tillægsform

A tillægsform is a grammatical concept found in some languages, particularly in Scandinavian languages, that modifies the grammatical gender of a noun. It essentially acts as a way to differentiate between a noun's common gender and a more specific, often derived or secondary, gender. The term itself translates to "additional form" or "supplementary form" in English.

In languages where tillægsform exists, nouns typically belong to one of two main grammatical genders, often referred to as common gender and neuter gender. The tillægsform is a variation of the common gender. It is typically formed by adding a specific ending to the noun. This additional form often signifies a more specific or nuanced meaning, or it can be used in certain grammatical constructions. For example, it might be used when referring to a particular instance of something, or when the noun is used in an appositive phrase.

The exact rules and usage of tillægsform can vary significantly between languages and even dialects. Not all nouns will have a tillægsform, and its presence or absence can sometimes be idiomatic. Understanding tillægsform is crucial for accurate comprehension and production of these languages, as it affects agreement with adjectives and other modifiers.