imod
imod in 30 Seconds
- Means 'against' or 'towards' in English.
- Used for physical contact and abstract opposition.
- Essential for the phrase 'at tage imod' (to receive).
- Often used at the end of sentences compared to 'mod'.
- Opposition
- This is the most common use. It indicates being contrary to an idea, a person, or a physical force. For example, if you are 'imod' a proposal, you disagree with it. Physically, it describes the force exerted against an object.
De stemte alle imod forslaget.
- Direction and Reception
- In the phrase 'at tage imod' (to receive/welcome), the word loses its sense of conflict and instead implies an opening or a welcoming gesture. It is the act of accepting something offered or greeting someone arriving.
- Phrasal Verbs
- Many Danish verbs change meaning when paired with 'imod'. 'At stå imod' means to resist or withstand. 'At tale imod' means to speak against or contradict.
Muren kunne ikke stå imod presset.
- Physical Placement
- When describing an object leaning against another, 'imod' is the go-to word. 'Stigen står op imod muren' (The ladder is leaning against the wall).
- Public Service and Signs
- You might see signs that say 'Indgang imod gården' (Entrance towards the courtyard), though 'mod' is more common here. In traffic, you might hear about 'kørsel imod kørselsretningen' (driving against the direction of traffic), a serious offense.
Vi må kæmpe imod klimaforandringerne.
- The 'Tage Imod' Trap
- Learners often try to translate 'receive' as 'modtage' (which is correct for mail or formal things) but forget that for physical objects or people, 'tage imod' is the standard spoken form. Saying 'Jeg modtog ham i lufthavnen' sounds like you processed him like a package; 'Jeg tog imod ham' sounds like you welcomed him.
Fejl: Jeg er mod det. Korrekt: Jeg er imod det.
- Mod vs. Imod
- 'Mod' is typically used as a preposition before a noun phrase without much stress: 'Vi kører mod København'. 'Imod' is used for emphasis or at the end of a clause: 'Det er jeg imod'.
- Kontra
- Borrowed from Latin, 'kontra' is used in specific contexts like sports or debates to show a direct 1v1 matchup: 'A kontra B'. It is more clinical than 'imod'.
- Modsat
- This means 'opposite'. While 'imod' is a preposition (against), 'modsat' is often used to describe a contrary position or direction: 'I den modsatte retning' (In the opposite direction).
Han valgte den modsatte løsning af mig.
- I strid med
- This is a formal/legal alternative meaning 'in conflict with' or 'contrary to'. 'Dette er i strid med reglerne' (This is in conflict with the rules). It is much stronger than 'imod'.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The word 'mod' and 'imod' are actually the same root as the English word 'meet'. So when you are 'imod' something, you are essentially 'meeting' it head-on.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'd' as a hard 'd' like in 'dog'.
- Using a short 'o' sound instead of a long one.
- Putting the stress on the first syllable.
Difficulty Rating
Easy to recognize as 'against' or 'towards'.
Requires knowing when to use 'mod' vs 'imod'.
The soft 'd' and the phrasal verb 'tage imod' take practice.
Can sometimes be confused with 'mod' in fast speech.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Mod vs. Imod
Use 'mod' before a noun for direction; use 'imod' for emphasis or at the end.
Phrasal Verbs with particles
'Tage imod' acts as a single unit of meaning.
Prepositions with pronouns
'Imod' is preferred with pronouns like 'det' or 'mig'.
Word order in questions
'Hvad er du imod?' (What are you against?) - preposition at the end.
Soft D pronunciation
The 'd' in 'imod' is never hard.
Examples by Level
Bussen kører mod byen.
The bus drives towards the city.
'Mod' is used here for direction before a noun.
Han løber imod mig.
He is running towards me.
'Imod' is used here with a pronoun.
Vi går mod nord.
We are walking towards the north.
Directional use.
Hold bolden imod væggen.
Hold the ball against the wall.
Physical opposition/contact.
Kig imod lyset.
Look towards the light.
Directional gaze.
Det er mod vest.
It is towards the west.
Simple direction.
