arose.

Formal/Political context.

Der er ingen påviselig forbindelse mellem hændelserne.

There is no provable connection between the events.

'Påviselig' (provable/demonstrable) is advanced vocabulary.

Hun har en dyb spirituel forbindelse til naturen.

She has a deep spiritual connection to nature.

Philosophical/Abstract usage.

Nerveforbindelserne i hjernen udvikles konstant.

The neural connections in the brain are constantly developing.

Scientific/Medical terminology.

I den forbindelse bør vi overveje de etiske konsekvenser.

In that regard, we should consider the ethical consequences.

Advanced rhetorical structure.

Forbindelsen blev genoprettet efter flere timers nedbrud.

The connection was restored after several hours of breakdown.

'Genoprettet' (restored) and 'nedbrud' (breakdown).

Vi må ikke ignorere forbindelsen til fortiden.

We must not ignore the connection to the past.

Metaphorical usage.

Den kausale forbindelse er svær at drage i tvivl.

The causal connection is hard to cast doubt upon.

Highly formal/Academic Danish.

I den forbindelse eksisterer der en række misforståelser.

In that connection, a number of misunderstandings exist.

Sophisticated sentence structure.

Man kan spore en direkte forbindelse til oplysningstiden.

One can trace a direct connection to the Enlightenment.

Historical/Intellectual context.

Der er en uadskillelig forbindelse mellem sprog og kultur.

There is an inseparable connection between language and culture.

'Uadskillelig' (inseparable) is a C2-level adjective.

Forbindelserne i det diplomatiske korps er under pres.

The connections within the diplomatic corps are under pressure.

Nuanced political observation.

I forbindelse med analysen fremkom nye oplysninger.

In connection with the analysis, new information emerged.

Formal report style.

Forbindelsen mellem subjekt og objekt er central i filosofien.

The connection between subject and object is central in philosophy.

Philosophical terminology.

Selskabets forbindelser til skattely blev undersøgt.

The company's connections to tax havens were investigated.

Investigative/Legal context.

Common Collocations

dårlig forbindelse

trådløs forbindelse

direkte forbindelse

i forbindelse med

i den forbindelse

oprette forbindelse

miste forbindelsen

kemisk forbindelse

gode forbindelser

manglende forbindelse

Common Phrases

I forbindelse med

— Used to introduce a topic related to what you are doing.

Jeg ringer i forbindelse med din annonce.

I den forbindelse

— Used to transition to a related point in a conversation.

I den forbindelse skal vi huske budgettet.

Sætte i forbindelse med

— To link someone or something to an event or idea.

Han blev sat i forbindelse med tyveriet.

Uden forbindelse til

— Unrelated to or disconnected from.

Det skete helt uden forbindelse til mit arbejde.

Trådløs forbindelse

— Wireless connection (Wi-Fi).

Har I trådløs forbindelse?

Hurtig forbindelse

— A fast internet or transport link.

Vi har en hurtig forbindelse her.

Dårlig forbindelse

— A bad signal or weak link.

Beklager, der er dårlig forbindelse.

Fast forbindelse

— A fixed link (like a bridge) or a wired connection.

Storebæltsbroen er en fast forbindelse.

Togforbindelse

— A train connection.

Der er en god togforbindelse.

Internetforbindelse

— Internet connection.

Min internetforbindelse er nede.

Often Confused With

forbindelse vs sammenhæng

'Sammenhæng' is context/coherence; 'forbindelse' is a link/connection.

forbindelse vs kontakt

'Kontakt' is the act of communicating; 'forbindelse' is the state of being linked.

forbindelse vs forhold

'Forhold' is a relationship (often romantic); 'forbindelse' is a general connection.

Idioms & Expressions

"At have de rette forbindelser"

— To know the right people to get things done.

Han fik kontrakten, fordi han har de rette forbindelser.

Neutral

"At skabe en forbindelse"

— To establish a rapport or emotional link with someone.

