What’s your relationship with the clock like? Does it run your day from a morning alarm to a cut-off chime for bed, or are you more of a go-with-the-flow type, letting your mood and emotions decide how much you fall in line with time?

Understanding time in Danish is an important part of your studies. As humans, our lives are filled with habits and schedules. From waking up and going to work or gym, to missing rush hour traffic on our way home, we’re always aware of time. We have routines around coffee breaks, meetings, soccer games and vacations. In fact, time can seem rather capricious – going slowly, going fast, sometimes against us, other times on our side – like a force that has a life of its own.

In science, time is often referred to as a fourth dimension and many physicists and philosophers think that if we understood the physics of the universe, we would see that time is an illusion. We sense an ‘arrow’ or direction of time because we have memories, but really time is just a construct that humans have created to help make sense of the world. 

On the other hand, poets through the ages have written impassioned thoughts about time, depicting it as both a relentless thief and an immensely precious resource, not to be wasted at any cost.

Well, poets and scientists may have their views, but in our everyday lives there’s the question of practicality, isn’t there? I mean, if you have plans and want things to happen your way, there’s a certain amount of conforming to the human rules of time that you can’t avoid. 

In ‘The Little Prince’ by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the prince has a rose that he falls in love with, and he tenderly protects it with a windscreen and places it under a glass dome on his tiny planet.  I love this quote from the book:  “It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.”  If we truly love something, we spend time with it and not a second of that time could ever be seen as wasted. I feel that way about horses, my children, travel and learning languages. 

With that in mind, I’d like to take you on a journey into ‘time’ from a Danish perspective. It’s fun, it’s informative and it’s a basic necessity if you’re learning the language – especially if you plan to travel. DanishClass101 has all the vocab you need to fall in love with telling time in Danish, and not a minute will be wasted.

Table of Contents

1. Talking about Time in Danish
2. How to Tell the Time in Danish
3. Conclusion

1. Talking about Time in Danish

As a traveler, your primary need for knowing how to read the hour in Danish will be for transportation schedules: the bus, train, airplane, ferry, taxi… whatever you plan to use to get from A to B, it won’t wait for you! Fortunately, it’s really not complicated. You already have a firm grasp of time in English and you know you’ll need to reset your watch and phone to the local time. Great – that means you’ll have the correct time on your person. 

We’re so used to just looking at our phones for the time, that it’s easy to take this convenience for granted and forget some travel basics: in a foreign country, times won’t always be written digitally. If you see the time written in words, it’ll be the same challenge to you as hearing it spoken: you’ll need to be familiar with the language. 

You may be surprised at how often ‘time’ comes into conversation. Learning the Danish terms for time will help you when you have to call a taxi, ask about opening and closing times of events and tourist attractions, restaurants and bars and even late-night food cafes.

My biggest annoyance when traveling is not being able to get coffee and amazingly, even at nice hotels this has happened more times than I care to think about. I’ll be up late planning something, writing my blog or chatting and when I go looking for coffee downstairs, I’m told the kitchen is closed or the ‘coffee lady’ has gone to sleep. Frustrating!

If you’re doing a homestay or at a youth hostel or backpackers, there will probably also be a limited timeframe for when you can grab dinner. Do you know how to ask when it’s time to eat in Danish? I’ve learned that it’s vital to know how to make my queries clearly understood to accommodation staff and for me to clearly understand their answers. Perfect your ‘time in Danish’ translations early on – you’ll thank me. 

At DanishClass101, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of Danish time words and phrases to get you going. 

1- Morning – morgen

Morning is the time when we wake up from our dreamworld, hopefully fully rested and restored; we brew the first delicious cup of coffee for the day and watch the sunrise as we prepare for another glorious twelve hours of life. No matter what happened the day before, a new morning is a chance to make everything right. 

I like these quiet hours for language practice, as my mind is clear and receptive to learning new things. I start by writing the Danish time, date and word of the day on my whiteboard, then get back under the covers for an engrossing lesson.

Time in the morning is written as AM or A.M., which stands for ante meridiem – meaning ‘before midday’ in Latin.

2- Evening – aften

Evening is the part of night when we’re still awake and doing things, winding down from the day. Whether you enjoy a tasty international dinner with friends, go out to see a show, or curl up on the couch with a Danish snack and your favorite TV series, evening is a good time to forget your worries and do something that relaxes you. If you’re checking in with your Facebook friends, say hi to us, too!  

Evening is also an ideal time to catch up on your Danish studies. The neighbourhood outside is likely to be quieter and time is yours, so grab a glass of wine or a delicious local tea, and see what’s new on your Mac App or Kindle. 

3- Daytime – dagstid

Daytime is defined as the period from early morning to early evening when the sun is visible outside. In other words: from sunrise to sunset.  Where you are in the world, as well as the season, will determine how many daylight hours you get. 

Interestingly, in locations north of the Arctic Circle and south of the Antarctic Circle, in summertime the sun does not sink below the horizon within a 24-hour period, bringing the natural phenomenon of the midnight sun.  You could only experience this in the north, though, because there aren’t any permanent human settlements south of the Antarctic Circle.

4- Nighttime – nat

Nighttime is all the hours from sunset to sunrise and depending on where in the country you are, people may be partying all night, or asleep from full-dark. 

In the same northernmost and southernmost regions where you can experience a midnight sun, winter brings the opposite phenomenon: the polar night. Can you imagine a night that lasts for more than 24 hours? 

5- Hour – time

An hour is a unit of time made up of 60 minutes and is a variable measure of one-24th of a day – also defined by geeks as 3 600 atomic seconds. Of all the ‘time’ words we use on a daily basis, the hour is the most important, as time of day is typically expressed in terms of hours. 

One of the interesting methods of keeping time that people have come up with is the hourglass. Although the origins are unclear, there’s evidence pointing to the hourglass being invented around 1000 – 1100 AD and one of the ways we know this, is from hourglasses being depicted in very old murals. These days, with clocks and watches in every direction we look, they’re really only used symbolically to represent the passage of time. Still – a powerful reminder of our mortality and to seize the day. In his private journal, the Roman emperor, Marcus Aurelius, wrote: “You could leave life right now. Let that determine what you do and say and think.”

