optræder

Optræder is a Danish verb meaning to appear or to perform, especially on stage. It is the present tense form of the infinitive optræde. The verb covers two closely related senses: to appear or arise in a situation, and to perform publicly, notably on stage or at a public event. With the sense of performing, it is used for actors, musicians, or speakers who take the stage. With the sense of appearing, it can refer to events, phenomena, or persons that occur or come into view.

Etymology and related forms: Optræder is a compound derived from the prefix op- and the verb træde (to tread or step). It is cognate with German auftreten, reflecting a common Germanic origin and a similar meaning of stepping onto a platform or stage.

Conjugation and usage notes: The infinitive is optræde and the 3rd person singular present is optræder. The simple past form is optrådte, and the present perfect is formed with har optrådt or har optrådt, depending on regional variation. In usage, the verb is typically intransitive when meaning “to appear” and often paired with a prepositional phrase such as på scenen (on the stage) or som gæst (as a guest) to indicate role or location. It can also be used to describe events that occur.

Examples: Hun optræder på scenen hver fredag. Den sangskriver optræder som gæst ved festivalen i aften. Problemerne optræder ofte i begyndelsen af projektet.

See also: optræde, the infinitive form of the verb.