Overview
The Danish word 'voksen' refers to an adult, a fully grown person. It is an adjective that can also function as a noun, and its meaning is quite straightforward in most contexts. When used as an adjective, 'voksen' describes someone who has reached maturity, both physically and mentally. For example, 'en voksen mand' means 'an adult man' and 'en voksen kvinde' means 'an adult woman'. It implies that the person is no longer a child or an adolescent, and has typically attained legal majority, the ability to make independent decisions, and often, a certain level of responsibility.
As a noun, 'en voksen' (singular indefinite) or 'voksne' (plural definite and indefinite) directly translates to 'an adult' or 'adults'. This usage is common when discussing groups of people, or when contrasting adults with children. For instance, 'der var mange voksne til stede' means 'there were many adults present'.
The word 'voksen' can also carry connotations of maturity, experience, and sometimes seriousness. When someone is described as 'voksen i sin adfærd' (adult in their behavior), it suggests they are acting responsibly and thoughtfully, perhaps beyond their chronological age. Conversely, someone acting 'uvoksent' (immaturely) is behaving in a way that is not expected of an adult.
In some idiomatic expressions, 'voksen' can be used to emphasize the gravity or importance of a situation, implying that it requires an adult perspective or solution. For example, 'en voksen samtale' (an adult conversation) might refer to a serious and mature discussion. It's a fundamental word in Danish for distinguishing between different life stages and associated responsibilities and characteristics.
Examples
En voksen person har ret til at stemme.
GeneralAn adult person has the right to vote.
Hun er en voksen kvinde med et godt job.
DescriptiveShe is a grown woman with a good job.
Børn skal respektere voksne.
Social normChildren should respect adults.
Som voksen har man et større ansvar.
Philosophical/SocialAs an adult, one has greater responsibility.
Han er endelig blevet en voksen mand.
DevelopmentalHe has finally become a grown man.
Common Collocations
Often Confused With
80+ WORDS
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
The word 'voksen' is commonly used in various contexts. As an adjective, it means 'adult' or 'grown-up,' e.g., 'en voksen mand' (an adult man) or 'voksne mennesker' (adult people). As a noun, it refers to an 'adult' or 'grown-up,' e.g., 'børn og voksne' (children and adults). It can also be used metaphorically to describe something mature or well-developed, like 'en voksen holdning' (a mature attitude). When speaking to children, parents might use phrases like 'nu er du en stor voksen' (now you are a big grown-up) to encourage responsibility. It's important to note that while 'voksen' implies maturity, it doesn't necessarily convey seriousness or lack of playfulness; Danish adults often maintain a lighthearted and informal approach to life. The plural form is 'voksne'. The definite singular form is 'voksenen' (less common, usually 'den voksne'), and the definite plural is 'de voksne'.
Tips
Grammar Note
As an adjective, 'voksen' can be inflected: 'voksen' (common singular), 'voksent' (neuter singular), 'voksne' (plural and definite singular).
Common Phrase
The phrase 'at være voksen' means 'to be an adult' or 'to be grown-up'.
Contextual Use
While 'voksen' primarily refers to biological maturity, it can also imply responsibility or experience, as in 'Han er voksen nok til at træffe sine egne beslutninger' (He is grown-up enough to make his own decisions).
Cultural Context
In Denmark, the concept of 'voksen' (adult) generally aligns with Western understandings, signifying an individual who has reached legal majority (typically 18 years old) and is considered responsible for their own actions. However, culturally, the transition to 'voksen' can be seen as a gradual process extending beyond legal age, encompassing financial independence, establishment of a career, and potentially starting a family. There's a strong emphasis on self-reliance and contributing to society. While there isn't a specific, widespread cultural ceremony marking adulthood like some other cultures, milestones such as graduating from higher education, buying a home, or having children are often seen as indicators of having truly become 'voksen'. There's also a cultural expectation for adults to be politically aware and engaged, reflecting the strong democratic values in Danish society.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsIn Danish, 'voksen' refers to an adult or a fully grown person. It signifies an individual who has reached maturity, both physically and often legally, having moved past childhood and adolescence. The term encompasses the responsibilities, rights, and experiences typically associated with adulthood in Danish society.
'Voksen' can be used as an adjective or a noun. As an adjective, you might say 'en voksen mand' (an adult man) or 'en voksen kvinde' (an adult woman). As a noun, you could say 'Han er en voksen' (He is an adult) or 'Som voksen har man mange pligter' (As an adult, one has many duties). It's a versatile word reflecting various aspects of adulthood.
While primarily meaning 'adult,' 'voksen' can also subtly imply responsibility, maturity, and independence. For example, telling someone to 'være voksen' (be an adult) suggests acting responsibly and maturely. It can also be used to distinguish adult content or activities from those suitable for children, as in 'kun for voksne' (for adults only).
The plural form of 'voksen' as a noun is 'voksne'. So, you would say 'en voksen' (one adult) and 'flere voksne' (several adults). When used as an adjective, it also changes to 'voksne' to agree with plural nouns, such as 'voksne mennesker' (adult people).
Test Yourself
Min niece er blevet helt _____ nu.
Som ____ har man mange flere ansvar.
Det er vigtigt at lære at tage vare på sig selv, når man bliver _____.
Score: /3
Grammar Note
As an adjective, 'voksen' can be inflected: 'voksen' (common singular), 'voksent' (neuter singular), 'voksne' (plural and definite singular).
Common Phrase
The phrase 'at være voksen' means 'to be an adult' or 'to be grown-up'.
Contextual Use
While 'voksen' primarily refers to biological maturity, it can also imply responsibility or experience, as in 'Han er voksen nok til at træffe sine egne beslutninger' (He is grown-up enough to make his own decisions).
Examples
5 of 5En voksen person har ret til at stemme.
An adult person has the right to vote.
Hun er en voksen kvinde med et godt job.
She is a grown woman with a good job.
Børn skal respektere voksne.
Children should respect adults.
Som voksen har man et større ansvar.
As an adult, one has greater responsibility.
Han er endelig blevet en voksen mand.
He has finally become a grown man.
