Foretrækker

Foretrækker is a Danish verb meaning to prefer. It is a transitive verb used to express that one thing is favored over another. In usage it commonly occurs with a direct object naming the preferred item and with phrases like fremfor or i stedet for to contrast alternatives, as in Jeg foretrækker te frem for kaffe.

Conjugation and usage: The infinitive is foretrække. In the present tense, the form is foretrækker for all persons: jeg foretrækker, du foretrækker, han/hun/den/det foretrækker, vi foretrækker, I foretrækker, de foretrækker. The past tense is foretrak (e.g., Jeg foretrak te i går). The supine is foretrukket, and the past participle is foretrukket, used with have to form the perfect (e.g., Jeg har foretrukket te i stedet for kaffe). The present participle is foretrækkende.

Usage notes: Foretrækker often expresses a stronger preference than merely liking something; it implies a choice made in light of alternatives. It is common in formal and informal contexts. The construction typically takes a direct object representing the preferred item, and can be followed by comparative phrases to contrast with other options.

Etymology and related forms: Foretrækker is a compound of for- and trække (to pull), with the sense development toward selecting or lifting forward as the preferred option. The past tense foretrak shows a vowel alternation typical of Danish strong verbs, while foretrukket functions as both the past participle and as an adjective meaning preferable.

See also: foretrukket as a related form; foretrække as the infinitive. The concept is closely related to synonyms like vælge (to choose) and at ville hellere (to would rather).

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