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B2 verb 12 min read

indikerer

Examples
Explanation indikerer in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners of Danish are primarily focused on basic survival vocabulary, simple greetings, and fundamental sentence structures. The word 'indikerer' is generally not introduced at this stage because it belongs to a more formal and abstract register. Beginners are much more likely to learn and use the simpler, everyday word 'viser' (shows) to express similar ideas. For example, an A1 student might learn to say 'Billedet viser en hund' (The picture shows a dog). However, because 'indikerer' is a cognate with the English word 'indicate', English-speaking learners might recognize it if they happen to see it in a text. If an A1 learner encounters 'indikerer', they should simply understand it as a fancy way of saying 'viser'. There is no expectation for an A1 student to use this word actively in their own speaking or writing. The focus should remain on building a solid foundation of high-frequency words that are essential for daily life in Denmark, such as numbers, colors, common verbs, and basic nouns. 'Indikerer' is a word to keep in mind for future, more advanced studies.
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As learners progress to the A2 level, they begin to construct more complex sentences and discuss a wider variety of topics beyond basic personal information. While 'indikerer' is still not a core vocabulary word for this level, learners might start encountering it in simplified news articles, informational brochures, or when watching Danish television with subtitles. At this stage, the goal is passive recognition. An A2 learner should be able to read a sentence like 'Skiltet indikerer vejen til stationen' (The sign indicates the way to the station) and understand the general meaning without needing a dictionary. They might still prefer to use 'viser' or 'betyder' (means) in their own active vocabulary, which is perfectly acceptable and natural for this level of proficiency. Teachers might introduce 'indikerer' briefly as a synonym for 'viser' to help expand the students' receptive vocabulary. A2 learners should focus on recognizing the '-er' ending as a sign of the present tense, reinforcing their understanding of Danish verb conjugation patterns, even if the verb itself is slightly advanced for their current active use.
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At the B1 level, learners are crossing the threshold into independent language use. They are expected to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters and to produce simple connected texts. This is the stage where 'indikerer' becomes a valuable addition to their active vocabulary. B1 students are learning to express opinions, give reasons, and discuss slightly more abstract concepts. Using 'indikerer' allows them to sound more mature and precise in their expression. For instance, when discussing a text in class, a B1 student might say, 'Teksten indikerer, at hovedpersonen er trist' (The text indicates that the main character is sad). This demonstrates a significant step up from merely stating facts. They will also practice using it with subordinate clauses introduced by 'at' (that), which is a crucial grammatical structure at this level. While they might occasionally misuse it by applying it to overly casual situations, the focus at B1 is on experimenting with more sophisticated vocabulary and understanding the subtle differences between words like 'viser' (shows), 'tyder på' (suggests), and 'indikerer' (indicates).
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The B2 level is where 'indikerer' truly shines and becomes an essential component of a learner's linguistic toolkit. B2 learners are expected to understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. They can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain. In this context, 'indikerer' is used frequently and accurately to discuss news, politics, science, and societal trends. A B2 student will comfortably construct sentences like, 'Forskningen indikerer en stærk sammenhæng mellem kost og helbred' (The research indicates a strong correlation between diet and health). They understand the formal register of the word and know when to use it instead of its informal counterparts. Furthermore, B2 learners will be able to use 'indikerer' in passive constructions ('det indikeres, at...') and will recognize its importance in academic and professional writing. Mastery of this word at the B2 level demonstrates a strong command of formal Danish and an ability to articulate complex, evidence-based arguments clearly and effectively.
At the C1 level, learners possess a high degree of proficiency and can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. They use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes. For a C1 user, 'indikerer' is a completely natural and deeply integrated part of their vocabulary. They utilize it with absolute precision, fully grasping its nuances and the subtle ways it differs from similar verbs like 'antyder', 'demonstrerer', and 'peger på'. A C1 speaker will use 'indikerer' to modulate the certainty of their statements, employing it strategically in debates, academic essays, and professional presentations to present evidence objectively. They might say, 'Selvom dataene indikerer en positiv tendens, er det for tidligt at drage endelige konklusioner' (Although the data indicates a positive trend, it is too early to draw final conclusions). At this level, the focus is not just on correct grammar, but on style, tone, and pragmatic appropriateness. The C1 learner knows exactly how to pair 'indikerer' with adverbs (e.g., 'kraftigt indikerer', 'svagt indikerer') to achieve the exact level of emphasis required by the context.
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The C2 level represents near-native or bilingual proficiency. At this pinnacle of language learning, the user can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. They can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. For a C2 speaker, the use of 'indikerer' is effortless and instinctively correct, mirroring the usage of highly educated native Danes. They deploy the word seamlessly in the most complex and demanding linguistic environments, such as drafting legal documents, writing doctoral dissertations, or participating in high-level diplomatic or scientific discourse. A C2 user understands the deep semantic roots of the word and can play with its implications. They might use it rhetorically or critically analyze how others use it to frame an argument. For example, they might critique a scientific paper by stating, 'Forfatterens påstand om, at resultaterne indikerer en kausalitet, er overdrevet; de viser højst en korrelation' (The author's claim that the results indicate a causality is exaggerated; they show at most a correlation). At C2, 'indikerer' is merely one precisely tuned instrument in a vast and masterful linguistic orchestra.
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Examples
The Danish verb 'indikerer' is a formal and highly useful word that translates directly to 'indicates', 'points out', or 'shows' in English. It is the present tense form of the infinitive 'at indikere'. The word is deeply embedded in both academic and professional Danish, serving as a critical linguistic tool for expressing that a particular piece of evidence, a sign, or a set of data suggests a specific conclusion without necessarily proving it beyond all doubt. When you use 'indikerer', you are engaging in a level of discourse that elevates the conversation from casual observation to analytical deduction. For instance, instead of simply saying that something 'viser' (shows) a fact, using 'indikerer' adds a layer of interpretation, implying that the observer has analyzed the signs and drawn a reasoned inference. This distinction is vital for mastering B2-level Danish and beyond, as it allows speakers to navigate complex discussions in fields such as science, medicine, economics, and sociology.
Semantic Core
The fundamental meaning revolves around acting as a sign or a symptom of something else, often pointing towards a hidden truth or a broader trend.