6- Minute – minut

Use this word when you want to say a more precise time and express minutes in Danish. A minute is a unit of time equal to one sixtieth of an hour, or 60 seconds. A lot can happen in the next 60 seconds. For example, your blood will circulate three times through your entire vascular system and your heart will pump about 2.273 litres of blood. 

7- O’clock – klokken

We use “o’clock” when there are no minutes and we’re saying the exact hour, as in “It’s two o’clock.”

The term “o’clock” is a contraction of the term “of the clock”. It comes from 15th-century references to medieval mechanical clocks. At the time, sundials were also common timekeepers. Therefore, to make clear one was referencing a clock’s time, they would say something like, “It is six of the clock” – now shortened to “six o’clock”.

We only use this term when talking about the 12 hour clock, though, not the 24 hour clock (more on that later!) The 12-hour clock can be traced back as far as Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt. Both an Egyptian sundial for daytime use and an Egyptian water clock for nighttime use were found in the tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep I. Dating to c.1500 BC, these clocks divided their respective times of use into 12 hours each. The Romans also used a 12-hour clock. Daylight was divided into 12 equal hours and the night was divided into four watches. 

These days, the internet has made it very easy to know what the time is in any part of the world.  Speaking of which, why not add the Danish time zone clock to your laptop?

8- Half past – halv

When the time is thirty minutes past the hour, in English we say “half past”. Just like the hour, the half-hour is universally used as an orientation point; some languages speak of 30 minutes before the hour (subtraction), whereas others speak of 30 minutes after the hour (addition). 

9- AM – om morgenen (beginning of the day to 9AM)/om formiddagen (9AM-12PM)

As mentioned earlier, AM is the abbreviation of the Latin ante meridiem and means before midday. Using ‘AM’ as a tag on your time simply tells people you’re speaking about a time in the morning. In some countries, morning is abbreviated to “AM” and you’ll see this on shop signs everywhere, announcing the opening hour. A typical shop sign might read something like this:

“Business hours are from 7AM to 6PM.” 

10- PM – om eftermiddagen (12PM-6PM)/om aftenen (6PM-12AM)/om natten (12AM onwards)

PM is the abbreviation of the Latin post meridiem and means after midday. Along with ‘AM’, you’ll usually find ‘PM’ on store signs and businesses, indicating the closing hours. It’s advisable to learn the difference between the two, since some establishments might only have one or the other on the sign. For example, a night club sign might say: 

“Open from 10 PM until late.” 

11- What time is it now? – Hvad er klokken nu?

Here’s a very handy question you should memorize, as you can use it in any situation where you don’t have your watch or phone on you. This could be on the beach, in a club, or if you’re stuck anywhere with a flat phone battery. It happens at home, so it can happen when you’re traveling! 

12- One o’clock – klokken et

One o’clock, or 1 PM, is the average lunch time for many people around the world – at least, we try to get a meal in at some point between midday and 2 PM.  In terms of duration, the nations vary: Brazililans reportedly take the longest lunch breaks, averaging 48 minutes, whereas Greece reports an average break of only 19 minutes. Historically, Greeks were known for their very leisurely lunch breaks, so it just goes to show how fast the world is changing. If you’re curious about what to expect in Denmark, try asking our online community about lunch time in Danish.

13- Two o’clock – klokken to

In his last days, Napoleon Bonaparte famously spoke of “Two o’clock in the morning courage” – meaning unprepared, spontaneous  courage. He was talking about soldiers who are brave enough to tumble out of bed in an instant, straight into action, without time to think or strategize. Do you think you have what it takes? I’m pretty sure all mothers know this feeling!

14- Three o’clock – klokken tre

3 AM can be perceived as the coldest time of day and is not an hour we want to wake up, but meteorologists will tell you that the coldest time is actually half an hour after sunrise. Even though the sun is peeking over the horizon, the solar radiation is still weaker than the earth’s infrared cooling to space.

15- Four o’clock – klokken fire

Do you know anyone who purposely gets up at 4 o’clock in the morning? As crazy as it sounds, there is something to be said for rising at 4 AM while the rest of the world sleeps. If you live on a farm, it might even be normal for you. I know that whenever I’m staying in the countryside, rising early is a lot easier, because there’s a satisfying reason to do so: watching a sunrise from a rooftop, with uninterrupted views, can’t be beat! It’s also likely that you’ll be woken by a cock crowing, or other animals waking to graze in the fresh pre-dawn air. 

In the world of business, you’ll find a small group of ambitious individuals – many entrepreneurs – who swear by the 4 o’clock in the morning rise. I’m not sure I like that idea, but I’d wake up at 4 AM if it was summer and I had my car packed for a vacation!

16- Five o’clock – klokken fem

What better way to signal the transition between work and play than the clock hands striking 5 o’clock? It’s the hour most working people look forward to each day – at least, those who get to stop working at 5 PM.  Meanwhile, millions of retired folks are taking out the wine glasses, as 5 PM is widely accepted as an appropriate time to pour the first glass. I don’t know how traditional your families are, but for as long as I’ve been alive, my grandparents have counted down the milliseconds to five o’clock, and the hour is announced with glee.

17- Six o’clock – klokken seks

This is the time many working people and school kids wake up in the morning. In many parts of the world, 6 o’clock is also a good time to watch the sunrise, go for a run or hit the hiking trails. 

18- Seven o’clock – klokken syv

Health gurus will tell you that 7 o’clock in the morning is the best time to eat your first meal of the day, and 7 o’clock in the evening is the time you should eat your last meal. I’ve tried that and I agree, but it’s not always easy!

19- Eight o’clock – klokken otte

8 o’clock in the morning is the time that most businesses open around the world, and the time most kids are in their first lesson at school – still full of energy and willing to participate. Interestingly, it’s also the time most babies are born in the world!  In the evening, 8 o’clock is many young children’s bedtime and the time for parents to watch the evening news. 