Kom imod mig.
Come towards me.
Imperative with direction.
Huset ligger mod skoven.
The house lies towards the forest.
Spatial orientation.
Jeg vil gerne tage imod gaven.
I would like to accept the gift.
'Tage imod' is a common phrase for receiving.
Er du imod planen?
Are you against the plan?
Expressing opposition.
Hun tog godt imod os.
She welcomed us well.
'Tage imod' used for welcoming people.
Stigen står imod muren.
The ladder stands against the wall.
Physical contact.
Jeg har ikke noget imod det.
I have nothing against it.
Common idiomatic expression of neutrality.
De kæmper imod hinanden.
They are fighting against each other.
Reciprocal opposition.
Vinden blæser imod os.
The wind is blowing against us.
Physical force.
Vi stemte imod forslaget.
We voted against the proposal.
Political/formal opposition.
Det strider imod mine principper.
It goes against my principles.
Abstract opposition to values.
Han talte imod den nye lov.
He spoke against the new law.
Verbal opposition.
Vi må gøre noget imod problemet.
We must do something about (against) the problem.
Action taken in opposition to a situation.
Tog du imod tilbuddet?
Did you accept the offer?
'Tage imod' used for abstract offers.
Hun lænede sig imod ham.
She leaned against him.
Physical support/contact.
Det er imod alle regler.
It is against all rules.
Violation of established norms.
Vi bevæger os hen imod en løsning.
We are moving towards a solution.
'Hen imod' indicates gradual progress.
Hvad har du imod ham?
What do you have against him?
Expressing personal dislike.
Han handlede imod lægens råd.
He acted against the doctor's advice.
Defying expertise.
Der var stor modstand imod projektet.
There was great resistance against the project.
Noun phrase followed by 'imod'.
Man bør ikke gå imod strømmen uden grund.
One should not go against the current without reason.
Idiomatic use of 'imod strømmen'.
De forsvarede sig imod angrebet.
They defended themselves against the attack.
Defensive opposition.
Resultatet taler imod hans teori.
The result speaks against his theory.
Evidence-based opposition.
Jeg vil ikke gøre noget imod din vilje.
I will not do anything against your will.
Respecting personal boundaries.
Han svømmede imod bølgerne.
He swam against the waves.
Physical struggle against nature.
Det er op imod hundrede deltagere.
There are up towards a hundred participants.
'Op imod' used for numerical estimates.
Det er i direkte modstrid imod hvad vi aftalte.
It is in direct contradiction to (against) what we agreed.
Strong emphasis on contradiction.
Hun har altid haft en forkærlighed for at gå imod normerne.
She has always had a predilection for going against the norms.
Social non-conformity.
Vi må gardere os imod fremtidige kriser.
We must safeguard ourselves against future crises.
Precautionary opposition.
Argumenterne imod forslaget var overvældende.
The arguments against the proposal were overwhelming.
'Imod' used as a post-modifier for a noun.
Han kæmpede en brav kamp imod sygdommen.
He fought a brave battle against the illness.
Metaphorical struggle.
Det vidner imod hans uskyld.
It testifies against his innocence.
Legal/evidential use.
De søgte ly imod regnen.
They sought shelter against the rain.
Protection from elements.
Tiden arbejder imod os.
Time is working against us.
Personification of time in opposition.
Enhver handling imod statens sikkerhed straffes hårdt.
Any action against state security is punished severely.
Formal legalistic phrasing.
Det er en hån imod den sunde fornuft.
It is an insult against common sense.
Strong rhetorical expression.
Han følte en indre modstand imod at acceptere sandheden.
He felt an inner resistance against accepting the truth.
Psychological opposition.
Sagen blev afgjort imod sagsøgerens forventning.
The case was decided against the plaintiff's expectation.
Formal judicial outcome.
Hun stod som en klippe imod de skiftende vinde.
She stood like a rock against the shifting winds.
Poetic/metaphorical use.
Der er intet til hinder imod at vi fortsætter.
There is nothing to hinder (against) us continuing.
Formal bureaucratic phrasing.