Den høje temperatur indikerer en infektion i kroppen.

In everyday life, you might not hear 'indikerer' used when someone is talking about what they had for breakfast or where they left their keys. Instead, you will encounter it when people are discussing the implications of a situation. For example, a political commentator might say that a recent poll 'indikerer' a shift in voter sentiment. A doctor might explain that a blood test 'indikerer' a vitamin deficiency. A teacher might note that a student's sudden drop in grades 'indikerer' that they are struggling with the material. The word is derived from the Latin 'indicare', which means to point out or to make known. This shared etymology with the English word 'indicate' makes it a relatively easy cognate for English speakers to remember and use correctly. However, the challenge lies in mastering its pronunciation and integrating it naturally into Danish sentence structures.
Register and Tone
Formal, objective, analytical, and professional. It is rarely used in slang or highly colloquial speech.

Forskningen indikerer, at klimaforandringerne accelererer hurtigere end forventet.

Furthermore, 'indikerer' is often followed by the conjunction 'at' (that) to introduce a subordinate clause explaining exactly what is being indicated. This structure—Subject + indikerer + at + Subordinate Clause—is one of the most common syntactical patterns you will encounter.

Hans kropssprog indikerer, at han lyver for os.

It is also frequently used with direct objects, as in 'Resultatet indikerer en fejl' (The result indicates an error). Understanding these patterns is crucial for fluency.
Common Contexts
Medical diagnoses, scientific research, statistical analysis, financial forecasting, and formal reports.

De seneste tal indikerer en positiv økonomisk vækst i fjerde kvartal.

Mangel på søvn indikerer ofte et højt stressniveau hos patienten.

In summary, 'indikerer' is an indispensable verb for anyone looking to discuss complex ideas, present evidence, or analyze situations in Danish. Its usage immediately signals a thoughtful, reasoned approach to the topic at hand, making it a powerful addition to your active vocabulary. By mastering its nuances, you will be well-equipped to participate in higher-level discussions and comprehend sophisticated texts across various disciplines.
Mastering the syntactic structures associated with 'indikerer' is essential for sounding natural and proficient in Danish. The verb 'indikerer' is transitive, meaning it typically requires an object to complete its meaning. You cannot simply say 'Det indikerer' (It indicates) and stop there; the listener will be waiting to hear exactly what is being indicated. The most frequent and versatile way to use 'indikerer' is by following it with a subordinate clause introduced by the conjunction 'at' (that).
Syntax Pattern 1
Subject + indikerer + at + Subordinate Clause. This is used when the indication is an entire thought or proposition.

Undersøgelsen indikerer, at de fleste danskere foretrækker at cykle på arbejde.