20- Nine o’clock – klokken ni

It’s good to occasionally sleep late on a weekend and for me, this means waking up at 9 AM. If you’re traveling in Denmark and staying at a hotel, planning to sleep late means politely requesting to not be woken up by room service.

21- Ten o’clock – klokken ti

10 o’clock in the morning is a popular time to conduct business meetings, and for first break time at schools. We’re usually wide awake and well into our day by then.  But what about the same hour at night? Modern people are often still awake and watching TV at 10 PM, but this isn’t exactly good for us. Experts say that the deepest and most regenerative sleep occurs between 10 PM and 2 AM, so we should already be sound asleep by ten o’clock. 

In advertising, have you ever noticed that the hands of the clock usually point to 10:10? Have a look next time you see a watch on a billboard or magazine. The reason? Aesthetics. Somehow, the human brain finds the symmetry pleasing. When the clock hands are at ten and two, they create a ‘smiley’ face and don’t cover any key details, like a logo, on the clock face. 

22- Eleven o’clock – klokken elleve

When I see this time written in words, it makes me think of the hilarious Academy Award-winning very short film, “The Eleven O’Clock”, in which the delusional patient of a psychiatrist believes that he is actually the doctor. 

Then there’s the tradition of ‘elevenses’ – tea time at eleven o’clock in the morning. Strongly ingrained in British culture, elevenses is typically a serving of hot tea or coffee with scones or pastries on the side. It’s a great way to stave off hunger pangs before lunch time arrives. In fact, if you were a hobbit, ‘Elevenses’ would be your third meal of the day!

23- Twelve o’clock – klokken tolv

Twelve o’clock in the daytime is considered midday, when the sun is at its zenith and the temperature reaches its highest for that day; it’s written as 12 noon or 12 PM. In most parts of the world, though, this doesn’t happen at precisely 12 PM. ‘Solar noon’ is the time when the sun is actually at its highest point in the sky. The local or clock time of solar noon depends on the longitude and date. If it’s summertime, it’s advisable to stay in the shade during this hour – or at least wear good quality sunblock.

Midnight is the other ‘twelve o’clock’, of course. Midnight is written as 12 AM and is technically the first minute of the morning. On the 24-hour clock, midnight is written as 00:00. 

2. How to Tell the Time in Danish

Using a clock to read the time in Denmark is going to be the same as in your own country, since you’re dealing with numbers and not words. You’ll know the time in your head and be able to say it in English, but will you be able to say it out loud in Danish? 

The first step to saying the time in Danish is knowing your numbers. How are you doing with that? If you can count to twelve in Danish, you’re halfway there! We’ve already covered the phrases you’ll need to say the exact hour, as in “five o’clock”, as well as how to say “half past”. What remains is the more specific phrases to describe what the minute hand is doing.

In everyday speech, it’s common to say the minutes past or before the hour. Often we round the minutes off to the nearest five. 

Then, there’s the 24-hour clock. Also known as ‘military time’, the 24-hour clock is used in most countries and, as such, is useful to understand. You’ll find that even in places where the 12-hour clock is standard, certain people will speak in military time or use a combination of the two.  No doubt you’ve also noticed that in written time, the 24-hour clock is commonly used.  One of the most prominent places you’ll have seen this is on airport flight schedules.

Knowing how to tell military time in Danish is really not complicated if you know your numbers up to twenty-four. One advantage of using the 24-hour clock in Danish, is there’s no chance of confusing AM and PM.

Once you know how to say the time, it will be pretty easy to also write the time in Danish. You’re already learning what the different hours and minutes look and sound like, so give yourself some writing practice of the same. 

3. Conclusion

Now that you understand the vocabulary for telling time in Danish, the best thing you can do to really lock it down is to just practice saying Danish time daily. Start by replacing English with Danish whenever you need to say the time; in fact, do this whenever you look at your watch. Say the time to yourself in Danish and it will become a habit. When learning a new language, the phrases you use habitually are the ones your brain will acquire. It feels amazing when that turning point comes!

To help yourself gain confidence, why don’t you make use of our various apps, downloadable for iPhone and iPad, as well as Android? Choose what works best for you. In addition, we have so many free resources available to supplement your learning, that you simply can’t go wrong. Some of these are:

• Free lessons on iTunes
• A free mini lesson every day with the Innovative Language Calendar.
• Free audio books for lessons on the go.

If you prefer watching your lessons on video, check out our YouTube channel – there are hundreds of videos to browse. For those of you with Roku, we also have a TV channel you can watch.

Well, it’s time for me to say goodbye and for you to practice saying the time in Danish. Look at the nearest clock and try to say the exact time, down to the seconds. See you again soon at DanishClass101!

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.

Did you know that every minute of the day, one billion tons of rain falls on the earth? Hard to believe, considering the climate crisis! Of course, all that rain is not equally shared across the planet.

So, would you mention this fascinating fact to your new Danish acquaintance? Well, small talk about local weather is actually a great conversation-starter. Everyone cares about the weather and you’re sure to hear a few interesting opinions! Seasons can be quite unpredictable these days and nobody knows the peculiarities of a region better than the locals.

DanishClass101 will equip you with all the weather vocabulary you need to plan your next adventure. The weather can even be an important discussion that influences your adventure plans. After all, you wouldn’t want to get caught on an inflatable boat with a two-horsepower motor in Hurricane Horrendous!

Table of Contents

1. Talking about the weather in Denmark
2. Words for the first day of spring
3. Do You Know the Essential Summer Vocabulary?
4. Must-Know Autumn vocabulary
5. Winter
6. DanishClass101 can prepare you for any season.

1. Talking about the weather in Denmark

If you’re like me, your day’s activity plan is likely to begin with a strong local coffee and a chat about what the sky is doing. After all, being prepared could be the difference between an amazing day and a miserable one! Luckily, it’s not difficult to comment on Danish weather – just start with these simple words and phrases.

