elsker

Elsker is a verb used in Danish and Norwegian to mean to love. The word derives from Old Norse elska and is cognate with Swedish älska. In both languages the verb is highly productive for romantic, familial, and broader affectionate contexts.

Conjugation and forms are as follows. In Danish, the infinitive is at elske and the present tense is jeg elsker, du elsker, han/hun elsker, vi elsker, I elsker, de elsker. The simple past is elskede, and the past participle is elsket, with present perfect formed as har elsket. In Norwegian Bokmål, the infinitive is å elske; the present tense is jeg elsker, du elsker, han elsker, vi elsker, dere elsker, de elsker. The simple past is elsket, and the past participle is elsket, used with have as har elsket. The forms are very similar across the two languages, reflecting their common linguistic heritage.

Usage and nuance. Elske covers romantic love as well as platonic affection and familial love, and it appears in everyday expressions such as jeg elsker dig (Danish) or jeg elsker deg (Norwegian). The phrase min elskede can be used to mean “my beloved” in intimate contexts. While the primary use is as a verb, the word also appears in literature and poetry to convey deep attachment or devotion.

See also: kærlighed (love in Danish), kärlek (Swedish for love).