behövde

Behøvde is a finite verb form meaning “needed” or “was in need.” It is the simple past tense of the verb behøve, which means to need or require. The form is found in Norwegian Bokmål and in some Norwegian dialects. In Danish, the corresponding past tense is usually written behøvede, while the past participle is behøvet. The verb is cognate with Swedish behöva and Danish/Norwegian forms across the North Germanic languages.

Usage and meaning

Behøvde expresses a past necessity or requirement. It is used when describing something that was needed at a previous time. The present tense is typically expressed with a different form (such as behøver), and the past participle in Danish is behøvet. In Norwegian, the past tense form behøvde is common, while the present and participle forms align with the standard Norwegian verb system.

Examples

- Norwegian: Han behøvde hjelp. (He needed help.)

- Danish: Han behøvede hjælp. (He needed help.)

- Presentive note (Norwegian): Det behøves ikke. (It is not necessary.)

Etymology and related forms

The verb belongs to the North Germanic family and has cognates across Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish, such as behøve/behov, behöva, and behöva in various inflected forms. The forms differ in spelling and exact tense usage between languages, but share a common core meaning: to require or to need.

See also

Norwegian and Danish verbs for need and necessity; inflection patterns in North Germanic languages.