1- The rain is falling on the street – Regnen falder på gaden.

Watercolor artists, take out your paints! You might not be able to venture out on foot today, but just embrace the rain as part of your Danish experience. When the rain stops, the air will be clean and colours vibrant.

2- The snow has covered everything – Sneen har dækket alt.

A fresh blanket of snow is irresistibly beautiful. Pull on your boots and beanie, and leave your tracks in this foreign landscape. Don’t resist the urge to build a snowman – you need this!

3- Fluffy cloud – blød sky

When you’re waiting for a warm beach day, fluffy white clouds in a blue sky are a good sign. Don’t forget your sunscreen, as clouds will intensify the UV rays hitting your skin.

4- The water froze on the glass – Vandet frøs på glasset.

Night temperatures can get chilly and might freeze the condensation on your windows. A good way to clear them up is with warm salt water.

5- The heavy rain could cause flash flooding – Denne kraftige regn er skyld i pludselige oversvømmelser.

If you’re visiting Denmark in the wet season, it’s important to stay informed when heavy rain sets in, so keep an eye on the weather radar. Avoid river activities and rather spend this time making a home-cooked meal and brushing up on your Danish weather words.

6- Flood – oversvømmelse

If you do get caught in a flood, your destination should no longer be ‘home’, but the nearest high ground.

7- The typhoon has hit – Tyfonen har ramt.

Not all countries experience typhoons, but you need to know when to prepare for one! It will be very scary if you’ve never experienced one before. Your local neighbours are the best people to advise you on where to take shelter, as they’ve been doing it for generations. Be sure to get the low-down at the first sign of rough weather!

8- Check the weather report before going sailing – Tjek vejrudsigten før vi tager ud og sejler.

When planning an outdoor activity, especially on a body of water, always be prepared for a change in the weather. Ask your hotel receptionist or neighbour where you can get a reliable daily weather report, and don’t forget your sweater!

9- Today’s weather is sunny with occasional clouds – Vejret i dag er solrigt med skyer ind imellem.

Sunny weather is the dream when traveling in Denmark! Wake up early, pack the hats and sunblock and go and experience the terrain, sights and beautiful spots. You’ll be rewarded with happy vibes all around.

10- A rainy day – en regnfuld dag

Remember when you said you’d save the Danish podcasts for a rainy day? Now’s that day!

11- Scenic rainbow – naturskøn regnbue

The best part about the rain is that you can look forward to your first rainbow in Denmark. There’s magic in that!

12- Flashes of lightning can be beautiful, but are very dangerous – Lyn kan være smukke, men er meget farlige.

Lightning is one of the most fascinating weather phenomena you can witness without really being in danger – at least if you’re sensible and stay indoors! Did you know that lightning strikes the earth 40-50 times per second? Fortunately, not all countries experience heavy electric storms!

13- 25 degrees Celsius – 25 graders celsius

Asking a local what the outside temperature will be is another useful question for planning your day. It’s easy if you know the Danish term for ‘degrees Celsius’.

14- His body temperature was far above the usual 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit – Han kropstemperatur var langt over de normale 98.6 graders fahrenheit.

Although the Fahrenheit system has been replaced by Celsius in almost all countries, it’s still used in the US and a few other places. Learn this phrase in Danish in case one of your companions develops a raging fever.

15- Clear sky – skyfri

Clear skies mean you’ll probably want to get the camera out and capture some nature shots – not to mention the great sunsets you’ll have later on. Twilight can lend an especially magical quality to a landscape on a clear sky day, when the light is not filtered through clouds.

16- Light drizzle – let støvregn

Days when it’s drizzling are perfect for taking in the cultural offerings of Denmark. You could go to the mall and watch a Danish film, visit museums and art galleries, explore indoor markets or even find the nearest climbing wall. Bring an umbrella!

17- Temperature on a thermometer – temperatur på et termometer

Because of the coronavirus, many airports are conducting temperature screening on passengers. Don’t worry though – it’s just a precaution. Your temperature might be taken with a no-touch thermometer, which measures infrared energy coming off the body.

18- Humid – fugtig

I love humid days, but then I’m also a water baby and I think the two go
together like summer and rain. Find a pool or a stream to cool off in – preferably in the shade!

19- With low humidity the air feels dry – Ved lav fugtighed føles luften tør.

These are the best days to go walking the hills and vales. Just take at least one Danish friend with you so you don’t get lost!

20- The wind is really strong – Vinden er meget stærk.

A strong wind blows away the air pollution and is very healthy in that respect. Just avoid the mountain trails today, unless you fancy being blown across the continent like a hot air balloon.

21- It’s windy outside – Det er blæsende udenfor.

Wind! My least favourite weather condition. Of course, if you’re a kitesurfer, a windy day is what you’ve been waiting for!

22- Wet roads can ice over when the temperature falls below freezing – Våde veje kan fryse til, når temperaturen falder til under frysepunktet.

The roads will be dangerous in these conditions, so please don’t take chances. The ice will thaw as soon as the sun comes out, so be patient!

23- Today is very muggy – I dag er det meget lummert.

Muggy days make your skin feel sticky and sap your energy. They’re particular to high humidity. Cold shower, anyone? Ice vest? Whatever it takes to feel relief from the humidity!

24- Fog – morgentåge

Not a great time to be driving, especially in unknown territory, but keep your fog lights on and drive slowly.

25- Hurricane – Orkanen blæser ind fra havet.

Your new Danish friends will know the signs, so grab some food and candles and prepare for a night of staying warm and chatting about wild weather in Denmark.

26- Big tornado – stor tornado

If you hear these words, it will probably be obvious already that everyone is preparing for the worst! Definitely do whatever your accommodation hosts tell you to do when a tornado is expected.

27- It’s cloudy today – Det er skyet i dag.

While there won’t be any stargazing tonight, the magnificent clouds over Denmark will make impressive photographs. Caption them in Danish to impress your friends back home!

28- Below freezing temperatures – temperature under frysepunktet

When the temperature is below freezing, why not take an Uber and go shopping for some gorgeous Danish winter gear?