In this pattern, the subject is usually an inanimate object representing data, evidence, or a phenomenon—such as 'undersøgelsen' (the study), 'resultatet' (the result), 'tallene' (the numbers), or 'symptomerne' (the symptoms). It is less common, though not incorrect, for a person to be the subject of 'indikerer' unless they are acting as a sign themselves (e.g., 'Hans tavshed indikerer...'). Another highly common structure is using 'indikerer' with a direct noun phrase as its object. This is used when the indication is a specific concept, state, or object rather than a full proposition.
Syntax Pattern 2
Subject + indikerer + Direct Object (Noun Phrase). This highlights a direct correlation between the sign and the signified.

Røgen fra bjerget indikerer et snarligt vulkanudbrud.

En faldende arbejdsløshed indikerer en stærk og sund samfundsøkonomi.

You can also use 'indikerer' in passive constructions, which is particularly prevalent in academic and scientific writing where the focus is on the evidence rather than the agent presenting it. The passive voice in Danish can be formed using the s-passive or the blive-passive. For 'indikerer', the s-passive is quite common in formal texts.
Syntax Pattern 3
Passive Voice: Det indikeres, at... (It is indicated that...). This removes the active subject entirely for maximum objectivity.

I rapporten indikeres det tydeligt, at der er behov for yderligere investeringer.

When forming questions, the verb moves to the front of the sentence (in yes/no questions) or follows the interrogative word.

Hvad indikerer disse nye fund for fremtidens energipolitik?

By practicing these sentence structures, you will gain the confidence to integrate 'indikerer' seamlessly into your written and spoken Danish, allowing you to articulate complex relationships between evidence and conclusions with precision and clarity. The key is to always ensure that 'indikerer' connects a sign or piece of data to the meaning or outcome it points toward, thereby maintaining logical coherence in your statements.
The verb 'indikerer' is not a word you will typically hear in the local supermarket when discussing the price of milk, nor is it common in casual banter between friends at a bar. Instead, its natural habitat is within contexts that require a degree of formality, precision, and objective analysis. Understanding where you are likely to encounter 'indikerer' helps you gauge the appropriate register for its use and prepares you to comprehend higher-level Danish media and professional discourse.
News and Journalism
Journalists frequently use 'indikerer' when reporting on polls, trends, and official statements without making absolute claims.

De seneste meningsmålinger indikerer, at oppositionen står til at vinde valget.

In the realm of news media, 'indikerer' is an essential tool for maintaining journalistic neutrality. It allows reporters to convey what the data suggests without definitively stating it as an unchangeable fact. You will hear it in news broadcasts on DR (Danmarks Radio) or TV2, especially during segments covering politics, economics, or social issues.
Medical and Scientific Fields
In healthcare and research, 'indikerer' describes what symptoms, test results, or experimental data point toward.

Blodprøven indikerer et forhøjet kolesteroltal, hvilket kræver behandling.

Data fra satellitten indikerer tilstedeværelsen af vand på planeten.

Another prominent domain is the corporate and financial sector. Business analysts, economists, and managers rely on 'indikerer' to interpret market signals, quarterly reports, and consumer behavior. When a company presents its annual report, the CEO might state that the sales figures 'indikerer' a successful expansion into new markets.
Business and Economics
Used to discuss market trends, financial indicators, and corporate performance metrics.

Den faldende aktiekurs indikerer manglende tillid blandt investorerne.

Forbrugernes adfærd indikerer et skift mod mere bæredygtige produkter.

You will also find it extensively in academic writing across all disciplines at Danish universities. Whether a student is writing a thesis in humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences, they are taught to use verbs like 'indikerer', 'viser', and 'tyder på' to present their findings. By familiarizing yourself with these contexts, you can better anticipate when 'indikerer' will be used and understand the nuanced, evidence-based tone it brings to a conversation or text. It is a hallmark of educated, formal Danish communication.
While 'indikerer' is a relatively straightforward cognate for English speakers, there are several common pitfalls that learners encounter when trying to integrate it into their Danish vocabulary. These mistakes often stem from direct translation errors, misunderstandings of its syntactic requirements, or confusion with similar-sounding words. By being aware of these errors, you can refine your usage and ensure your formal Danish sounds natural and accurate.
Mistake 1: Adding Unnecessary Prepositions
English speakers sometimes try to translate 'indicates to' literally as 'indikerer til'. This is incorrect in Danish.

Korrekt: Resultatet indikerer, at vi er på rette spor.

Forkert: Resultatet indikerer til os, at vi er på rette spor.

