Carnival is a Christian holiday that’s celebrated in numerous countries, so it should come as no surprise that Denmark—a nation with a roughly 75% Christian population and a long history of spirituality—observes it, too. 

Called Fastelavn in Denmark, this holiday shares many things in common with Carnival celebrations in other countries as well as Western Halloween traditions. But there are some…fascinating…components of the Danish version that may surprise you! 

Are you ready to delve into this fun holiday and pick up some new Danish vocabulary?

1. What is Fastelavn? 

Fastelavn is the Danish version of the traditionally Catholic holiday of Carnival. It takes place seven weeks prior to Easter and, while not a public holiday, is widely celebrated throughout the country. The Danish Fastelavn has less of a religious connotation than Carnival traditions in other countries do, with a greater focus on festivities and fun.

Fastelavn History

The Christian Carnival holiday began in the Middle Ages, though it likely stemmed from pagan traditions. Denmark was likely introduced to this holiday via immigrants and missionaries, and over time, adapted the holiday to suit its Lutheran Christian religiosity (which was adopted in 1536). 

In many nations, Carnival began as a way to both indulge before the forty-day Lenten fasting season and to use up any perishable food items. This is why the heavy consumption of pastries is so popular on Carnival—these sweet treats were traditionally made in order to make use of ingredients like butter and eggs that would otherwise have gone bad. 

→ If you would like to learn the names of different religions in Danish, then head over to our Religion vocabulary list!

2. When is Fastelavn in Denmark? 

Because the Fastelavn date is determined by the dates of Easter and Lent, it varies from year to year. Here are the holiday dates for the next ten years. 

• 2021: February 14
• 2022: February 27
• 2023: February 19
• 2024: February 11
• 2025: March 2
• 2026: February 15
• 2027: February 7
• 2028: February 27
• 2029: February 11
• 2030: March 3

3. Fastelavn Traditions & Festivities

Oftentimes, Fastelavn is compared to Halloween—and for good reasons! This holiday is primarily geared toward children, who dress up in costumes and ask their neighbors for sweets or money. If the words “Trick or Treat” mean anything to you, then you’ll resonate with the Danish tradition of singing the Fastelavn song Candy or Trouble (Slik Eller Ballade). Dressed in the forklædning (disguise) of their choice, the children sing this song as a playful warning that they’ll cause trouble if they don’t receive sweets! (Talk about hangry…)

Popular Fastelavn costumes include a fe (fairy), princesse (princess), superhelt (superhero), or other eventyrfigur (fairytale character). 

On the morning of Fastelavn, a common tradition among children is to make a Fastelavnsris (Carnival whip) using twigs or branches, and to decorate it with things like feathers or eggshells. With the Fastelavnsris, they whip or “flog” their parents awake—sort of like children in the U.S. waking their parents up on Christmas morning, right? This sets the tone for the day! 

In a fashion similar to hitting a piñata, children beat a barrel full of candy. Children take turns hitting the barrel, and two winners are named: the kattedronning (cat queen) who causes all of the candy to spill out and the kattekonge (cat king) who finishes completely breaking open the barrel. 

Because the Carnival holiday is traditionally associated with the Lenten fast as well as wintertime food scarcity, food is a major part of this holiday. The most popular Fastelavn food is Shrovetide buns, which are a sweet pastry containing some type of frosting or glaze on top and a delicious cream or jam filling in the middle. These Fastelavn buns can also be sprinkled with confectioners sugar or have additional sweet toppings. Many bakeries even give customers the option to customize their own Shrovetide bun based on their personal preferences.

→ Have we given you a sweet tooth? Then head over to our Culture Class lesson on Sweets and Desserts!

4. About the Cat…

You may be wondering why the children who break the Carnival barrel and spill the candy are called the “cat king” and “cat queen.” What do cats have to do with Fastelavn or candy, for that matter?

If you’re familiar with Halloween, you’ll know that many people are wary of spotting a sort kat (black cat) on this day. But even still, you may be surprised to hear about the following Fastelavn tradition, which was quite popular in the past. 

Traditionally, the Fastelavn barrel contained an actual black cat, which was either beaten to death upon the barrel breaking open or allowed to skimper off. But don’t worry! This morbid tradition has come to an end, kept alive only through the use of black cat stickers on barrels.

→ Are you an animal-lover? Then you can hop over to our Animal Names vocabulary list to learn how to talk about your favorite animals!

5. Useful Vocabulary for Fastelavn in Denmark

Here are some useful words and phrases associated with Carnival in Denmark: 

• Fastelavn (Carnival) – proper noun
• Fastelavnsbolle (Carnival bun) – common noun
• Fastelavnsris (Carnival whip) – neuter noun
• Forklædning (Disguise) – common noun
• Fe (Fairy) – common noun
• Princesse (Princess) – common noun
• Superhelt (Superhero) – common noun
• Eventyrfigur (Fairytale character) – common noun
• Kattekonge (Cat king) – common noun
• Kattedronning (Cat queen) – common noun
• Fastelavnstønde (Carnival barrel) – common noun
• Rasle (Rattle) – verb
• Ringridning (Tilting) – common noun
• Fastelavnssoldater (Carnival soldiers) – common noun
• Sort kat (Black cat) – proper noun

If you want to practice your pronunciation, make sure to visit our Carnival vocabulary list, where you can hear recorded audio pronunciations of each word. 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Fastelavn is a fun holiday for children and adults alike. From adorable costumes to tasty treats, there’s really something for everyone. Do you celebrate Carnival in your country, or maybe a similar holiday? Tell us about it in the comments! 

If you would like to learn more about Danish culture and holidays, we highly recommend the following pages on DanishClass101.com: 

• Luciadag: St. Lucy’s Day in Denmark
• Helligtrekongersdag: The Feast of Epiphany in Denmark
• How to Celebrate the Easter Holiday in Denmark
• Sankthansaften: Celebrating St. John’s Eve in Denmark
• Essential Vocabulary for Life Events in Danish

This barely scratches the surface of what DanishClass101 has to offer our students! From themed vocabulary lists to audio and video lessons on a range of topics, there’s something for every learner at every level to enjoy. It’s our goal to help you become a confident Danish speaker with the cultural knowledge you need to make the most of your newfound language skills. 

Until next time, happy learning. If you can, enjoy a Shrovetide bun for us! 😉

What would you say to lift the spirits of a special person you know? No doubt, you have dozens of kind words that come to mind in English, but do you know many compliments in Danish?

A compliment can be described as a polite expression of praise, admiration, encouragement or congratulations. It’s sometimes used in absolute sincerity and sometimes to flatter, but either way, human beings love to receive compliments!

Table of Contents

1. The Importance of Compliments
2. Compliments you always want to hear
3. Conclusion

1. The Importance of Compliments

Giving and receiving compliments is so important in society, that you can be considered rude if you’re a person who never acknowledges anyone. We all need to hear words of affirmation to feel good about ourselves or our achievements, whether big or small. Life is full of daily challenges that can feel overwhelming sometimes – both in terms of the things we have to accomplish and the way we look at the world.

Call it vanity, but it’s a basic human need to hear kindness and appreciation from other people. In the same way, we need to be giving out some of that kindness and helping others to feel good about themselves. Remember the saying “It’s better to give than to receive”? Well, that applies to compliments in a big way. The cool thing is that when you’re generous with your words, you more than likely will invite the same back from people.

So, where did this wonderful idea originate? The word ‘compliment’ has its origins in the mid-17th century; back then it meant ‘fulfilment of the requirements of courtesy’. There was a time when it was normal to compliment others upon meeting for the first time. In some cultures, that’s still the norm. If only we could have more of that today!

If you think about how much it means to receive a genuine compliment from someone whose opinion matters to you, it’s easy to reverse that and realize they probably feel the same way. There is no way around this: it’s vital to pay compliments to each and every person who is a part of your life, and to do so regularly and with sincerity.

2. Compliments you always want to hear

The nuances in the type of personal compliments you’ve been hearing all your life are so deeply present with you by now, that you have a very specific emotional response to each of them. It will be a little different for each of us, since we’ve had different input from the people around us since childhood – especially from family and close friends – but we’re individually used to certain words and as a result, we can detect when they’re spoken with sincerity. How we perceive and receive compliments from specific people has a lot to do with how much we value them, too.

Put yourself in a foreign country and suddenly you’re having to think about the words you’re hearing, doing mental and emotional arithmetic to determine the speaker’s intent. It’s tricky business! When you’ve only been learning Danish for a little while, you’ll get the gist, but some of the speaker’s truth might be lost on you.

Can you see where I’m going with this? When it comes to compliments in Danish, do yourself a great favor and use them often. Learn the real meaning and impact of what you’re saying, and you’ll be able to start feeling those squishy emotional responses in no time. You’ll also be able to pay genuine compliments in Danish that will win people over and earn you a valued place in their hearts.

A compliment in Danish culture is as important as one in any other culture – perhaps even more so. Part of fitting into your new community means having a likeable and approachable nature, so bring on the compliments and start winning people over!

DanishClass101 has fifteen great compliments to teach you for various situations. Enjoy!

1- You’re handsome. – Du er flot.

Do you know how to compliment a guy in Danish? This is one of the best Danish compliments you can pay a man if you want to make him feel attractive. What man doesn’t like to hear that he’s handsome? The younger generation may see it as quite an old-fashioned word, yet men of all ages respond well to “You’re handsome”.

There are many other ways to tell a guy that he’s good-looking, of course, but these particular words carry a timelessness that is only ever good. It doesn’t have any subtle meanings or flirtatious implications, so it’s pretty safe to say to a man who you have no romantic intentions with. Of course, it certainly can also be said romantically! As with most things, it’s all in the way you do it.

2- Great job! – Godt arbejde!

When you’ve worked really hard at something, you want your efforts to be appreciated. There isn’t one of us who doesn’t feel that way. You might know you’ve done a great job, but you need to know that other people have noticed and are appreciative of your effort. Otherwise, why bother giving it your all? Part of our basic makeup as humans is the need to be pleasing to others.

How much more so in a work environment, where your performance could determine the trajectory of your career? We seek validation from our bosses mainly because this is vital information that tells us whether we’re heading for success or failure.

3- Your resume is impressive. – Dit CV er imponerende.

It’s pretty much a given that attending a job interview is going to be nerve-wracking and the first thing you want to be sure of is that your resume looks good to the interviewer. Hearing the above words will give you hope and help you to relax before the questions start. In other words, these are important Danish praise words to know if you’re job-hunting. Next time you’re being interviewed by a Danish boss, listen for these words, as they’re a positive sign.

In my experience working abroad, I found that the most important requirement interviewers had was just that they like me. By the time you get to the interview, you’ve already been screened, so what’s next in the deciding factor? It’s simple: chemistry. The energy between two people is a huge factor in how well you’ll work together, and that magic happens in the first ten minutes. First impressions go a long way!

4- Your inside is even more beautiful than your outside. – Dit indre er endnu smukkere end dit ydre.

Isn’t this just a wonderful compliment to hear? It sure is, and that makes it equally wonderful to give. If you meet someone who has a heart of gold, use these words!

Most women love to be complimented on their external beauty, but being seen as attractive can feel like a burden if it’s the only thing people notice. When paying compliments in Danish to a woman, try to think of her personality and what her perception of your words will be. Women want different things from different people, and someone who cares about you will care a lot about how you see her on the inside. Looks are fleeting; the people we trust to stick around forever are those who’ve seen beneath the surface and still want in.

It seems to be true that the more self-aware and ‘conscious’ a person is, the more they’re going to appreciate being valued for their place and importance in this world, above their looks. Men or women – we’re the same in this way. It doesn’t mean you should stop telling people that they’re physically beautiful, just that you should balance it with thoughtful observations about the person’s character. Psychologically, we crave this balance and without it, insecurity gets a foot in the door.

Men are no different. Compliments directed to a man’s inner core are highly prized by guys. For his self-esteem, he needs to know he is valued for who he is deep down.

5- You make me want to be a better person. – Du giver mig lyst til at blive et bedre menneske.

Do you know someone who inspires you so much, that their mere existence makes you want to move those metaphorical mountains and become the absolute best version of yourself?

This phrase is a lovely thing to say to someone who you care about on a personal level. It’s the kind of compliment reserved for the few special individuals who mean so much to us, that our greatest desire is to have them see us ‘becoming’ – not for anyone’s profit, but just for the sake of love and personal growth.

You might feel this way about a romantic partner, a very close friend or a family member. If you feel this way, don’t hold it in! That person needs to hear it. You will make them feel good and help them to know that the love they put into nurturing your heart is noticed. Chances are, they feel the same way about you.

When you look for the good in others, you start to see the good in yourself. It takes a bit of thought to come up with a string of kind words that convey maximum positive truth about the other person; in those moments, you’re being unselfish and considering their needs before your own. I genuinely believe that paying someone a heartfelt compliment is an act of self-love. After all, giving is more important than receiving. When you give out compliments that are true, you do the world a service and create beauty in your circle. What’s more, you invite reciprocated words of affirmation – whether from the same person, or someone else. When you give, it will inevitably come back to you.

6- That jacket looks nice on you. – Den jakke ser pæn ud på dig.

Men secretly love to be complimented on their clothes. Yup – it makes a man feel good to hear these words, especially since a favorite jacket is something he’ll wear often in cooler weather or to work. If the fabric brings out his eyes, tell him!

Learning some practical and more specific Danish compliments like this one is a great idea, because it shows that you’ve actually thought about what you’re saying. Noticing details about a person’s outfit and commenting on them comes across well to the hearer and sounds more sincere than “You look good.” Think about the last time someone noticed your outfit, and you’ll know just what I mean. It makes you feel more confident as you go about your day.

7- I know that it was a tough project, but your performance exceeded my expectations. – Jeg ved, at det var et hårdt projekt, men din præstation overgik mine forventninger.

In the work environment, it’s vital to know some Danish praise words that encourage, uplift and express real appreciation. In this sense, compliments can be a form of leadership; a good leader helps his or her team to grow by building them up and pushing them on.

If you hear these Danish words, you can rest assured that your boss is very pleased with your work. If you’re a teacher at a Danish high school, this is also a great phrase to encourage learners with when they’ve worked hard on a project.

8- You’re smart! – Du er klog!

Smart, clever, brainy – these are all synonyms for intelligence and one of the best compliments you can give. Everybody likes being thought of as smart, so here’s a compliment that can be used in both casual and formal settings. We say this to boost the self-esteem of kids, to praise our friends when they have good ideas and to express awe of a colleague in the workplace.

Being ‘smart’ can mean you make good choices in general, that you have a particular area you excel in, or even that you have an above-average IQ.

Everybody likes the idea of having a high IQ, but it’s not as simple to determine what that even means as we once thought. When I was studying to work in Asia, there was a lot of buzz about Multiple Intelligences Theory as a more accurate determination of intelligence than traditional IQ testing. The theory was developed by Doctor Howard Gardner and the critical reception was complex, to say the least.

Gardner argues that there is a wide range of cognitive abilities, but that there are only very weak correlations among them. For example, a child who learns to multiply easily is not necessarily more intelligent than a child who has difficulty with this task; the child who seems better at art might actually understand multiplication at a fundamentally deeper level. Humans have different learning styles; if one appears to have difficulty grasping a certain concept, the first step is to change the teaching approach.

We’re all smart in our own way, so remind your reflection of that each morning!

9- You are an awesome friend. – Du er en fantastisk ven.

On a more personal note – how good does it make you feel to hear that your friend appreciates you? I’d say it’s right up there with the best kinds of ‘thank you’. Knowing this, it makes sense to learn this phrase in Danish and use it next time your Danish friend has done something selfless and amazing for you. Let them know with this compliment in Danish and make their day.

The lovely thing about using these words is that they encourage even more acts of kindness and support from friends. When you put effort and energy into a friendship and aren’t afraid to share sentiments of love, such as this phrase, chances are the friendship will go the distance. If your sojourn in Denmark is more than a few weeks, you’re going to need a good friend or two, so hold on to this friendly phrase!

10- You have a great sense of humor. – Du har en god humoristisk sans.