29- Wind chill is how cold it really feels outside – Kuldeindeks er, hvor koldt det virkelig føles udenfor.

Wind doesn’t change the ambient temperature of the air, it just changes your body temperature, so the air will feel colder to you than it actually is. Not all your Danish friends will know that, though, so learn this Danish phrase to sound really smart!

30- Water freezes at zero (0) degrees Celsius – Vand fryser ved nul (0) graders celsius.

If you’re near a lake, frozen water is good news! Forgot your ice skates? Don’t despair – find out where you can hire some. Be cautious, though: the ice needs to be at least four inches thick for safe skating. Personally, I just slide around on frozen lakes in my boots!

31- Waiting to clear up – vente på at klare op

Waiting for the weather to clear up so you can go exploring is frustrating, let’s be honest. That’s why you should always travel with two things: a scintillating novel and your Danish Nook Book.

32- Avoid the extreme heat – undgå den ekstreme hede

Is the heat trying to kill you? Unless you’re a hardened heatwave hero, definitely avoid activity, stay hydrated and drink electrolytes. Loose cotton or linen garb is the way to go!

33- Morning frost – morgenfrost

Frost is water vapour that has turned to ice crystals and it happens when the earth cools so much in the night, that it gets colder than the air above it. Winter is coming!

34- Rain shower – regnskylle

Rain showers are typically brief downpours that drench the earth with a good drink of water.

35- In the evening it will become cloudy and cold – Om aftenen bliver det skyet og koldt.

When I hear this on the Danish weather channel, I buy a bottle of wine (red, of course) and wood for the fireplace. A cold and cloudy evening needs its comforts!

36- Severe thunderstorm – svært tordenvejr

Keep an eye on the Danish weather maps if it looks like a big storm is coming, so you’ll be well-informed.

37- Ice has formed on the window – Der er dannet is på vinduet.

You could try this phrase out on the hotel’s helpful cleaning staff, or fix the problem yourself. Just add a scoop or two of salt to a spray bottle of water – that should work!

38- Large hailstones – store haglsten

As a kid, I found hail crazy exciting. Not so much now – especially if I’m on the road and large hailstones start pummeling my windscreen!

39- Rolling thunder – rullende torden

The rumble of rolling thunder is that low-volume, ominous background sound that goes on for some time. It’s strangely exciting if you’re safely in your hotel room; it could either suddenly clear up, or escalate to a storm.

40- Sleet – slud

Sleet is tiny hard pieces of ice made from a mixture of rain and melted snow that froze. It can be messy, but doesn’t cause major damage the way hail does. Pretty cool to know this word in Danish!

2. Words for the first day of spring

You know the feeling: your heart skips a beat when you wake up and spring has sprung! Spring will reward you with new blossoms everywhere, birdsong in the air, kittens being born in the neighborhood and lovely views when you hit the trails. Pack a picnic and ask a new Danish friend to show you the more natural sights. Don’t forget a light sweater and a big smile. This is the perfect time to practice some Danish spring words!

3. Do You Know the Essential Summer Vocabulary?

Summer! Who doesn’t love that word? It conjures up images of blue skies, tan skin, vacations at the beach and cruising down the coast in an Alfa Romeo, sunglasses on and the breeze in your hair. Of course, in Denmark there are many ways to enjoy the summer – it all depends on what you love to do. One thing’s for sure: you will have opportunities to make friends, go on picnics, sample delicious local ice-cream and maybe even learn to sing some Danish songs. It’s up to you! Sail into Danish summer with this summer vocab list, and you’ll blend in with ease.

4. Must-Know Autumn vocabulary

Victoria Ericksen said, “If a year was tucked inside of a clock, then autumn would be the magic hour,” and I agree. Who can resist the beauty of fall foliage coloring the Danish landscape? Birds prepare to migrate; travelers prepare to arrive for the best weather in Denmark.

The autumnal equinox marks the moment the Sun crosses the celestial equator, making day and night almost equal in length. The cool thing about this event is that the moon gets really bright – the ‘harvest moon’, as it’s traditionally known.

So, as much as the change of season brings more windy and rainy days, it also brings celebration. Whether you honor Thanksgiving, Halloween or the Moon Festival, take some time to color your vocabulary with these Danish autumn words.

5. Winter

Winter is the time the natural world slows down to rest and regroup. I’m a summer girl, but there are fabulous things about winter that I really look forward to. For one, it’s the only season I get to accessorize with my gorgeous winter gloves and snug down coat!

Then, of course, there’s ice skating, holiday decorations and bonfires. As John Steinbeck said, “What good is the warmth of summer, without the cold of winter to give it sweetness?” Get ready for the cold season with our list of essential Winter words!

6. DanishClass101 can prepare you for any season.

Now that you know how to inquire and comment on the weather in Denmark, you
can confidently plan your weather-ready travel itinerary. How about this for an idea: the next
time you’re sitting in a Danish street café, try asking someone local this question:

“Do you think the weather will stay like this for a few days?” If you loved learning these cool Danish weather phrases with us, why not take it a step further and add to your repertoire? DanishClass101 is here to help!

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.

Traveling to foreign countries is nearly always an exciting, enriching, and beneficial experience. Yet, some things can be real downers, such as boredom on a lengthy flight to Denmark. Really, binge-watching onboard movies can only be interesting for so long! And jet lag – another huge downer. Did you know that jet lag is more severe when you travel from the West to the East?

Well, we won’t know how to beat that, but there are fortunately plenty of remedies around to investigate.

To beat flight boredom, though, we may have the answer for you at DanishClass101! Why don’t you take the time to study Danish travel phrases? We make this super easy and fun, with great downloadables, like our PDF Cheat Sheets. Quickly memorize these, and impress your Danish friends or travel guide with your flawless Danish!

Table of Contents

1. Importance Of Learning Travel Phrases
2. 13 Must-Have Travel Phrases and Words
3. Good-To-Have Travel Phrases
4. Ways To Improve Communication in a Foreign Country
5. DanishClass101 Can Help You Master Travel Phrases Easily and Effortlessly!

