Living in Denmark and feeling a bit out of place? Knowing a few key Danish phrases can change that. From casual greetings to useful expressions, this guide covers the essentials to help things feel a little more familiar.
Why Is Learning Danish Phrases and Sayings Important for Expats
Learning Danish phrases and sayings helps expats settle in. Using local expressions makes it easier to connect with people, whether you’re chatting with neighbors or ordering a coffee. When learning Danish, you’re not just speaking the language. You’re fitting in, showing respect, and understanding the everyday way Danes communicate. Even small phrases can make you feel more at home.
Plus, a little Danish goes a long way. Many Danes speak English, but making the effort in their language can change interactions. It shows you’re here to embrace the culture, not just pass through. In stores, at work, or with new friends, a few Danish words can be the difference between feeling like an outsider and feeling like you belong.
Basic Greetings and Farewells
Get the basics down with these greetings. Whether you’re saying hello or goodbye, these phrases will get you started.
- Hej – Hi
- Godmorgen – Good morning
- Goddag – Good day
- Godaften – Good evening
- Godnat – Good night
- Farvel – Goodbye
- Vi ses – See you
- Hej hej – Bye bye
- Velkommen – Welcome
- Hav en god dag – Have a good day
Polite Expressions
Danish politeness in a nutshell. Here are the must-know phrases to show gratitude, apologize, or make polite requests.
- Tak – Thank you
- Mange tak – Thank you very much
- Selv tak – You’re welcome
- Undskyld – Excuse me/Sorry
- Vær så venlig – Please
- Det var så lidt – Don’t mention it
- Beklager – I apologize
- Må jeg bede om… – May I have…
- Tak for hjælpen – Thanks for the help
- Det var en fornøjelse – It was a pleasure
Common Questions and Responses
Start a conversation or keep one going with these basic questions and answers. They’ll help you connect and get the basics across.
- Hvordan har du det? – How are you?
- Jeg har det godt – I’m fine
- Hvad hedder du? – What is your name?
- Jeg hedder… – My name is…
- Hvor kommer du fra? – Where are you from?
- Jeg kommer fra… – I come from…
- Taler du engelsk? – Do you speak English?
- Ja, lidt – Yes, a little
- Kan du hjælpe mig? – Can you help me?
- Selvfølgelig – Of course
Danish Phrases for Numbers and Time
Counting and telling time? Essential skills. These phrases will help you with everything from setting a time to asking for the hour.
- En – One
- To – Two
- Tre – Three
- Fire – Four
- Fem – Five
- Hvad er klokken? – What time is it?
- Klokken er… – The time is…
- Formiddag – Morning
- Eftermiddag – Afternoon
- Aften – Evening
Danish Phrases for Ordering Food
Whether you’re grabbing a bite or sitting down to a meal, these phrases will make ordering food and drinks a breeze.
- Jeg vil gerne have… – I would like to have…
- Kan jeg få menukortet? – Can I have the menu?
- Hvad anbefaler du? – What do you recommend?
- Jeg er vegetar – I am a vegetarian
- Kan jeg få regningen? – Can I have the bill?
- Det smager godt – It tastes good
- Må jeg bede om vand? – May I have some water?
- Er der allergener i denne ret? – Are there allergens in this dish?
- Jeg er allergisk over for… – I am allergic to…
- Tak for mad – Thanks for the food
Danish Phrases for Seeking Directions
Lost or need directions? These phrases will help you get where you’re going and use Danish public transportation like a pro.
- Hvor er… – Where is…
- Hvordan kommer jeg til… – How do I get to…
- Er det langt herfra? – Is it far from here?
- Hvilken bus skal jeg tage? – Which bus should I take?
- Hvor meget koster en billet? – How much is a ticket?
- Hvor er nærmeste togstation? – Where is the nearest train station?
- Kan jeg gå derhen? – Can I walk there?
- Hvor lang tid tager det? – How long does it take?
- Er der en taxa i nærheden? – Is there a taxi nearby?
- Kan du vise mig på kortet? – Can you show me on the map?
Emergency Danish Phrases
Better safe than sorry. These are the phrases you’ll want to know in case of an emergency.
- Hjælp! – Help!
- Ring til politiet – Call the police
- Jeg er syg – I am sick
- Jeg har brug for en læge – I need a doctor
- Er der et apotek i nærheden? – Is there a pharmacy nearby?
- Jeg er blevet bestjålet – I have been robbe
- Jeg har mistet min taske – I have lost my bag
- Kan du hjælpe mig? – Can you help me?
- Jeg er faret vild – I am lost
- Jeg har brug for hjælp – I need help
Weather-Related Danish Phrases
Talking about the weather is universal, and Denmark’s no exception. Use these phrases to chat about the forecast.
Common Danish Sayings and Proverbs
Want to sound like a local? These classic Danish sayings will add a bit of flair to your conversations.
- At gå som katten om den varme grød – To avoid the main point (like a cat around hot porridge).
- Der er ingen ko på isen – There’s no problem (literally, no cow on the ice).
- Man kan ikke både blæse og have mel i munden – You can’t have it both ways.
- Skomager, bliv ved din læst – Stick to what you know.
- At have et hjerte af guld – To have a heart of gold.
- At skyde papegøjen – To strike it lucky.
- Nød lærer nøgen kvinde at spinde – Necessity is the mother of invention.
- At være ude med riven – To criticize or look for faults.
- Tale som et vandfald – To talk non-stop (like a waterfall).
- Når katten er ude, danser musene på bordet – When the cat’s away, the mice will play.
Danish Phrases and Sayings: Conclusion
Mastering basic Danish phrases will help you assimilate quickly into Danish society. A quick “hej,” a simple “tak,” and you’re already one step closer to feeling like you belong. So, pick up a few Danish phrases and see the difference. You’re not just here to visit; you’re here to be part of it. A little effort goes a long way, turning a new country into a place where you actually feel at home.
More Articles to Explore
- Danish Numbers: Learn How to Count in Danish Fast
- A Free Guide to the Danish Alphabet
- Learning Danish: Powerful Tips and Tricks for Mastering It
