Strengthening an Energy-Use Proposal | Learn Danish in English

Danish lesson set in a contemporary Copenhagen everyday setting: At work, two adults strengthen an energy-use proposal by anticipating concerns, suggesting a small trial, and gathering evidence before broader adoption..

EN → DA / Level: B2

About This Lesson

Use Strengthening an Energy-Use Proposal to practice Danish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Jeg har udarbejdet et forslag om at reducere energiforbruget på kontoret.

yai hah oo-thah-BYE-thut ed foh-SLAW ohm ed ray-doo-SEH-ruh eh-nuh-GEE-foh-BROO-eth poh kon-TOH-uhd. I drafted a proposal for reducing energy use in the office.
B

Det bør omfatte fordele, omkostninger og mulige indvendinger.

deh buh ohm-FAH-duh foh-DAIL-uh, OHM-kosd-ning-uh, oh MOO-lee-uh EN-ven-ding-uh. It should include benefits, costs, and possible objections.
A

Afsnittet om fordelene er klart, men afsnittet om indvendingerne har brug for flere detaljer.

AF-snee-duh ohm foh-DAIL-uh-nuh air klahd, men AF-snee-duh ohm en-ven-DING-uh-nuh hah broh foh FLEH-uh deh-TAL-yuh. The benefits section is ready, but the objections section needs more detail.
B

Hvis vi forudser bekymringerne, bliver forslaget mere troværdigt.

ves vee foh-ROO-say beh-KUHM-ring-uh-nuh, BLEE-uh foh-SLAW-uth MEH-uh troh-VAIR-deet. Anticipating concerns will make the proposal more credible.
A

Nogle teams kan være bekymrede for komforten eller udstyrets driftssikkerhed.

NOH-luh teems kan VAIR-uh beh-KUHM-ruth-uh foh kom-FOR-dun EL-uh OO-styur-ets DRIFTS-see-guh-hayd. Some teams may worry about comfort or equipment reliability.
B

Så bør vi imødekomme de bekymringer med pilotprojekter i stedet for løfter.

soh buh vee ee-MUH-thuh-KOM-uh dee beh-KUHM-ring-uh meh pee-LOHT-proh-YEK-duh ee STAY-thuh foh LERF-tuh. Then address those concerns with pilots rather than promises.
A

En lille prøve vil give os dokumentation, før løsningen indføres bredere.

en LEE-luh PRER-vuh vel GEE-vuh ohs doh-koo-men-tah-SYOHN, fer LERSS-ning-un en-FER-uhs BRAY-thuh-ruh. A small trial would produce evidence before broader adoption.
B

Det ville gøre det lettere for ledelsen at godkende forslaget.

deh VEL-uh GER-uh deh LET-uh-ruh foh LAY-thuhls-un ed GOH-then-duh foh-SLAW-uth. That would make approval easier for leadership.

