Trænge

Trænge is a Danish verb with several related senses centered on pressing or needing. In its physical sense, it can describe acting to press, push, or crowd something or someone, or the act of forcing entry or occupying space. In a figurative sense, trænge denotes a need or demand for something, often expressed with the preposition til.

Etymology and cognates: The verb originates from Old Danish trængja or trenga, linked to Proto-Germanic *þrenganą meaning “to press.” The broadened sense of “to need” developed in later Danish usage. The word has cognates in other Scandinavian languages, such as Norwegian trenge and Swedish tränga, which share related roots and meanings.

Usage and examples: The most common modern usage is the idiomatic trænger til, meaning “to need” or “to require.” Examples include: Jeg trænger til en kop kaffe (I need a cup of coffee), Det trænger til en opdatering (That needs an update), Vi trænger til en pause (We need a break). Trænge can also retain a literal sense of physical pressure, such as when something presses against another object or when a crowd presses forward.

Grammar and notes: Trænge is a regular verb in Danish conjugation, with present tense trænger and past tense trængte. The form and exact usage can vary slightly by regional speech, but the core senses are widely understood across Danish-speaking communities. In Norwegian and Swedish, related verbs with similar roots exist, though their exact meanings and usages differ in nuance.

See also: behov, nød, opdatering.