Did you know that chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, and orangutans engage in social laughter? It’s true! Laughter is an important form of social play that connects us and helps to relieve tension. It’s nice being around someone who makes us laugh or who finds us amusing.

I have a weird sense of humor that many people don’t get, but those who do seem to end up cry-laughing a lot in my presence and somehow that makes them my favorite humans. I’ve learned who I can and can’t be funny with. Have you had a similar experience?

Being able to tell someone that you like their sense of humor is important in your social circle. In fact, take these words along with you on a date. If he or she cracks you up, they will definitely appreciate hearing you say so in Danish.

11- Your smile is beautiful. – Dit smil er smukt.

When paying aesthetic compliments in Danish, especially to a woman you don’t know very well, try to avoid talking about her body and say something like “Your smile is beautiful”, instead. It’s a guaranteed winner! It can be tricky complimenting women in this modern world, where ladies don’t always feel safe, but that’s no reason to stop expressing admiration altogether. Choose your words wisely and you’ll be well on your way to making their day!

Let’s not exclude men from this compliment, though – it’s an excellent choice for a guy you like and feel safe with. In fact, the beauty of this compliment is that you can say it to pretty much anyone, of any age, and it will likely be well-received. Next time you want to make a homeless person smile – this is the better word choice!

12- I love your cooking. – Jeg elsker din madlavning.

If there’s one form of praise we can’t leave out, it’s how to give kudos for someone’s culinary skills. Danish compliments for food are a must if you want to be invited back for another home-cooked dinner at the home of the local masterchef. As much as the street food is to die for, nothing beats the experience of an authentic home-cooked meal in Denmark. Be sure to read up on basic dining etiquette before you go, and don’t forget to download the Danish WordPower app to your phone so you can confidently ask the cook for tips.

13. You have good taste. – Du har god smag.

My sister is one of those people who’d rather be complimented on her taste than on her personality, brains or looks. Do you know someone like that? It’s usually the girl or guy in your group who’s always well-dressed and probably has a full-on feng shui vibe in their home. If you meet someone in Denmark who loves their labels, only wears real leather and whose hair is always on-fleek, here’s a compliment they will appreciate.

To have good taste means knowing what is excellent and of good quality, with an eye for detecting subtle differences that make something genuine or not. People with good taste can discern what others find appealing, and tend to impress with their aesthetic choices. This friend will be the one you’ll go to when you aren’t sure what jacket to buy for your interview, or what gift to choose for your hosts.

So, is good taste about social conventions, or the genuine value of an item? Well, since it can refer to taste in music, art, design and fine wines as well as style choices, I think it’s an interesting combination of both. What do you think?

14- You look gorgeous. – Du ser skøn ud.

“Gorgeous” makes me think of powder blue lakes, newborn babies, wild horses and Terrence Hill in the 80’s. Synonymous with ‘stunning’, it’s a word that means something beyond beautiful and as such, it’s one of the ultimate words of admiration. The vocabulary.com dictionary suggests reserving this word for the kind of looks that take your breath away; in other words, save it for someone special – like a date you adore and definitely want to see again.

Does that mean you can only tell a captivating date that they look gorgeous? Of course not. You can say “You look gorgeous” to a friend dressed up to meet their beau, a child tolerating a bunny suit for the school play, or to anyone special who needs a confidence boost. As long as you’re being sincere, this is a wonderful phrase to express admiration.

15- You have a way with words. – Du har ordet i din magt.

There’s always that one person in the group who’s great at articulating deep thoughts, writing intriguing social media posts or comforting others when they’re feeling low. Your companion with this skill is likely very empathetic and although the words seem to come easy for them, they might find it difficult to be vulnerable.

When your friend or lover has let their guard down and shown you that soft place, don’t be afraid to tell them that it’s good, because they need to hear it. “You have a way with words” is a meaningful phrase that lets them know they’ve made a positive impact and their words are wanted. Your kind compliment will ensure that their eloquent words keep coming.

3. Conclusion

Next time you’re traveling or working in Denmark, keep an ear open for the compliments you’ve learned, as they might be aimed at you! If you’re taking time to listen to native speakers on our YouTube channels or with Audio Books, it will also help a lot with the accent. Familiarizing yourself with the sound of compliments in the Danish culture is important for your journey and will make your overall experience more meaningful.

Being acknowledged by others helps us to feel accepted and secure, and these are two things we all want to feel when venturing into unfamiliar territory. Remember that although compliments have more impact in your own language, it’s only because you’ve spent a lifetime hearing them and have become accustomed to the fullness of their meaning. You can get there with Danish, too – it just takes a little time.

Don’t forget the golden rule: give more than you receive! Paying compliments to the people you meet will not only give you excellent language practice, but the reward will be new friendships and positive vibes.

Here are a few more ways you can practice daily:

• Chat online with the guys and gals in our learning community. Nothing beats real-time information on how people are currently speaking. It’s a good way to hear some Danish colloquialisms.
• Take time out to read. Reading is an excellent way to develop photographic memory of how the phrases look in Danish. We have both iBooks and Kindle books to choose from.
• There are also some fantastic free podcasts you can listen to on iTunes. They promise to get you speaking after the very first lesson.

One last thought I want to leave you with: don’t forget to receive a compliment with grace. You deserve to hear good words, so get used to smiling and just feeling the kindness with gratitude.

Well, time for me to go! I hope you’ve enjoyed learning these useful compliments with us at DanishClass101 today. Now, go out and find some cool people who need to hear them!

Anger is a natural response to pain of some sort; when you’re angry, you’re angry with a cause and want someone to pay! It’s so much harder when you’re traveling, because your routines are off-kilter, there’s culture shock to deal with and the smallest problems can seem overwhelming. How do you handle someone who’s just pushed your last button?

At home, we often have a go-to person who is good at calming us down, but emotions are tricky to deal with in a foreign country. Sometimes people may treat you unfairly, but you’re completely baffled as to why. You have to remember that people in Denmark think differently to how you do and it’s not impossible to inadvertently cause offense. Don’t stress about it too much, because you’ll adapt! Once you feel at home in Denmark and people get to know you, it will be easy to flow with the local rhythm and handle tensions well.

This brings us to two obvious reasons why you should learn some angry phrases in Danish: first, so you can understand when you’ve upset a Danish person, and second, to have the vocabulary to tell a person off when they absolutely have it coming. Not only will you be far more likely to solve the problem if you know some appropriate angry Danish phrases, but you’ll probably earn some respect, too! At DanishClass101 we’re ready to help you articulate those feelings.

Table of Contents

1. Danish phrases to use when you’re angry
2. Feeling negative in Danish
3. Conclusion

1. Danish phrases to use when you’re angry

Okay, so you’ve had a very frustrating day at your new teaching job in Denmark and all you want to do is chill on your bed with ice-cream and a Nook Book, but you come home to find your landlord in your apartment, apparently doing an inspection of your personal possessions. How do you handle it? Do you have an angry Danish translation for “What the heck are you doing?”

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about confronting someone in their own country, it’s to press the pause button on my reactions and think first! Is my first thought worth expressing? Sometimes, you need to think like a chess player: if I make this move, what will happen next?

It’s always better to think ‘win-win’ in Denmark. A good tactic is to keep a mental note of your personal speed limit before engaging. After all, you want a positive outcome!

So, do you know how to say “I am angry” in Danish? You will – DanishClass101 is about to teach you how to get mad! Here are fifteen great angry phrases in Danish.

1- It’s none of your business. – Det kommer ikke dig ved.

As a foreigner in Denmark, you’ll be a topic of interest. While most folks understand boundaries, there’s always that one individual who doesn’t!

Sometimes you feel that a person is getting way too involved in your affairs, and this expression is a commonly-used one for letting them know that. If said calmly and firmly, while looking them in the eye, it should do the trick and even earn you some respect.

2- I’m upset. – Jeg er oprevet.

I find this phrase useful for times when I need to express annoyance to someone I can’t afford to lose my temper with. A boss, for instance. As long as you say it without yelling, this can be a polite way of letting someone know that you are feeling bad and that you want those feelings validated. No matter what has happened, the result is that you are troubled and need some time to get over it. Depending on how you say it, “I’m upset” can also be a subtle invitation for the other party to address the problem.

3- You’re not listening to me. – Du lytter ikke til mig.

Isn’t this the most frustrating thing? You’re in a situation where you’re telling someone why you’re mad at them, but they just won’t look at the story from your point of view. Rather than resort to bad language, try to convince them to take a breather and hear you out. This expression is a great way to ask someone to stop talking and to listen to you properly.

4- Watch your mouth. – Var din mund.

Where have you heard this before? Let your mind go back to all the times you were cheeky and disrespectful in your youth… that’s right – it was your parents! If you’re on the receiving end, this angry phrase means that you said something you shouldn’t have. It has an authoritative, challenging tone and it implies that there could be consequences if you don’t stop.

So, when can you use it? Well, be careful with this one; it may very well get you in trouble if not used with caution. It can also be seen as very rude if used on anyone you don’t actually have authority over!

5- That’s enough. – Det er nok.

Depending on your tone of voice when you say this, you could be calmly telling someone to stop doing what they’re doing, or you could be sternly ordering them to stop. In Danish, as in English, tone is key when it comes to making yourself understood. Just don’t be saying this to anyone, as it carries an authoritative tone and would be seen as rude if said to an older person.

6- Stop it. – Stop det.

One of the more common imperatives in any language, this is a basic way to warn somebody that you don’t like what they’re doing and want them to stop. You can use it in most situations where a person is getting under your skin. Often, “Stop it” precedes some of the weightier phrases one resorts to if the offender doesn’t stop and anger escalates. For this reason, I always add a “Please” and hope for the best!

7- Cut it out. – Hold op.

I think parents and teachers everywhere, throughout time, have heard variations of this expression of annoyance for as long as we’ve had tweens and teens on Earth! It’s a go-to command, thrown about frequently between siblings and peers, to stop being irritating. You’d generally use this on people you consider your relative equals – even though in the moment, you probably consider them low enough to stomp on!

8- What the heck are you doing? – Hvad dælen har du gang i?

Here’s an interjection for those instances when you can scarcely believe what you’re seeing. It denotes incredulity ranging from mild disbelief to total disgust or dismay. You would typically use this when you want an action to stop immediately, because it’s wrong – at least, in your perception of things.

It may be worth remembering that the English word “heck” doesn’t have a direct translation in Danish – or in other languages, for that matter; most translations are more accurately saying “What the hell.” We say “heck” in English as a euphemism, but that word is thought to come from “hex” – an ancient word for “spell” – so I don’t know which is better!

9- Who do you think you are? – Hvem tror du, du er?

I avoid this expression as it makes me nervous! It’s quite confrontational. I’m reminded of the time a clerk in a busy cellular network service store was being rude to me and a rich-looking man came to my rescue, aiming this phrase at the clerk loudly and repeatedly. At first, I was relieved to have someone on my side, but I quickly grew embarrassed at the scene he was causing.

Using this phrase has a tendency to make you sound like you feel superior, so take it easy. The irony, of course, is that someone who provokes this response is taking a position of authority or privilege that they aren’t entitled to! Now you look like two bears having a stand-off.

They call this an ‘ad hominem’ argument, meaning the focus has shifted from attacking the problem, to attacking the person. So, is it a good phrase to use? That’s up to you. If you’re in the moment and someone’s attitude needs adjusting – go for it!

10- What?! – Hvad?!

An expression of disbelief, this is frequently said mid-argument, in a heated tone, and it means you cannot believe what you’re hearing. In other words, it conveys the message that the other person is talking nonsense or lying.

11- I don’t want to talk to you. – Jeg vil ikke tale med dig.

This is a great bit of vocab for a traveler – especially for a woman traveling solo. Whether you’re being harassed while trying to read your Kindle on the train, or hit on by a drunk man in a bar, chances are that sooner or later, you will encounter a character you don’t wish to speak to.

The most straightforward way to make the message clear is to simply tell them, “I don’t want to talk to you”. If you feel threatened, be calm and use your body language: stand straight, look them in the eye and say the words firmly. Then move away deliberately. Hopefully, they will leave you alone. I’d go so far as to say learn this phrase off-by-heart and practice your pronunciation until you can say it like a strong modern Danish woman!

12- Are you kidding me? – Laver du sjov med mig?

To be ‘kidding’ means to joke with someone in a childlike way and it’s used both in fun and in anger. Like some other expressions, it needs context for the mood to be clear, but it pretty much conveys annoyed disbelief. You can use it when a person says or does something unpleasantly surprising, or that seems unlikely to be serious or true. It’s a rhetorical question, of course; try to familiarize yourself with how it sounds in Danish, so next time it’s aimed at you, you don’t hunt your inner Danish lexicon for an answer!

13- This is so frustrating. – Dette er så frustrerende.

Another way of showing someone you have an intense battle going on inside, is to just tell them you’re terribly frustrated and feeling desperate to find a solution. Use this expression! It can be a useful tool to bring the other person into your headspace and maybe even evoke some degree of empathy from them. More polite than many others, it’s a sentence that seems to say, “I beg you to work with me so we can resolve this!”

14- Shut up. – Hold kæft.

The use of the phrase “shut up” to signify “hold one’s tongue” dates back to the sixteenth century and was even used by Shakespeare as an insult – with various creative twists! It’s been evolving ever since and there are variations in just about every language – proving that no matter where you come from, angry emotions are universal!

One example of old usage is a poem Rudyard Kipling wrote in 1892, where a seasoned military veteran says to the troops: “Now all you recruities what’s drafted to-day, You shut up your rag-box an’ ‘ark to my lay.”

Well, when I was twelve and full of spirit, I was taught that nice girls don’t say this. “Shut up” is an imperative that’s considered impolite; it’s one of those expressions people resort to when they either can’t think of better words to use, or simply can’t bear to listen to any more nonsense. Either way, it’s at the lower end of the smart argument scale. Like all angry phrases, though, it does have its uses!

15- So what? – Og hvad så?

When you don’t believe the other person’s defense argument legitimizes or justifies their actions, you might say these words. Basically, you’re telling them they need to come up with better logic!

Another time you could use this one, is when you simply don’t care for someone’s criticism of you. Perhaps you don’t agree with them, or they’re being unfair and you need to defend your position. “So what?” tells them you feel somewhat indignant and don’t believe you’re in the wrong.

2. Feeling negative in Danish

What was the most recent negative emotion you felt? Were you nervous about an exam? Exhausted and homesick from lack of sleep? Maybe you felt frightened and confused about the impact COVID-19 would have on your travel plans. If you’re human, you have days when you just want the whole world to leave you alone – and that’s okay!

When you’re feeling blue, there’s only so much body language can do. Rather than keeping people guessing why you’re in a bad mood, just tell them! Your Danish friends and colleagues will be much more likely to give you your space (or a hug) if they know what’s wrong. Not only that, but it’s nice to give new friends the opportunity to be supportive. Bring on the bonding!

The fastest way to learn to describe negative feelings in Denmark, is to get into the habit of identifying your own mood daily in Danish. Here’s an easy way: in your travel journal, simply write down the Danish word for how you feel each morning. You can get all the words directly from us at DanishClass101. Remember, also, that we have a huge online community if you need a friend to talk to. We’ve got you!

3. Conclusion

Now that you know how to express your bad feelings in Danish, why not check out some other cool things on our site? You can sign up for the amazing free lifetime account – it’s a great place to start learning!

And really – make the most of your alone time. After all, it’s been proven that learning a new language not only benefits cognitive abilities like intelligence and memory, but it also slows down the brain’s aging. So, on those days when you just need to be away from people, we have some brain-boosting suggestions that will lift your spirits:

• Have you heard of Roku? A Roku player is a device that lets you easily enjoy streaming, which means accessing entertainment via the internet on your TV. We have over 30 languages you can learn with Innovative Language TV. Lie back and enjoy!
• If you like your Apple devices, we have over 690 iPhone and iPad apps in over 40 languages – did you know that? The Visual Dictionary Pro, for example, is super fun and makes learning vocab easy. For Android lovers, we have over 100 apps on the Android market, too.
• You can also just kick back on the couch and close your eyes, letting your headphones do the work with our audiobooks – great for learning the culture while you master the language. Similarly, if you’re more of a reader, we have some fantastic iBooks that are super interesting and fun for practicing your daily conversation skills.

