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B2 noun 11 min read

konkurrence

Examples konkurrence in 30 Seconds
Explanation konkurrence in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'konkurrence' is introduced as a simple word for a game or a contest where you can win a prize. Beginners learn that you can 'deltage i' (participate in) a competition. The focus is on basic sentences like 'Jeg vinder en konkurrence' (I win a competition) or 'Det er en sjov konkurrence' (It is a fun competition). Students learn the word in the context of hobbies and games. It is important at this stage to simply recognize the word and know it is an 'en-word'. The concept of winning and losing is central here. Teachers might use small classroom competitions to illustrate the word. You might see it on posters or in simple advertisements. The pronunciation is also a key focus, especially the 'u' and 'r' sounds which can be tricky for English speakers. Overall, A1 learners see 'konkurrence' as a positive, active word related to play and rewards.
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At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'konkurrence' in slightly more complex social contexts. They might talk about 'konkurrencer' in the plural and use basic adjectives like 'stor' (big) or 'lille' (small). At this stage, students can describe a competition they have seen on TV or participated in at school. They start to understand the preposition 'om' (about/for) as in 'en konkurrence om en rejse' (a competition for a trip). They also learn the related verb 'at konkurrere'. The focus shifts from just 'playing' to describing the nature of the event. A2 learners can understand simple news headlines about sports competitions. They are also introduced to the idea that competition can happen in business, though in a very simplified way. The emphasis is on building vocabulary around the theme of contests and prizes.
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At the B1 level, 'konkurrence' becomes a tool for discussing more abstract topics like the job market or local economy. Learners can use the word to express opinions: 'Jeg synes, konkurrence er godt for priserne' (I think competition is good for prices). They begin to use common collocations like 'hård konkurrence' (hard competition) and 'skarp konkurrence' (sharp competition). B1 students are expected to handle the word in different grammatical forms, including the definite plural 'konkurrencerne'. They also start to encounter the word in more formal texts, such as work-related emails or newspaper articles. The cultural aspect of competition in Denmark—balancing it with cooperation—might be introduced in reading materials. Learners at this level can explain the rules of a competition in Danish and discuss the pros and cons of competitive environments.
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At the B2 level, which is the target for this word, learners must understand 'konkurrence' in professional, academic, and socio-political contexts. This includes understanding compound words like 'konkurrenceevne' (competitiveness) and 'konkurrenceforvridning' (distortion of competition). B2 learners should be able to discuss the role of competition in a globalized world and use the word with precision in debates. They understand nuances like 'unfair konkurrence' and 'fri konkurrence'. The word is no longer just about games; it's about market dynamics, political strategies, and evolutionary biology. B2 students can follow complex discussions on Danish radio (like P1) about the 'konkurrencestat'. They are expected to use the word naturally with a wide range of prepositions and adjectives, and to distinguish it clearly from synonyms like 'dyst' or 'rivalisering'.
At the C1 level, the learner has a sophisticated grasp of 'konkurrence' and its implications. They can use the word in high-level academic writing or professional legal contexts, such as discussing 'konkurrenceret' (competition law). C1 learners understand the subtle rhetorical uses of the word in political speeches and can identify when it is being used to frame an argument. They are familiar with idiomatic expressions and can use the word metaphorically. At this level, the focus is on the fine details: the difference between 'konkurrence' and 'konkurrencepræget' (competitive as an adjective for an environment). They can analyze how the concept of competition has changed in Danish society over time. Their use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker's, showing full mastery of its various registers and connotations.
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At the C2 level, 'konkurrence' is a concept that the learner can deconstruct and analyze philosophically. They can discuss the word in the context of Danish literature, history, and advanced economic theory. A C2 learner might write a thesis-level paper on the 'konkurrenceevne' of the Nordic model or the psychological effects of 'konkurrencementalitet' in modern society. They have a total command of all related terms, including rare or technical compounds. They can play with the word in creative writing, using it to evoke specific moods or cultural critiques. For a C2 learner, 'konkurrence' is not just a word but a complex lens through which to view human behavior and societal structure. They can navigate the most dense legal or economic documents regarding 'konkurrencestyrelsen' with ease and contribute to high-level professional discourse on the topic.
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Examples

