Image from Rødgrød med fløde – Opskrift på dansk klassisk grød med bær
Moving to Denmark? Ready to immerse yourself in the land of Vikings, hygge, and possibly the world’s longest words? While you won’t need a degree in Danish linguistics to survive (Danes speak excellent English), mastering a few key phrases will work wonders in winning over the locals. Plus, it’s a fun way to avoid ordering an accidental fish licorice smoothie. .
1. “Hej!” (Hi!)
This one’s easy: Hej (pronounced like “hi”) is the universal Danish greeting. But be warned – Danes don’t waste time on small talk. Say your hej with confidence, keep it short, and don’t expect a detailed weather discussion.
Pro Tip: Add a smile, but not too big – you’re still in Scandinavia.
2. “Tak” (Thank You)
Short, sweet, and essential. Tak is your ticket to being polite in Denmark. Bonus points if you step it up with Tusind tak! (A thousand thanks!) – just don’t overuse it unless you’re ready to sound like you’re handing out Oscars.
Fun Tip: Pair it with et stykke kage (a piece of cake), because nothing says thank you in Denmark like pastries.
3. “Undskyld!” (Sorry/Excuse Me)
If you bump into someone in a crowded bageri (bakery) while wrestling for the last cinnamon bun, just say undskyld. It’s your all-purpose apology, excuse, and polite interruption word.
Cautionary Note: If you mispronounce it, you might end up sounding like a seal (true story), but Danes will find it endearing. Probably.
4. “Hvor er toilettet?” (Where is the bathroom?)
Arguably the most crucial phrase for any expat or tourist. Perfect your pronunciation and pair it with your best urgent-but-not-too-urgent expression. Bonus: Danish bathrooms are usually clean and civilized, so this phrase is a real lifesaver.
Reminder: Be thankful you’re asking for a bathroom and not trying to pronounce something like speciallægepraksisplanlægningsstabiliseringsperiode (specialist medical planning stabilization period – yes, it’s a real word).
5. “Jeg vil gerne have…” (I would like…)
Whether you’re ordering coffee, a smørrebrød (open-faced sandwich), or a beer, this phrase is your gateway to getting what you want. Say, Jeg vil gerne have en øl, tak (I’d like a beer, thanks), and watch the bartender’s face light up because you tried.
Advanced Pro Move: If you nail this sentence, follow it up with Kan jeg få en kvittering? (Can I get a receipt?) and officially level up your Danish.
6. “Skål!” (Cheers!)
Ah, the universal language of drinking together. If you’re at a Danish julefrokost (Christmas lunch) or a cozy pub, you’ll need this. Just raise your glass, lock eyes with everyone around the table (yes, it’s a thing), and enthusiastically shout Skål! Congratulations, you’re now Danish by 0.5%.
Pro Warning: Danish beer is strong, so pace yourself before too many skåls turn into hvor er toilettet?
7. “Det er hyggeligt” (It’s cozy)
Prepare yourself for the word hygge, because it’s not just a word – it’s a way of life. Use Det er hyggeligt to describe everything from candlelit dinners to simply enjoying a rainy day under a blanket. Danes will respect your ability to vibe with their national mood.
Pro Insight: Saying this while holding a hot cup of coffee will skyrocket your hygge credibility.
8. “Nej, tak” (No, thanks)
Politely declining things is just as important as accepting them. Whether it’s a second helping of pickled herring or a shot of Gammel Dansk (a strong, bitter herbal drink), Nej, tak is your way out – no questions asked. Use sparingly to avoid missing out on truly Danish experiences.
9. “Farvel” (Goodbye)
When it’s time to leave, Farvel is your elegant exit phrase. Not as casual as hej hej (bye bye), but always appropriate. Add a friendly Tak for i dag! (Thanks for today!) if you want to leave a lasting impression as the charming expat you are.
Easy, right?
While mastering these phrases won’t make you fluent, they’ll help you navigate Danish life with a bit more ease – and a lot more laughs. Plus, Danes truly appreciate the effort, even if you sound like a confused tourist at times. So grab your smørrebrød, say tak, and embrace the charm of learning a language full of quirks, glottal stops, and delightful misadventures.
Now, go forth and spread your hygge! Skål to your Danish journey! 🍻
Bonus: If you can successfully pronounce the image showcased in this blog, congratulations – you’ve earned your honorary Danish language badge!