Whatever your learning style (or your mood), you’ll find something that appeals to you at DanishClass101. Come join us!

What is the most defining moment you will face this year? From memories that you immortalize in a million photographs, to days you never wish to remember, one thing’s for certain: big life events change you. The great poet, Bukowski, said, “We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well, that death will tremble to take us.” The older I get, the more I agree with him!

Talking about significant events in our lives is part of every person’s journey, regardless of creed or culture. If you’re planning to stay in Denmark for more than a quick visit, you’re sure to need at least a few ‘life events’ phrases that you can use. After all, many of these are shared experiences, and it’s generally expected that we will show up with good manners and warm wishes.

Table of Contents

1. Life Events
2. Marriage Proposal Lines
3. Talking About Age
4. Conclusion

1. Life Events

Do you know how to say “Happy New Year” in Danish? Well, the New Year is a pretty big deal that the whole world is in on! We celebrate until midnight, make mindful resolutions, and fill the night sky with the same happy words in hundreds of languages. No doubt, then, that you’ll want to know how to say it like a local!

Big life events are not all about fun times, though. Real life happens even when you’re traveling, and certain terminology will be very helpful to know. From talking about your new job to wishing your neighbors “Merry Christmas” in Danish, here at DanishClass101, we’ve put together just the right vocabulary and phrases for you.

1- Birthday – fødselsdag

If you’re like me, any excuse to bring out a pen and scribble a note is a good one. When there’s a birthday, even better: hello, handwriting!

Your Danish friend will love hearing you wish them a “Happy birthday” in Danish, but how much more will they appreciate a thoughtful written message? Whether you write it on their Facebook wall or buy a cute card, your effort in Danish is sure to get them smiling! Write it like this:

Tillykke med fødselsdagen

Now that you know the words, I challenge you to put them to music and sing your own “Happy birthday” song in Danish! It’s not impossible to figure out even more lyrics, once you start discovering the language from scratch.

2- Buy – købe

If there’s a special occasion, you might want to buy somebody a gift. As long as you’ve checked out Danish etiquette on gift-giving (do a Google search for this!), it will be a lovely gesture. If you’re not sure what to buy, how about the awesome and universally-appealing gift of language? That’s a gift that won’t stop giving!

3- Retire – gå på pension

If you’re planning to expand your mind and retire in Denmark, you can use this word to tell people why you seem to be on a perpetual vacation!

Retirement is also a great time to learn a new language, don’t you think? And you don’t have to do it alone! These days it’s possible to connect to a vibrant learning community at the click of a button. The added benefit of a Daily Dose of Language is that it keeps your brain cells alive and curious about the world. After all, it’s never too late to realize those long-ignored dreams of traveling the globe…

4- Graduation – graduering

When attending a graduation ceremony in Denmark, be prepared for a lot of formal language! It will be a great opportunity to listen carefully and see if you can pick up differences from the everyday Danish you hear.

5- Promotion – forfremmelse

Next to vacation time, receiving a promotion is the one career highlight almost everyone looks forward to. And why wouldn’t you? Sure, it means more responsibility, but it also means more money and benefits and – the part I love most – a change of scenery! Even something as simple as looking out a new office window would boost my mood.

6- Anniversary – jubilæum

Some anniversaries we anticipate with excitement, others with apprehension. They are days marking significant events in our lives that can be shared with just one person, or with a whole nation. Whether it’s a special day for you and a loved one, or for someone else you know, this word is crucial to know if you want to wish them a happy anniversary in Danish.

7- Funeral – begravelse

We tend to be uncomfortable talking about funerals in the west, but it’s an important conversation for families to have. Around the world, there are many different customs and rituals for saying goodbye to deceased loved ones – some vastly different to our own. When traveling in Denmark, if you happen to find yourself the unwitting observer of a funeral, take a quiet moment to appreciate the cultural ethos; even this can be an enriching experience for you.

8- Travel – rejse

Travel – my favorite thing to do! Everything about the experience is thrilling and the best cure for boredom, depression, and uncertainty about your future. You will surely be forever changed, fellow traveler! But you already know this, don’t you? Well, now that you’re on the road to total Danish immersion, I hope you’ve downloaded our IOS apps and have your Nook Book handy to keep yourself entertained on those long bus rides.

9- Graduate – at bestå sin eksamen

If you have yet to graduate from university, will you be job-hunting in Denmark afterward? Forward-looking companies sometimes recruit talented students who are still in their final year. Of course, you could also do your final year abroad as an international student – an amazing experience if you’d love to be intellectually challenged and make a rainbow of foreign friends!

10- Wedding – bryllup

One of the most-loved traditions that humans have thought up, which you’ll encounter anywhere in the world, is a wedding. With all that romance in the air and months spent on preparations, a wedding is typically a feel-good affair. Two people pledge their eternal love to each other, ladies cry, single men look around for potential partners, and everybody has a happy day of merrymaking.

Ah, but how diverse we are in our expression of love! You will find more wedding traditions around the world than you can possibly imagine. From reciting love quotes to marrying a tree, the options leave no excuse to be boring!

11- Move – flytte

I love Denmark, but I’m a nomad and tend to move around a lot, even within one country. What are the biggest emotions you typically feel when moving house? The experts say moving is a highly stressful event, but I think that depends on the circumstances. Transitional periods in our lives are physically and mentally demanding, but changing your environment is also an exciting adventure that promises new tomorrows!

12- Be born – føde

I was not born in 1993, nor was I born in Asia. I was born in the same year as Aishwarya Rai, Akon, and Monica Lewinsky, and on the same continent as Freddy Mercury. When and where were you born? More importantly – can you say it in Danish?

13- Get a job – få et arbejde

The thought of looking for a job in a new country can be daunting, but English speakers are in great demand in Denmark – you just have to do some research, make a few friends and get out there! Also, arming yourself with a few Danish introductions that you can both say and write will give you a confidence boost. For example, can you write your name in Danish?

14- Die – dø

Death is a universal experience and the final curtain on all other life events. How important is it, then, to fully live before we die? If all you have is a passport, a bucket list, and a willingness to learn some lingo, you can manifest those dreams!

15- Home – hjem

If home is where the heart is, then my home is on a jungle island completely surrounded by the turquoise ocean. Right now, though, home is an isolation room with a view of half a dry palm tree and a tangle of telephone wires.

If you’re traveling to Denmark for an extended stay, you’ll soon be moving into a new home quite unlike anything you’ve experienced before!

16- Job – job

What job do you do? Does it allow you much time for travel, or for working on this fascinating language that has (so rightfully) grabbed your attention? Whatever your job, you are no doubt contributing to society in a unique way. If you’re doing what you love, you’re already on the road to your dream. If not, just remember that every single task is one more skill to add to your arsenal. With that attitude, your dream job is coming!

17- Birth – fødsel

Random question: do you know the birth rate of Denmark?

If you’re lucky enough to be invited to see a friend’s baby just after they are born, you’ll have all my respect and all my envy. There is nothing cuter! Depending on which part of the country you’re in, you may find yourself bearing witness to some pretty unexpected birth customs. Enjoy this privilege!

18- Engaged – forlove

EE Cummings said, “Lovers alone wear sunlight,” and I think that’s most true at the moment she says “yes.” Getting engaged is something young girls dream of with stars in their eyes, and it truly is a magical experience – from the proposal, to wearing an engagement ring, to the big reveal!

In the world of Instagram, there’s no end to the antics as imaginative couples try more and more outrageous ways to share their engagement with the world. I love an airport flashmob, myself, but I’d rather be proposed to on a secluded beach – salt, sand, and all!

Engagement customs around the world vary greatly, and Denmark is no exception when it comes to interesting traditions. Learning their unique romantic ways will inspire you for when your turn comes.

Speaking of romance, do you know how to say “Happy Valentine’s Day” in Danish?

19- Marry – gifte

The one you marry will be the gem on a shore full of pebbles. They will be the one who truly mirrors your affection, shares your visions for the future, and wants all of you – the good, the bad and the inexplicable.

From thinking up a one-of-a-kind wedding, to having children, to growing old together, finding a twin flame to share life with is quite an accomplishment! Speaking of which…

2. Marriage Proposal Lines

Ah, that heart-stopping moment when your true love gets down on one knee to ask for your hand in marriage, breathlessly hoping that you’ll say “Yes!” If you haven’t experienced that – well, it feels pretty darn good, is all I can say! If you’re the one doing the asking, though, you’ve probably had weeks of insomnia agonizing over the perfect time, location and words to use.

How much more care should be taken if your love is from a different culture to yours? Well, by now you know her so well, that most of it should be easy to figure out. As long as you’ve considered her personal commitment to tradition, all you really need is a few words from the heart. Are you brave enough to say them in Danish?

3. Talking About Age

Part of the wonder of learning a new language is having the ability to strike up simple conversations with strangers. Asking about age in this context feels natural, as your intention is to practice friendly phrases – just be mindful of their point of view!

When I was 22, I loved being asked my age. Nowadays, if someone asks, I say, “Well, I’ve just started my fifth cat life.” Let them ponder that for a while.

In Denmark, it’s generally not desirable to ask an older woman her age for no good reason, but chatting about age with your peers is perfectly normal. Besides, you have to mention your birthday if you want to be thrown a birthday party!

4. Conclusion

Well, there you have it! With so many great new Danish phrases to wish people with, can you think of someone who has a big event coming up? If you want to get even more creative, DanishClass101 has much to inspire you with – come and check it out! Here’s just some of what we have on offer at DanishClass101:

• Free Resources: Sharing is caring, and for this reason, we share many free resources with our students. For instance, start learning Danish with our basic online course by creating a lifetime account – for free! Also get free daily and iTunes lessons, free eBooks, free mobile apps, and free access to our blog and online community. Or how about free Vocabulary Lists? The Danish dictionary is for exclusive use by our students, also for free. There’s so much to love about DanishClass101…!
• Innovative Learning Tools and Apps: We make it our priority to offer you the best learning tools! These include apps for iPhone, iPad, Android and Mac OSX; eBooks for Kindle, Nook, and iPad; audiobooks; Roku TV and so many more. This means that we took diverse lifestyles into account when we developed our courses, so you can learn anywhere, anytime on a device of your choice. How innovative!
• Live Hosts and One-on-One Learning: Knowledgeable, energetic hosts present recorded video lessons, and are available for live teaching experiences if you upgrade. This means that in the videos, you get to watch them pronounce those tongue-twisters, as if you’re learning live! Add octane to your learning by upgrading to Premium Plus, and learn two times faster. You can have your very own Danish teacher always with you, ensuring that you learn what you need, when you need to – what a wonderful opportunity to master a new language in record time!
• Start Where You Are: You don’t know a single Danish word? Not to worry, we’ve absolutely got this. Simply enroll in our Absolute Beginner Pathway and start speaking from Lesson 1! As your learning progresses, you can enroll in other pathways to match your Danish level, at your own pace, in your own time, in your own place!

Learning a new language can only enrich your life, and could even open doors towards great opportunities! So don’t wonder if you’ll regret enrolling in DanishClass101. It’s the most fun, easy way to learn Danish.

Epiphany, or Three Kings Day, in Denmark is a Christian holiday celebrated by the religious and non-religious alike. In this article, you’ll learn how the Danish celebrate Epiphany and the stories behind this festive holiday.

At DanishClass101.com, it’s our goal to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative—starting with this article!

Are you ready? Let’s get started and delve into the Danish version of the Epiphany holiday.

1. What is Epiphany in Denmark?

Epiphany celebrates the revelation of Christ Jesus as a divine being to those around him. In Denmark, this holiday specifically focuses on the visit of the three wise men, or Magi, to witness the birth of Jesus and present him with gifts of gold (guld), frankincense (røgelse), and myrrh (myrra). For this reason, Epiphany in Denmark is also known as Three Kings Day.

In some other cultures, especially in the East, Epiphany focuses more on the baptism of Jesus than the three Magi. It’s thought that the baptism of Jesus marked the time of the “epiphany” of the Trinity—the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

In Denmark, Epiphany is not a public holiday. In 1770, Epiphany was abolished as an official church holiday.

2. Feast of the Epiphany Date

Each year, the Danish celebrate Epiphany on January 6.

In Denmark, the day before Epiphany is known as Epiphany Eve, or Twelfth Night. The twelve days of Christmas begin on December 25 (Christmas Day) and conclude with Epiphany.

3. Epiphany Customs and Traditions in Denmark

On Epiphany Eve, Danish people smide juletræet ud, or “throw out the Christmas tree,” and fjerne julepynt, or “remove Christmas decorations.” This is thought to ward off bad luck. They then light three candles, or a single Three Kings candle, that represent the three wise men. When the candles burn out, it symbolizes the end of the Christmas season and marks the beginning of preparation for Lent.

In many churches, particularly Catholic churches, Epiphany is celebrated with special services. However, this holiday is important to Protestants as well.

Even non-religious persons participate in celebrations and services on Epiphany as a way to pay their respects and learn more about Christian culture. Many churches hold educational services that teach attendees about the birth of Jesus and the visit of the Magi.

For Epiphany, Denmark enjoys a range of good foods. Some of the most popular Danish dishes include pickled herring (marinerede sild), pickled gherkin (asie), and rullepølse, which is a type of rolled sausage. And the Epiphany holiday wouldn’t be complete without some mulled wine and desserts like cookies and jam!

4. A Word About These Danish Desserts

Since Denmark has a very diverse production of fruits and berries, there’s a huge level of jam production. In old times, jam was an important source of vitamins during winter. Many Danes still produce homemade jams and marmalades. The flavors are very different from house to house.

Many people have probably seen or received the famous tin can with a Danish picture on the front filled with sweet butter cookies. The biggest brand in Denmark is made by the Kelsen group. They distribute and sell cookie tins to over 110 countries. Danes produce and consume large amounts of cookies during the Christmas season.

5. Essential Danish Vocabulary for Epiphany

Ready to review some of the vocabulary words we covered in this article? Here’s some Danish vocabulary you should know for Epiphany!

• Helligtrekongersdag — “Epiphany”
• Guld — “Gold”
• Helligtrekongerslys — “Epiphany candle”
• Smide juletræet ud — “Throw out the Christmas tree”
• Fjerne julepynt — “Remove Christmas decorations”
• Helligtrekongers-optog — “Twelfth parade”
• Vise mænd — “Wise Men”
• Røgelse — “Frankincense”
• Myrra — “Myrrh”
• Helligtrekongersaften — “Twelfth Night”

To hear each of these vocabulary words pronounced, and to read them alongside relevant images, be sure to check out our Danish Epiphany vocabulary list!

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed learning about the Feast of Epiphany with us.

Do you celebrate Epiphany in your country? If so, do traditions there vary from those in Denmark? We look forward to hearing from you!

If you’re interested in learning more about Danish culture, or want a few more wintery words to get you through the next couple of months, you may find the following pages useful:

• All About Danish Culture and Society
• Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Danish Pop Culture
• What’s Your Favorite Danish Food?
• Words for Winter Snow Days
• How Will You Spend Your Winter Holiday?

Learning Danish doesn’t have to be boring or overwhelming—with DanishClass101.com, it can even be fun! If you’re serious about mastering the language, create your free lifetime account today.

Happy Danish learning! 🙂

Did you know there are many different types of calendars?

As you probably know – a calendar is a system of organizing days in weeks and months for specific purposes, according to Wikipedia.

Worldwide, most countries use the Gregorian calendar. Some just work on the same framework, meaning that time is divided into units based on the earth’s movement around the sun – the “solar calendar”. Other calendars keep time by observing the moon’s movements, a combination of the moon and the sun’s movements, and seasons.

Through DanishClass101, you can learn all about this and so much more! Our themed, culturally relevant lessons are skillfully designed so you can do your planning perfectly for a holiday or a date.

Having a good plan for a visit or a trip is like studying well for an exam. You’re just so much better prepared! For that, you could well need specific phrases to plan around appointments and such, especially on business trips. Make sure to use the charts we provide here with the days of the week in Danish, as well as the months in Danish to navigate your way as you plan. Great resources!

