Den Danske Ordbog som begrebsordbog

Abstract

This article describes how wordnet information can be used to enrich semantic information in an electronic dictionary. The semantic division and definitions from The Danish Dictionary were used to build the Danish wordnet, DanNet, so there is a close connection between the two resources already. Especially for language production purposes and in second language learning, human users can benefit from the onomasiological organization principle of a wordnet. In the online version of The Danish Dictionary the wordnet information is presented in a new element, called related words, which puts together not only synonyms but a wider range of paradigmatic alternatives, including hyponyms and hyperonyms, that are relevant for someone who is looking for “the right word” when writing a text, or for someone trying to learn the vocabulary of a particular topic. The principles of selection and presentation are described, with particular attention devoted to the problems and the challenges that remain for future development