Word by Word

Jeg “Jeg” means “I” and identifies the speaker as the person who prepared the proposal. It is used as the subject before the verb phrase “Jeg har udarbejdet”. Use it when speaking about your own action or responsibility.
har In “Jeg har udarbejdet”, “har” is the auxiliary helping express a completed action. In “har brug for”, it is part of the expression meaning “needs”. Use the exact patterns “Jeg har udarbejdet” and “har brug for” with the relevant subject and object.
udarbejdet “udarbejdet” means prepared or drafted in “Jeg har udarbejdet et forslag”. It follows “har” in the completed-action construction. Use it for preparing a proposal, document, or other planned piece of work.
et “et” means “a” or “an” before “forslag” in “et forslag”. It introduces one non-specific item of the neuter noun type used here. Use it directly before a singular noun such as “et forslag”.
forslag “forslag” means proposal in “et forslag om at reducere energiforbruget”. It names the plan being presented for consideration. Use it with “om” when describing what the proposal concerns.
om In “et forslag om at reducere energiforbruget”, “om” introduces what the proposal concerns. Here it links the proposal to the planned reduction of energy consumption. Use the pattern “et forslag om at” before an action or topic.
at “at” marks the infinitive in “at reducere”. It connects the proposal topic to the action that is intended. Use it before the infinitive after a construction such as “et forslag om”.
reducere “reducere” means reduce in “at reducere energiforbruget”. It names the action proposed for the office. Use it before the thing being reduced, as in the pattern “at reducere” plus an object.
energiforbruget “energiforbruget” means the energy consumption in “reducere energiforbruget”. It is the object of the reduction. Use it when discussing the amount of energy used by an office, system, or activity.
på In “på kontoret”, “på” marks the location where the energy use occurs. Here it is naturally understood as “at” or “in” the office. Use it with “kontoret” to specify this workplace location.
kontoret “kontoret” means the office in “på kontoret”. The form refers to a specific office location. Use it after “på” when describing something that happens at the office.
Det “Det” means “it” in “Det bør omfatte fordele, omkostninger og mulige indvendinger”. It refers back to the proposal and makes it the subject of the recommendation. Use it at the start of a sentence when referring to a previously mentioned thing.
bør “bør” expresses what should be done in “Det bør omfatte”. It is followed by the infinitive “omfatte”. Use it to give a recommendation about what a document or plan should contain.
omfatte “omfatte” means include or cover in “Det bør omfatte fordele, omkostninger og mulige indvendinger”. It introduces the contents that the proposal should contain. Use it before a list of items or topics.
fordele “fordele” means benefits in “fordele, omkostninger og mulige indvendinger”. It names positive results that should be considered in the proposal. Use it in a list with other evaluation points such as costs and objections.
omkostninger “omkostninger” means costs in the proposal-content list. It refers to the resources or money required by the plan. Use it when assessing the financial or practical burden of a proposal.
og “og” means “and” and joins the listed items in “fordele, omkostninger og mulige indvendinger”. It adds the final item to the list. Use it between the last two elements of a list.
mulige “mulige” means possible in “mulige indvendinger”. It describes objections that may arise but are not presented as certain. Use it before a plural noun when identifying potential issues or responses.
indvendinger “indvendinger” means objections in “mulige indvendinger”. It refers to reasons people might give against the proposal. Use it when discussing concerns or arguments that could challenge a plan.
Afsnittet “Afsnittet” means the section in “Afsnittet om fordelene”. It identifies a specific part of the proposal. Use it when referring to a particular section of a document.
fordelene “fordelene” means the benefits in “Afsnittet om fordelene”. The form refers to the specific benefits being discussed in the document. Use it after “om” when naming the subject of a section.
er “er” means “is” in “Afsnittet om fordelene er klart”. It links the section to its state of being ready. Use it to describe the current state or quality of a section or document.
klart “klart” means ready here in “er klart”. It describes the section as completed and ready for use. Use it after “er” to say that this section or item is ready.
men “men” means “but” and contrasts the completed benefits section with the unfinished objections section. It introduces the second, opposing point in the sentence. Use it to connect two contrasting statements.
indvendingerne “indvendingerne” means the objections in “afsnittet om indvendingerne”. It refers to the specific objections already relevant to the proposal. Use it when identifying the objections section or discussing those objections again.
brug In “har brug for flere detaljer”, “brug” is part of the expression meaning needs. The complete expression says that the objections section requires more details. Use “har brug for” before the thing that is needed.
for In “har brug for flere detaljer”, “for” completes the expression meaning “need”. It introduces the needed item, “flere detaljer”. The same word also appears in “i stedet for løfter”, where the whole expression means “instead of promises”.
flere “flere” means more in “flere detaljer”. It indicates that additional details are needed beyond those already present. Use it before a plural noun when asking for or describing additional items.
detaljer “detaljer” means details in “flere detaljer”. It refers to specific information that would make the objections section more complete. Use it when requesting or adding precise information to a document.
Hvis “Hvis” means “if” and introduces the condition in “Hvis vi forudser bekymringerne”. It connects anticipating concerns with the resulting improvement in the proposal. Use it at the start of a conditional clause.
vi “vi” means “we” in “Hvis vi forudser bekymringerne”. It identifies the speakers as the people who may anticipate the concerns. Use it as the subject when referring to an action carried out by the speaker and others.
forudser “forudser” means anticipate or foresee in “Hvis vi forudser bekymringerne”. It describes thinking about concerns before they are raised. Use it with the issue or reaction that is expected.
bekymringerne “bekymringerne” means the concerns in “forudser bekymringerne”. It refers to the specific worries that teams may have about the proposal. Use it as the object of an action such as anticipating or addressing concerns.
bliver “bliver” means becomes or gets in “bliver forslaget mere troværdigt”. It introduces a change in the proposal’s perceived credibility. Use it with a subject and a description of the resulting state.