Also – always remember to have fun!

Table of Contents

1. Why Will It Help To Know How To Talk About Dates in Danish?
2. Talking About your Plans
3. Can DanishClass101 Help You In Other Ways Too?

1. Why Will It Help To Know How To Talk About Dates in Danish?

Well, that’s not a difficult question to answer. No matter why you’re travelling, it would be best to at least know the names of days and months in Danish. You don’t want to miss your flight or an appointment because you confused “fredag” (Friday) with “lørdag” (Saturday)! Or maybe you planned a holiday for “juli” (July), but you booked a flight for “juni” (June) by accident!

Avoid this confusion by learning the Danish calendar before you leave.

Now, as promised, the 15 phrases to help you make and discuss plans.

2. Talking About your Plans

Perhaps you’re working in Denmark, or maybe you’re enjoying a prolonged holiday. Fabulous! Memorize these phrases so you can be sure to successfully negotiate meetings, appointments, dates, events, the list goes on!

1. Hvad skal du i weekenden?

“What are you doing this weekend?”

This question is usually a preamble to inviting someone somewhere. Given that it’s over the weekend, it probably means a casual get-together or another social event. (But not necessarily! A manager or boss could also ask this for entirely different reasons.)

It’s a handy phrase to know when you’ve made Danish or expat friends in the country. Or, be the one doing the inviting. Then train your ear to learn the following phrases so you can understand the response.

2. Jeg rejser i weekenden.

“I am traveling this weekend.”

This could be a reply if you’re not available because you’re doing other fun stuff.

No matter why you are visiting Denmark, do take the time to explore the country! It’s beautiful and it has so many wonderful, interesting spots ready to be visited.

3. Jeg planlægger at blive hjemme.

“I am planning to stay at home.”

Maybe you feel unwell, but don’t want to give too much information? Or maybe you have work to do? Perhaps you just need some quiet gardening time…it doesn’t matter. This response is polite and honest without oversharing.

It could also be a slightly open-ended response, depending on how you deliver it. Because hey, being home could still mean your plans are flexible, right?

That said – depending on your relationship with the inviter, nuances like these will probably not be so apparent in a foreign culture. So, best to use this excuse for declining an invitation only if you are truly set on staying in.

4. Jeg har optaget denne uge.

“This week I am busy.”

Another polite phrase that gives a reason for declining an invitation but without oversharing details.

Don’t decline too many invitations, though! You don’t want people to think that you’re too busy to hang out with them. They will stop inviting you out, and you know how the saying goes – all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy…! Being social is good for the soul.

5. Jeg er ledig i morgen.

“I am free tomorrow.”

Yay! Perhaps you were approached by that person and they asked about your availability for a date. This would be a fine reply. Not too eager, but still indicating that you’re interested.

Or maybe you’re just replying to a colleague or manager’s request for a meeting. Polite, honest and clear.

Alternatively, you’re just busy right now, and plans are not going the way they were…well, planned. Compromise is a lovely thing! And this phrase sounds just like that.

Use it to indicate that you want to accommodate an invitation or the inviter’s plans, despite your current unavailability. Only if you are really free, of course.

6. Kan vi udsætte dette?

“Can we reschedule this?”

So, life happened and you are unable to meet obligations or attend a planned meeting. This is a suitable question to ask if you wish to indicate your willingness to still engage with whatever is on the table.

Obviously you should (ideally) not ask to reschedule a party or big meeting! (Unless you’re the boss or it’s your own party, of course.) But if there’s reasonable wiggle room regarding arrangements, then this one’s your question.

7. Jeg vil få tid nok i slutningen af måneden.

“I will have enough time at the end of the month.”

A go-to phrase when events or activities are likely to take up a lot of your time, such as going away for a weekend, spending the day at a local market, or writing your manager’s quarterly report (with 20 flow-charts in Powerpoint) – anything that won’t only take an hour or two.

8. Hvornår er det bedste tidspunkt, der passer dig?

“When is the best time that suits you?”

Remember phrase #5? That was a possible reply to this question. Asked by your crush, very possibly! Or, it could be asked by any other person for any other reason, doesn’t matter.

If this is addressed to you, it usually means that the person respects your time and schedule, which is a good thing. It probably also means that their own schedule is flexible, another good thing.

This is also a polite question to ask when a manager or senior colleague wants to meet with you. Let them decide on the time, and be as accommodating as possible. This attitude shows respect for seniority – good for career building. (Within reason, of course. You don’t need to postpone your wedding or your paid-up holiday to Australia because your manager wants to see you.)

9. Er denne dato okay med dig?

“Is this date OK with you?”

But – if the other party insists that you choose a time for a meeting, appointment, or date etc., then do so! Respond with this nice, somewhat casual question that leaves space for negotiation, but only needs a simple reply.

Suitable for friends, and casual acquaintances and colleagues.

10. Er du ledig den dag?

“Are you available on that day?”

This is the a-bit-more-formal version of the previous question. Again, it has room for negotiation, but only needs a simple response – nice and neat!

Maybe this is the go-to question when you’re addressing your seniors at work, or a person much older than you.

11. Kan vi gøre det snarest muligt?

“Can we do it as soon as possible?”

This question has an urgency to it that should preferably be responded to with the same. A simple reply will be good – yes or no. Less negotiable, this is still polite because it’s a question that gives you a choice.

But stand ready with one of the phrases in this article to help tie down a time and date!

12. Jeg er ledig hver aften.

“I’m available every evening”

If you’re going to reply with this phrase, context is everything.

– If it’s your manager asking you to put in a bit of overtime, and you are available to – great reply! When deadlines are tight and everybody is stressing, your willingness to go the extra mile can only improve your relationship with your boss.

(Still, no need to be a doormat! If you get asked to work overtime too often, or if everyone else is goofing around while you have to graft, then re-evaluate the situation. And if you feel you’re being exploited a bit, don’t stress! Equip yourself with the diplomatic, yet assertive responses right in this article.)

– If it’s an old friend or longtime significant other asking to hang out – good reply. You know one another and appearances don’t matter any longer.

– If it’s a new crush who just asked when you’d be available for a date – stop. Not such a great reply. Tone down a bit! “Interested but not overly eager” is what you’re going for here.

Refer back to response #5, or use a counter-question, such as #1. Whatever suits you.

But if they – or anyone else – invite you to scale the Himalayas with them, then the next phrase will probably be the only sane response!

13. Jeg har brug for at planlægge dette i god tid.

“I need to plan this well in advance.”

So, as said under #9, perhaps you’re invited to join someone conquer the Himalayas.

Or your company manager wants you to plan the Party that Tops All Year-End Parties Forever.

Simply – if you get asked to do something that you know will need a lot of thorough planning, this is a good phrase to respond with.

It’s an assertive phrase that demonstrates two things regarding your attitude:

a) That you know your own abilities, and respect your own schedule.
b) That your respect other people’s time and schedule too.

Then just be sure to actually do that planning well in advance!

14. Vi skal finde en anden dato

“We need to find another date.”

So, you’re in negotiations regarding a date.

This is an assertive statement that should probably not be used with a “My way or the highway” attitude.

That stuff only works in the movies – think sharp-tongued Samuel L. Jackson. Or fierce Kristen Stewart. Yea, they can be scary, so tone down that tone.

Also, be mindful that fickle people who change plans all the time don’t keep friends! Taking others’ needs into consideration, while simultaneously having your way is a delicate art that takes proper cultivation. Use this phrase sparingly – we have better ones here to negotiate with.

Of course, if your planned trip to the dentist falls on the same day as the only Billie Eilish concert close by…well, priorities are priorities. Feel free to call the dentist with this phrase. Or even better, use the next one.

15. Jeg kan ikke gøre det den dag.

“I cannot do it on that day.”

This is the low-key-but-still-firm cousin of the previous phrase. You’re stating a personal fact, and depending on your tone, this can be as non-negotiable as you prefer.

Again, only use this when you really mean it, if you’re visiting Denmark or any other foreign country.

So, that’s it, folks! Which phrase did you find the most helpful? Let us know in the comments!

3. Can DanishClass101 Help You In Other Ways Too?

Well yes, of course!

We think you will find these phrases easy to use when talking about dates and months in Danish. But knowing how to employ them properly could help you avoid sticky situations!

DanishClass101 is uniquely geared to help you with this and so much more.

This InnovativeLanguage.com initiative is one of many online language-learning courses. With us, you’ll find it easy and fun to learn a new language, and here are a few reasons why:

• Immediately upon enrollment, you’ll receive hundreds of well-designed lessons to get you going.
• Watch superb recordings of native Danish speakers in cool slide-shows – the easy way to practice till you sound just like a native speaker yourself!
• Also immediately upon enrollment, you’ll get access to a huge library of free resources! These include extensive, theme-based Vocabulary Lists and a Word of the Day List (For free, hot bargains!) These alone are sure to give your vocab-learning boxing gloves.
• You’ll also immediately be able to use an excellent and free Danish online dictionary. Necessary for quick, handy translations, no matter where you find yourself.
• For the serious learner, there are numerous enrollment upgrades available, one of which offers you a personal, online Danish host. Allow us to hold your hand and support you in your learning!

If you’re serious about mastering Danish easily yet correctly, DanishClass101 is definitely one of, if not the best, online language learning platforms available. Talking about your plans or dates in Danish need not ever spoil your stay.

So, hurry up—enroll today!

Did you know that only some reptiles and birds don’t parent their offspring? Except for crocodiles, all reptiles (and one family of bird species called megapodes) hatch from eggs and grow up alone, without any family.

The rest of us need family if we are to survive and thrive – humans and animals alike!

At DanishClass101, we know how important family is. Therefore, we take care to teach you all the important vocabulary and phrases pertaining to family.

Table of Contents

1. Why Is It Important to Know Danish Vocabulary about Family?
2. Learn a New Culture? Learn its Family Vocab first
3. How DanishClass101 Can Help You Learn Danish Family Terms

1. Why Is It Important to Know Danish Vocabulary about Family?

Well, if you’re serious about studying any new language, then learning about the most important social unit in Danish culture would be a crucial part of your education.

What is family, though? Strictly speaking, it’s a group of people who live together and are supposed to take care of one another. Some of them are genetically linked.

Family isn’t just about who we’re related to by blood, of course. It’s also one of the main influences in shaping every child’s life.

Family is Important for Children’s Healthy Development

Family is the single most important influence in a child’s life. Children depend on parents and family to protect them and provide for their needs from the day they were born.

Primary caregivers, which usually comprise parents and family, form a child’s first relationships. They are a child’s first teachers and are role models that show kids how to act and experience the world around them.

By nurturing and teaching children during their early years, families play an important role in making sure children are ready to learn when they enter school.

Families Can Take All Shapes and Sizes

However, the way families are put together is by no means standard.

Single-parent and same-gender households have become a new norm the past few decades, and there’s no shame in this. When there is love, connection and proper care, a child can thrive anywhere.

Everyone also knows that sometimes friends can become like family and remain with us for life, because it’s all about human connection.

After all, we share many commonalities simply because we’re human, and we are programmed to connect with one another and belong to a group. This is very important for our well-being and survival.

It’s All About Feeling Connected

As John Northman, a psychologist from Buffalo, NY, told WebMD – feeling connected to others contributes to mental as well as physical health.

He pointed out that when people feel connected, they feel better physically, and they’re also less likely to feel depressed.

Or, if they do feel depressed, they’d be in a better position to get out of it when they feel they are connecting with others. This is because they would be psychologically supported too, Northman said.

There has even been some links drawn between addiction and feeling disconnected from others. According to an article in Psychology Today, research indicates that addiction is not solely a substance disorder, but also affected by people feeling insecurely attached to others.

It showed that securely attached individuals tend to feel comfortable in and enjoy life, while insecurely attached people typically struggle to fit in and connect.

2. Learn a New Culture? Learn its Family Vocab first

So, it’s clear that for most of us, family is our entry point into connection and belonging. This is true of every culture, so in every country, family takes prominence.

For this reason, DanishClass101 offers culturally-relevant lessons that will equip you well to understand families in Denmark.

Here are some of the most important Danish vocabulary and quotes about family and parenting!

A) Danish Family Vocabulary

Let’s start with the basic vocabulary. Without this collection of words, you’ll have a hard time describing any member of your family at all.

Family Terms
Family familie	Great grandfather oldefar
Mother mor	Grandmother bedstemor
Father far	Grandfather bedstefar
Wife kone	Grandchild barnebarn
Husband mand	Granddaughter barnebarn
Parent forælder	Grandson barnebarn
Child barn	Aunt tante
Daughter datter	Uncle onkel
Sister søster	Niece niece
Brother bror	Nephew nevø
Younger sister lillesøster	Younger brother lillebror
Older brother storebror	Great grandmother oldemor
Cousin kusine	Mother-in-law svigermor
Father-in-law svigerfar	Sister-in-law svigerinde
Brother-in-law svoger	Partner ægtefælle

B) Quotes About Family

One of the ways to improve your Danish language skills is by memorizing quotes from books, or poems.

Either source some from Danish literature, or make use of ours!

Du vælger ikke din familie. De er Guds gave til dig som du er til dem.

“You don’t choose your family. They are God’s gift to you, as you are to them.” – Desmond Tutu

Familien er ikke en vigtig ting. Det er alt.

“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.” – Michael J. Fox

Familie betyder, at ingen bliver efterladt eller glemt.

“Family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.” – David Ogden Stiers

Min familie er min styrke og min svaghed.

“My family is my strength and my weakness.” – Aishwarya Rai

Familien er en af ​​naturens mesterværker.

“The family is one of nature’s masterpieces.” – George Santayana

Når der er problemer, er det din familie, der støtter dig.

“When trouble comes, it’s your family that supports you.” – Guy Lafleur

Familien er den første afgørende celle af det menneskelige samfund.

“The family is the first essential cell of human society.” – Pope John XXIII

Der findes ikke sjov for hele familien.

“There is no such thing as fun for the whole family.” – Jerry Seinfeld

Du er nødt til at forsvare din ære. Og din familie.

“You have to defend your honor. And your family.” – Suzanne Vega

Alle lykkelige familier er ens; hver ulykkelig familie er ulykkelig på sin egen måde.

“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” – Leo Tolstoy

C) Test Your Knowledge!

Do you feel you have learned a lot in this blog? Let’s quickly test that!

In the table below, match the Danish vocabulary on the left with the definition of the relative in the right column.

MY RELATIVES
Relative Name	Definition
1. familie	a. My male child
2. mor	b. My older male sibling
3. far	c. My female sibling
4. kone	d. My child’s child
5. mand	e. My child’s female child
6. forælder	f. My female parent
7. barn	g. My grandparent’s mother
8. datter	h. Mother to one of my parents
9. søn	i. Relatives
10. søster	j. My female child
11. bror	k. My younger male sibling
12. lillesøster	l. Male spouse
13. lillebror	m. The father of one of my parents
14. storebror	n. My child’s male child
15. oldemor	o. My children’s father or mother
16. oldefar	p. The sister of one of my parents
17. bedstemor	q. The brother of one of my parents
18. bedstefar	r. My male parent
19. barnebarn	s. My sibling’s female child
20. barnebarn	t. My sibling’s male child
21. barnebarn	u. My male sibling
22. tante	v. My parents’ sibling’s child
23. onkel	w. Female spouse
24. niece	x. The grandfather of one of my parents
25. nevø	y. The person I am a parent to
26. kusine	z. My younger female sibling

How did it go? Don’t worry if you had trouble with it – you’ll get there! With a bit of practice, and our help at DanishClass101, you’ll soon have these family terms under the belt.

3. How DanishClass101 Can Help You Learn Danish Family Terms

We hope that we helped you expand your family in Danish vocabulary!

DanishClass101, with its innovative online learning system, stands out among online learning platforms to help you master Danish easily.

Our lessons are tailored not only to increase your language skills, but to also inform you of Danish culture, including the Danish family structure.

