drøfte

Drøfte is a Danish verb meaning to discuss, debate, or deliberate about a topic. It denotes examining a matter from different angles, weighing arguments, and considering possible conclusions before deciding or forming an opinion. The word is common in formal, academic, journalistic, and policy contexts, but it also appears in everyday speech when careful consideration is intended.

Morphology and conjugation: The infinitive is drøfte. The present tense is drøfter (for example, jeg drøfter, du drøfter, han drøfter). The past tense is drøftede, and the past participle is drøftet. The present perfect is formed with har drøftet (f.eks. jeg har drøftet). The imperative form is drøft (for example, "Lad os drøfte videre").

Usage notes: Drøfte emphasizes structured consideration of an issue, often contrasting arguments for and against a proposal. It is preferred in contexts where reasoned assessment is important, such as meetings, debates, and written analyses. It is commonly used with objects like emnet (the topic), problemet (the problem), or fordele og ulemper (advantages and disadvantages).

Etymology and relation: The verb has roots in Old Danish and is part of the broader Germanic family of verbs associated with thinking, weighing, and deliberation. It remains closely tied to the act of thoughtful discussion in modern Danish.

See also: discuss and debate in Danish discourse; drøfting, which refers to the act of discussing or deliberating.