1. Importance Of Learning Travel Phrases

Impressing Danish people or your travel partners will be the least of the benefits you reap from learning these helpful phrases. These are greater ones:

1) Eliminate Travel Frustration: First of all, you’ll be able to cut out a good chunk of travel frustration and inconvenience due to language barriers.

Know how to pronounce and use at least the basic Danish phrases, and then just look foreign. This should go a long way to help you get by and win you friends, because locals would be more inclined to help someone who took the trouble to learn a smidgen of their language.

2) Emergency Readiness: In case of an emergency, you will be able to get help a lot quicker if you know how to ask for what in Danish. Imagine miming to a doctor or nurse that you have a sore ear but that you’re allergic to penicillin. Not so easy, right?

Rather, you should know basic emergency travel phrases, especially if you suffer from a serious condition. Also, information about life-threatening allergies you have should always be on your person in the language of the country you’re visiting.

3) Sight-Seeing Readiness: Hopefully, you also travel to learn more about a country’s culture. Visiting the main tourist sites in Denmark will be more interesting if you know how to ask pertinent questions in Danish.

In this blog, we’ll also be giving you important travel phrases to consider – from the 13 essential must-have phrases to ones that are just generally useful and good to know.

Let’s get cracking!

2. 13 Must-Have Travel Phrases and Words

Seasoned explorers of multiple countries will tell you that certain words and phrases are absolute must-knows in anyone’s travel vocabulary. Learning from them, we collated some of the most essential ones here for you.

If you know these travel phrases and words by heart in Danish, you will be much better equipped for your visit than most of your movie-binging travel mates.

1) Tak (Thank you)

As a tourist, you will be relying on the kindness of strangers to get by. Repay them with a small acknowledgment of their friendly generosity – know how to say “thank you” in Danish.

2) Taler du engelsk? (Do you speak English?)

While it may be a bit of a cop-out, sometimes you just can’t figure out how to communicate. Maybe you’re blanking on one specific word you need, maybe they’re speaking with a heavy accent, or maybe it’s just really late and you really want to get to the hotel. In that case, try asking if they speak English, and hopefully you can make things a little bit simpler for yourself.

Don’t abuse this phrase, though! If you just try to get by without learning any of the local language, not only will you not learn anything – you’ll be out of luck if they can’t speak English!

3) Er der en bus fra lufthavnen ind til byen? (Is there a bus from the airport to the city?)

Public transit is usually cheaper, if slower, than taking a taxi or rideshare. Use this phrase to see if you can get where you’re going when you’re strapped for cash, or just when you’d like to take the scenic route into town!

4) Er dette den rigtige bus til lufthavnen? (Is this the right bus for the airport?)

Likewise, if you’re the kind of person who can get themselves moving early (or maybe you just have a late flight), maybe you want to take the bus to the airport rather than taking a cab. If that’s the case, you’ll want to be sure you’re actually heading the right way! You wouldn’t want to end up at a lookout point half an hour away, watching your flight take off in the distance, would you?

5) Undskyld mig, hvad er billetprisen? (Excuse me, what’s the fare?)

If you are paying for a cab, you’ll want to know how much. Most legal taxis will have meters, but when dealing with a currency you’re not familiar with, it can be worth asking just to double check that you’re paying the right amount – especially if the currency has cents.

6) Jeg har en reservation (I have a reservation)

This one you can expect to use at least a few times throughout your trip, unless you’re the kind of person who travels by the seat of their pants and just goes to whatever hotel, motel, or hostel has rooms available.

7) Har du nogle ledige værelser i aften? (Do you have any vacancies tonight?)

If that’s the case, you’ll definitely be using this phrase instead. Quite possibly a lot, depending on how lucky you are!

8 ) Hvor er togstationen? (Where is the train station?)

If you’re in a country with an expansive commuter rail system (or maybe just a fan of other types of locomotives), you may want to know where the closest station is. Just don’t go looking for pennies on the rails!

9) Jeg er allergisk over for jordnødder (I am allergic to peanuts)

Replace “peanuts” with whatever the word for your allergen may be. If your allergy is serious, you probably already know the importance of stating this very clearly in Danish.

If the condition is life-threatening, be sure to have a letter or prescription from a medical professional in Danish on your person at all times. Consider getting a medical alert bracelet specially made in Danish if your stay will be longer than a month or so.

10) Har I nogle vegetarretter? (Do you have any vegetarian dishes?)

If you dislike eating certain things, or you have certain dietary restrictions, it would be best if you knew how to convey this clearly in Danish.

Remember, though, that saying “I’m vegan” or “I’m diabetic” may not be enough to get you what you want. The rules for veganism and vegetarianism are not standard everywhere in the world. Also, your patron might not understand what “diabetic” means. If you have a medical condition, it would be best to research some in-depth vocabulary beforehand.

11) Kan jeg få et kort? (Could I get a map?)

Planning on exploring your destination? Hopelessly lost? Maybe just an amateur cartographer? No matter the reason, this phrase is sure to come in handy. That said, you’re more likely to get use out of it at some sort of tourist or travel center than you are asking a random passerby on the street.

12) Hvor meget koster det? (How much is this?)

Even if you’re not a big shopper, you’re probably going to need this phrase at some point. Knowing how to count in Danish will, of course, help a lot with purchases too.

13) Tager du kreditkort? (Do you take credit card?)

This is another travel phrase that will smooth your monetary transactions considerably.

3. Good-To-Have Travel Phrases

Unlike the previous phrases, these are not really essential so much as they are useful. Yet, knowing these will still smooth over some bumps on your journey, more than just knowing the crucial phrases would.

1) Er wi-fi gratis? (Is the Wi-Fi free?)

If you’re abroad, your normal cellular plans probably won’t have any service, and you’ll be totally reliant on publically available Wi-Fi while you’re out and about. Just ask a server, clerk, or attendant, and they’ll be happy to let you know. Just make sure you’re paying attention when they tell you the password!