konkurrence in 30 Seconds

  • Konkurrence is the Danish word for competition, used in sports, business, and daily life.
  • It is a common gender noun (en konkurrence) and its plural is konkurrencer.
  • Commonly used with prepositions like 'i' (in) and 'om' (for/about).
  • It ranges from friendly games to serious economic and political concepts.
The Danish word konkurrence is a multifaceted noun that primarily translates to "competition" in English. At its core, it describes a situation where two or more parties—be they individuals, sports teams, or multinational corporations—strive to achieve a goal that cannot be shared, such as winning a trophy, gaining market share, or securing a limited resource. In the Danish cultural and linguistic context, the word carries a weight that spans from the playful atmosphere of a schoolyard game to the high-stakes environment of global trade.
Etymology and Root
The term is derived from the Latin 'concurrere', meaning 'to run together' or 'to meet'. In Danish, this evolved into the concept of running toward the same goal simultaneously, emphasizing the shared focus of the participants.

Der er en sund konkurrence mellem de to virksomheder, som driver innovationen fremad.

Beyond the literal sense of a contest, 'konkurrence' is deeply embedded in the Danish welfare state's discourse. While Denmark is often viewed through the lens of cooperation and social equality, the concept of 'konkurrencestaten' (the competition state) has become a central theme in political science, describing how the state organizes itself to be competitive in a globalized economy. This demonstrates that the word is not just about sports; it is about survival and excellence in a modern world. In daily life, you might enter a 'konkurrence' on the radio to win concert tickets, or your teacher might set up a 'konkurrence' in class to see who can conjugate verbs the fastest. The word is ubiquitous.

Vinderen af denne konkurrence får et gavekort til biografen.

Social Nuance
Danes often distinguish between 'sund konkurrence' (healthy competition) and 'benhård konkurrence' (cutthroat competition). The former is encouraged as a way to improve, while the latter can sometimes be seen as contrary to the Danish value of 'hygge' and social cohesion.

I naturen er der konstant konkurrence om føde og territorium.

Historically, the word gained prominence as Denmark moved from an agrarian society to an industrial and then a knowledge-based society. In the old days, competition was for land; today, it is for attention, data, and skilled labor. Understanding 'konkurrence' is essential for anyone wanting to navigate Danish professional life, as the 'konkurrenceevne' (competitiveness) of a company is a frequent topic in every boardroom.

Vi må ikke lade den interne konkurrence ødelægge vores samarbejde.

Grammatical Gender
It is a common gender noun (fælleskøn), meaning it takes the article 'en'. This is crucial for correct adjective agreement, such as 'en hård konkurrence'.

De deltog i en international konkurrence for unge arkitekter.

To summarize, 'konkurrence' is a versatile term used to describe any contest or rivalry. Whether you are discussing the Olympics, the smartphone market, or a local bake-off, this word provides the necessary framework for expressing the spirit of striving against others.
Using konkurrence correctly in Danish requires an understanding of its common prepositions and collocations. The most frequent preposition used with 'konkurrence' is 'i'. You participate *in* a competition: 'at deltage i en konkurrence'. If you are competing *against* someone, you use 'med' or 'mod'. For instance, 'i konkurrence med andre' (in competition with others) or 'i kamp og konkurrence mod fjenden' (in struggle and competition against the enemy).
Prepositional Usage
'Om' is used to specify the prize or the objective: 'en konkurrence om førstepræmien' (a competition for the first prize). 'Mellem' is used to describe the parties involved: 'konkurrence mellem to butikker' (competition between two shops).

Virksomheden er i skarp konkurrence med udenlandske producenter.

When describing the intensity of the competition, Danes use a variety of adjectives. 'Hård' (hard/tough), 'skarp' (sharp/intense), 'benhård' (bone-hard/very tough), and 'unfair' (unfair) are common descriptors. Conversely, 'sund' (healthy) or 'fri' (free) competition are often discussed in economic contexts. In professional settings, you will often hear phrases like 'at øge konkurrencen' (to increase competition) or 'at begrænse konkurrencen' (to limit competition). These are standard in discussions about monopolies and market regulations.

Der findes ingen reel konkurrence på dette marked.

Verbal Collocations
Common verbs used with 'konkurrence' include: 'at vinde' (to win), 'at tabe' (to lose), 'at udskrive' (to announce/launch, e.g., an architectural competition), and 'at imødegå' (to counter/meet).

