Clarifying repair responsibility | Learn Danish in English

About This Lesson

Use Clarifying repair responsibility to practice Danish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Jeg er usikker på, om denne reparation er mit ansvar.

yai air oo-SEE-ker poh, om DEN-uh ray-pa-ra-SHOHN air meet ahn-SVAHR. I am unsure whether this repair is my responsibility.

Det afhænger af, om skaden skyldes normal brug.

deh ahf-HENG-er ahf, om SKAY-en SKOOL-uhs nor-MAHL broo. It depends on whether the damage came from normal use.

Armaturet løsnede sig gradvist uden brug af usædvanlig kraft.

ah-mah-TOO-uhth LURSS-nuh-thuh sai grah-DVIST oo-then broo ahf oo-SAYTH-vah-lee KRAHFT. The fixture loosened gradually, without any unusual force.

Så kan det høre under den almindelige vedligeholdelse.

soh kan deh HUR-uh OON-uh den ahl-MAY-nuh-lee-uh veth-lee-HOHL-uhl-suh. Then it may fall under routine maintenance.

Jeg vil helst have vurderingen dokumenteret.

yai veel helst HAY-vuh VOOR-deh-reeng-en doh-koo-men-TEH-ruth. I would prefer the assessment to be documented.

Det giver mening, eftersom ansvaret bør baseres på årsagen.

deh GHEE-vah MAY-neeng, EHFT-er-som ahn-SVAH-ruth buhr bah-SAY-rus poh OHR-soh-en. That makes sense, since responsibility should be based on the cause.

Jeg kan sende billeder med min anmodning om vedligeholdelse.

yai kan SEN-uh BEL-uh-thuh meth meen ahn-MOHT-neeng om veth-lee-HOHL-uhl-suh. I can send photos with the maintenance request.

Vedhæft dem venligst, og beskriv, hvordan problemet udviklede sig.

veth-HEFT dem VEN-lee, oh beh-SKREEV VOH-dan proh-BLAY-muth OOD-vik-luh-thuh sai. Please attach them and describe how the problem developed.

Word by Word

Jeg “Jeg” means “I” and identifies the speaker in the dialogue. It is used as the subject before the verb, as in “Jeg er usikker”. Use “Jeg” when stating your own opinion, situation, or ability.

er “er” means “am” in “Jeg er usikker” and links the subject to a description. It is the present form used with “Jeg” here. Reuse it before an adjective or noun phrase to describe yourself, such as “Jeg er klar” in a new example.

usikker “usikker” means “unsure” here and describes the speaker’s uncertainty about responsibility. It follows “er” in “Jeg er usikker på”. Use “usikker på” before the topic or question you are uncertain about.

på “på” is part of “usikker på” and introduces what the speaker is unsure about. In “usikker på, om …”, it is followed by a clause beginning with “om”. Reuse “usikker på” with a noun or clause when expressing uncertainty.

om “om” introduces the indirect yes-or-no question in “om denne reparation er mit ansvar”, meaning “whether this repair is my responsibility”. It connects the uncertainty to the question being considered. Reuse “om” after expressions such as “jeg er usikker på” when introducing such a question.

denne “denne” means “this” in “denne reparation” and points to the specific repair being discussed. It appears directly before the noun it determines. Use “denne” before a singular noun when referring to a particular item or matter.

reparation “reparation” means “repair” in “denne reparation”. It names the repair whose responsibility is being discussed. Reuse it with a determiner or possessive, for example “en reparation” in a new example.

mit “mit” means “my” before “ansvar” in “mit ansvar”. It marks that the responsibility is being considered as belonging to the speaker. Reuse “mit” before a matching singular neuter noun when referring to something that belongs to you.

ansvar “ansvar” means “responsibility” in “mit ansvar”. It names the duty or obligation that may belong to the tenant. Reuse it in expressions such as “tage ansvar” in a new example.

Det “Det” means “it” at the beginning of “Det afhænger af …”, referring to the matter under discussion. The same word appears as lowercase “det” in “kan det høre under …”, referring to the fixture or repair. It is commonly used as a subject when referring to a situation or previously mentioned matter.

afhænger “afhænger” means “depends” in “Det afhænger af …”. It states that the answer is determined by another factor. Reuse the pattern “Det afhænger af” before a noun or a clause introduced by “om”.

af “af” is part of “afhænger af” and introduces the factor on which something depends. Here, the factor is the cause of the damage. Reuse “afhænger af” with the relevant condition or circumstance.

skaden “skaden” means “the damage” and refers to the specific damage being assessed. The ending in this exact form makes it definite, so it points to known damage in the discussion. Reuse it when referring to a particular damage already identified.

skyldes “skyldes” means “is due to” or “is caused by” in “skaden skyldes normal brug”. It identifies “normal brug” as the cause of the damage. Reuse “skyldes” before the cause when explaining what produced a problem.

normal “normal” means “normal” in “normal brug” and describes the type of use that caused the damage. It comes directly before the noun it describes. Reuse it before a noun when describing ordinary or usual conditions.

brug “brug” means “use” in “normal brug”. It refers to how the fixture was used, rather than to an unusual force. Reuse it after an adjective or determiner when discussing use of an item or service.

