Are you planning a trip to Denmark? You still have time to prepare yourself with these 25 Danish expressions to know absolutely before arriving on site. Ready? Follow the guide.
Denmark is one of the most renowned Scandinavian countries in Europe. We love it for its idyllic landscapes, its calm, the activities it offers, its museums, Copenhagen and especially its "hygge". Moreover, speaking of words you will not escape like that. Know that it is very important to know Danish flagship expressions that are very often used by the premises.
This is why in this article, we help you familiarize yourself with the language through various expressions to know, from the most basic to the local. What to give you all the cards in your hands so that your trip is perfect. Thus, Danish will have no secret for you.
1. Basic expressions
Photo credit: Flickr – Maria Eklind
- "Godmorgen!! » Hello! - Hej!! Hi! - "Godaften" Good evening. - Farvel! » Goodbye - « Venligst » : Please - "Tak /Velbekom" : Merci / De rien (with pleasure) - « Ja / Nej » Yes / No - « Undskyld, ... » Excuse me. - « Jeg hedder ... » : My name is... - "Jeg taler ikke dansk" I don't speak Danish - « Taler du ...? » Are you talking...? - "Det forstår jeg ikke" I don't understand - « Engelsk / Fransk » : English / French - "Hvor meget koster det?" : What is the price please? - "Jeg leder efter..." I'm looking.
2. Hygge
You've probably heard of it before. This Scandinavian expression is one of the best known in Denmark. Indeed, the country is known to be the king of the "hygge". But what is it? This word refers to a feeling of well-being on a daily basis, a warm atmosphere and an art of living where happiness is king. For more information, I advise you to read The Hygge Book or Hygge, Danois Art of Happiness .
3. Træde i spinaten
First of all, you must know that in Denmark the Å is pronounced by O, Æ says è and Ø is pronounced eu. Here, “Træde i spinaten” literally means “walking on the spinach”, in other words it is one of the Danish expressions used when making an error. You’ll be able to tell a child “Træde i spinaten” if he’s made a mistake, if he has spilled something or broken an object.
4. In strandløve
This expression is used to describe a muscular man on the beach. In the proper sense of the term, it translates into "a beach lion". This is also part of the fun expressions that Danish people like to use daily.
5. Ingen ko på isen
You will have understood it, the Danes love to make laughter and it is once again an expression that, first of all, you will smile. “Ingen ko på isen” or rather “no cow on the ice”, means “there is no lizard” or “there is no problem, don’t worry”.
Example A man misthinks you a coffee on your shirt, don't get upset. Tell him “Ingen ko på isen” not to embarrass him.
6. Pind her i øret
“You have a baton in your ear,” in other words, “you have a little too drunk, be careful.” Indeed, this Danish phrase is very often used during a little too watered evening. The fans of Danish bars and the atmosphere of youth hostels will hear it very often.
7. Før fanden får sko på
This is the expression that Danish people use to define something that happens very early in the morning. She means "before the devil puts his shoes on."
8. Du må have spidst som
"From må have spidst som" means "you must have eaten nails." This Danish phrase is used to describe a person completely crazy in his actions. In other words, you’ll tell someone you’re insane.
9. In høne at plukke med dig
If a person tells you “Jeg en høne at plukke med dig”, it is his firm intention to speak with you of something serious. Do not take it to the letter since it means “I have a chicken to plume with you”. Take the rather in the sense that the conversation that awaits you must take place and is important.
10. Dejlig!
On a journey between singles, you can very often seduce the premises. Use "Du er dejlig!" to compliment a person on his appearance. That means "I like you very much."
Example You're going to have a drink with a Dane, and you want to tell him that you find him beautiful. You will literally use the phrase "Du er dejlig! "
11. Skål
This is the equivalent of our “Health” in French. This is one of the Danish expressions you will hear a lot during your stay. At the turn of a glass with friends, to celebrate a diploma or simply to celebrate your arrival in Denmark: “Skål! "
How to learn other expressions and vocabulary in Danish?
Before leaving for Denmark, we advise you to perfect yourself with the language of the country. The inhabitants love when tourists use Danish expressions to exchange. And then, it makes it possible to get closer, to meet people and to create stronger links, especially if you plan to stay for a while.
Here are a few works that will help you to perfect yourself: - The Danish pocket - Talking Danish on a trip - Danes in twenty lessons
Loading comments ...