When you sign up, you will get instant access to tools like:

1 – An extensive vocabulary list, regularly updated
2 – A new Danish word to learn every day
3 – Quick access to the Danish Key Phrase List
4 – A free Danish online dictionary
5 – The excellent 100 Core Danish Word List
6 – An almost limitless Lesson Library for learners of all levels

Further speed up your learning with the help of a personal tutor, who will first assess your current Danish language abilities to personalize your training and tailor it to your needs.

Hard work always pays off, and to help you in this, DanishClass101 will be there every step of the way toward your Danish mastery!

Answers: 1.i. 2.f. 3.r. 4.w. 5.l. 6.o. 7.y. 8.j. 9.a. 10.c. 11.u. 12.z. 13.k. 14.b. 15.g 16.x. 17.h. 18.m. 19.d. 20.e. 21.n. 22.p. 23.q. 24.s. 25.t. 26.v.

St. Lucy’s Day is a festive, cozy holiday in Denmark, celebrated not long before Christmas each year. In this article, you’ll learn all about St. Lucy’s Day, from who Lucy was to how Danish people celebrate the holiday today.

At DanishClass101.com, we aim to make every aspect of your language-learning process both fun and informative—starting with this article!

Are you ready? Let’s go.

1. What is St. Lucy’s Day?

The Danish celebrate St. Lucy’s Day in the same month as Christmas, but don’t be fooled! This holiday, and the woman it’s named after, really have nothing to do with Christmas.

So who was Lucy? Read the following Danish text to find out, and then test your reading skills against the English text directly below it.

—

Legenden siger, at Lucia var en ung kristen kvinde, som nægtede at tilbede den romerske kejser og blev derfor dræbt og døde som martyr. Hun hjalp de fattige og syge, og det siges, hun bar lys på sit hoved, så begge hænder var frie.

The legend says that Lucy was a young Christian woman who refused to worship the Roman emperor, and as a result, was murdered and died a martyr. It’s claimed that she carried a light on her head when she cared for the old and sick to ensure her hands were free.

2. When is the Feast of St. Lucy?

Each year, the Danish celebrate the Feast of Saint Lucy on December 13.

3. St. Lucy’s Day Celebrations & Traditions

How do the Danish celebrate Saint Lucy’s Day?

On St. Lucy’s Day, Denmark’s main event is the St. Lucy’s parades in kindergartens and elementary schools.

A St. Lucy’s parade involves kids dressing in white gowns with a red band around their waist, each with a lit candle and guided by a “St. Lucy’s bride.” The front guide representing St. Lucy is usually a girl, but could also be a boy. The St. Lucy’s bride carries a crown or a wreath on her head with four lit candles.

During the St. Lucy’s parade, a song about Lucy is played; this song explains how Lucy brings light to the darkness and spreads joy. After the parade, everyone eats Lucy-bread, which are sweet wheat rolls with a taste of saffron.

Oftentimes, these Saint Lucy celebration parades aren’t limited to the school. Rather, the children take their parade through nursing homes, churches, and even in the streets in order to further spread the holiday spirit!

Naturally, the adults who accompany the St. Lucy’s parades are nervous about the burning candles that the kids carry in their hands. This is why they always stand by with a bucket of water in case the candles’ flames light anything on fire.

Churches will usually hold some kind of special Christmas-related event during this holiday to attract more people on St. Lucy Feast Day.

4. Longest Night of the Year

Now that you know about Saint Lucy’s Feast Day, do you know what they call the night of December 13 and 14?

They call it Lussenatten—a name that originates from Sweden, where Lussenatten, according to the Julian calendar, was the longest night of the year. But in the morning, while it was still dark, one would wake up to Lucy (or the young girl on the farm) standing by their bed with food and drink on a tray.

5. Essential St. Lucy’s Day Vocabulary

Here’s some vocabulary you need to know for Saint Lucy Day in Denmark!

• Hvid — “White”
• Brød — “Bread”
• Skole — “School“
• Kirke — “Church”
• Sang — “Song”
• Lys — “Light”
• Italiensk helgeninde — “Italian female saint”
• Martyrdød — “Martyrdom”
• Årets korteste dag — “Shortest day of the year”
• Optog — “Procession”
• Brud — “Bride”
• Krone — “Crown”

To hear each of these vocabulary words pronounced, and to read them alongside relevant images, be sure to visit our Danish St. Lucy’s Day vocabulary list!

Final Thoughts

What are your thoughts on St. Lucy’s Day? Are there similar holidays or celebrations in your country during December? Let us know in the comments; we always love hearing from you!

Learning about a country’s culture may be the most fascinating and enriching aspect of trying to master its language. If you want more information about Denmark and her people, or perhaps some more wintery vocabulary, you may find the following pages useful:

• Top 5 Things You Need to Know About Danish Pop Culture
• All About Danish Culture and Society
• Fars Dag: How to Celebrate Father’s Day in Denmark
• Words for Winter Snow Days
• Must-Know Christmas Day Vocabulary

Learning Danish doesn’t have to be a boring or overwhelming process—with DanishClass101.com, it can even be fun!

If you’re serious about mastering the language, but don’t have time any unnecessary hassles, create your free lifetime account today!

You’re learning to speak Danish, and it’s going well. Your confidence is growing! So much so that you feel ready to share your experiences on social media—in Danish.

At Learn Danish, we make this easy for you to get it right the first time. Post like a boss with these phrases and guidelines, and get to practice your Danish in the process.

[public_ui]

1. Talking about Your Restaurant Visit in Danish

Eating out is fun, and often an experience you’d like to share. Take a pic, and start a conversation on social media in Danish. Your friend will be amazed by your language skills…and perhaps your taste in restaurants!

Hans eats at a restaurant with his friends, posts an image of the group eating, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down Hans’s post.

Vi er godt i gang med hovedretten. Mums mums!
“We are well underway with the main course. Yum yum!”

1- Vi er godt i gang med hovedretten.

First is an expression meaning “We are well underway with the main course.”
You can also replace “main course” with other nouns to make it clear that you’ve been busy with it for some time.

2- Mums mums!

Then comes the phrase – “Yum yum!”
Use this phrase when expressing that something is tasty, such as food or drinks. Mostly children use this phrase, so if you’re an adult saying it to another adult, it’s clear that you’re in a playful, humorous mood. It is inadvisable that you use this in serious conversation, though. You might furthermore be mistaken for trying to make people jealous if you post a picture of your food online, so be careful.

COMMENTS

In response, Hans’ friends leave some comments.

1- Er da slet ikke misundelig…

His girlfriend, Johanne, uses an expression meaning – “Not envious at all…”
This is an ironic or slightly sarcastic or ironic comment, with the intent to joke a bit. It means that you are actually envious!

2- Hvor var min invitation?

His college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “Where was my invitation?”
This is yet another way to express that you’re envious of whatever the poster is experiencing, and it indicates that you feel a bit left out. If you know the people well, it will be clear to them whether or not you’re seriously complaining, or just having some fun with them.

3- Det ser hyggeligt ud.

His high school friend, Frederikke, uses an expression meaning – “It looks cozy.”
Use this to express that you think the scene looks pleasant and comfortable.

4- Velbekomme!

His neighbor, Gitte, uses an expression meaning – “Bon appetit!”
This is a loan-expression from French that means: “Eat well!” It is commonly used to wish someone a tasty meal in many Germanic languages.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

hovedret: “main course”

slet ikke: “not at all”

misundelig: “envious”

invitation: “invitation”

se ud: “to look”

hyggelig: “cozy, enjoyable, homely”

velbekomme: “bon appetit”

So, let’s practice a bit. If a friend posted something about having dinner with friends, which phrase would you use?

Now go visit a Danish restaurant, and wow the staff with your language skills!

2. Post about Your Mall Visit in Danish

Another super topic for social media is shopping—everybody does it, most everybody loves it, and your friends on social media are probably curious about your shopping sprees! Share these Danish phrases in posts when you visit a mall.

Johanne shop with her sister at the mall, posts an image of the two of them in a shop, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down Johanne’s post.

På shoppetur med hende her inden hun rejser. Der skal shoppes amok!
“On a shopping spree with this one before she leaves. There will be crazy shopping!”

1- På shoppetur med hende her inden hun rejser.

First is an expression meaning “On a shopping spree with this one before she leaves.”
Use this phrase when you’re on an outing with a woman who is important to you, but whose name you do not wish to mention. The context here is that the lady will be leaving soon somewhere, which is why the spree is happening in the first place.

2- Der skal shoppes amok!

Then comes the phrase – “There shall be crazy shopping!”
Use phrase to emphasize that you will probably return home with several bags full of new things. The phrase often appears in its imperative form during times of big sales.

COMMENTS

In response, Johanne’s friends leave some comments.

1- I ser fantastiske ud! Bare vær sikre på, I kan bære alle de poser!

Her high school friend, Susanne, uses an expression meaning – “You look fabulous! Just make sure you can carry all those bags!”
Use this expression to be funny, while also giving a compliment.

2- Hvor ser I bare godt ud begge to. Hvor rejser hun hen nu?

Her neighbor, Gitte, uses an expression meaning – “How great both of you look. Where is she going now?”
Use this expression to share an opinion about the poster and her sister’s appearance, and ask a question to show your interest in the sister’s plans. This is a good way to keep a conversation well oiled.

3- Husk nu at spare lidt penge til turen.

Her boyfriend, Hans, uses an expression meaning – “Remember to save a little money for the trip.”
This is a reminder to be frugal; the context is that there is clearly a pending trip somewhere that the poster needs to save for.

4- I har da ikke brug for mere tøj.

Her college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “You guys surely don’t need more clothes.”
Use this expression to share your opinion about the poster and her sister’s amount of clothes. The phrase is probably better used if you know them well, or it could be misconstrued as criticism.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

shoppetur: “shopping spree”

bære: “to carry”

pose: “bag”

se godt ud: “look good”

spare: “to save”

have brug for: “to need”

tøj: “clothes”

So, if a friend posted something about going shopping, which phrase would you use?

3. Talking about a Sport Day in Danish

Sporting events, whether you’re the spectator or the sports person, offer fantastic opportunity for great social media posts. Learn some handy phrases and vocabulary to start a sport-on-the-beach conversation in Danish.

Hans plays with his friends at the beach, posts an image of the team, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down Hans’ post.

Så skal der smashes i beach volley! Kom bare an!
“Now there will be smashes in beach volleyball! Just bring it on!”

1- Så skal der smashes i beach volley!

First is an expression meaning “Now, there will be smashes in beach volleyball!”
You can use this phrase to indicate that you’re about to or are already playing beach volleyball with enthusiasm. “Smashes i beach volley” can be replaced with other activities as well.

2- Kom bare an!

Then comes the phrase – “Just bring it on!”
This phrase is often used towards an opponent or when discussing a challenging task to indicate that you’re ready for it.

COMMENTS

In response, Hans’s friends leave some comments.

1- Det har du da aldrig været særligt god til.

His college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “Surely, you’ve never been particularly good at that.”
Use this expression to tease the poster about his sports abilities.

2- Fedt! Hvor længe bliver I på stranden?

His high school friend, Frederikke, uses an expression meaning – “Cool! How long will you stay at the beach?”
Use this expression to indicate your enthusiasm for the game, and ask a question for more details.

3- Som om…

His girlfriend’s nephew, Noah, uses an expression meaning – “As if…”
Use this expression when you’re in a humorous, slightly derisive mood. This expression pretends to indicate that you don’t think much of the poster’s sport skills.

4- Nu skal du ikke komme ind på kontoret med en brækket næse på mandag.

His supervisor, Bent, uses an expression meaning – “Now, don’t come into the office with a broken nose on Monday.”
This is an admonition to be careful playing sports, suggesting a bad scenario to make it slightly humorous.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

smashe: “to smash”

særlig: “special, particular”

fed: “cool, fat”

som om: “as if”

kontor: “office”

brækket: “broken”

næse: “nose”

Which phrase would you use if a friend posted something about sports?

But sport is not the only thing you can play! Play some music, and share it on social media.

4. Share a Song on Social Media in Danish

Music is the language of the soul, they say. So, don’t hold back—share what touches your soul with your friends!

Johanne shares a song she just heard at a party, posts an image of the artist, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down Johanne’s post.

Hallo folkens! Hvorfor har ingen fortalt mig om ham her før?!
“Hey guys! Why has no one told me about this guy before?!”

1- Hallo folkens!

First is an expression meaning “Hey guys!”
This phrase is often used when addressing or heartily trying to get the attention of a group of people, such as your friends or online followers.

2- Hvorfor har ingen fortalt mig om ham her før?!

Then comes the phrase – “Why has no one told me about this guy before?!”
With this phrase, you can ask a very important question. Here, you’re referring to a male that you didn’t know about before this moment, suggesting that you’re impressed with him.

COMMENTS

In response, Johanne’s friends leave some comments.

1- YES! Min nye yndlingssang!!!

Her high school friend, Susanne, uses an expression meaning – “YES! My new favorite song!!!”
Use this expression to agree enthusiastically with the poster’s sentiment that the music is good.

2- Fordi du er gammel.

Her nephew, Noah, uses an expression meaning – “Because you’re old.”
Use this expression to sarcastically make fun of the poster’s age. If you don’t have a relaxed, good relationship with the poster, this could be misconstrued as an insult, but among friends, it shouldn’t be a problem.

3- Åh nej, ikke den sang…

Her supervisor, Bent, uses an expression meaning – “Oh no, not that song…”
Use this expression to indicate that you don’t like the song.

4- Skal vi høre ham, når han kommer til byen?

Her boyfriend, Hans, uses an expression meaning – “Should we hear him when he comes to town?”
Use this expression to make a suggestion that you and poster attend a concert of the singer’s.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

hvorfor: “why”

før: “before”

fortælle: “to tell”

yndlingssang: “favorite song”

gammel: “old”

åh nej: “oh no”

by: “city”

Which song would you share? And what would you say to a friend who posted something about sharing music or videos?

Now you know how to start a conversation about a song or a video on social media!

5. Danish Social Media Comments about a Concert

Still on the theme of music—visiting live concerts and shows just have to be shared with your friends. Here are some handy phrases and vocab to wow your followers in Danish!

Hans goes to a concert, posts an image of the stage, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down Hans’s post.

Kun 4 meter fra scenen! Det er for vildt!
“Only 4 meters from the stage! It’s too crazy!”

1- Kun 4 meter fra scenen!

First is an expression meaning “Only 4 meters from the stage!”
You can use this phrase to indicate that you’re physically very close to a specific stage. It means you’re excited about this, and want to brag about it a bit.

2- Det er for vildt!

Then comes the phrase – “It is too crazy!”
This phrase is used when indicating that something is so amazingly awesome that it’s crazy. It literally means that something is “too wild,” which is an exaggeration that indicates enthusiasm and high energy, like when you take amusement park rides.

COMMENTS

In response, Hans’ friends leave some comments.

1- Sikke du kan, Hans. God koncert!

His supervisor, Bent, uses an expression meaning – “Look at you, Hans. Have a nice concert!”
Use this expression to indicate you’re happy for the poster’s good fortune, and are wishing them a positive experience.

2- Troede du hadede den her slags musik…

His girlfriend’s nephew, Noah, uses an expression meaning – “Thought you hated this kind of music…”
Use this expression if this is true for you, or if you’re messing around a bit with the poster.

3- Hey, jeg står helt foran scenen!!! Kan du se mig? Prøver at vinke…

His girlfriend’s high school friend, Susanne, uses an expression meaning – “Hey, I am standing all the way in front of the stage!!! Can you see me? Will try to wave…”
Use these lines if you’re also at the concert and would like to meet up with the poster.

4- Ring lige, hvis de spiller den nye single!!!

His college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “Call me if they play the new single!!!”
This phrase is suitable for use if you want to poster to share a live experience of a specific song with you via the phone or vidcam.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

scene: “stage, scene”

koncert: “concert”

hade: “to hate”

slags: “kind, sort”

foran: “in front of”

vinke: “to wave”

spille: “to play”

If a friend posted something about a concert, which phrase would you use?

6. Talking about an Unfortunate Accident in Danish

Oh dear. You broke your phone by accident. Use these Danish phrases to start a thread on social media. Or maybe just to let your friends know why you are not contacting them!

