Kendetegnes

Kendetegnes is a Danish verb meaning to be characterized by or to be distinguished by certain features. It is used to attribute distinguishing characteristics to a subject, such as a species, a product, a place, or a phenomenon. The related noun kendetegn means a distinguishing feature or characteristic.

The word kumu derives from kendetegn, itself a compound of kende (to know or to identify) and tegn (sign or mark). In use, kendetegnes commonly introduces what sets the subject apart, often with the preposition ved: for example, Arten kendetegnes ved sin røde pels, or Produktet kendetegnes ved sin høje kvalitet og lave pris. The construction signals an objective description of notable attributes rather than subjective judgments.

In writing, kendetegnes is frequently found in scientific, journalistic, and analytical contexts to summarize key features succinctly. It can appear in present tense statements about current observations, or in reports that compare different subjects by their distinguishing traits. The phrase helps frame the subject in terms of what most clearly identifies it from others.

Related terms include kendetegn (distinguishing feature) and the verb kendetegne (to characterize or to distinguish by features). In contrast to more evaluative verbs, kendetegnes emphasizes describable attributes that serve to identify or differentiate. Overall, it's a neutral, descriptive tool in Danish to articulate defining characteristics.