nægter

Nægter is a Danish verb meaning to refuse, deny, or reject. It is used when someone explicitly does not accept a statement, request, or proposition. The form also appears in Norwegian with a closely related meaning.

In Danish grammar, nægter is the present tense form; the simple past is nægtede, and the past participle is nægtet. The present perfect is built with har nægtet. The verb is commonly used with a clause introduced by at (nægte at …) to express refusal of doing something, for example, "Han nægter at kommentere spørgsmålet" (He refuses to comment on the question). It can also take a direct object to deny something, such as "nægte sandheden" (deny the truth). The word often conveys a firm or strong denial compared with milder alternatives like vil ikke.

Usage notes and nuance: nægter is typically used for clear refusals or denials in formal and informal contexts. In softer or less confrontational speech, speakers may choose alternatives such as "vil ikke" (will not) or "kan ikke" (cannot). In legal or political discourse, nægter can signal a definitive stance or rejection of a proposal or claim.

Etymology and related forms: nægter originates from a Germanic linguistic ancestor and has cognates in other Scandinavian languages, reflecting a common Germanic root for denying or refusing. The core sense remains the same across dialects, even as spelling and exact conjugation vary.