dane

Everyday

1. (a name) A Dane is a person from Denmark. tree →
2. (a name) In history, the Danes were Vikings from Denmark who raided and settled in England, Ireland and other places; part of England under their rule was called the Danelaw. tree →
3. A Great Dane is a breed of very large, tall dog, one of the tallest dogs in the world, gentle despite its size. tree →

In the lessons

In UK history lessons about the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, the Danes attacked monasteries, King Alfred the Great fought them and later made a deal, and England paid them «Danegeld» to stay away. In everyday life a Great Dane is a giant pet dog (Scooby-Doo is a Great Dane). Phrases: the Danes, a Great Dane, the Danelaw, Danish (the adjective and language).

Examples

• A Dane is someone from Denmark. tree →
• The Danes attacked the monastery on the island. tree →
• King Alfred fought hard against the Danes. tree →
• The Danelaw was the part of England ruled by the Danes. tree →
• Our neighbour's Great Dane is taller than me when it stands up. tree →
• Scooby-Doo is a Great Dane. tree →
• Hans Christian Andersen, who wrote fairy tales, was a Dane. tree →
• The Danish language is spoken by Danes. tree →
• He was a Dane, the owner of a travelling theatre. tree →

Note

A name, so it takes a capital D: a Dane, the Danes, a Great Dane. The adjective and language is «Danish» (a Danish pastry is a sweet pastry). Do not confuse with «deign» (to lower yourself to do something), which sounds the same, or «Dean» (a name and a title).