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A2 adjective 10 min read

forlovet

Examples forlovet in 30 Seconds
Explanation forlovet in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know that 'forlovet' means 'engaged'. It is a word used to describe two people who plan to get married. You might see it on social media or hear it when someone shows you a ring. Focus on the simple phrase 'Jeg er forlovet' (I am engaged) or 'De er forlovet' (They are engaged). You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet. Just remember that it is a happy word about love and future plans. It is like saying you have a very serious boyfriend or girlfriend. If you see a picture of a ring on a finger, the word 'forlovet' is probably nearby. Danish people value these milestones, so it is a good word to know for basic social interactions. You can also learn 'forlovelsesring', which means engagement ring. This is a great word to practice because it is long but made of two simple parts: 'forlovelse' (engagement) and 'ring' (ring). In A1, we keep it simple: 'Er du forlovet?' (Are you engaged?). This is a common question in basic introductions about family and life status. Don't worry about the past tense yet; just focus on the present state of being 'forlovet'.
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At the A2 level, you should start using 'forlovet' with the verbs 'at være' (to be) and 'at blive' (to become). You should know that 'Vi er forlovet' means 'We are engaged' (the state), and 'Vi blev forlovet' means 'We got engaged' (the event). You should also learn the preposition 'med'. For example, 'Hun er forlovet med Peter'. At this level, you can begin to describe your family or friends' relationships. You might say, 'Min søster er blevet forlovet'. You should also be aware of the noun 'en forlovelse' (an engagement). A2 learners should be able to understand simple stories or news about people getting engaged. You can also use the word 'forlovede' to mean 'fiancé' or 'fiancée'. For example: 'Min forlovede bor i København'. This level is about building sentences that describe life events. You can also practice saying how long someone has been engaged: 'De har været forlovet i to år'. This uses the present perfect tense, which is a key A2 skill. Understanding that 'forlovet' is an adjective that describes a person's status is the main goal here. It is a very useful word for talking about personal life and social circles in Denmark.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'forlovet' in more complex sentences and understanding its cultural nuances in Denmark. You should know the reflexive verb 'at forlove sig' (to get engaged/to betroth oneself). For example, 'De forlovede sig under deres ferie i Italien'. You should also understand that 'forlovet' can change to 'forlovede' when it comes before a noun: 'Det forlovede par'. At this level, you can discuss the social implications of being engaged in Denmark, such as the fact that many couples stay engaged for a long time before getting married. You should be able to use the word in the context of 'at hæve en forlovelse' (to break off an engagement). B1 learners should also be able to distinguish between 'forlovet' and other relationship terms like 'samlevende' (cohabiting) or 'fast kæreste' (steady partner). You can start to use the word in hypothetical sentences: 'Hvis vi blev forlovet, ville jeg gerne have en stor fest'. This shows a deeper grasp of Danish grammar. You should also be able to read short articles about celebrity engagements and understand the details, such as where and when it happened. The word 'forlovelsesgave' (engagement gift) might also enter your vocabulary at this stage.
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At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'forlovet' and its related forms. You can use it fluently in discussions about social traditions and legal statuses. You should understand the historical roots of the word and how it differs from the archaic 'trolovet'. At this level, you can use 'forlovet' metaphorically, such as 'Han er forlovet med sin sag' (He is committed/engaged to his cause). You should be able to handle complex grammatical structures, such as using 'forlovet' in passive constructions or as part of a larger adjectival phrase. B2 learners should also be aware of the subtle social signals associated with being 'forlovet' in different parts of Danish society. For example, in some circles, an engagement is a very formal affair, while in others, it is quite casual. You should be able to express these differences in Danish. You can also discuss the history of engagement rings in Denmark and how the traditions have changed over time. Your vocabulary should include terms like 'forlovelsesannoncer' (engagement announcements) and you should be able to write a formal congratulatory note to a couple who has just become 'forlovet'. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a tool for discussing culture and social dynamics.
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At the C1 level, you should be able to use 'forlovet' and its derivatives with native-like precision. This includes understanding the word's placement in formal legal documents, literature, and high-level social commentary. You should be able to analyze the etymology of the word, connecting it to Middle Low German 'vorloven'. You can discuss the legal history of 'forlovelse' in Denmark, including how it was once a much more binding contract than it is today. C1 learners should be able to appreciate the use of 'forlovet' in classical Danish literature, such as the works of Søren Kierkegaard or Hans Christian Andersen, where the concept of being 'forlovet' often carried immense philosophical or social weight. You should also be able to use the word in sophisticated metaphorical contexts with ease. Your ability to distinguish between the various registers—from the slang 'afsat' to the formal 'trolovet'—should be sharp. You can participate in debates about the relevance of marriage and engagement in modern society, using 'forlovet' as a key term. At this level, you should also be comfortable with the most complex grammatical uses, such as 'den forlovedes rettigheder' (the rights of the fiancé), and be able to navigate the nuances of possessive and plural forms in various contexts.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'forlovet' is complete. You understand every subtle connotation, historical echo, and stylistic variation of the word. You can use it in creative writing to evoke specific time periods or social classes. You are aware of how the word 'forlovet' has evolved through the centuries and can discuss its relationship to other Germanic languages. You can interpret the most complex legal texts regarding 'forlovelse' and understand the implications of historical laws that governed these promises. In social settings, you can use the word with perfect timing, whether for humor, irony, or sincere emotion. You can analyze the semiotics of being 'forlovet' in contemporary Danish culture, from the choice of ring to the way the engagement is announced on digital platforms. Your understanding extends to the most obscure idioms and rare literary uses. For a C2 learner, 'forlovet' is not just a word for 'engaged'; it is a rich linguistic node that connects to history, law, romance, and social structure. You can explain these connections to others in fluent, sophisticated Danish, demonstrating a deep appreciation for the language's complexity and beauty.
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Examples

