langsom

§ What "langsom" Means and How to Use It

The Danish word "langsom" is an adjective, and it directly translates to "slow" in English. It's used to describe anything that moves, acts, or proceeds at a low speed. Think of a snail, a slow internet connection, or someone who takes their time doing things – all these can be described as "langsom". This is a fundamental word for beginners (CEFR A1) as it's very common in everyday conversation.

You'll use "langsom" in many situations. For example, if you're talking about traffic, you might say "Trafikken er langsom" (The traffic is slow). If your computer is running slowly, you'd say "Min computer er langsom" (My computer is slow). It's quite straightforward, similar to how you'd use "slow" in English.

DEFINITION

Moving with low speed

Let's look at some examples to get a better feel for it. Pay attention to how "langsom" changes slightly depending on what it's describing, even though for A1 level, the basic form is usually enough.

This means "A slow snail." Here, "langsom" describes the noun "snegl" (snail). It's directly modifying it.

This translates to "He walks slowly." Notice how "langsom" becomes "langsomt" here. This is because it's acting as an adverb, describing *how* he walks, not *what* he is. This is a common pattern in Danish: adjectives often add an -t when used as adverbs. Don't worry too much about this nuance at A1, but it's good to start noticing it.

Let's consider another example where "langsom" describes a process or an event:

This means "The internet is very slow today." Here, "langsomt" acts as an adjective describing "internettet" (the internet) which is an 'et' word (neuter noun). In Danish, adjectives agree in gender and number with the noun they describe. For 'en' words (common gender), it's usually "langsom". For 'et' words (neuter gender), it's "langsomt". And for plural, it would be "langsomme". Again, these are details you'll pick up as you go, but for A1, focus on the core meaning.

When you're first learning, don't get too bogged down in the grammatical changes. The most important thing is to understand that "langsom" means slow, and you can use it in a general sense. As you advance, you'll naturally start to apply the correct endings. The key is consistent exposure and practice.

• Use it for speed: Describing how fast or slow something physically moves.
• Use it for processes: Describing how quickly something happens or progresses.
• Use it for performance: Describing how well a device or system is functioning in terms of speed.

In summary, "langsom" is your go-to word for anything that isn't fast. It's a foundational word that you'll hear and use constantly in Danish. Practice saying it, and try to use it in simple sentences about things around you. For instance, look at a car moving slowly and think "En langsom bil" (A slow car). This kind of mental practice is very effective.

§ Danish Adjectives Endings

The Danish word for 'slow' is langsom. Like many adjectives in Danish, its ending changes depending on the word it describes. This is a common feature in Danish grammar, so it's good to get used to it early on.

§ Langsom: The Base Form

You use langsom when the noun it describes is a common gender word (en-word) in the singular form.

Example of a common gender word:

en bil (a car), en mand (a man)

This means 'A slow car'. Here, 'bil' is an 'en-word', so 'langsom' stays in its base form.

This translates to 'He is slow'. When the adjective describes a person or a pronoun that implies a common gender, it also uses the base form.

§ Langsomt: Adding a -t

You add a '-t' to langsom when the noun it describes is a neuter gender word (et-word) in the singular form.

Example of a neuter gender word:

et hus (a house), et barn (a child)

This means 'A slow train'. 'Tog' is an 'et-word', so langsom becomes langsomt.

This means 'It's going slowly' or 'It's slow'. Here, langsomt acts as an adverb, describing the verb 'går' (goes). Many Danish adjectives can also function as adverbs by adding a '-t'.

§ Langsomme: Adding an -e

You add an '-e' to langsom when the noun it describes is in the plural form, regardless of its gender. You also use '-e' when the adjective comes after a definite article (the) or a possessive pronoun (my, your, etc.).

Examples of plural nouns:

biler (cars), huse (houses)

This means 'The slow cars'. Since 'biler' is plural, langsom becomes langsomme. Also, 'de' (the) is a definite article, which triggers the '-e' ending.

This translates to 'My slow horses'. 'Heste' is plural, and 'mine' (my) is a possessive pronoun, both requiring the '-e' ending.

§ Summary of Langsom Forms

Here’s a quick overview to help you remember:

• Langsom: For singular common gender nouns (en-words) and when describing a pronoun implying common gender.
• Langsomt: For singular neuter gender nouns (et-words) and when used as an adverb.
• Langsomme: For plural nouns (both genders) and when the adjective is preceded by a definite article or possessive pronoun.