Nogenlunde

Nogenlunde is a Danish adverb meaning to some extent, somewhat, or rather. It is used to hedge statements, indicate approximation, or soften a claim. The word can frame an entire clause or modulate the sense of what follows, and it is common in both spoken and written Danish.

Etymology

The exact historical origins of nogenlunde are not clearly documented in standard reference works. It is generally treated as a fixed, one-word adverb rather than a productive compound in modern Danish, though it likely developed from older expressive forms that conveyed approximation.

Usage and examples

Common sentences include Det går nogenlunde ("It's going somewhat okay"), Vi klarer os nogenlunde ("We manage reasonably well"), and Det var nogenlunde som forventet ("It was roughly as expected"). The adverb typically signals a modest or non-committal evaluation and is more informal than more emphatic hedges like ganske or virkelig.

Variants and notes

Nogenlunde functions as an invariable adverb and is not typically modified for degree. It should be distinguished from related, more absolute hedges rather than substituted for them in formal writing. In Danish dictionaries, nogenlunde is defined as “to some extent; somewhat; rather.”

See also

References and further reading: Den Danske Ordbog; Sproget.dk; general Danish grammar resources.