2) Vil du være venlig at tage et billede af mig? (Could you take a picture of me please?)

What would a trip be with no photos to commemorate the event? Just be sure to ask this of someone who actually looks like they’d be willing to, unless you’re willing to risk being given the cold shoulder or worse. If you’re at a tourist attraction, you’ll find that most people are more than happy to take one for you, so long as you take one of them as well!

3) Har du nogle anbefalinger? (Do you have any recommendations?)

Eating alone in a restaurant? Or going out with new Danish friends or business colleagues? Let them help you decide what to have.

4) Jeg vil gerne bede om en ikke-rygerplads (I’d like to have a non-smoking seat, please)

Though smoking has gone out of fashion in some places, it’s still popular in others. In the event you’re at a restaurant where smoking is allowed on premises, you can always ask this question to the staff and be seated elsewhere.

5) Vand, tak (Water, please)

If you’ve emptied your glass, or are cutting yourself off after a few drinks, you can always ask for some water. It can be especially useful if the restaurant is busy to the point you need to call out to someone to get service.

6) Kan jeg få regningen? (Could I have the check?)

To finish off the restaurant related phrases, if you’re eating with friends or really want to impress your colleagues, taking the bill can be a nice treat for them. Of course, this phrase could come in handy as well if you’re eating alone and you’re just impatient to leave.

7) Hvad vil du anbefale til en souvenir? (What do you recommend for a souvenir?)

Now that your trip is over, what better way to cap it all off than a memento, or maybe a gift for friends and family at home? It’ll be nicer to have something recommended by the locals than a cheap bauble from the airport store, so go ahead and ask someone you’ve met what they think.

4. Ways To Improve Communication in a Foreign Country

When traveling, it’s possible to keep communication smooth when you don’t share a language.

Do so by keeping these five tips in mind. They are aimed to help you communicate with those who cannot speak English very well, and also to keep your traveling experience pleasant!

1. Keep your English simple and easy to understand.
If the person you are talking to speaks very little English, use basic verbs, adjectives, and nouns, and keep sentences short.

However, don’t patronize them by talking in pidgin or like you would address a child. Keep your speech simple but natural, and use the correct grammar.

For instance, don’t say: “You come when?”. If you say: “When will you come?”, you will very likely be understood, and may even help someone who wants to improve their English.

2. Ask someone to write information down.
Apply Rule 1 first at your hotel, where the staff is very likely to be able to speak some English. Get them to write down, in their native language, things like: “I would like to go to the airport, please,” “Please take me to the beach,” or “Where is the closest bathroom?”

These written questions are something you can then give to taxi drivers or any other people who are willing and able to help you. This simple step could make your life a lot easier when you travel to a foreign country!

3. Avoid asking leading questions!
If you want the correct information from a non-native English speaker, that is.

When you need directions, for instance, don’t ask: “To get to the bus stop, do I need to turn left here?” If the person didn’t really understand you, you will probably just get a smile and a “Yes,” which could possibly make you miss your bus.

Rather, you should ask: “Where is the bus stop?” If they understand you, you will get the correct directions.

4. Pick the right person to ask for help.
Time to look at people and think a bit about their appearance! A younger person who looks like they might be a student is more likely to have English skills than the friendly but ancient lady smiling at you from a fruit stall.

If you don’t see anyone like that, head into town to the nearest bank, hospital, pharmacy, or hotel. The staff at those places usually speak a bit of English.

5. Know when to quit.
If you stuck to the above rules, but the person you are talking to only stares at you blankly, say thank you and leave. Hanging around hoping someone will suddenly understand and respond is just wasting your time, and may irritate them as well. Go find someone else.

5. DanishClass101 Can Help You Master Travel Phrases Easily and Effortlessly!

So, reader, have you found this article helpful?

Do you feel comfortable enough to use some essential travel phrases in Danish? We’d also love to hear if you think we left out important travel phrases. Leave your suggestions and opinions in the comments!

DanishClass101 takes the lead with many free learning tools to help you master Danish reading and speaking easily, and in fun ways.

These tools include:

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

You will also have access to topic-specific recordings like our Before You Travel: Survival Phrases lesson.

Learn even more efficiently with the help of a personal tutor, after taking an assessment test to personalize and tailor your training.

Getting a tutor is also a good option if you meet challenges in your learning, or need to fast-track correct pronunciation and diction. Your very own friendly, Danish-speaking teacher will be only a text away on a special app, anywhere, anytime – an excellent option for business persons!

Using a guided learning system that was developed by experts in language and online education, you’ll receive personal feedback and constant support to improve in no time. You’ll also be tasked with weekly assignments in reading, writing, and speaking to hone your Danish speaking skills.

Imagine how impressed your Danish friends or colleagues will be when you display your excellent conversational skills! With DanishClass101, getting there will be easy and fun.

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:

POST

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:

POST

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:

POST

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:

POST

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:

POST

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:

POST

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:

POST

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:

POST

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:

POST

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:

POST

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:

POST

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:

POST

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!

Learn how to apologize in Danish – fast and accurately! DanishClass101 makes it easy for you to make amends. Start with a bonus, and download your FREE cheat sheet – How to Improve Your Danish Skills! (Logged-In Member Only)

Table of Contents

1. Common Ways to Say Sorry in Danish
2. How To Refuse Something Politely in Danish
3. Audio Lesson – Survival Phrases “How to Say Sorry”
4. Why You Will NOT Be Sorry For Learning Danish through DanishClass101

1. Common Ways to Say Sorry in Danish

Nobody’s perfect, not anywhere in the world. Everybody makes mistakes, and does and says regrettable things. Then it’s time to apologize, as saying ‘I’m sorry’ is not in vain. It can be very healing! Did you know that hearing a sincerely-meant apology can have a noticeable effect on a person’s body? Research has shown that it slows down breathing and heart rate, and even causes a drop in blood pressure.

Sometimes we cannot fix what’s broken, but we can make the experience a bit easier for anyone who suffered on account of our thoughtless actions or words.