The verb 'indikerer' does not take a prepositional object indicating the receiver of the information in this manner. It connects the evidence directly to the conclusion. If you need to specify who is receiving the indication, it is better to rephrase the sentence entirely, perhaps using 'viser os' (shows us) instead.
Mistake 2: Confusing 'Indikerer' with 'Involverer' or 'Dikterer'
Due to phonetic similarities, learners occasionally mix up 'indikerer' (indicates) with 'involverer' (involves) or 'dikterer' (dictates).

Situationen indikerer et problem. (The situation indicates a problem.)

Projektet involverer mange mennesker. (The project involves many people.)

Mixing these up can completely change the meaning of a sentence, leading to confusion in professional environments. Always double-check that you are using the verb that means 'to point out' or 'to show signs of'.
Mistake 3: Overusing it in Casual Conversation
Using 'indikerer' when talking about mundane, everyday things sounds unnatural and overly formal.

Naturligt: Skyerne viser, at det nok bliver regnvejr. (The clouds show that it will probably rain.)

If you say 'Skyerne indikerer, at det bliver regnvejr' to a friend, it sounds like you are giving a formal meteorological report rather than just chatting about the weather. Reserve 'indikerer' for contexts where analytical weight is appropriate. Finally, pay attention to the spelling and pronunciation. The ending '-er' in 'indikerer' is the standard present tense marker in Danish, but it can be swallowed or pronounced very softly in spoken Danish, making it sound almost like the infinitive 'indikere'. However, when writing, you must always remember the final 'r' when using it in the present tense. Forgetting the 'r' (nutids-r) is one of the most common grammatical errors even native Danes make, so being vigilant about it will make your written Danish exceptionally strong.
Expanding your vocabulary to include synonyms and alternatives to 'indikerer' is crucial for achieving fluency and avoiding repetition in your writing and speaking. Danish offers a rich spectrum of verbs that express the idea of showing, suggesting, or pointing out, each with its own subtle nuances in register, strength, and context. Understanding these differences allows you to choose the perfect word for any situation.
Tyder på (Suggests / Points to)
This is perhaps the most common and versatile alternative. It is slightly less formal than 'indikerer' and is used extensively in both everyday conversation and formal contexts.

Alt tyder på, at vi får en god sommer i år.

While 'indikerer' sounds like a clinical observation of data, 'tyder på' feels more like a reasoned guess based on available signs. It translates well to 'suggests' or 'points towards'.
Viser (Shows)
The most basic and direct alternative. 'Viser' is neutral in register and can be used in almost any context.

Grafen viser en tydelig stigning i salget.

Use 'viser' when the evidence is direct and undeniable. 'Indikerer' implies a level of interpretation, whereas 'viser' simply presents the fact.
Antyder (Implies / Hints at)
This word is used when the indication is subtle, indirect, or even intentionally vague. It carries a connotation of hinting or implying.

Hans kommentar antyder, at han ikke er tilfreds med beslutningen.

Artiklen antyder en korruptionsskandale, men mangler beviser.

'Antyder' is less about objective data and more about interpreting words, tone, or circumstantial evidence. Other useful alternatives include 'peger på' (points to), which is very similar to 'tyder på' but often used when listing multiple factors leading to a conclusion, and 'demonstrerer' (demonstrates), which is a stronger, highly formal verb used when evidence definitively proves a point. By mastering this cluster of vocabulary—indikerer, tyder på, viser, antyder, peger på—you equip yourself with the precise linguistic tools needed to navigate any discussion involving evidence, interpretation, and conclusions in the Danish language. This nuance is a hallmark of an advanced speaker.
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Examples by Level

1

Skiltet indikerer vejen.

The sign indicates the way.

Present tense verb used with a simple noun subject.

2

Farven indikerer varme.

The color indicates heat.

Basic Subject-Verb-Object structure.

3

Lampen indikerer en fejl.

The lamp indicates an error.

Using 'indikerer' with a concrete object as the subject.

4

Pilen indikerer retningen.

The arrow indicates the direction.

Simple sentence structure suitable for basic comprehension.

5

Dette indikerer et problem.

This indicates a problem.

Using the demonstrative pronoun 'dette' as the subject.

6

Hvad indikerer det?

What does that indicate?

Basic question formation with an interrogative pronoun.

7

Lyset indikerer stop.

The light indicates stop.

Associating a visual sign with a meaning.

8

Kortet indikerer byen.

The map indicates the city.

Simple vocabulary combination.

1

Termometeret indikerer, at det er koldt udenfor.

The thermometer indicates that it is cold outside.

