Påkræve

Påkræve is a Danish verb meaning to require or to demand, typically in formal or legal contexts. The term emphasizes that something is mandated by rules, laws, contracts, or authority, and it is often used in official or administrative language. In everyday Danish, the simpler verb kræve is more common, while påkræve conveys a stronger, more formal sense of obligation.

Grammar and usage: Påkræve is a transitive verb. Infinitive: at påkræve. Present tense: påkræver. Past tense: påkrævede. Past participle: påkrævet. The perfect tense is formed with have: har påkrævet. The passive form is er påkrævet (it is required). It can take a direct object (what is required) or be followed by a subordinate clause: Det påkræves, at alle møder til tiden.

Context and nuances: Påkræve is commonly found in legal, regulatory, and formal administrative texts. It signals that compliance is mandatory rather than optional. For example: Loven påkræver, at virksomheder registrerer finansielle oplysninger. Det påkræves, at alle indlevere dokumenter senest fredag. In less formal language, one would more likely say Loven kræver ... or Det kræves, at ...

Related terms: kræve (to require), forlange (to demand), krav (a requirement). As a mood indicator, påkræve often appears when the speaker wants to stress an official obligation rather than a casual demand.