forlovet in 30 Seconds

  • Forlovet means 'engaged' in Danish, indicating a promise to marry.
  • It is used with 'være' (to be) or 'blive' (to become).
  • Always use the preposition 'med' when saying who someone is engaged to.
In the Danish language, the word forlovet serves as both a past participle of the verb 'at forlove' (to promise/betroth) and, more commonly, as an adjective describing the social state of being engaged to be married. To understand forlovet, one must look at the cultural architecture of Danish relationships. Unlike some cultures where an engagement is a strictly formal, short-term countdown to a wedding, being forlovet in Denmark can represent a long-term commitment that may last for several years before a ceremony actually takes place. The word itself is rooted in the concept of a promise—a 'lovte' (promise). When you are forlovet, you have officially declared your intention to build a life together.
Social Status
Being 'forlovet' is the transitional stage between being 'kærester' (boyfriend/girlfriend) and being 'gift' (married). It carries a higher degree of social weight than just dating, but is less legally binding than marriage.

De har været forlovet i over fem år nu, men de har ingen planer om at blive gift endnu.

The term is used in both formal and informal settings. You will hear it in casual conversations among friends ('Er de blevet forlovet?'), in official documents, and in media coverage of celebrities or the royal family. It is also important to note the reflexive verb form: 'at forlove sig'. This emphasizes the act of making the commitment to one another.
The Ring Tradition
In Danish tradition, the engagement ring is often worn on the left hand, while the wedding ring is moved to the right hand, though this can vary by personal preference.

Hun viste stolt sin ring frem og fortalte, at hun var blevet forlovet i Paris.

Furthermore, the word appears in the noun form 'en forlovelse' (an engagement). When discussing the duration, Danes use the preposition 'i' (for), such as 'vi har været forlovet i tre måneder'. If you are referring to the person you are engaged to, you use 'min forlovede' (my fiancé/fiancée). Interestingly, Danish does not distinguish between the gender of the fiancé in the spelling of 'forlovede' in the same way French or English sometimes does.
Linguistic Nuance
The prefix 'for-' often implies a process or a state leading toward something, while 'lovet' comes from 'lov' (law/promise), suggesting a 'pre-promise' or a 'fore-promise'.

Det forlovede par modtog mange lykønskninger fra deres familie.

Min bror er lige blevet forlovet med sin kæreste gennem ti år.

Selvom de er forlovet, bor de stadig hver for sig for at spare op til et hus.

In modern Denmark, the announcement of being forlovet is often shared on social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook, accompanied by a picture of rings or a scenic location. However, the core of the word remains the same: a profound, public promise of future unity.
Using forlovet correctly requires an understanding of Danish sentence structure and the difference between states and transitions. Most commonly, you will use it with the auxiliary verbs 'at være' (to be) or 'at blive' (to become).
State vs. Action
Use 'være forlovet' to describe the ongoing status (e.g., 'Vi er forlovet'). Use 'blive forlovet' to describe the moment the engagement happens (e.g., 'Vi blev forlovet i går').

De har været forlovet i mange år uden at tale om bryllup.