Johanne accidentally breaks her mobile phone, and leaves this comment:

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Let’s break down Johanne’s post.

Én ulykke kommer sjældent alene… Fang mig på Facebook!
“Misfortunes never come one at a time… Catch me on Facebook!”

1- Én ulykke kommer sjælendt alene…

First is an expression meaning “Misfortunes never come singly…”
Like in English, this proverb is used when something goes wrong, and you expect more to go wrong. It literally means “one accident rarely comes alone”.

2- Fang mig på Facebook!

Then comes the phrase – “Catch me on Facebook!”
This is a convenient phrase to use when you want people to know that they should get ahold of you on Facebook if they need to. This usually indicates that you no longer have your phone or that it’s broken; that’s why you’re most likely to respond to messages through Facebook.

COMMENTS

In response, Johanne’s friends leave some comments.

1- Åh nej, søde. Ikke igen…

Her neighbor, Gitte, uses an expression meaning – “Oh no, sweetie. Not again…”
Use this phrase if you know the poster has broken her phone before, and want to show your sympathy for her plight.

2- I det mindste var det ikke i toilettet. Eller var det?!

Her high school friend, Susanne, uses an expression meaning – “At least it wasn’t in the toilet. Or was it?!”
Use this expression when you’re feeling humorous.

3- Bare rolig. Jeg har en ekstra, du kan låne.

Her college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “Don’t worry. I have an extra you can borrow.”
Use this expression to show you are feeling helpful and have a spare phone.

4- Slut med selfies.

Her nephew, Noah, uses an expression meaning – “No more selfies.”
Use this expression to make a slightly sarcastic, humorous statement just to be part of the conversation.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

ulykke: “accident, misfortune, unhappiness, misery”

sjælden: “rare, unusual”

toilet: “toilet”

sød: “sweet”

i det mindste: “at least”

låne: “to borrow, to lend”

slut med: “no more”

If a friend posted something about having broken something by accident, which phrase would you use?

So, now you know how to describe an accident in Danish. Well done!

7. Chat about Your Boredom on Social Media in Danish

Sometimes, we’re just bored with how life goes. And to alleviate the boredom, we write about it on social media. Add some excitement to your posts by addressing your friends and followers in Danish!

Hans gets bored at home, and leaves this comment:

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Let’s break down Hans’s post.

Nederen aften uden planer… Hvem kan lege?
“Bummer evening without plans… Who can play?”

1- Nederen aften uden planer…

First is an expression meaning “Bummer evening without plans…”
This phrase is used when expressing disappointment about your evening because you have no plans to keep busy or have fun. You can use the noun “nederen” on its own to express a depressed state of mind, or to say that something disappoints you or makes you uncomfortable.

2- Hvem kan lege?

Then comes the phrase – “Who can play?”
This question is most often used by children, but you might also use it as an adult in a child-like, playful way, similar to asking “Who can hang out?”

COMMENTS

In response, Hans’s friends leave some comments.

1- Skal vi snuppe en øl? Har fri om et kvarter.

His college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “Shall we grab a beer? Will be off in fifteen minutes.”
Use this expression if you can hang out with the poster and want to go for beer. You’re also indicating that you will be able to leave, probably for the bar, in 15 minutes’ time.

2- Det ligner da ikke dig. Kom ned på Nyhavn!

His high school friend, Frederikke, uses an expression meaning – “That surely is not you. Come down to Nyhavn!”
Use this expression to indicate that you find the poster’s boredom uncharacteristic, and to invite him to visit you in Nyhavn. The town’s name can be replaced with any other location.

3- Slap af og nyd det.

His supervisor, Bent, uses an expression meaning – “Relax and enjoy it.”
Use this expression to offer simple advice about alleviating boredom.

4- Har konen forladt dig?

His girlfriend’s nephew, Noah, uses an expression meaning – “Has the missus left you?”
Use this expression if you’re in a humorous, slightly sarcastic mood, and think that he’s without something to do because he’s single.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

uden: “without”

plan: “plan”

kvarter: “quarter, a quarter of an hour”

snuppe: “to snatch, to grab”

ligne: “to look like, to resemble”

slappe af: “to relax”

forlade: “to leave”

If a friend posted something about being bored, which phrase would you use?

Still bored? Share another feeling and see if you can start a conversation!

8. Exhausted? Share It on Social Media in Danish

Sitting in public transport after work, feeling like chatting online? Well, converse in Danish about how you feel, and let your friends join in!

Johanne feels exhausted after a long day at work, posts an image of herself looking tired, and leaves this comment:

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Let’s break down Johanne’s post.

Endelig fri! Kan høre sofaen kalde.
“Finally off! I can hear the couch calling.”

1- Endelig fri!

First is an expression meaning “Finally off!”
This phrase is used when expressing how happy you are that school or work is over. It can also be interpreted more literally to mean that you are finally free from captivity, because school and work can sometimes feel like prison.

2- Kan høre sofaen kalde.

Then comes the phrase – “Can hear the couch calling.”
You can use this phrase to indicate that you’re going to spend time on your couch once you get home.

COMMENTS

In response, Johanne’s friends leave some comments.

1- Ha ha, kan også høre min sofa råbe og skrige. Nu skal der slappes af!

Her high school friend, Susanne, uses an expression meaning – “Ha ha, can also hear my couch yelling and shouting. Now, let us relax!”
Use this expression to sympathize with the poster’s plight, because you’re experiencing the same. You’re also making a suggestion that the both of you relax.

2- Har kaffen klar til dig, min skat.

Her boyfriend, Hans, uses an expression meaning – “Got the coffee ready for you, my darling.”
Use this expression if you are feeling sympathetic and supportive. Calling someone “my darling” indicates a romantic connection.

3- Skynd dig hjem til din søde mand!

Her neighbor, Gitte, uses an expression meaning – “Hurry home to your sweet man!”
Use this expression to show you are feeling warmhearted, and encouraging the poster to be with her boyfriend.

4- Nyd det! Min vagt er først lige begyndt.

Her college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “Enjoy it! My shift has just begun.”
Use this expression to indicate to the poster that she’s lucky to be off, at least – you’re just starting work.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

endelig: “finally”

råbe: “to yell”

skrige: “to cry, to scream, to shout, to shriek”

skat: “darling, honey, baby”

skynde sig: “to hurry”

nyde: “to enjoy”

vagt: “guard, watch”

If a friend posted something about being exhausted, which phrase would you use?

Now you know how to say you’re exhausted in Danish! Well done.

9. Talking about an Injury in Danish

So life happens, and you manage to hurt yourself during a soccer game. Very Tweet-worthy! Here’s how to do it in Danish.

Hans suffers a painful injury, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

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Let’s break down Hans’ post.

Så meget for den skiferie… Jeg giver kvajebajer!
“So much for that skiing holiday… I’m buying a made-a-fool-of-myself beer!”

1- Så meget for den skiferie…

First is an expression meaning “So much for that skiing holiday…”
Use this expression to express that you’re disappointed that something you planned is not going to happen.

2- Jeg giver kvajebajer!

Then comes the phrase – “I am buying made-a-fool-of-myself-beer!”
This phrase is most commonly used by guys when referring to the beer that they’ll buy because they made a fool of themselves or messed up somehow. It’s normally used in good spirits, but some might say that you owe them this beer, even if you don’t think you’ve messed up.

COMMENTS

In response, Hans’ friends leave some comments.

1- Sådan går det, når man skal blære sig.

His girlfriend’s nephew, Noah, uses an expression meaning – “That’s how it goes when you (have to) show off.”
Use this expression if you’re close to the poster and are known to joke around this way, because saying this can come off as rather unsympathetic and insulting.

2- Av av! God bedring!

His girlfriend’s high school friend, Susanne, uses an expression meaning – “Ouch, ouch! Get well soon!”
Use this expression to be sympathetic without making too much of a fuss about it.

3- Håber du stadig kan nyde ferien, selv om det ikke bliver på pisterne.

His neighbor, Gitte, uses an expression meaning – “Hope you’re still able to enjoy the holiday. Although it won’t be on the slopes.”
Use this to express goodwill, and wish the poster a good, albeit limited holiday anyway.

4- Det ben bliver aldrig det samme igen. Ha ha…!

His college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “That leg will never be the same again. Ha ha…!”
Use this expression to show you are feeling frivolous and want to tease the poster a bit. Again, the offline relationship with them is probably important to avoid misunderstandings.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

skiferie: “skiing holiday”

blære sig: “show off, boast”

av: “ouch”

god bedring: “get well soon, best wishes for a speedy recovery”

pist: “slope”

ben: “leg”

aldrig: “never”

If a friend posted something about being injured, which phrase would you use?

We love to share our fortunes and misfortunes; somehow that makes us feel connected to others.

10. Starting a Conversation Feeling Disappointed in Danish

Sometimes things don’t go the way we planned. Share your disappointment about this with your friends!

Johanne feels disappointed about today’s weather, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

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Let’s break down Johanne’s post.

At skulle cykle hjem, når det står ned i stænger…
“Having to bike home when it’s pouring down…”

1- at skulle cykle hjem

First is an expression meaning “having to bike home.”
This phrase indicates the action of having to ride a bicycle home. If you aren’t used to bike lanes, watch out when crossing the streets in Denmark because bikes are almost everywhere!

2- når stå ned i stænger

Then comes the phrase – “when it is pouring down…”
You can use this phrase when indicating that it’s pouring outside. This literally means that “it is raining down in poles”, which is a uniquely Danish expression that won’t make much sense in English. It could refer to torrents of water that look tubular, like poles.

COMMENTS

In response, Johanne’s friends leave some comments.

1- God svømmetur!

Her high school friend, Susanne, uses an expression meaning – “Have a nice swim!”
Use this expression if you’re in a humorous mood and refuses to take the complaint seriously.

2- Pas på derude.

Her supervisor, Bent, uses an expression meaning – “Be careful out there.”
This is an old-fashioned phrase of warning, referring to the wet environment. The admonition is almost parental but is often used to show care and concern.

3- Og DERFOR er det bedre at tage bilen!

Her nephew, Noah, uses an expression meaning – “And THAT’s why it’s better to take the car!”
Use this expression to partake in the conversation by being a bit cynical and pedantic.

4- Hvis det er for meget, kan jeg hente dig ved Forum. Bare ring.

Her boyfriend, Hans, uses an expression meaning – “If it’s too much, I can pick you up at the Forum. Just call.”
Use these phrases to indicate you’re willing to help the poster in some way, because you care.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

cykle: “to bicycle, to cycle”

svømmetur: “swim”

pas på: “look after, look out, be careful, take care”

bil: “car”

hente: “to fetch, to bring”

bare: “just, simply”

ringe: “to call”

How would you comment in Danish when a friend is disappointed?

Not all posts need to be about a negative feeling, though!

11. Talking about Your Relationship Status in Danish

Don’t just change your relationship status in Settings, talk about it!

Hans changes his status to “In a relationship”, posts an image of him and Johanne together, and leaves this comment:

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Let’s break down Hans’ post.

Bedre sent end aldrig. Lad os tage hul på et nyt kapitel!
“Better late than never. Let us embark on a new chapter!”

1- Bedre sent end aldrig.

First is an expression meaning “Better late than never.”
Use this phrase to indicate that it’s better that something happens, or has happened, at a later time than not at all.

2- Lad os tage hul på et nyt kapitel!

Then comes the phrase – “Let us embark on a new chapter!”
This other phrase can be used to show a positive attitude toward starting a new phase in life. For instance, you can use this phrase if you decide to move to Denmark.

COMMENTS

In response, Hans’ friends leave some comments.

1- Ægte kærlighed!

His neighbor, Gitte, uses an expression meaning – “True love!”
Use this expression to show you are feeling warmhearted and romantic.

2- Øh, burde der ikke stå, at ingen vil have dig???

His college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “Uhm, shouldn’t it say that nobody wants you???”
Use this expression to show you are feeling frivolous and want to make fun of the poster.

3- Så blev det endelig officielt!

His high school friend, Frederikke, uses an expression meaning – “Now, it finally became official!”
Use this expression to show you are happy about the relationship and it’s new status.

4- Måske skulle jeg gøre det samme. Ved dog ikke hvordan…

His supervisor, Bent, uses an expression meaning – “Maybe I should do the same. Don’t know how though…”
Use this expression to indicate that you’re considering romance, but have reservations about your ability to get a partner.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

lade: “to let”

ægte: “genuine, real”

kærlighed: “love”

burde: “to ought to, should”

ingen: “nobody, no one”

officiel: “official”

dog: “yet, however”

What would you say in Danish when a friend changes their relationship status?

Being in a good relationship with someone special is good news – don’t be shy to spread it!

12. Post about Getting Married in Danish

Wow, so things got serious, and you’re getting married. Congratulations! Or, your friend is getting married, so talk about this in Danish.

Johanne is getting married today, so she leaves this comment:

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Let’s break down Johanne’s post.

Glæder mig til at sige ja til min eneste ene!
“Looking forward to saying “yes” to my one and only!”

1- glæder mig til at sige ja til

First is an expression meaning “(I’m) looking forward to saying yes to.”
You can use this phrase to indicate that you’re looking forward to agreeing to something, such as a promotion or marrying your significant other.

2- min eneste ene

Then comes the phrase – “my one and only.”
This phrase is used like its English equivalent to refer to your romantic partner. Or it can even be about that one, unique person you haven’t met yet.

COMMENTS

In response, Johanne’s friends leave some comments.

1- Tror ikke, du er helt klar over, hvad du siger ja til…

Her nephew, Noah, uses an expression meaning – “Don’t think you’re completely aware of what you’re saying yes to…”
Again, the relationship with the poster is very important when using this phrase. It could come across as very cynical and critical of their choice to get married, or it could be understood that you’re just teasing them and show affection this way.

2- Vi ses senere, søde! Glæder mig til at danse natten lang.

Her high school friend, Susanne, uses an expression meaning – “See you later, sweety! Looking forward to dancing all night long.”
Use this expression to indicate your anticipation of the event, in a positive way.

3- Tillykke med det!

Her supervisor, Bent, uses an expression meaning – “Congratulations on getting married!”
This is the traditional, widely used phrase to congratulate newly-weds, or those about to get married.

4- Tillykke tillykke! Håber I får en uforglemmelig dag.

Her husband’s high school friend, Frederikke, uses an expression meaning – “Congratulations, congratulations! Hope you have an unforgettable day.”
Use this expression to show you are feeling optimistic and enthusiastic about the marriage and wish them well. A variation of the traditional way of congratulating.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

glæde sig til: “to look forward to”

eneste: “only, single”

være klar over: “to be aware of, to realize”

danse: “to dance”

tillykke: “congratulations”

håbe: “to hope”

uforglemmelig: “unforgettable”

How would you respond in Danish to a friend’s post about getting married?

For the next topic, fast forward about a year into the future after the marriage…

13. Announcing Big News in Danish

Wow, huge stuff is happening in your life! Announce it in Danish.

Hans finds out he and his wife are going to have a baby, and leaves this comment:

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Let’s break down Hans’ post.

Vi er i lykkelige omstændigheder! Snart ankommer der endnu et familiemedlem.
“We are in happy circumstances! Soon another family member is going to arrive.”

1- Vi er i lykkelige omstændigheder!

First is an expression meaning “We are in happy circumstances!”
You’ll most likely use this phrase when you and your partner are expecting a child and feel positive about it. Hence, the happy circumstances.

2- Snart ankommer der endnu et familiemedlem.

Then comes the phrase – “Soon another family member is going to arrive.”
This phrase is used when announcing that your family will be growing by one more member. Most often, this is a baby, but some might use it to refer to a pet, as they’re perceived by many as part of the family.

COMMENTS

In response, Hans’ friends leave some comments.

1- Tillykke!!! Bliver det en dreng eller pige?

His high school friend, Frederikke, uses an expression meaning – “Congratulations!!! Will it be a boy or a girl?”
Use these phrases to congratulate the parents-to-be, and to indicate that you want more information.

2- Jeg kan næsten ikke vente, til vi kan kalde os forældre.

