formåede

Formåede is the simple past tense form of the Danish verb formå, meaning to be able to, to succeed in, or to manage to do something. It is used to describe a past situation in which someone was able to achieve a task or overcome a hindrance. The nuance often emphasizes effort, capability, or overcoming obstacles.

Grammar and forms: formå is an irregular verb. Present tense is formår, meaning “can” or “is able to.” The past tense is formåede, and the past participle is formået, used with have to form the present perfect: har formået. The phrase often takes a clause introduced by at, as in at formå at gøre noget, meaning “to manage to do something.” The negative form is formåede ikke or har ikke formået, depending on the tense.

Usage: formåede is common in narrative and formal writing when recounting past achievements or attempted actions. It implies that the outcome was achieved, or at least that the speaker succeeded in the effort within the given circumstances. It can describe both successful and unsuccessful efforts, with formåede at… indicating success, and formåede ikke at… indicating failure to achieve.

Examples: Jeg formåede at løse opgaven før deadline. Han formåede ikke at møde dem på grund af forsinkelsen. Vi formåede at gennemføre planerne trods vanskeligheder.

Etymology: the verb formå originates in Danish and is cognate with related Germanic roots meaning to be able or to manage; it has developed into the modern Danish form, with formåede as the past tense and formået as the past participle.