When you want to specify who someone is engaged to, you must use the preposition 'med' (with). For example, 'Han er forlovet med Maria'. It is a common mistake for English speakers to try and use other prepositions, but 'med' is the standard in Danish. In more formal writing, you might encounter the word used as a noun: 'den forlovede'. This translates to 'the fiancé' or 'the fiancée'. Because Danish has merged many masculine and feminine forms, 'forlovede' works for anyone.

Hans forlovede kommer fra Aarhus og arbejder som læge.

Plural Usage
When describing a couple together, you say 'De er forlovet'. Note that even in the plural, the word often stays in the base form 'forlovet' when following 'at være', though 'forlovede' can be used in certain plural contexts.

Er I overhovedet forlovet, eller er I bare kærester?

Another important aspect is the reflexive verb 'at forlove sig'. This is used to describe the act of getting engaged. 'Vi forlovede os på en strand i Spanien' (We got engaged on a beach in Spain). This reflexive structure is very common in Danish for personal transitions.

De besluttede at forlove sig i al hemmelighed.

Negation
To say you are not engaged, simply add 'ikke': 'Jeg er ikke forlovet'.

Selvom hun har en ring på, er hun ikke forlovet.

Det er vigtigt at spørge, om de stadig er forlovet, før du inviterer dem.

In summary, focus on the auxiliary verbs 'er' and 'blev', remember the preposition 'med', and use 'forlovede' when referring to the person or when the adjective is right before the noun.
You will encounter the word forlovet in a wide variety of contexts in Denmark, ranging from the highly personal to the broadly public. In everyday life, the most common place is during social gatherings. When a couple announces their engagement, friends will ask, 'Hvornår blev I forlovet?' (When did you get engaged?). This is a standard part of Danish small talk regarding relationships.
Social Media and Announcements
Modern Danes often use 'forlovet' in their status updates. A typical post might simply read 'Vi er blevet forlovet!' with a heart emoji. It is the official way to signal a serious step in a relationship to one's network.

I avisen stod der, at greven var blevet forlovet med en borgerlig kvinde.

In literature and film, the term is used to create tension or resolve a romantic plot. In Danish 'hygge-lit' or romantic comedies, the moment someone becomes forlovet is often the climax of the story. You might also hear it in legal or administrative contexts, though less frequently, as 'samlever' (cohabitant) or 'ægtefælle' (spouse) are the more common legal terms. However, 'forlovet' still carries weight in insurance or inheritance discussions where a 'forlovelse' might be seen as proof of a committed relationship.
Pop Culture
Reality TV shows like 'Gift ved første blik' (Married at First Sight) often play with the concepts of being 'single', 'forlovet', and 'gift' in rapid succession, making the word a frequent part of the dialogue.

Min farmor spurgte altid, hvornår vi skulle se at blive forlovet.

De annoncerede i radioen, at det berømte par nu er forlovet.

Hun blev forlovet under en ferie i Italien, hvilket hun altid havde drømt om.

Han følte sig endelig klar til at blive forlovet efter fem års parforhold.

In summary, you hear forlovet whenever a relationship moves from 'just dating' to 'planning a future'. It is a word of celebration, commitment, and social transition that resonates deeply in Danish society.
Learning to use forlovet can be tricky for English speakers due to subtle differences in grammar and cultural usage. One of the most frequent errors is using the wrong preposition. In English, we say 'engaged to', but in Danish, you must say 'forlovet med' (engaged with). Using 'til' (to) is a direct translation error that sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Preposition Pitfall
Incorrect: Jeg er forlovet til ham. Correct: Jeg er forlovet med ham.

Mange glemmer, at man er forlovet MED nogen, ikke TIL nogen.

Another common mistake involves the declension of the word. While 'forlovet' is used as a predicate (after 'er' or 'blev'), it must change to 'forlovede' when used as an attributive adjective before a noun or as a noun itself. Learners often forget the 'e' at the end in these cases.
Adjective Agreement
Incorrect: Det forlovet par. Correct: Det forlovede par.

Min forlovede (noun) er meget glad for gaven.

Confusion also arises between 'forlovet' and 'gift'. Some learners use them interchangeably, but they represent distinct legal and social statuses. 'Forlovet' is the promise; 'gift' is the completed legal act of marriage. Using 'gift' when you only mean 'engaged' can lead to significant misunderstandings about your marital status.

Pas på ikke at sige, du er gift, hvis du kun er forlovet.