Han talte med en lidenskab, der gik imod alt det konventionelle.
He spoke with a passion that went against everything conventional.
Defying social conventions.
Dette fund taler imod den gængse opfattelse af historien.
This find speaks against the common perception of history.
Challenging scientific paradigms.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Often Confused With
'Mod' is the short version, used more for simple direction.
'Modsat' is an adjective meaning 'opposite', not a preposition.
'Imodstå' is a verb, while 'imod' is a preposition.
Idioms & Expressions
— To do something different from what most people are doing.
Hun tør godt gå imod strømmen i debatten.
neutral— To welcome someone or something very enthusiastically.
De tog imod forslaget med åbne arme.
informal— To say something you know is not true or wise.
Politikeren talte imod bedre vidende.
formal— To try to do something impossible or meet total resistance.
Jeg føler, jeg løber panden imod en mur med denne opgave.
informal— To be generally contrarian or negative.
Han er bare imod alt og alle i dag.
informal— To accept a challenge.
Han var ikke bange for at tage imod en udfordring.
neutral— To unite against a common enemy or problem.
Lægerne gjorde front imod den nye reform.
formal— To look forward to better times.
Efter krisen ser vi nu imod lysere tider.
literaryEasily Confused
They look and mean almost the same thing.
'Mod' is usually unstressed before a noun. 'Imod' is stressed or used at the end of a clause.
Mod skoven vs. Jeg er imod.
Both involve opposition.
'Modsat' is an adjective (the opposite way). 'Imod' is a preposition (against the way).
Den modsatte vej vs. Imod vejen.
Both mean to receive.
'Modtage' is formal/technical. 'Tage imod' is everyday and personal.
Jeg modtog et brev vs. Jeg tog imod gæsterne.
Both involve orientation.
'Overfor' means 'opposite/across from'. 'Imod' means 'against/towards'.
Han sidder overfor mig vs. Han løber imod mig.
Sounds like 'go against'.
'Imodgå' is a specific verb meaning to 'rebut' or 'refute' an argument.
Han imodgik påstandene.
Sentence Patterns
Subjekt + verbe + mod + substantiv
Bilen kører mod byen.
Subjekt + være + imod + substantiv
Jeg er imod krig.
Subjekt + tage imod + substantiv
Han tog imod pakken.
Subjekt + have + intet + imod + det
Jeg har intet imod det.
Subjekt + verbe + hen imod + substantiv
Vi går hen imod sommeren.
Subjekt + verbe + imod + pronomen
Hun kæmper imod dem.
Substantiv + imod + substantiv
Kampen imod fattigdom.
Præpositionsled + verbe + subjekt
Imod alle forventninger vandt han.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very high in both spoken and written Danish.
-
Jeg er mod det.
→
Jeg er imod det.
'Imod' is required when the preposition is stressed or ends the clause.
-
Han tog mod gaven.
→
Han tog imod gaven.
The phrasal verb is 'at tage imod'.
-
Jeg modtog mine gæster ved døren.
→
Jeg tog imod mine gæster ved døren.
'Modtage' is too formal for welcoming people; 'tage imod' is better.
-
Det er modsat reglerne.
→
Det er imod reglerne.
'Modsat' means opposite, 'imod' means against.
-
Vi går imod byen.
→
Vi går mod byen.
For simple direction towards a noun, 'mod' is more common and natural.
Tips
End of Sentence
If you need to put the word 'against' at the end of a Danish sentence, always use 'imod' instead of 'mod'.
Tage Imod
Memorize 'tage imod' as a single block meaning 'to receive/welcome'. It is one of the most useful phrases in Danish.
Soft D
Don't let the 'd' trip you up. If you can't do the soft 'd', a very light 'l' sound is sometimes closer than a hard 'd'.
Emphasis
Use 'imod' when you want to sound firm in your disagreement. It carries more weight than 'mod'.
Hospitality
When visiting a Danish home, you might hear 'Tak fordi I tog så godt imod os' (Thank you for welcoming us so well).
Compound Words
Look out for words like 'hvorimod' (whereas) which combine 'imod' with other words.