Armaturet “Armaturet” means “the fixture” and is the item that loosened. The exact form is definite and functions as the subject of “løsnede sig”. Use it when referring to the particular fixture already under discussion.

løsnede “løsnede” means “loosened” in “Armaturet løsnede sig”. It describes a completed change in which the fixture became less firmly attached. Reuse it with “sig” when describing something that loosened by itself.

sig “sig” is the reflexive component in “løsnede sig”, showing that the fixture loosened itself or became loose without an outside agent being named. It follows the verb in this expression. Reuse it with a verb when the subject’s action or change refers back to the subject.

gradvist “gradvist” means “gradually” and shows that the fixture loosened over time rather than all at once. It modifies “løsnede sig” in the dialogue. Reuse it to describe a change that happens in small stages.

uden “uden” means “without” and introduces something that was absent: “uden brug af usædvanlig kraft”. It links the event to the absence of unusual force. Reuse “uden” before a noun phrase when stating that something was not present or used.

usædvanlig “usædvanlig” means “unusual” in “usædvanlig kraft”. It describes force as outside what is ordinary in this situation. Reuse it before a noun when pointing out that something is not typical.

kraft “kraft” means “force” in “brug af usædvanlig kraft”. It refers to physical strength applied to the fixture. Reuse it after “brug af” when describing the force used for an action.

Så “Så” means “then” in “Så kan det høre under …” and marks the conclusion drawn from the previous information. It introduces the possible classification of the repair. Reuse “Så” at the start of a sentence when drawing a practical conclusion.

kan “kan” means “may” in “kan det høre under …”, expressing a possibility rather than a definite decision. It is followed by “det” and the infinitive “høre”. Reuse “kan” before an infinitive when saying that something is possible or permitted.

høre “høre” is part of “høre under”, meaning “fall under” or “come under” a category or responsibility. Here it introduces the possibility that the repair belongs to routine maintenance. Reuse “høre under” before the category or area that something belongs to.

under “under” is part of the expression “høre under den almindelige vedligeholdelse”. It introduces the category or responsibility that may include the repair. Reuse “høre under” when classifying something under a rule, department, or area of responsibility.

den “den” means “the” in “den almindelige vedligeholdelse” and marks the specific maintenance category being discussed. It appears before the adjective and noun phrase. Reuse “den” before a singular common-gender noun phrase when referring to something definite.

almindelige “almindelige” means “ordinary” or “routine” in “den almindelige vedligeholdelse”. It describes the maintenance as the regular kind. The form appears after “den” and before the noun. Reuse it in a definite noun phrase when describing something as ordinary or usual.

vedligeholdelse “vedligeholdelse” means “maintenance” in “den almindelige vedligeholdelse”. It names the regular work or responsibility under which the repair may fall. Reuse it after “om” or another determiner when discussing maintenance work or obligations.

vil “vil” helps express the speaker’s preference in “Jeg vil helst have vurderingen dokumenteret”. Together with “helst” and “have”, it means “would prefer to have”. Reuse “vil helst have” before the thing or result you prefer.

helst “helst” means “preferably” or “rather” and strengthens the preference expressed in “Jeg vil helst have …”. It shows that documenting the assessment is the speaker’s preferred option. Reuse “vil helst” before an action or “vil helst have” before a desired result.

have “have” is part of “vil helst have vurderingen dokumenteret”, meaning “to have the assessment documented”. It introduces the result the speaker wants. Reuse “have” after “vil helst” when expressing a preference to possess something or have something done.

vurderingen “vurderingen” means “the assessment” and refers to the evaluation of who is responsible. The exact form is definite because it concerns the particular assessment requested. Reuse it when referring to a specific evaluation or judgment.

dokumenteret “dokumenteret” means “documented” in “have vurderingen dokumenteret”. It describes the desired recorded status of the assessment. Reuse the pattern “have [something] dokumenteret” when asking for a particular matter to be recorded.

giver “giver” means “gives” in “Det giver mening”, an expression meaning “That makes sense”. It combines with “mening” to evaluate an idea as logical or understandable. Reuse “Det giver mening” when agreeing that an explanation or decision is reasonable.

mening “mening” means “sense” in the fixed expression “Det giver mening”. The whole expression says that the previous request or idea is reasonable. Reuse “give mening” when describing something as logical or understandable.

eftersom “eftersom” means “since” in “eftersom ansvaret bør baseres på årsagen”. It introduces the reason supporting the statement. Reuse it before a clause that explains why something is reasonable or necessary.

ansvaret “ansvaret” means “the responsibility” and refers to the responsibility for the repair. The exact form is definite because it concerns the specific responsibility being discussed. Reuse it when referring to an identified duty or obligation.

bør “bør” means “should” in “ansvaret bør baseres på årsagen”. It expresses what is considered appropriate or advisable. Reuse “bør” before an infinitive or passive form when stating a recommendation or principle.

baseres “baseres” means “be based” in “bør baseres på årsagen”. It describes responsibility as being determined by the cause. Reuse “baseres på” before the evidence, reason, or factor on which a decision should rely.

