The verbs are divided into two classes–the weak (also called regular) and the strong (or irregular) according to the formation of the imperfect and past participle.
207. The present tense of all verbs is formed alike, namely by adding -er (in a few cases -r) to the theme of the verb (or -r to the infinitive form); Ex.: jeg elsk–er love; han bring–er he brings; du Iæs–er you read; han tru–er he threatens. Present plural is in written language, when used, formed by dropping the final -r of the singular.
The infinitive is formed by adding -e to the theme of the verb: elsk–e, bring–e, tru–e.
Some verbs the root of which ends in a stressed vowel form their present by adding only -r and use their root unchanged as infinitive; Ex.: staa stand, pres. staar; gaa go, pres. gaar; at bo to reside; at dö to die; at sy to sew; at se to see.
Some verbs have double forms in infinitive, with or without -e: du or due to be fit; di or die to suck; fri or frie, befri or befrie to liberate; vi or vie to wed, to consecrate; forny or fornye to renew; all these verbs in Danish form their present in -er: duer, dier etc.
Note: In Norwegian the infinitive of these verbs is with the exception of fri and befri formed in -e.
-e is written and pronounced in the following verbs: bie to wait; tie to be silent; grue to dread; kue to cow; true to threaten; skrue to screw; lue to blaze; bejae to answer in the affirmative.
The present participle of all verbs is formed by adding -ende to the theme of the verb: löb–ende running, gaaende walking.
The passive or medial voice is formed in -esand in a few cases in -s.