forslaget “forslaget” means the proposal in “bliver forslaget mere troværdigt”. The form refers to the specific proposal already being discussed. Use it when describing a change in the proposal or asking others to assess it.
mere “mere” means more in “mere troværdigt”. It marks an increase in credibility compared with before. Use it before a descriptive word when making a comparison of degree.
troværdigt “troværdigt” means credible in “mere troværdigt”. It describes the proposal as more believable or trustworthy when concerns are anticipated. Use it after “bliver” to describe the resulting quality of the proposal.
Nogle “Nogle” means some in “Nogle teams”. It refers to an unspecified part of the teams rather than all teams. Use it before a plural noun when discussing only part of a group.
teams “teams” means teams in “Nogle teams”. It identifies the workplace groups that may have concerns. Use it after “Nogle” when referring to some groups within an organization.
kan “kan” expresses possibility in “kan være bekymrede”. Here it means that the teams may be concerned, not that they certainly are. Use it before an infinitive such as “være” to describe a possible situation.
være “være” means be in “kan være bekymrede”. It follows “kan” and connects the teams to their possible state of concern. Use it after a modal word when describing what someone may or can be.
bekymrede “bekymrede” means concerned or worried in “være bekymrede for komforten”. It describes the teams’ reaction to possible effects of the proposal. Use it with “for” before the matter that causes concern.
komforten “komforten” means the comfort in “bekymrede for komforten”. It identifies one possible concern about the workplace change. Use it after “bekymrede for” when discussing concern about comfort.
eller “eller” means “or” and presents an alternative concern in “komforten eller udstyrets driftssikkerhed”. It links two possible sources of worry. Use it between alternatives.
udstyrets “udstyrets” means the equipment’s in “udstyrets driftssikkerhed”. It shows that the reliability belongs to or concerns the equipment. Use it before a noun to identify the equipment-related aspect being discussed.
driftssikkerhed “driftssikkerhed” means reliability in “udstyrets driftssikkerhed”. It refers to whether the equipment can continue operating dependably. Use it when evaluating the dependable operation of equipment or a system.
Så “Så” means “then” in “Så bør vi imødekomme de bekymringer”. It presents a recommended response following the concerns just mentioned. Use it to connect a situation with a resulting action.
imødekomme “imødekomme” means address or accommodate in “imødekomme de bekymringer”. It describes responding to the concerns in a practical way. Use it before the concern or request being addressed.
de “de” means “the” in “de bekymringer”. It points to the specific concerns already mentioned. Use it before a plural noun when referring to identified items.
med “med” means “with” in “med pilotprojekter”. It introduces the method used to address the concerns. Use it before a tool, method, or resource that supports an action.
pilotprojekter “pilotprojekter” means pilot projects in “med pilotprojekter”. It refers to limited practical trials used to address concerns and gather information. Use it when testing a proposal on a small scale before wider use.
i In “i stedet for løfter”, “i” is part of the fixed expression meaning “instead of”. It helps mark the option that is being replaced. Use the complete expression “i stedet for” before the alternative.
stedet In “i stedet for løfter”, “stedet” is part of the fixed expression meaning “instead of promises”. The expression contrasts pilot projects with promises. Use “i stedet for” to choose one approach rather than another.
løfter “løfter” means promises in “i stedet for løfter”. It refers to assurances offered without the practical evidence provided by pilot projects. Use it after “i stedet for” when contrasting promises with another approach.
En “En” means “a” or “an” before “lille prøve” in “En lille prøve”. It introduces one non-specific trial of the relevant noun type. Use it directly before a singular noun such as “En lille prøve”.
lille “lille” means small in “En lille prøve”. It limits the size or scope of the proposed trial. Use it before a singular noun when describing a trial or other item as small.
prøve “prøve” means trial in “En lille prøve”. It refers to a limited test carried out before broader adoption. Use it when proposing a small-scale test of a solution or plan.
vil “vil” expresses what is expected to happen in “vil give os dokumentation”. Here it presents the trial as expected to produce evidence. Use it before an infinitive to state a future or predicted result.
give “give” means give or provide in “vil give os dokumentation”. In this context, the trial will provide evidence for the decision. Use it before the recipient and the thing provided, as in “give os dokumentation”.
os “os” means “us” in “give os dokumentation”. It identifies the speakers as the recipients of the evidence. Use it after a verb such as “give” when the action is directed to the speaker and others.
dokumentation “dokumentation” means evidence or documentation in “give os dokumentation”. It refers to information produced by the trial that can support a decision. Use it for records or evidence gathered before adopting a solution more widely.
før “før” means “before” in “før løsningen indføres bredere”. It places the wider introduction after the trial and evidence. Use it to introduce an event that must happen later than another event.
løsningen “løsningen” means the solution in “før løsningen indføres bredere”. It refers to the specific solution being considered for wider adoption. Use it when discussing what will be introduced or implemented.
indføres “indføres” means is introduced or adopted in “løsningen indføres bredere”. It describes the solution being put into broader use. Use it when a solution or practice is introduced without naming the person carrying out the action.
bredere “bredere” means more broadly in “indføres bredere”. It indicates a wider scope of introduction than the initial trial. Use it to describe extending a solution beyond its small-scale starting point.
ville “ville” expresses “would” in “Det ville gøre det lettere”. It presents the expected consequence of the proposed trial. Use it before an infinitive when describing a conditional or anticipated result.
gøre “gøre” means make in “ville gøre det lettere”. It introduces the action that would cause approval to become easier. Use the pattern “gøre det lettere” before the person or action affected.
lettere “lettere” means easier in “gøre det lettere”. It describes a reduction in the difficulty of obtaining approval. Use it after “gøre det” to compare how easy an action or outcome would be.
ledelsen “ledelsen” means the leadership or management in “for ledelsen”. It identifies the group whose approval is being discussed. Use it after “for” when describing what is easier for management.
godkende “godkende” means approve in “ledelsen at godkende forslaget”. It names the action that management would find easier. Use it after “at” to state what someone is expected or enabled to approve.