årsagen “årsagen” means “the cause” in “baseres på årsagen”. It identifies the reason why the damage occurred, which should determine responsibility. The exact form is definite because the relevant cause is the one being assessed.

sende “sende” means “send” in “Jeg kan sende billeder”. It is the infinitive following “kan” and describes the possible action of sending the photos. Reuse “kan sende” before the item you are able or willing to send.

billeder “billeder” means “photos” in “sende billeder”. It is the material the tenant can provide to support the maintenance request. Reuse it after verbs such as “sende” or “vedhæfte” when referring to photos or images.

med “med” means “with” in “med min anmodning om vedligeholdelse”. It indicates that the photos are sent together with the maintenance request. Reuse “med” before the accompanying document, item, or person.

min “min” means “my” in “min anmodning”. It shows that the request belongs to or was made by the speaker. Reuse “min” before a singular common-gender noun when referring to something belonging to you.

anmodning “anmodning” means “request” in “min anmodning om vedligeholdelse”. It names the formal request concerning maintenance. Reuse “anmodning om” before the service, action, or matter being requested.

Vedhæft “Vedhæft” means “attach” and is a direct request to attach the photos. It is the command form at the beginning of the sentence. Reuse it when instructing someone to attach a file or document to a message.

dem “dem” means “them” in “Vedhæft dem”, referring back to “billeder”. It is the object receiving the action of attaching. Reuse “dem” when referring to multiple previously mentioned objects after a verb.

venligst “venligst” means “please” and makes the instruction “Vedhæft dem” more polite. It appears after the command in this dialogue. Reuse it in polite written or spoken requests, especially after an imperative.

og “og” means “and” and connects the two requested actions: attaching the photos and describing the problem’s development. It joins the commands “Vedhæft” and “beskriv”. Reuse it to link coordinated actions or pieces of information.

beskriv “beskriv” means “describe” and is the second command in “beskriv, hvordan problemet udviklede sig”. It asks the tenant to give an account of the problem’s development. Reuse it before the subject or information that should be described.

hvordan “hvordan” means “how” and introduces the clause explaining the way the problem developed. It connects “beskriv” to the description that follows. Reuse “hvordan” before a clause when asking for or describing the manner in which something happens.

problemet “problemet” means “the problem” and is the subject of “udviklede sig”. It refers to the specific repair issue being discussed. The exact form is definite because the problem is already known in the conversation.

udviklede “udviklede” means “developed” in “problemet udviklede sig”. It describes how the problem changed over time. Reuse it with “sig” when describing the way a situation or problem developed.

Grammar Points

eftersom + helsætning

Problemet udviklede sig gradvist, eftersom årsagen var usædvanlig.

proh-BLAY-muth OOD-vik-luh-thuh grah-DVIST, EHFT-er-som OHR-soh-en var oo-SAYTH-vah-lee.

The problem developed gradually because the cause was unusual.

Efter eftersom står en helsætning. Konjunktionen introducerer årsagen til det, der sker i hovedsætningen.

baseres på + substantiv

Vurderingen baseres på billeder.

VOOR-deh-reeng-en bah-SAY-rus poh BEL-uh-thuh.

The assessment is based on photos.

baseres er passiv. På viser, hvilket grundlag vurderingen bygger på.

Danish Vocabulary

afhænge verb

ahf-HENG-uh to depend afhænger

ansvar noun

ahn-SVAHR responsibility

Gender: neuter

armatur noun

ah-mah-TOOR fixture Armaturet

Gender: neuter

gradvist adv

grah-DVIST gradually

høre under phrase

HUR-uh OON-uh to fall under

Så kan det høre under den almindelige vedligeholdelse.

kraft noun

KRAHFT force

Gender: common

løsne sig verb

LUHS-nuh sai to loosen løsnede sig

normal brug phrase

nor-MAHL broo normal use

Skaden skyldes normal brug.

reparation noun

ray-pa-ra-SHOHN repair

Gender: common

skade noun

SKAY-uh damage skaden

Gender: common

usikker adj

oo-SEE-ker unsure

Jeg er usikker på, om denne reparation er mit ansvar.

usædvanlig adj

oo-SAYTH-vah-lee unusual

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

I would prefer the assessment to be documented.

Show Answer

Jeg vil helst have vurderingen dokumenteret.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

responsibility

Show Answer

ansvar

repair

Show Answer

reparation

gradually

Show Answer

gradvist

to depend

Show Answer

afhænger