omdanne

Omdanne is a verb used in Danish and Norwegian to describe transforming, converting, or remodeling something into a different form, state, or use. It emphasizes changing the nature or function of an object or system rather than merely changing its appearance. The term is commonly applied in contexts such as industry, architecture, energy, and land use.

Etymology and related forms: Omdanne is formed from the prefix om- meaning around or again, combined with danne, meaning to form or shape. The word is closely related to similar Danish and Norwegian verbs and is part of a broader family of terms dealing with transformation. The related noun omdannelse denotes the process or result of transformation. The present tense form is omdanner, the past tense is omdannede, and the past participle is omdannet; the passive or perfect constructions use har omdannet or blev omdannet, depending on voice and tense.

Usage notes: Omdanne is transitive and typically takes a direct object and, in many cases, a target form introduced by til. For example: omdanne affald til energi (to convert waste into energy); en fabrik blev omdannet til et kulturcenter (a factory was transformed into a cultural center). It can also describe policy, urban planning, or technological shifts, such as transforming agricultural land for industrial use or re-purposing buildings.

See also: forvandling, omforme, omdannelse. In practice, omdanne is preferred when emphasizing a deliberate, systemic change rather than mere shape or appearance.