His wife, Johanne, uses an expression meaning – “I can hardly wait until we can call ourselves parents.”
Use this expression to show you are feeling optimistic and enthusiastic about the prospect of being a parent.

3- Stort tillykke fra jeres naboer!

His neighbor, Gitte, uses an expression meaning – “Congratulations from your neighbors!”
Use this expression to show you are feeling warmhearted towards the new parents, who are also living next to you.

4- Sådan, mand!

His college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “Way to go, man!”
Use this expression to show you are feeling frivolous but happy about the news. A casual congratulation.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

snart: “soon”

ankomme: “to arrive”

familiemedlem: “family member”

vente: “to wait”

forælder: “parent”

nabo: “neighbor”

sådan: “such, like that”

Which phrase would you choose when a friend announces their pregnancy on social media?

So, talking about a pregnancy will get you a lot of traction on social media. But wait till you see the responses to babies!

14. Posting Danish Comments about Your Baby

Your bundle of joy is here, and you cannot keep quiet about it! Share your thoughts in Danish.

Johanne plays with her baby, posts an image of the little angel, and leaves this comment:

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Let’s break down Johanne’s post.

Sjov med vores lille charmetrold!
“Fun with our little charmer!”

1- sjov med

First is an expression meaning “fun with.”
This phrase is used when indicating that you’re having fun with something or someone.

2- vores lille charmetrold

Then comes the phrase – “our little charmer.”
You can use this phrase when referring to your child. Basically, you’re calling him or her a little charming troll. As unappealing as this may sound in English, it’s a very common way for Danes to describe cute kids who know how to charm everyone.

COMMENTS

In response, Johanne’s friends leave some comments.

1- Hvor er han sød!

Her high school friend, Susanne, uses an expression meaning – “He is so cute!”
Use this expression to agree with the poster about the baby’s charm.

2- Han ligner sin far! Ha ha!

Her college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “He looks like his dad! Ha ha!”
Use this expression to share an opinion about the baby’s appearance. It is also humorous.

3- Ikke for meget baby-spam, tak!

Her nephew, Noah, uses an expression meaning – “Not too much baby-spam, thank you!”
Use this expression to comment in a cynical, but also humorous way.

4- Flere billeder tak!

Her neighbor, Gitte, uses an expression meaning – “More pictures please!”
Use this expression to show you are interested in the poster’s new baby and would like to see more photos of them.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

sjov: “fun”

lille: “small, little”

charmetrold: “charmer”

sød: “sweet, cute”

ligne: “to look like, to resemble”

flere: “more, several”

billede: “picture, image”

If your friend is the mother or father, which phrase would you use on social media?

Congratulations, you know the basics of chatting about a baby in Danish! But we’re not done with families yet…

15. Danish Comments about a Family Reunion

Family reunions – some you love, some you hate. Share about it on your feed.

Hans goes to a family gathering, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

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Let’s break down Hans’ post.

Så lykkedes det endelig at samle flokken. Det er så godt, som det kan blive!
“Finally managed to gather the flock. It’s as good as it can get!”

1- Så lykkedes det endelig at samle flokken.

First is an expression meaning “Finally managed to gather the flock.”
Use this phrase to express your excitement over finally getting your whole family or group of friends together.

2- Det er så godt, som det kan blive!

Then comes the phrase – “It’s as good as it can get!”
This phrase is often used to sum up how you feel about something. It can either be positive or negative. When positive, you truly mean that something is as good as it can get. But when used negatively, you might be stuck with a feeling that something could actually have been better, but you’re settling for what it is.

COMMENTS

In response, Hans’ friends leave some comments.

1- Jeg synes, jeg kan genkende de fleste. Hils!

His high school friend, Frederikke, uses an expression meaning – “I think I can recognize most of them. Say hello!”
Use this expression to show your interest in the poster’s family, and wish to greet them.

2- Hvorfor sidder du så med din telefon lige nu?

His nephew, Noah, uses an expression meaning – “Then why are you sitting with your phone right now?”
This is a slightly sarcastic but also humorous comment, meaning: “If you’re so pleased with the group, why are you busy on your phone?”

3- Sikke en skøn familie! Jeg håber, I får en god dag.

His neighbor, Gitte, uses an expression meaning – “What a beautiful family! I hope you have a nice day.”
Use this expression if you think the poster’s family is attractive and happy, and wish them a good gathering.

4- Jeg anede ikke, du havde sådan en stor familie. Fantastisk!

His supervisor, Bent, uses an expression meaning – “I didn’t have the faintest idea that you had such a big family. Fantastic!”
Use this expression to indicate that you’re impressed with the size of the poster’s family, in a positive way.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

synes: “to think, to feel, to find”

genkende: “to recognize”

hilse: “to greet, to say hello”

skøn: “beautiful, gorgeous”

ane: “to have a feeling”

sådan: “such, like that”

fantastisk: “fantastic, fabulous”

Which phrase is your favorite to comment on a friend’s photo about a family reunion?

16. Post about Your Travel Plans in Danish

So, the family are going on holiday. Do you know how to post and leave comments in Danish about being at the airport, waiting for a flight?

Johanne waits at the airport for her flight, posts an image of her eating a bagel, and leaves this comment:

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Let’s break down Johanne’s post.

Forsøder ventetiden med en bagel og en kaffe. Man er vel livsnyder!
“Sweetening the wait with a bagel and a coffee. I am surely a hedonist!”

1- Forsøder ventetiden med en bagel og en kaffe.

First is an expression meaning “Sweetening the wait with a bagel and a coffee.”
You can use this phrase to indicate that you’re making a wait pleasurable by enjoying a bagel and coffee. Remember, Danes love making situations a little bit better, even if they’re already pretty good.

2- Man er vel livsnyder!

Then comes the phrase – “I am surely a hedonist!”
This phrase is great to describe Danes in general, as they love enjoying life and all its assets, which is quite easy to do in Denmark. Here, the pronoun “man” is equivalent to “you” or “one.”

COMMENTS

In response, Johanne’s friends leave some comments.

1- God tur, skat! Jeg passer på vores guldklump imens.

Her husband, Hans, uses an expression meaning – “Have a nice trip, honey! I will take care of our gold nugget in the meantime.”
These phrases indicate that the husband is wishing his wife well on her trip, and reassures her that their precious baby will be well taken care of.

2- Nyd turen og pausen fra forældretjansen.

Her college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “Enjoy the trip and break from the parenting job.”
With this phrase, you show that you hope the poster enjoys the trip, as well as the break from parental duties.

3- Pas godt på dig selv, min ven! Husk at slappe af.

Her neighbor, Gitte, uses an expression meaning – “Take care of yourself, my friend! Remember to relax.”
Use this expression to show you are feeling warmhearted and caring towards the poster.

4- God rejse, Johanne. Jeg håber, der er gode film på flyet.

Her high school friend, Susanne, uses an expression meaning – “Good journey, Johanne. I hope there are good movies on the plane.”
This expression is more or less the same as the one above – you’re wishing the poster well and hope there’s good distraction on the plane.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

ventetid: “wait”

kaffe: “coffee”

passe på: “to take care of”

guldklump: “gold nugget”

forældretjans: “parenting job”

rejse: “journey, trip”

fly: “plane”

Choose and memorize your best airport phrase in Danish!

Hopefully the rest of the trip is better!

17. Posting about an Interesting Find in Danish

So maybe you’re strolling around at a local market, and find something interesting. Here are some handy Danish phrases!

Hans finds an unusual item at a local market, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

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Let’s break down Hans’s post.

Troede aldrig, jeg skulle finde SÅDAN ET på loppemarkedet! Drengedrømmen lever!!!
“Never thought I would find SUCH A THING at the flea market! The boyhood dream lives!!!”

1- Troede aldrig, jeg skulle finde SÅDAN ET på loppemarkedet!

First is an expression meaning “Never thought I would find SUCH A THING at the flea market!.”
This phrase can be used to indicate how excited you are to have found something that you thought you’d never find at a flea market. Remember to replace the indefinite article “et” with “en” if you’re referring to a common gender noun.

2- Drengedrømmen lever!!!

Then comes the phrase – “The boyhood dream lives!!!”
Guys especially use this phrase to indicate that their childhood dream is still alive and might come true. In this context, it could mean that Hans’ find is something he wanted as a child.

COMMENTS

In response, Hans’s friends leave some comments.

1- Er det, hvad jeg tror, det er?! Så skal der kæmpes til døden!!!

His college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “Is that what I think it is?! Now, there will be a fight to the death!!!”
Use this expression to show you are sharing the poster’s enthusiasm for his find, and are slightly envious of it.

2- Uh, det ser lidt farligt ud, gør det ikke?

His neighbor, Gitte, uses an expression meaning – “Oh, that looks a little dangerous, doesn’t it?”
Use this expression to show you are feeling a bit worried.

3- Du tror da ikke på, at det er ægte, vel?

His nephew, Noah, uses an expression meaning – “You don’t think that’s genuine, do you?”
Use this expression to show you are not feeling optimistic about the authenticity of the find.

4- Jeg håber sørme ikke, at det samuraisværd skal med hjem!

His wife, Johanne, uses an expression meaning – “I sure do not hope that that samurai sword is coming back home!”
Use this expression to indicate your worry about the safety of the find, probably because it’s not child-friendly.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

tro: “to believe, to think”

loppemarked: “flea market”

drengedrøm: “boyhood dream”

leve: “to live, to exist, to be alive”

kæmpe: “to fight, to struggle”

farlig: “dangerous”

sørme: “jolly well”

Which phrase would you use to comment on a friend’s interesting find?

Perhaps you will even learn the identity of your find! Or perhaps you’re on holiday, and visiting interesting places…

18. Post about a Sightseeing Trip in Danish

Let your friends know what you’re up to in Danish, especially when visiting a remarkable place! Don’t forget the photo.

Johanne visits a famous landmark, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down Johanne’s post.

Det vækker minder at se Aarhus Domkirke igen. Detaljerne er utrolige!
“It brings back memories to see Aarhus Cathedral again. The details are incredible!”

1- Det vækker minder at se Aarhus Domkirke igen.

First is an expression meaning “It brings back memories to see Aarhus Cathedral again.”
If you’re feeling nostalgic when looking at Aarhus Cathedral, you can use this phrase to state that seeing it again brings back memories of past visits or experiences.

2- Detaljerne er utrolige!

Then comes the phrase – “The details are incredible!”
You can use this phrase to express that the details of something are so incredible, astounding, or amazing that it’s hard to believe it’s real. Replace “detaljerne” if something in the plural form is incredible.

COMMENTS

In response, Johanne’s friends leave some comments.

1- Jeg har faktisk aldrig været inde i kirken…

Her high school friend, Susanne, uses an expression meaning – “I’ve actually never been inside the church…”
Use this expression to share a pertinent personal experience.

2- Spiret på tårnet sætter virkelig prikken over i’et!

Her supervisor, Bent, uses an expression meaning – “The spire on the tower really is the icing on the cake!”
If you’ve been to the same location as the poster, in this instance the Aarhus Cathedral, which has a remarkable spire, this would be a good phrase to use.

3- Jeg håber, du tager mange billeder!

Her husband’s high school friend, Frederikke, uses an expression meaning – “I hope you’ll take a lot of pictures!”
Use this expression to show your interest in the poster’s experience and would like to see their photos.

4- Dejligt at se du har lidt tid til at gå på opdagelse. Vi har det godt herhjemme!

Her husband, Hans, uses an expression meaning – “Nice to see you have a little time to go exploring. We are doing good at home!”
Use this expression to show you are happy about the poster’s good experience, and reassure them that you are well.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

detalje: “detail”

kirke: “church”

spir: “spire”

tårn: “tower”

sætte prikken over i’et: “apply the finishing touch”

billede: “picture, image”

opdagelse: “discovery, detection”

Which phrase would you prefer when a friend posts about a famous landmark?

Share your special places with the world. Or simply post about your relaxing experiences.

19. Post about Relaxing Somewhere in Danish

So you’re doing nothing, yet you enjoy that too? Tell your social media friends about it in Danish!

Hans relaxes at a beautiful place, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down Hans’ post.

Lad afslapningen begynde! Dette er i sandhed et paradis.
“Let the relaxation begin! This is truly a paradise.”

1- Lad afslapningen begynde!

First is an expression meaning “Let the relaxation begin!.”
This phrase is often used when announcing that you’re going to start relaxing. This can either be in relation to a holiday or simply free time.

2- Dette er i sandhed et paradis.

Then comes the phrase – “This is truly a paradise.”
Use this phrase when describing a place that is not only beautiful but presents endless possibilities, like that of a paradise.

COMMENTS

In response, Hans’ friends leave some comments.

1- Det kalder jeg en stressfri zone! Nyd det!

His wife’s high school friend, Susanne, uses an expression meaning – “That is what I call a stress-free zone! Enjoy it!”
Use this expression to show you’re feeling positive about the poster’s location, and wish them enjoyment.

2- Hvor er du henne? Og hvor længe er du væk?

His high school friend, Frederikke, uses an expression meaning – “Where are you? And how long will you be away?”
Use these questions to gather more information about the poster’s location, and the length of their stay away from home.

3- Det er velfortjent, Hans. Vi ses om en uge.

His supervisor, Bent, uses an expression meaning – “It is well-deserved, Hans. See you in a week.”
Use this expression if you feel positive about the poster’s break.

4- Nu har du vel husket at købe en returbillet, ikke?

His college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “Now, surely you remembered to buy a return ticket, right?”
Use this expression to show you are feeling frivolous and are in a humorous mood.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

lade: “to let, to allow to”

afslapning: “relaxation”

kalde: “to call”

stressfri: “stress-free”

nyde: “to enjoy”

velfortjent: “well-deserved, well-earned”

returbillet: “return ticket”

Which phrase would you use to comment on a friend’s feed?

The break was great, but now it’s time to return home.

20. What to Say in Danish When You’re Home Again

And you’re back! What will you share with friends and followers?

Johanne returns home after her vacation, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down Johanne’s post.

Dejligt at være hjemme igen. Huset står her heldigvis endnu!
“Nice to be home again. Thankfully, the house is still standing!”

1- Dejligt at være hjemme igen.

First is an expression meaning “Nice to be home again”.
This phrase is used to express how happy you are to be home again after being away for a short or long time. If you aren’t happy to be home again, simply use a different, appropriate adjective at the beginning of the sentence.

2- Huset står her heldigvis endnu!

Then comes the phrase – “Luckily, the house is still standing!”
You can use this phrase to indicate that you’re relieved to see that your house is not completely destroyed after an event such as a party or a period of time that you were unable to keep an eye on things.

COMMENTS

In response, Johanne’s friends leave some comments.

1- Velkommen tilbage! Jeg håber, du har haft en god ferie.

Her neighbor, Gitte, uses an expression meaning – “Welcome back! I hope you had a good vacation.”
This is a traditional, warm welcoming greeting after a person has been away on holiday.

2- Har du været bekymret for huset, mens du var væk? Ha ha…

Her college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “Were you worried about the house while you were away? Ha ha…”
Use this expression to show you are feeling frivolous and in a humorous mood.

3- Jeg glæder mig til at høre alt om din tur! Godt, du ikke blev kidnappet!

Her high school friend, Susanne, uses an expression meaning – “I am looking forward to hearing all about your trip! Glad you weren’t kidnapped!”
Use this expression to be funny, but also to indicate interest in the details of the poster’s trip.

4- Velkommen hjem, skat! Vi har savnet dig og passet godt på huset.

Her husband, Hans, uses an expression meaning – “Welcome home, honey! We have missed you and taken good care of the house.”
A warm welcome from a husband to his wife.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

dejlig: “lovely, delightful, fine, nice”

heldigvis: “luckily, fortunately”

velkommen: “welcome”

ferie: “holiday, vacation”

bekymre: “to worry”

tur: “trip”

savne: “to miss”

How would you welcome a friend back from a trip?

And what do you post on social media when you celebrate something in Danish, such as Easter Day?

21. It’s Time to Celebrate in Danish

It’s Easter and you wish to post something about it on social media. What would you say?

Hans is enjoying an Easter egg, shares a photo of it, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down Hans’ post.