Grammar Points

-s-passiv

Pilotprojektet indføres i stedet for en prøve.

pee-LOHT-proh-YEK-duh en-FER-uhs ee STAY-thuh foh en PRER-vuh.

The pilot project is introduced instead of a trial.

Danish often forms the passive with -s on the verb: indføre → indføres.

tillægsord i intetkøn: -t

et troværdigt forslag

ed troh-VAIR-deet foh-SLAW

a credible proposal

Et-words require the neuter adjective ending -t: troværdig → troværdigt.

Danish Vocabulary

afsnit noun
AF-sneed section afsnittet
bekymring noun
beh-KUHM-ring concern; worry bekymringerne
detalje noun
deh-TAL-yuh detail detaljer
energiforbrug noun
eh-nuh-GEE-foh-BROO energy consumption; energy use energiforbruget
fordel noun
foh-DAIL benefit; advantage fordele
forslag noun
foh-SLAW proposal; suggestion
forudse verb
foh-ROO-say to anticipate; to foresee forudser
indvending noun
EN-ven-ding objection indvendinger
omfatte verb
ohm-FAH-duh to include; to comprise
omkostning noun
OHM-kosd-ning cost; expense omkostninger
reducere verb
ray-doo-SEH-ruh to reduce
udarbejde verb
oo-thah-BYE-thuh to draft; to prepare udarbejdet

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

cost; expense

Show Answeromkostninger

to reduce

Show Answerreducere

benefit; advantage

Show Answerfordele

to include; to comprise

Show Answeromfatte