Introduction of the 'at' (that) subordinate clause.

2

Hendes smil indikerer, at hun er glad.

Her smile indicates that she is happy.

Connecting physical expression to emotion.

3

De mørke skyer indikerer regnvejr.

The dark clouds indicate rainy weather.

Using an adjective-noun phrase as the subject.

4

Resultatet indikerer, at vi vandt kampen.

The result indicates that we won the match.

Using abstract nouns like 'resultat' with the verb.

5

GPS'en indikerer, at vi skal dreje til venstre.

The GPS indicates that we should turn left.

Modern context usage.

6

Dette symbol indikerer fare.

This symbol indicates danger.

Direct object usage.

7

Hans fravær indikerer, at han er syg.

His absence indicates that he is sick.

Using an abstract concept (fravær) as the subject.

8

Prisen indikerer god kvalitet.

The price indicates good quality.

Connecting two concepts directly.

1

Undersøgelsen indikerer, at flere unge læser bøger.

The study indicates that more young people are reading books.

Using 'indikerer' in the context of surveys and studies.

2

Symptomerne indikerer en mild form for influenza.

The symptoms indicate a mild form of the flu.

Medical context, very common for this verb.

3

Statistikken indikerer et fald i kriminaliteten.

The statistics indicate a drop in crime.

Using formal nouns like 'statistik'.

4

Meget indikerer, at mødet bliver aflyst.

Much indicates that the meeting will be canceled.

Using 'meget' (much) as an indefinite subject.

5

Deres reaktion indikerer, at de ikke forstod beskeden.

Their reaction indicates that they did not understand the message.

Complex sentence with a negative subordinate clause.

6

Alt indikerer, at vi når vores mål i år.

Everything indicates that we will reach our goal this year.

Using 'alt' (everything) as an inclusive subject.

7

Datoen på brevet indikerer, hvornår det blev sendt.

The date on the letter indicates when it was sent.

Using an interrogative word (hvornår) to start the subordinate clause.

8

Kropssproget indikerer ofte, hvad en person tænker.

Body language often indicates what a person is thinking.

Adding an adverb (ofte) between the verb and the clause.

1

De foreløbige data indikerer en stærk sammenhæng mellem de to variabler.

The preliminary data indicates a strong correlation between the two variables.

Academic vocabulary integration (foreløbige data, sammenhæng, variabler).

2

Det indikeres i rapporten, at projektet kræver yderligere finansiering.

It is indicated in the report that the project requires further funding.

Passive construction 'det indikeres'.

3

Markedsanalysen indikerer et skift i forbrugernes adfærdsmønstre.

The market analysis indicates a shift in consumer behavior patterns.

Business and economics terminology.

4

Intet i hans udtalelse indikerer, at han er villig til at gå på kompromis.

Nothing in his statement indicates that he is willing to compromise.

Using 'intet' (nothing) to form a negative statement.

5

Forskningen indikerer tydeligt, at klimaforandringerne har menneskeskabte årsager.

The research clearly indicates that climate change has human-made causes.

Using the adverb 'tydeligt' (clearly) to strengthen the verb.

6

Disse fund indikerer et behov for at revidere vores nuværende teorier.

These findings indicate a need to revise our current theories.

Formal academic phrasing.

7

Den økonomiske vækst indikerer, at regeringens reformer har haft en positiv effekt.

The economic growth indicates that the government's reforms have had a positive effect.

Complex cause-and-effect sentence structure.

8

Historiske kilder indikerer, at borgen blev bygget i det 12. århundrede.

Historical sources indicate that the castle was built in the 12th century.

Context of historical analysis.

1

Selvom den statistiske evidens er svag, indikerer tendensen alligevel en underliggende strukturel udfordring.

Even though the statistical evidence is weak, the trend nevertheless indicates an underlying structural challenge.

Advanced concessive clause structure with sophisticated vocabulary.

2

Det pågældende studie indikerer en kausalitet, som tidligere forskning har overset.

The study in question indicates a causality that previous research has overlooked.

Using relative pronouns (som) and academic concepts (kausalitet).

3

Man kan argumentere for, at faldet i valgdeltagelsen indikerer en stigende politisk apati i befolkningen.

One could argue that the drop in voter turnout indicates an increasing political apathy in the population.

Complex argumentation framing 'Man kan argumentere for, at...'.

4

Sprogbrugen i romanen indikerer subtilt forfatterens kritiske holdning til samfundsudviklingen.

The language use in the novel subtly indicates the author's critical attitude towards societal development.

Literary analysis contex

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