The Reflexive Error
Learners often forget the reflexive pronoun 'sig' when using the verb form. You cannot just say 'De forlovede i går'. You must say 'De forlovede sig i går'.

De forlovede sig under stjernerne i aftes.

Det er en fejl at tro, at forlovet altid betyder, at brylluppet er lige om hjørnet.

Husk at udtale 't' i forlovet tydeligt, så det ikke lyder som 'forlove'.

Finally, be careful with the word 'kærester'. While 'engaged' implies you are 'kærester', once you are forlovet, you usually upgrade your terminology to reflect the new status. Referring to your 'forlovede' simply as your 'kæreste' might downplay the commitment in some social circles.
While forlovet is the standard term for being engaged, several other words and phrases can be used depending on the level of formality, the stage of the relationship, or the desired nuance. Understanding these alternatives will help you navigate Danish social dynamics more effectively.
Trolovet
This is an archaic or highly formal version of 'forlovet'. It comes from 'tro' (faith/belief) and 'love' (promise). You will mostly find this in historical novels, the Bible, or very traditional ceremonies.

I gamle dage sagde man, at parret var trolovet.

If you are looking for a more casual way to describe a committed relationship that isn't quite an engagement, you might use 'fast kæreste' (steady boyfriend/girlfriend). This implies a high level of commitment without the official 'forlovet' label.
Afsat
This is a slang or humorous term meaning 'taken' or 'off the market'. It is not a direct synonym for 'forlovet', but it is often used when someone gets engaged: 'Han er endelig blevet afsat'.

Nu hvor han er forlovet, er han officielt afsat.

On the other hand, 'lovet bort' (promised away) is another traditional expression, often used in fairy tales or historical contexts to describe someone whose marriage has been arranged by others.
Samlever
This is a technical/legal term for someone you live with. A couple can be 'forlovet' and 'samlevere' at the same time. 'Samlever' focuses on the living arrangement, while 'forlovet' focuses on the promise to marry.

De er både forlovet og samlevere gennem mange år.

Det var trist, da de ikke længere var forlovet.

Hun er forlovet med sit arbejde, siger hun altid for at være sjov.

In summary, while forlovet is the essential term, knowing 'trolovet', 'afsat', and the difference between 'forlovet' and 'samlever' will give you a much richer vocabulary for discussing Danish relationships.
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Examples by Level

1

Jeg er forlovet.

I am engaged.

Simple present tense with 'være'.

2

Er de forlovet?

Are they engaged?

Question form.

3

Her er min forlovelsesring.

Here is my engagement ring.

Compound noun: forlovelse + s + ring.

4

Vi er meget glade.

We are very happy.

Adjective 'glade' in plural.

5

Min kæreste er nu min forlovede.

My boyfriend is now my fiancé.

'Forlovede' used as a noun.

6

De skal giftes snart.

They are going to get married soon.

Future intention with 'skal'.

7

Hun sagde ja!

She said yes!

Past tense of 'sige'.

8

Er du forlovet med ham?

Are you engaged to him?

Use of 'med' for 'to/with'.

1

Vi blev forlovet i går.

We got engaged yesterday.

Passive with 'blive' to show transition.

2

Hun er forlovet med en dansker.

She is engaged to a Dane.

Preposition 'med'.

3

De har været forlovet i to år.

They have been engaged for two years.

Present perfect tense.

4

Min bror og hans kæreste er blevet forlovet.

My brother and his girlfriend have become engaged.

Present perfect with 'blive'.

5

Jeg vil gerne være forlovet før jeg er tredive.

I would like to be engaged before I am thirty.

Modal verb 'vil gerne'.

6

Hvorfor er I ikke forlovet endnu?

Why aren't you engaged yet?

Negation with 'ikke'.

7

Deres forlovelse var en stor overraskelse.

Their engagement was a big surprise.

Noun 'forlovelse'.

8

Han købte en ring og spurgte, om de skulle være forlovet.

He bought a ring and asked if they should be engaged.

Indirect speech.

1

De forlovede sig på en rejse til Rom.

They got engaged on a trip to Rome.

Reflexive verb 'at forlove sig'.

2

Det forlovede par planlægger et sommerbryllup.

The engaged couple is planning a summer wedding.

Attributive adjective 'forlovede'.

3

Hun bar sin forlovelsesring med stolthed.

She wore her engagement ring with pride.

Past tense of 'bære'.

4

Mange par vælger at være forlovet i lang tid.

Many couples choose to be engaged for a long time.

