Comma rules

This ruleset is for the Danish language

Here is a brief overview of how we use commas. We follow the rules for the traditional 'cross-and-ball comma,' which is now referred to as 'with introductory comma,' meaning that commas are placed before subordinate clauses

What is the purpose of the comma?

The main purpose is to create boundaries between sentences:
The function of the comma is to indicate where a sentence begins and where it ends. It, therefore, often has little to do with pauses but is instead a grammatical principle.

8 comma rules

In short, the comma rules can be summarized as follows:

Between independent clauses
In lists
With additions
With appositives
Berfore "but"
After subordinate clauses
Before and after parenthical subordinate clauses
Before other subordinate clauses

An independent clause stands alone and may contain one or more subordinate clauses

A subordinate clause

Cannot stand alone
Can be indentified by its introductory word, e.g., a conjunction, an interrogative word, or "as" and "that"
Is a part of another sentence
Can be identified by its word order