Kommunen har udskrevet en konkurrence om det nye bibliotek.

For students of Danish, it is also important to recognize 'konkurrence' as the first part of many compound words. 'Konkurrenceevne' (competitiveness), 'konkurrenceforvridning' (distortion of competition), and 'konkurrencemyndigheder' (competition authorities) are all high-level terms that appear frequently in news and academic texts.

Vi skal styrke vores konkurrenceevne for at overleve.

Abstract vs. Concrete
'Konkurrence' can be abstract (the phenomenon of competing) or concrete (a specific event). For example, 'Konkurrence er godt' (Competition is good) vs. 'Jeg vandt en konkurrence' (I won a competition).

Efter skaden var han ude af den sportslige konkurrence.

By mastering these patterns, you can use 'konkurrence' in a way that sounds natural and precise, whether you're debating economics or talking about your favorite sports team.
You will encounter konkurrence in almost every facet of Danish life. On the radio and television, commercial breaks are often filled with phrases like 'Deltag i vores konkurrence og vind...' (Join our competition and win...). These are promotional contests designed to engage consumers. In the news, particularly the financial section (Erhverv), 'konkurrence' is a constant buzzword. Journalists discuss 'global konkurrence', 'priskonkurrence' (price competition), and the actions of 'Konkurrence- og Forbrugerstyrelsen' (The Competition and Consumer Authority).
In the Workplace
Managers might talk about the 'konkurrencesituation' (competition situation) to motivate employees. It is also common to discuss 'interne konkurrencer' where teams within a company compete for bonuses or recognition.

Vi skal være opmærksomme på den øgede konkurrence fra nethandel.

In the educational system, 'konkurrence' is a debated topic. While some argue that it motivates students, others believe it creates unnecessary stress. You might hear teachers say, 'Det er ikke en konkurrence om at blive færdig først' (It's not a competition to finish first), emphasizing quality over speed. This reflects a broader Danish cultural tension between the desire for excellence and the desire for egalitarianism. Sports commentary is perhaps the most obvious place where 'konkurrence' thrives. Whether it's football, handball, or cycling (all huge in Denmark), commentators will analyze the 'konkurrenceforhold' (competitive conditions) and the athletes' 'konkurrencementalitet' (competitive mentality).

Der var benhård konkurrence om pladserne på landsholdet.

In Politics
Politicians often use 'konkurrence' when discussing tax reforms or labor market changes, arguing that Denmark must remain 'konkurrencedygtig' (competitive) to maintain its welfare standards.

Regeringen ønsker at fremme konkurrence på telemarkedet.

Socially, you'll hear it at parties during 'brætspilsaftener' (board game nights) or 'pub quizzes'. It's usually meant in a lighthearted way: 'Lad os lave en lille konkurrence!' (Let's have a little competition!). Finally, in nature documentaries, the Danish narrator will often speak of 'konkurrencen om de sparsomme ressourcer' (the competition for scarce resources).

Han elsker konkurrence, uanset hvad det gælder.

From the serious to the trivial, 'konkurrence' is a word that defines how Danes interact with each other and the world around them.
Even for advanced learners, konkurrence can present some hurdles, particularly regarding its spelling, gender, and usage compared to similar words. One of the most frequent errors is confusing the noun 'konkurrence' with the verb 'konkurrere'. Remember: 'Jeg deltager i en konkurrence' (noun) but 'Jeg kan godt lide at konkurrere' (verb). Note the spelling difference: the noun ends in '-ence', while the verb ends in '-ere'.
Spelling Pitfalls
A common spelling mistake is forgetting the double 'r'. It is 'konkurrence', not 'konkurence'. The double 'r' is essential for the correct pronunciation and rhythm of the word.

Fejl: Han vandt en stor konkurence. Korrekt: Han vandt en stor konkurrence.

Another mistake is the incorrect use of articles. Since 'konkurrence' is an 'en-word' (common gender), you must use 'en' or the '-n' suffix. Saying 'et konkurrence' or 'konkurrencet' is a clear giveaway that you are still mastering the basics of Danish noun genders. Prepositions also cause trouble. English speakers often want to use 'for' (for competition), but in Danish, it's usually 'i' (in competition) or 'om' (competition *about/for* a prize). For example, 'en konkurrence om penge' is better than 'en konkurrence for penge'.