Rhythm
Danish writers often use 'imod' to create a better flow in a sentence when 'mod' would sound too short.
Context Clues
If you hear 'imod' near a door, it's probably about welcoming. Near a parliament, it's about voting.
For and Against
Use the phrase 'fordele og ulemper' along with 'for og imod' to structure a perfect B1-level argument.
Hen Imod
Use 'hen imod' for things that are approaching slowly, like seasons or the end of a movie.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'imod' as 'I-MOVE-AGAINST'. The 'i' starts it, and you are moving 'mod' (towards/against) something.
Visual Association
Visualize a person leaning 'imod' a wall or a hand 'taking imod' a gift. The physical contact is key to the word.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to use 'imod' in three different ways today: once for direction, once for an opinion, and once with the verb 'tage'.
Word Origin
Derived from Old Norse 'í mót', which combined the preposition 'í' (in) with 'mót' (meeting/encounter).
Original meaning: Originally meant 'in a meeting with' or 'towards a meeting'.
Germanic (Danish/Scandinavian).Cultural Context
No specific sensitivities, but being 'imod' everything can be seen as 'tvær' (grumpy) in Danish culture.
English speakers often use 'against' for everything, but Danish splits this between 'mod', 'imod', and 'imodsat' depending on the grammar.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Politics
- stemme imod
- være imod forslaget
- argumentere imod
Socializing
- tage imod gæster
- tage imod en gave
- ikke have noget imod
Physical Space
- op imod muren
- hen imod vinduet
- imod strømmen
Time/Quantity
- hen imod aften
- op imod hundrede
- hen imod slutningen
Law
- imod loven
- handle imod reglerne
- vidne imod
Conversation Starters
"Er du for eller imod den nye plan?"
"Har du noget imod, at jeg åbner vinduet?"
"Hvordan tog de imod din idé?"
"Hvorfor er du så meget imod det?"
"Er det imod reglerne at parkere her?"
Journal Prompts
Skriv om en gang, hvor du gik imod strømmen.
Hvad er du mest imod i samfundet i dag?
Beskriv hvordan man tager godt imod gæster i dit land.
Har du nogensinde handlet imod dit eget instinkt?
Hvad har du absolut intet imod at gøre hver dag?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsAlmost always, but 'imod' sounds much better at the end of a sentence or when you want to emphasize the opposition. For example, 'Jeg er imod' is standard, while 'Jeg er mod' sounds unfinished.
'Modtage' is used for things like mail, signals, or formal awards. 'Tage imod' is used for physical objects, people, or accepting offers in a personal way.
No, it can also mean 'towards' (hen imod) or be part of 'welcoming' (tage imod). The context determines the meaning.
It is a soft Danish 'd'. It sounds like the 'th' in the English word 'mother', but with the tongue slightly further back.
It is neutral. It is used in both very formal legal texts and very casual everyday speech.
Yes, 'hen imod' is used to mean 'towards' a certain time, like 'hen imod aften' (towards evening).
It usually means 'up against' or 'close to' a certain number, like 'op imod 100 people'.
You say 'Jeg har ikke noget imod det' (literally: I have nothing against it).
It can be both. In 'Jeg er imod det', it's a preposition. In 'Han er imod', it's an adverb.
In the sense of opposition, the opposite is 'for' (for). In the sense of direction, the opposite is 'væk fra' (away from).
Test Yourself 180 questions
Write a sentence about something you are against.
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Describe how you welcome a friend to your house using 'tage imod'.
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Use 'hen imod' to describe the weather getting colder.
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Write a short paragraph about a political issue using 'for eller imod'.
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Explain a time you had to 'gå imod strømmen'.
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Write a sentence using 'imod min vilje'.
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Describe a physical object leaning against something using 'imod'.
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Use 'op imod' in a sentence about a large crowd.
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Write a sentence about protecting yourself against the cold.
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Use 'tage imod et tilbud' in a professional context.
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Explain what 'imod bedre vidende' means in your own words (in Danish).
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Write a sentence about a sports match using 'imod'.