Infinitive construction.

5

Efter fem års forlovelse blev de endelig gift.

After five years of engagement, they finally got married.

Genitive 'forlovelse'.

6

De besluttede at hæve forlovelsen.

They decided to break off the engagement.

Phrase 'hæve forlovelsen'.

7

Det var en hemmelig forlovelse, som ingen kendte til.

It was a secret engagement that no one knew about.

Relative clause.

8

Min forlovede og jeg skal ud og spise i aften.

My fiancé and I are going out to eat tonight.

Subject 'Min forlovede og jeg'.

1

Han er så forlovet med sit arbejde, at han glemmer alt andet.

He is so engaged/committed to his work that he forgets everything else.

Metaphorical use.

2

Forlovelsen blev annonceret i de landsdækkende aviser.

The engagement was announced in the national newspapers.

Passive voice.

3

Det er en gammel tradition at blive trolovet i kirken.

It is an old tradition to be betrothed in the church.

Use of 'trolovet'.

4

De diskuterede, om en forlovelse overhovedet er nødvendig i dag.

They discussed whether an engagement is even necessary today.

Subordinate clause with 'om'.

5

Deres forlovelse markerede en ny æra for familien.

Their engagement marked a new era for the family.

Abstract noun usage.

6

Hun følte sig mere bunden, nu hvor hun var forlovet.

She felt more bound now that she was engaged.

Adjective 'bunden' (bound).

7

Forlovelsesfesten blev holdt i forældrenes have.

The engagement party was held in the parents' garden.

Compound noun 'forlovelsesfest'.

8

Han spurgte hendes far om lov, før han forlovede sig med hende.

He asked her father for permission before he got engaged to her.

Temporal clause with 'før'.

1

Kierkegaards brudte forlovelse med Regine Olsen er berømt.

Kierkegaard's broken engagement to Regine Olsen is famous.

Historical reference.

2

Begrebet at være forlovet har ændret sig markant gennem tiden.

The concept of being engaged has changed significantly over time.

Abstract subject 'Begrebet'.

3

Hun betragtede sig selv som forlovet med kunsten.

She considered herself engaged to art.

Reflexive 'betragtede sig selv som'.

4

Retligt set medfører en forlovelse ikke de samme pligter som et ægteskab.

Legally speaking, an engagement does not entail the same duties as a marriage.

Adverbial 'Retligt set'.

5

Deres forlovelse var snarere en strategisk alliance end en kærlighedserklæring.

Their engagement was more of a strategic alliance than a declaration of love.

Comparison with 'snarere... end'.

6

I mange romaner fra det 19. århundrede er en forlovelse det centrale plotpunkt.

In many 19th-century novels, an engagement is the central plot point.

Prepositional phrase.

7

Han var forlovet med tanken om at rejse jorden rundt.

He was engaged/enamored with the idea of traveling around the world.

Metaphorical 'forlovet med tanken om'.

8

Uanset om de er forlovet eller ej, betragtes de som et par.

Whether they are engaged or not, they are considered a couple.

Conjunction 'Uanset om'.

1

Forlovelsens ophør udløste en række komplekse arveretlige spørgsmål.

The termination of the engagement triggered a series of complex inheritance law questions.

Genitive 'Forlovelsens'.

2

At forlove sig er i dag en symbolsk handling blottet for fortidens juridiske tyngde.

Getting engaged today is a symbolic act devoid of the legal weight of the past.

Infinitive as subject.

3

Hendes sprogbrug afslørede, at hun stadig følte sig forlovet med fortidens idealer.

Her choice of language revealed that she still felt engaged to the ideals of the past.

Metaphorical and psychological use.

4

Den forlovedes retsstilling har historisk set været genstand for megen debat.

The legal status of the fiancé has historically been the subject of much debate.

Complex noun phrase.

5

Han beskrev deres forhold som en permanent tilstand af at være forlovet.

He described their relationship as a permanent state of being engaged.

Substantivized infinitive.

6

Forlovelsen tjente som en lakmustest for deres fremtidige kompatibilitet.

The engagement served as a litmus test for their future compatibility.

Metaphorical 'lakmustest'.

7

I lyset af deres forlovelse blev alle tidligere stridigheder lagt på hylden.

In light of their engagement, all previous disputes were shelved.

Idiom 'lagt på hylden'.

8

Forlovelsesritualet varierer drastisk på tværs af de forskellige samfundslag.

The engagement ritual varies drastically across different social classes.

Abstract social analysis.

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