Here are a number of ways to say sorry in Danish. In any language, just make sure you really mean it! An insincere apology will not go down well with anyone.

Jeg er ked af det.
I’m sorry

These words should precede anything else you have to say. Use them sincerely and whenever you are clearly in the wrong. Acknowledging your guilt and apologizing for any wrongdoing will lift your spirits too! Often, remorse can eat away at us, and a simple ‘I’m sorry’, in Danish or any other language, can open the door for forgiveness and resolution of a bad situation. It can be a true gift!

Jeg vil gerne undskylde.
I would like to apologize.

This is a slightly more formal way to say ‘I’m sorry’ in Danish. Use this phrase if you’re addressing your superiors and/or elders.

Jeg beklager oprigtigt.
I sincerely apologize.

If you feel strongly about your apology, this is another slightly more formal phrase to use. Keep it handy for graver errors, or you might come across as insincere!

Jeg gør det ikke igen.
I won’t do it again.

A promise you can only make if you intend to keep it! Few things feel as bad as having to hear repeated apologies from someone for the same behavior – it means the ‘sorry’ is not sincere. Don’t be that person!

Jeg vil sørge for ikke at begå denne fejl igen.
I’ll make sure not to make this mistake again.

A beautifully strong phrase! Again, say this only if you mean it – not just in the moment, but always! A bit more formal, this is an especially good phrase to use when apologizing to superiors and/or elders. It will make an especially good impression at the workplace, where accountability is an excellent quality to display!

Det mente jeg ikke.
I didn’t mean that.

This is a tricky one… What did you mean, then?! Clear up any confusion with sincerity. Also, use this phrase only if the harm done or mistake made was due to an accident, and then admit to thoughtlessness on your part, if appropriate.

Det er min skyld.
It’s my fault.

If the fault is really yours, own up to it. You will gain respect in the eyes of others! However, don’t take the blame when it’s not truly yours. It won’t be good for you, and ultimately you will not be respected much for it.

Undskyld, jeg er egoistisk.
I’m sorry for being selfish.

This is a good phrase to keep handy, especially for your close relationships. It is difficult to admit you’re selfish, isn’t it?! However, it’s good to know when to be honest. We get used to our loved ones, which often means we forget that they need our good manners and unselfish behavior just as much as strangers do.

Jeg håber, du tilgiver mig.
I hope you will forgive me.

This is a polite and gentle wish that can smooth over many harsh feelings. It also shows that the other person’s opinion and forgiveness are important to you.

Jeg tager fuldt ansvar.
I take full responsibility.

This strong statement is similar to admitting that an error or transgression was your fault. It speaks of courage and the willingness to take remedial action. Good one to use…if you mean it!

Jeg skulle ikke have gjort det.
I shouldn’t have done it.

This phrase is fine to use if you did or said something wrong. It shows, to an extent, your regret for having done or said what you did, and demonstrates that you understand your role in the mistake.

Undskyld for at give dine penge sent tilbage.
Sorry for giving your money back late.

It’s rotten to have to loan money! Yet, it’s equally rotten to have to ask for the repayment of a loan. So, do your best not to pay late in the first place, but if it can’t be helped, this would be a good phrase to use!

Vær nu ikke vred på mig.
Please don’t be mad at me.

Well, this is not a very advisable phrase to use if you are clearly in the wrong. If someone is justifiably angry with you, asking them not to be mad at you would be an unfair expectation. However, if you did something wrong by accident, and if the consequences were not too serious, this request would be OK.

Undskyld, jeg kommer for sent.
Sorry I’m late.

Punctuality is valued in most situations, but if you really cannot help being late, then apologize! This way you show respect for your host, and win their approval.

Jeg undskylder for at være ondskabsfuld over for dig.
I apologize for being mean to you.

Acknowledging your own meanness towards someone is no small thing, so good for you! Use this apology only if your intention is to seriously address your mean tendencies, or these words could become meaningless over time.

2. How To Refuse Something Politely in Danish

Congratulations! Now you know how to apologize in Danish! After you have apologized for a mistake, focus on fixing whatever you can, and don’t punish yourself over something that cannot be taken back or reversed. That’s healthy for you! Regret can eat away at the soul, and even destroy it. It is ultimately a useless emotion if it consumes you.

However, in language, we use apologies not only when we’ve transgressed or made mistakes. They come in handy in other situations too, when there has been no wrongdoing. Sometimes we need to express regret for having to refuse a gift, an offer, or an invitation. This can be somewhat tricky. Learn from specialists at DanishClass101 about how to use the correct Danish words for this kind of ‘sorry’!

3. Survival Phrases “How to Say Sorry”

On the run and need a quick lesson on how to say sorry in Danish? Don’t fret, just listen and repeat! Click here for a recorded short lesson and learn how to give the perfect apology, with perfect pronunciation in Danish. A little can go a long way, and you will sound like a native!

4. Why You Will NOT Be Sorry For Learning Danish through DanishClass101

Online learning is here to stay, that’s a fact. In 2015, the Digital Learning Compass Partnership released a report based on surveys to determine online enrollment trends in US institutions for higher education. Thirty percent of all their students learned online! And the number is growing! However, how can you be sure you will not regret your choice of an online language learning school? First, look at the school’s credentials and what it has to offer…

• Fun and Easy Learning: It’s a commonly-known fact that when learning is made easy and fun, student motivation rises. And as motivation rises, so does the effort to learn – what a beautiful cycle! DanishClass101’s language learning system is designed to get you speaking from the onset. Learn at your own convenience and pace with our short, effective and fun audio podcast lessons. Our Learning Center is comprehensive and state-of-the-art, with a vibrant user community to connect to! Our lessons are recorded with native hosts and voice actors, providing a diverse range of dialects in your lessons. You can be confident that native speakers will understand you when speaking Danish!
• 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!
• 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…!
• 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. Your 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!

After this lesson, you will know almost every ‘sorry for’ in Danish, but don’t let it be that you’re sorry for missing a great opportunity. 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!