Der er hård konkurrence om de ledige stillinger.

Adjective Agreement
When using the definite form, the adjective must change. 'Den hårde konkurrence' (the hard competition). Learners often forget the '-e' ending on the adjective in the definite form.

Den globale konkurrence er taget til i de senere år.

Lastly, be careful with the plural. 'Konkurrencer' is the plural, but sometimes learners use 'konkurrencerne' (the competitions) when they actually mean the general concept. Use the indefinite plural for generalities: 'Konkurrencer kan være sjove' (Competitions can be fun).

Vi må undgå unødig konkurrence mellem afdelingerne.

By paying attention to these details—spelling, gender, prepositions, and word choice—you will avoid the most common traps and sound more like a native speaker.
While konkurrence is the most general term for competition, Danish offers several alternatives depending on the context and the intensity of the rivalry. Understanding these nuances will help you choose the right word for the right situation.
Dyst
'En dyst' is often used for a specific, often historical or noble, contest. It can sound a bit more poetic or old-fashioned than 'konkurrence'. It is common in sports headlines: 'En spændende dyst på stadion'.

De to riddere mødtes i en ridderlig dyst.

'Kamp' is another frequent alternative. While 'kamp' usually translates to 'fight' or 'match', it is often used interchangeably with 'konkurrence' in sports (e.g., 'en fodboldkamp'). However, 'kamp' implies more physical effort or struggle than 'konkurrence'. You have a 'kamp om magten' (struggle for power), which is more intense than a 'konkurrence om magten'.

Det blev en hård kamp til stregen.

Rivalisering
'Rivalisering' (rivalry) focuses more on the ongoing relationship between the competitors rather than a single event. It often has a more personal or emotional connotation than the neutral 'konkurrence'.

Der har altid været en vis rivalisering mellem de to søskende.

In business, you might hear 'kapsejlads' (regatta) used metaphorically, or 'kapløb' (race). 'Et teknologisk kapløb' (a technological race) describes a situation where parties are trying to outdo each other in innovation. 'Strid' (strife/conflict) is a much stronger word, used when the competition has turned into an actual argument or disagreement.

Vi er midt i et kapløb mod tiden.

Summary of Differences
Use 'konkurrence' for general contests and market forces. Use 'dyst' for sports or noble challenges. Use 'kamp' for physical matches or intense struggles. Use 'rivalisering' for personal, ongoing friction.

Denne konkurrence er åben for alle.

By learning these synonyms and their subtle differences, you can express yourself with greater precision and variety in Danish.
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Examples by Level

1

Jeg deltager i en konkurrence.

I am participating in a competition.

Uses the preposition 'i' with 'konkurrence'.

2

Vandt du din konkurrence?

Did you win your competition?

Simple past tense of 'vinde'.

3

Det er en sjov konkurrence.

It is a fun competition.

Adjective 'sjov' agrees with the common gender noun.

4

Hvem vinder denne konkurrence?

Who wins this competition?

Demonstrative pronoun 'denne' used with common gender.

5

Der er en konkurrence i skolen.

There is a competition at school.

Locative 'i skolen'.

6

Jeg elsker konkurrence.

I love competition.

Abstract usage without an article.

7

Her er en ny konkurrence.

Here is a new competition.

Adjective 'ny' in common gender singular.

8

Hvad er præmien i din konkurrence?

What is the prize in your competition?

Possessive pronoun 'din'.

1

Der er mange konkurrencer på tv.

There are many competitions on TV.

Plural form 'konkurrencer'.

2

Vi vandt konkurrencen i går.

We won the competition yesterday.

Definite singular 'konkurrencen'.

3

Det er en konkurrence om en bil.

It is a competition for a car.

Preposition 'om' used for the prize.

4

Min bror elsker at deltage i konkurrencer.

My brother loves to participate in competitions.

Infinitive 'at deltage'.

5

Er det en svær konkurrence?

Is it a difficult competition?

Adjective 'svær' (difficult).

6

De har lavet en lille konkurrence.

They have made a little competition.

Present perfect tense 'har lavet'.

7

Jeg vil gerne vinde denne konkurrence.

I would like to win this competition.

Modal verb 'vil gerne'.

8

Konkurrencen starter klokken ti.

The competition starts at ten o'clock.

Definite subject.

1

Der er hård konkurrence på arbejdsmarkedet.

