efterstræbes

efterstræbes is the present passive/impersonal form of the Danish verb efterstræbe, meaning "to be sought after", "to be aimed for" or "to be endeavoured". The form efterstræbes is commonly used in formal and administrative language to express that a certain outcome is desired or pursued without naming a specific agent.

Grammatical use

efterstræbes functions as a passive construction and is often used impersonally: the actor is either unknown or irrelevant. It typically governs a subordinate clause introduced by at (that) or an infinitive phrase. Example: "Det efterstræbes, at ansøgninger behandles inden 14 dage" (It is sought that applications are processed within 14 days).

Register and contexts

The word is frequent in legal texts, government reports, policy documents and formal correspondence where neutral, objective phrasing is preferred. In everyday speech or informal writing, speakers are more likely to use alternatives such as søges, tilstræbes or active constructions.

Etymology and related forms

efterstræbes derives from efterstræbe (efter + stræbe "to strive"), rooted in Germanic vocabulary for striving or seeking. Related conjugated forms follow regular Danish verb patterns (efterstræber, efterstræbte, efterstræbt) while the passive -s form is productive for many Danish verbs. Synonyms include tilstræbes, søges and eftersøges depending on nuance and context.