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Create a sentence where 'imod' is the last word.
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Describe a situation where someone 'taler imod' a plan.
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Use 'støde imod' in a sentence about a car or bike.
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Write a sentence about a law using 'imod loven'.
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Describe the feeling of swimming 'imod strømmen'.
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Use 'hvorimod' to compare two different things.
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Write a polite request starting with 'Har du noget imod...'.
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Describe a hero fighting 'imod alle odds'.
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Pronounce 'imod' clearly, focusing on the soft 'd'.
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Say 'Jeg er imod det' with emphasis on 'imod'.
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Say 'Vil du tage imod gaven?' as a polite question.
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Practice saying 'hen imod aften' three times fast.
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Explain why you are 'for' or 'imod' a specific topic out loud.
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Say 'Det strider imod mine principper' with a serious tone.
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Pronounce the difference between 'mod' and 'imod'.
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Say 'Vi tog godt imod dem' as if you are telling a story.
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Ask someone: 'Har du noget imod at hjælpe mig?'
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Say 'Op imod hundrede mennesker' as a news reporter would.
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Say 'Han går altid imod strømmen'.
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Say 'Det er imod loven' with authority.
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Practice the sentence: 'Tiden arbejder imod os.'
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Say 'Stigen står imod muren'.
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Explain what 'tage imod' means in Danish.
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Say 'Hvad har du imod ham?' as a question.
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Say 'Vi ser imod lysere tider'.
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Say 'Det er en hån imod os'.
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Say 'Gør front imod problemet'.
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Practice: 'Imod alle odds vandt de.'
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Listen to the sentence and identify if 'imod' means 'against' or 'towards'. (Simulated)
Identify the soft 'd' sound in 'imod' from a list of words. (Simulated)
Listen for the phrase 'tage imod' in a short dialogue. (Simulated)
Does the speaker sound 'for' or 'imod' the topic? (Simulated)
Listen for numerical estimates using 'op imod'. (Simulated)
Identify the phrasal verb used with 'imod' in the sentence. (Simulated)
Listen for 'hen imod' used with a time of day. (Simulated)
Distinguish between 'mod' and 'imod' in a fast sentence. (Simulated)
Listen to a political debate snippet and count how many times 'imod' is used. (Simulated)
Listen for the idiom 'gå imod strømmen'. (Simulated)
Identify the object being leaned 'imod' a wall. (Simulated)
Listen for the tone of voice when saying 'imod min vilje'. (Simulated)
Listen for 'hvorimod' used to contrast two options. (Simulated)
Identify the person being 'taget imod' at the airport. (Simulated)
Listen for the word 'imod' in a weather report. (Simulated)
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Mastering 'imod' allows you to express disagreement, describe physical orientation, and correctly use the common Danish phrase for receiving and welcoming ('at tage imod'). For example: 'Jeg er imod forslaget' (I am against the proposal).
- Means 'against' or 'towards' in English.
- Used for physical contact and abstract opposition.
- Essential for the phrase 'at tage imod' (to receive).
- Often used at the end of sentences compared to 'mod'.
End of Sentence
If you need to put the word 'against' at the end of a Danish sentence, always use 'imod' instead of 'mod'.
Tage Imod
Memorize 'tage imod' as a single block meaning 'to receive/welcome'. It is one of the most useful phrases in Danish.
Soft D
Don't let the 'd' trip you up. If you can't do the soft 'd', a very light 'l' sound is sometimes closer than a hard 'd'.
Emphasis
Use 'imod' when you want to sound firm in your disagreement. It carries more weight than 'mod'.
Related Content
Related Phrases
More general words
afbryde
B1To stop something from continuing
afbøje
B2To deflect or turn aside.
afgørende
B1decisive or crucial
afholde
B2to hold or host an event, or to refrain from
afhængig
B1Determined or decided by something else
afkorte
B2To shorten or reduce in length.
afmærke
B2To mark or indicate a position.
afrunde
B2To conclude or make complete.
afslutte
B1to bring to an end
afsløre
B2to make something secret known