Jeg kunne ikke dy mig… Der er vist liiige nok til hele familien!
“I couldn’t resist… There is juuust enough for the whole family!”

1- Jeg kunne ikke dy mig…

First is an expression meaning “I could not resist…”
This phrase is most often used to indicate that you couldn’t resist the temptation to do something. You just had to give in to it.

2- Der er vist liiige nok til hele familien!

Then comes the phrase – “There is juuust enough for the whole family!”
This phrase is used to express that you think there’s just enough of something for the whole family, such as food or something else that can be shared. Because of the formal subject “der” at the beginning of the sentence, you don’t actually say “I think.”

COMMENTS

In response, Hans’ friends leave some comments.

1- Sikke et gigantisk påskeæg! Gem noget til mig!

His high school friend, Frederikke, uses an expression meaning – “What a gigantic Easter egg! Save some for me!”
Use this expression to share the poster’s enthusiasm for the chocolate Easter egg.

2- Du bliver dagens helt med det påskeæg! God påske!

His neighbor, Gitte, uses an expression meaning – “You’ll be the hero of the day with that Easter egg! Happy Easter!”
Use this expression to agree with the poster that the egg is amazing, and also extend the traditional Easter greetings.

3- Hvor meget kostede dét æg?!

His wife, Johanne, uses an expression meaning – “How much did that egg cost?!”
Use this expression if you’re in a funny mood and pretend to be worried about the egg’s cost. (Replace “egg” with anything appropriate..) Unless you really are worried about the price of the egg!, but then it’s not a good idea to start a conversation about it on social media.

4- Du har ikke godt af mere chokolade, Hans…

His nephew, Noah, uses an expression meaning – “More chocolate is not good for you, Hans…”
Use this expression if you are worried about the poster’s health.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

vist: “certainly”

nok: “enough”

gigantisk: “gigantic”

påskeæg: “Easter egg”

gemme: “to hide, to save”

dagens helt: “hero of the day”

have godt af: “to be good for, will do good”

If a friend posted something about a holiday, which phrase would you use?

Easter Day and other public commemoration days are not the only special ones to remember!

22. Posting about a Birthday on Social Media in Danish

Your friend or you are celebrating your birthday in an unexpected way. Be sure to share this on social media!

Johanne goes to her birthday party, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down Johanne’s post.

Det er ingen sag at blive ældre, når man har en dejlig familie og fantastiske venner!
“It is no big deal becoming older when you have a lovely family and amazing friends!”

1- det er ingen sag at blive ældre

First is an expression meaning “it is no big deal becoming older.”
This is a convenient phrase you can use to indicate that you don’t think becoming older is a big deal. In fact, you find it very easy.

2- når man har en dejlig familie og fantastiske venner

Then comes the phrase – “when you have a lovely family and amazing friends!”
You can use this phrase when talking about how nice and great your family and friends are. Contrast this with something negative to indicate that difficulties become easier to handle because of the people in your life.

COMMENTS

In response, Johanne’s friends leave some comments.

1- Tillykke med fødselsdagen, søde! 30 er det nye 20!

Her high school friend, Susanne, uses an expression meaning – “Happy birthday, sweety! 30 is the new 20!”
With these phrases, you are wishing the poster a good birthday in a traditional way. You also indicate that you are essentially agreeing with the notion that age doesn’t matter much.

2- Tillykke, min skat. Du ser lige så ung og smuk ud, som første gang jeg så dig.

Her husband, Hans, uses an expression meaning – “Happy birthday, my darling. You look just as young and beautiful as the first time I saw you.”
Use this expression when you mean to compliment the poster beautifully on looking young despite their age.

3- Endnu en gang stort tillykke med dagen, kære nabo!

Her neighbor, Gitte, uses an expression meaning – “Once again, happy birthday, dear neighbor!”
Use this expression to show you are feeling warmhearted, using a variation of the traditional birthday wish.

4- Tillykke og hip hip hurra! Du ældes med ynde!

Her college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “Happy birthday and hip hip hooray! You age gracefully!”
Use this expression when you are feeling frivolous, and also compliments the poster on her youthful appearance, despite her age.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

familie: “family”

ven: “friend”

tillykke: “congratulations”

ung: “young”

første gang: “first time”

ældes: “to age”

ynde: “grace”

If a friend posted something about birthday greetings, which phrase would you use?

23. Talking about New Year on Social Media in Danish

Impress your friends with your Danish New Year’s wishes this year. Learn the phrases easily!

Hans celebrates the New Year, posts an image of the festivities, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down Hans’ post.

Godt nytår til alle!!! Pas godt på hinanden!
“Happy New Year to all!!! Take good care of each other!”

1- Godt nytår til alle!!!

First is an expression meaning “Happy New Year to all!!!”
This greeting is used when wishing a Happy New Year to everyone. This is very convenient if you don’t feel like writing personal greetings to everyone you’re friends with online.

2- Pas godt på hinanden!

Then comes the phrase – “Take good care of each other!”
This phrase reminds your friends and family to show care and consideration toward everyone over the New Year. It’s a very common phrase around New Year’s Eve as there can be accidents due to a combination of fireworks, heavy drinking, frosty weather, and poor judgement.

COMMENTS

In response, Hans’ friends leave some comments.

1- Mange tak for i år, Hans! Hav en god fest!

His supervisor, Bent, uses an expression meaning – “Thank you very much for this year, Hans! Have a nice party!”
This is a pleasant way to thank someone on social media for something, and wish them a nice party.

2- Kom godt ind i det nye år. Vi ses på den anden side!

His college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “Be well into the new year. See you on the other side!”
This is a non-traditional New Year’s wish for good health and wellbeing, also saying that you will see the poster after the New Year festivities.

3- Tak for et godt år!

His high school friend, Frederikke, uses an expression meaning – “Thank you for a great year!”
Use this to express your gratitude for a good friendship.

4- Godt nytår til dig og din familie. Må næste år blive lige så berigende!

His neighbor, Gitte, uses an expression meaning – “Happy New Year to you and your family. May next year be just as rewarding!”
This is a more traditional, warmhearted wish for the New Year, extended to the whole family of the poster.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

hinanden: “each other, one another”

år: “year”

fest: “party”

ny: “new”

den anden side: “the other side”

næste: “next”

berige: “to enrich”

Which is your favorite phrase to post on social media during New Year?

But before New Year’s Day comes another important day…

24. What to Post on Christmas Day in Danish

What will you say in Danish about Christmas?

Johanne celebrates Christmas with her family, posts an image of the group, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down Johanne’s post.

Glædelig jul fra Familien Vestergaard! Ho ho ho!
“Merry Christmas from the Vestergaard Family! Ho ho ho!”

1- Glædelig jul fra Familien Vestergaard!

First is an expression meaning “Merry Christmas from the Vestergaard Family!”
This is a very common holiday greeting during Christmas time. Replace the Danish last name with your own if you and your family want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas in Danish. If it’s just you, remove “Familien Vestergaard” and replace it with “mig,” which means “me,” or simply your first name.

2- Ho ho ho!

Then comes the phrase – “Ho ho ho!”
This is used exactly like it is in English when imitating Santa Claus’s jolly laugh. The third ‘ho’ is often longer than the first two. Make sure to get in character!

COMMENTS

In response, Johanne’s friends leave some comments.

1- Glædelig jul! Hav en dejlig aften i familiens skød.

Her neighbor, Gitte, uses an expression meaning – “Merry Christmas! Have a lovely evening with the family.”
Use this expression as a traditional, benevolent Christmas wish for the poster and their family.

2- God jul, Johanne! Skræmte Hans’ julemandskostume ikke alle i din familien?!

Her high school friend, Susanne, uses an expression meaning – “Merry Christmas, Johanne! Didn’t Hans’ Santa costume scare everyone in your family?!”
This is a traditional Christmas wish, as well as a funny comment.

3- Rigtig glædelig jul til dig og din familie.

Her supervisor, Bent, uses an expression meaning – “A very Merry Christmas to you and your family.”
This is also a traditional Christmas wish.

4- God jul! Lad nu være med at overspise, hi hi…

Her college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “Merry Christmas! Now don’t overeat, hee hee…”
Another traditional Christmas wish plus an admonition to not eat too much.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

aften: “evening”

familie: “family”

dejlig: “lovely”

julemandskostume: “Santa costume”

rigtig: “really”

lade være med: “to not do”

overspise: “to overeat”

If a friend posted something about Christmas greetings, which phrase would you use?

So, the festive season is over! Yet, there will always be other days, besides a birthday, to wish someone well.

25. Post about Your Anniversary in Danish

Some things deserve to be celebrated, like wedding anniversaries. Learn which Danish phrases are meaningful and best suited for this purpose!

Hans celebrates his wedding anniversary with his wife, posts an image of them together, and leaves this comment:

POST

Let’s break down Hans’ post.

Glæder mig til mange flere år sammen med denne skønne kvinde. Tillykke med bryllupsdagen, min elskede!
“Looking forward to many more years with this wonderful woman. Happy anniversary, my love!”

1- Glæder mig til mange flere år sammen med denne skønne kvinde.

First is an expression meaning “Looking forward to many more years with this wonderful woman.”
This phrase is convenient if you want to express your love for your girlfriend or wife, as it indicates how much you look forward to spending many more years with her.

2- Tillykke med bryllupsdagen, min elskede!

Then comes the phrase – “Happy anniversary, my love!”
You can use this simple phrase to wish your spouse a happy anniversary while also expressing great affection toward them by calling them “my love.”

COMMENTS

In response, Hans’ friends leave some comments.

1- Jeg bliver helt rørt på jeres vegne! Tillykke med bryllupsdagen!

His high school friend, Frederikke, uses an expression meaning – “I get all touched on your behalf! Happy anniversary!”
Use this expression to show you are feeling optimistic.

2- Tillykke tillykke! Jeg har også brug for en mand med det samme!

His wife’s high school friend, Susanne, uses an expression meaning – “Congratulations, congratulations! I also need a husband straight away!”
This is an enthusiastic, positive congratulation, as well as the wish to be married yourself.

3- I ønskes begge en rigtig glædelig bryllupsdag!

His neighbor, Gitte, uses an expression meaning – “Wishing you both a very happy anniversary!”
This is a traditional wish for the occasion.

4- Tillykke! Hvornår finder du en kone til mig?!

His college friend, Isak, uses an expression meaning – “Congratulations! When will you find a wife for me?!”
Use this expression when you are feeling frivolous and humorous, also wishing to be married.

VOCABULARY

Find below the key vocabulary for this lesson:

glæde sig: “to look forward to”

år: “year”

kvinde: “woman”

bryllupsdag: “wedding day, wedding anniversary”

mand: “man, husband”

med det samme: “straight away”

kone: “wife”

If a friend posted something about Anniversary greetings, which phrase would you use?

Conclusion

Learning to speak a new language will always be easier once you know key phrases that everybody uses. These would include commonly used expressions for congratulations and best wishes, etc.

Master these in fun ways with Learn Danish! We offer a variety of tools to individualize your learning experience, including using cell phone apps, audiobooks, iBooks and many more. Never wonder again what to say on social media!

Father’s Day (or Fars Dag), admittedly, isn’t the most celebrated of Danish holidays, but that doesn’t mean that Danish fathers are left out in the cold! Keeping in mind that it takes place on the same date as the Constitution Day of Denmark, the honor and appreciation fathers are shown means that much more.

At DanishClass101.com, we hope to make learning about Danish holidays and traditions both fun and informative! After all, learning about a country’s culture is a vital step forward in mastering the language.

So let’s get started!

1. What is Father’s Day in Denmark?

Father’s Day is easily overlooked because of Constitution Day, as both fall on June 5 every year.

The day is in many ways similar to Mother’s Day, but a significant difference is that most fathers probably take it less personally if the family has not remembered what day it is. They have often forgotten it themselves.

Of course, you can also find expectant fathers around the country on Father’s Day. And even more children with a guilty conscience about having forgotten it—especially adult children.

It is believed that Father’s Day stands in the shadow of Mother’s Day because the father role has not had an equal need to be celebrated and receive extra attention like the housewife role over time.

2. Father’s Day Date: When is Father’s Day?

Denmark celebrates Father’s Day each year on June 5, which happens to be the same date as the Danish Constitution Day. For this reason, on Constitution Day, Denmark tends to put Father’s Day on a shelf, though there are still a few typical traditions which we outlined below.

3. Reading Practice: Father’s Day Celebrations

How do the Danish celebrate Father’s Day? Read the Danish text below to find out about Danish holiday food for Father’s Day, and other Father’s Day celebrations in Denmark. You can find the English translation directly below it.

—

Men de, som ikke har glemt dagen, køber som regel gaver i form af øl, vin eller stærkere drikkevarer, chokolade, en god middag eller en oplevelsespakke. Nogle vælger også at købe, hvad man måske kan betragte som typiske ting, som fædre altid kan bruge. For eksempel værktøj, underbukser eller udstyr til grillen.

Traditioner for fars dag varierer fra familie til familie.

Har man for eksempel mindre børn, kan man som far næsten med sikkerhed forvente at få en hjemmelavet gave. Men noget andet, som normalt også hører med til gaven, er et hjemmelavet kort. I kortet står der venlige ord og kærlige hilsner, som måske betyder mere for en far, end blomster gør på mors dag.

I nogle familier kan det være tradition at servere morgenmad på sengen eller bare gøre lidt ekstra ud af morgenmaden.

Andre vælger måske at vente til om eftermiddagen og overraske med kage, hvorpå der for eksempel står skrevet ‘far’ med glasur.

Selvfølgelig er der også nogle, som venter med at fejre fars dag til om aftenen, hvor hele familien spiser ude eller laver manden i husets livret derhjemme.

Nogle fædre kan måske også lide bare at få lov til at være i fred.

—

But those who have not forgotten the day usually purchase gifts in the form of beer, wine, or stronger beverages, chocolate, a good dinner, or an experience package. Some also choose to buy what one might consider as typical things that fathers can always use. For example, tools, underpants, or equipment for the barbecue.

Traditions for Father’s Day vary from family to family.

For example, if you have small children, as a father you can almost certainly expect to get a homemade gift. But something else that also normally comes with the gift is a homemade card. Kind words and loving greetings are written in the card, which may mean more to a father than flowers do on Mother’s Day.

In some families, it may be tradition to serve breakfast in bed or just make a little extra out of the breakfast.

Others may choose to wait till the afternoon and surprise with cake on which, for example, “Father” is written in icing.

Of course, there are also some people who wait to celebrate Father’s Day until the evening, when the whole family eats out or makes the man of the house’s favorite food at home.

Some fathers may also like to just to be left in peace.

4. Communication Problems…

Do you know why Father’s Day is not celebrated on the second Sunday in November as in the other Nordic countries?

Because the Board of Nordic traders, who would rather have Father’s Day to be in the fall, forgot to communicate the changing of the date properly. So Denmark held on to June 5.

5. Useful Vocabulary for Father’s Day in Denmark

Here’s some vocabulary for Father’s Day in Denmark!

• Søndag — “Sunday”
• Søn — “Son”
• Datter — “Daughter”
• Far — “Father”
• Aftensmad — “Dinner“
• Elske — “Love”
• Gave — “Present”
• Lykønskningskort — “Greeting card”
• Fejre — “Celebrate”
• Gavekort — “Gift certificate”
• Fars dag — “Father’s Day”

To hear each vocabulary word pronounced, check out our Danish Father’s Day vocabulary list. Here, each word is listed alongside an audio file of its pronunciation.

Conclusion

What do Father’s Day traditions look like in your country? Are they similar or very different? Let us know in the comments!

To delve even deeper into Danish culture and the language, visit us at DanishClass101.com. We make it fun to learn Danish, while providing you with valuable information and practical learning tools for every student. Check out our free vocabulary lists, insightful blog posts like this one, and participate in our online community discussions! By upgrading to Premium Plus, you can also begin using our MyTeacher program, which allows you to learn Danish one-on-one with your own personal Danish teacher!

Keep studying and putting in the good effort, and before you know it, you’ll be speaking Danish like a native! And DanishClass101.com will be here for every step of that journey.