De skabte hurtigt en forbindelse til hinanden.

Neutral

"At være i nær forbindelse med"

— To be closely associated with something.

Projektet er i nær forbindelse med vores strategi.

Formal

"At afbryde forbindelsen"

— To cut ties or hang up the phone.

Hun afbrød forbindelsen helt efter skænderiet.

Neutral

"At stå i forbindelse med"

— To be in contact with or linked to.

Vi står i forbindelse med vores partnere i udlandet.

Formal

"At miste forbindelsen til virkeligheden"

— To lose touch with reality.

Han har helt mistet forbindelsen til virkeligheden.

Metaphorical

"At finde en forbindelse"

— To discover a link between two disparate things.

Detektiven prøver at finde en forbindelse mellem ofrene.

Neutral

"At genoptage forbindelsen"

— To reconnect with someone after a long time.

De genoptog forbindelsen efter tyve år.

Neutral

"At være uden forbindelse"

— To be isolated or lacking a link.

Vi var helt uden forbindelse i bjergene.

Neutral

"At styrke forbindelserne"

— To improve relationships or technical links.

Vi skal styrke forbindelserne til vores kunder.

Professional

Easily Confused

forbindelse vs sammenhæng

Both mean 'connection' in English.

Use 'sammenhæng' for how things fit together logically. Use 'forbindelse' for the link itself.

Der er ingen sammenhæng i hans tale.

forbindelse vs kontakt

Both involve connecting with people.

'Kontakt' is for reaching out. 'Forbindelse' is for having a link.

Tag kontakt til lægen.

forbindelse vs relation

Both mean relationship.

'Relation' is more formal and long-term.

Handelsrelationer.

forbindelse vs bro

A bridge is a type of connection.

'Bro' is the physical object; 'forbindelse' is the link it provides.

Broen skaber en forbindelse.

forbindelse vs link

Used for internet links.

'Link' is specifically for URLs; 'forbindelse' is for the overall signal.

Klik på linket.

Sentence Patterns

Jeg har en [adjective] forbindelse.

Jeg har en dårlig forbindelse.

Jeg ringer i forbindelse med [noun].

Jeg ringer i forbindelse med bilen.

I den forbindelse vil jeg [verb]...

I den forbindelse vil jeg sige hej.

Der er en forbindelse mellem [A] og [B].

Der er en forbindelse mellem rygning og hoste.

Forbindelsen blev [past participle].

Forbindelsen blev genoprettet.

I forbindelse med [noun-phrase] fremkom [noun].

I forbindelse med undersøgelsen fremkom nye beviser.

All

Miste forbindelsen.

Vi mistede forbindelsen.

All

Oprette forbindelse.

Kan du oprette forbindelse?

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very High (Top 500 Danish nouns)

Common Mistakes

Jeg har en god forbindelse med min kæreste. → Jeg har et godt forhold til min kæreste.
'Forbindelse' sounds too technical or formal for a romantic relationship. Use 'forhold'.
I den forbindelse jeg vil sige... → I den forbindelse vil jeg sige...
The V2 rule requires the verb to come after the introductory phrase.
På forbindelse med mødet... → I forbindelse med mødet...
The correct preposition is always 'i'.
Jeg forstår ikke forbindelsen (when meaning context). → Jeg forstår ikke sammenhængen.
'Sammenhæng' is better for 'context' or 'the big picture'.
Giv mig en forbindelse. → Kontakt mig. / Ring til mig.
You can't 'give' a connection in this sense; you make contact.

Tips

Watch the V2 Rule

When you start a sentence with 'I den forbindelse', remember to swap the subject and verb. 'I den forbindelse *er* det...'

Transport Tip

At Danish train stations, look for the word 'forbindelser' on the screens to find your next train.

Email Professionalism

Start your emails with 'Jeg skriver i forbindelse med...' to sound like a native professional.

