I'm learning dansk

seksten — meaning in English: sixteen

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for sixteen
kommunikation
seksten
at se
overveje
formål
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Danish for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral very common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 'seksten' primarily in everyday conversations, especially when discussing age, dates, or quantities. For instance, you might hear it when asking someone how old they are: 'Jeg er seksten år gammel' (I am sixteen years old). It's also common in school settings or when talking about teenagers.
Synonyms & nuances
'Seksten' is a specific numeral that directly translates to 'sixteen.' While other adjectives like 'ungdommelig' (youthful) might describe a characteristic of someone who is sixteen, 'seksten' denotes an exact age or quantity. In contexts where precision is crucial, such as age verification, 'seksten' is the preferred term.
Culture
'Seksten' is derived from the Old Norse word 'sextán,' which literally translates to 'six ten.' This construction is typical in Nordic languages, where numbers are often formed by combining smaller numerals. Interestingly, the transition from 'ten' to 'teen' in English (as in 'sixteen') reflects a similar evolution in the numeral system.
FAQ
Q.How do you pronounce 'seksten'?
'Seksten' is pronounced as /ˈsɛk.sten/. The 's' is soft, and you should emphasize the first syllable.
Q.Is 'seksten' used in any specific expressions?
Yes, 'seksten' can be found in expressions related to age, like 'seksten år' (sixteen years), and is often used in discussions around teenage milestones, such as getting a driver's license.
Q.What are common mistakes when using 'seksten'?
A common mistake is confusing 'seksten' with 'seks' (six) due to their similar pronunciation. Always remember that 'seksten' specifically refers to sixteen, while 'seks' is for six.
Learn danish with Maspeak →
Danish Vocabulary