There is tough competition in the labor market.

Abstract noun with adjective 'hård'.

2

Priserne falder på grund af konkurrence.

Prices are falling because of competition.

Causal phrase 'på grund af'.

3

Virksomheden har svært ved at klare konkurrencen.

The company is having a hard time handling the competition.

Definite form referring to market forces.

4

Vi skal vinde konkurrencen om kunderne.

We must win the competition for the customers.

Metaphorical use of 'konkurrence'.

5

Han er meget konkurrencepræget.

He is very competitive.

Adjective derived from 'konkurrence'.

6

Konkurrencen mellem de to hold var intens.

The competition between the two teams was intense.

Preposition 'mellem'.

7

Hun vandt en arkitektkonkurrence.

She won an architectural competition.

Compound noun.

8

Uden konkurrence bliver produkterne dårligere.

Without competition, products become worse.

Preposition 'uden'.

1

Globaliseringen har øget den internationale konkurrence.

Globalization has increased international competition.

Present perfect with a definite object.

2

EU overvåger konkurrencen på det indre marked.

The EU monitors competition in the internal market.

Formal verb 'overvåger'.

3

Der er tale om unfair konkurrence.

It is a case of unfair competition.

Idiomatic expression 'der er tale om'.

4

Virksomhedens konkurrenceevne skal forbedres.

The company's competitiveness must be improved.

Compound noun 'konkurrenceevne'.

5

Konkurrencen om ressourcerne er taget til.

The competition for resources has intensified.

Intransitive verb 'tage til' (intensify).

6

Vi må imødegå konkurrencen fra Kina.

We must counter the competition from China.

Formal verb 'imødegå'.

7

Monopoler begrænser den frie konkurrence.

Monopolies limit free competition.

Definite adjective 'frie'.

8

Han trak sig fra konkurrencen af helbredsmæssige årsager.

He withdrew from the competition for health reasons.

Phrasal verb 'trække sig fra'.

1

Konkurrencestyrelsen har grebet ind i sagen.

The Competition Authority has intervened in the case.

Proper noun of a government body.

2

Der er opstået en sund konkurrence mellem de to afdelinger.

A healthy competition has arisen between the two departments.

Abstract social concept.

3

Lovgivningen skal forhindre konkurrenceforvridning.

The legislation must prevent distortion of competition.

Technical compound 'konkurrenceforvridning'.

4

Markedet er præget af benhård konkurrence.

The market is characterized by cutthroat competition.

Passive construction 'præget af'.

5

Konkurrenceaspektet er afgørende for projektets succes.

The competition aspect is crucial for the project's success.

Abstract compound.

6

De formåede at udmanøvrere konkurrencen.

They managed to outmaneuver the competition.

Metonymy: 'konkurrencen' refers to the competitors.

7

Konkurrencevilkårene skal være ens for alle.

The competition conditions must be the same for everyone.

Compound 'konkurrencevilkår'.

8

Rivaliseringen udviklede sig til en decideret konkurrence.

The rivalry developed into a full-blown competition.

Distinguishing between rivalry and competition.

1

Konkurrencestaten er et centralt begreb i moderne sociologi.

The competition state is a central concept in modern sociology.

Highly academic term.

2

Diskursen om konkurrence gennemsyrer hele uddannelsessystemet.

The discourse on competition permeates the entire education system.

Abstract academic language.

3

Vi ser en tiltagende konkurrence om den menneskelige opmærksomhed.

We see an increasing competition for human attention.

Philosophical usage.

4

Konkurrenceforholdene er blevet fundamentalt ændret af digitaliseringen.

The competitive conditions have been fundamentally changed by digitalization.

Complex passive voice.

5

Det er en evolutionær nødvendighed med en vis grad af konkurrence.

A certain degree of competition is an evolutionary necessity.

Scientific/philosophical context.

6

Spændingsfeltet mellem samarbejde og konkurrence er komplekst.

The field of tension between cooperation and competition is complex.

Abstract noun 'spændingsfelt'.

7

Man bør problematisere den ensidige fokus på konkurrence.

One should problematize the one-sided focus on competition.

Academic verb 'problematisere'.

8

Konkurrenceelementet i sport kan både være opbyggeligt og destruktivt.

The competition element in sports can be both constructive and destructive.

Nuanced philosophical observation.

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