Wi-Fi Issues

If your Wi-Fi is slow, say 'Min forbindelse er dårlig'. Don't say 'Mit internet er dårligt'—though both are understood, 'forbindelse' is more precise.

Networking

Use 'forbindelser' when talking about your professional network. 'Han har gode forbindelser' is a common compliment for a successful person.

Stress it Right

Always stress the 'BIND' part. for-BIND-else. If you stress the first syllable, people might not understand you.

Preposition Choice

It is always *i* forbindelse med. Never *på* or *til*. This is a very common mistake for learners.

Useful Transition

Use 'I den forbindelse' to sound more fluent when moving between two related points in a conversation.

Chemical Compounds

If you are studying science in Danish, 'forbindelse' is the word for compound. Water (H2O) is a 'forbindelse'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'forbindelse' as 'for-bind-else'. You are 'binding' things together 'for' a purpose.

Visual Association

Imagine a bridge connecting two islands or a Wi-Fi symbol with strong bars.

Word Web

internet tog bro kontakt relation sammenhæng kemi netværk

Challenge

Try to use 'i forbindelse med' in three different sentences today: one about work, one about a hobby, and one about a friend.

Word Origin

Derived from the Middle Low German word 'vorbindinge'.

Original meaning: The act of binding or tying things together.

Germanic (related to German 'Verbindung').

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'forbindelse' to imply a romantic affair unless you mean it; 'forhold' is the standard word for a relationship.

In English, we often use 'connection' for planes. In Danish, 'forbindelse' is used for trains and ferries just as much.

The TV show 'Broen' (The Bridge) is about a physical 'forbindelse' between Denmark and Sweden. DSB (Danish Railways) is the most frequent user of the word. The 'Digital Connection' initiatives in Danish municipalities.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At the train station

Er der en forbindelse?
Hvornår er næste forbindelse?
Jeg har mistet min forbindelse.

In the office

I forbindelse med projektet...
Jeg har mange forbindelser her.
Vi skal oprette en forbindelse.

At home (tech)

Min forbindelse er nede.
Hvad er koden til forbindelsen?
Forbindelsen er meget langsom.

In court/police

Der er en forbindelse til sagen.
Han blev sat i forbindelse med...
Ingen påviselig forbindelse.

Science class

En kemisk forbindelse.
Forbindelsen mellem to atomer.
En stærk binding.

Conversation Starters

"Har du en god internetforbindelse derhjemme?"

"Hvordan er togforbindelsen til din by?"

"Har du mange forbindelser i din branche?"

"Er der en forbindelse mellem lykke og penge?"

"Hvad gør du, hvis du mister forbindelsen i en vigtig samtale?"

Journal Prompts

Beskriv din vigtigste sociale forbindelse.

Skriv om en gang du mistede en vigtig forbindelse (tog eller internet).

Hvorfor er 'forbindelser' vigtige i dit arbejde?

Er der en forbindelse mellem dit humør og vejret?

Hvordan forbedrer vi forbindelsen mellem mennesker i dag?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is possible but formal or old-fashioned. Usually, it implies a 'liaison' or 'affair'. For a normal relationship, use 'forhold'.

'Internetforbindelse' is the connection itself. 'Opkobling' is the act of connecting or the specific setup.

It is an 'en' word: en forbindelse, forbindelsen.

Use the fixed phrase 'i forbindelse med'.

It means 'in that regard' or 'in that connection', used as a transition.

Yes, 'en kemisk forbindelse' is the standard term for a chemical compound.

'Jeg mistede min forbindelse' or 'Jeg mistede forbindelsen'.

Yes, but 'stik' or 'samling' might be used for specific parts. 'Forbindelse' is the overall circuit connection.

It usually refers to a permanent physical link like a bridge or a landline internet connection.

The 'd' in 'forbindelse' is a 'soft d' (blødt d), which sounds like the 'th' in 'weather' but is even subtler in this word.