Language/Danish/Vocabulary/Common-Phrases
Introduction
In this lesson, you will learn common Danish phrases used in everyday conversations. Whether you are communicating with locals, making new friends, or simply exploring Denmark, these phrases will come in handy. We will cover phrases for asking for directions, ordering food, expressing gratitude and more.
Don't hesitate to look into these other pages after completing this lesson: Health & Adjectives in Danish.
Basic Phrases
Let’s start with some basic Danish phrases that you will use in a variety of situations:
- Hej - Hello
- Hvordan har du det? - How are you?
- Tak - Thank you
- Ja - Yes
- Nej - No
- Undskyld - Excuse me / Sorry
Asking for Help and Directions
As a foreigner, it's easy to get lost or confused. Use these phrases to ask for help or directions:
- Kan du hjælpe mig? - Can you help me?
- Hvor er...? - Where is...?
- Hvordan kommer jeg til...? - How do I get to...?
- Går det mod...? - Does it go towards...?
- Tager det lang tid at komme til...? - Does it take long to get to...?
- Hvis du går den vej, så drej til højre/venstre – If you go that way, turn right/left
For example, if you need to find the nearest post office, you could ask someone: ”Undskyld mig, hvor er det nærmeste postkontor?” (Excuse me, where is the nearest post office?)
Ordering Food and Drinks
Denmark has a unique food culture, ranging from open-faced sandwiches (smørrebrød) to hot dogs (pølse) and licorice (lakrids). Here are some phrases to use when ordering at a restaurant or café:
- Jeg vil gerne have... - I would like...
- Hvad kan du anbefale? - What do you recommend?
- Kan jeg få...? - Can I have...?
- Må jeg bede om regningen? - Can I have the check please?
For example, if you want to order a coffee, say: ”Jeg vil gerne have en kaffe, tak.” (I would like a coffee, please.)
Expressing Gratitude
It's always good to show your appreciation. Use these phrases to express your gratitude:
- Tak skal du have - Thank you
- Tusind tak - Thank you very much
- Det er meget venligt af dig - That's very kind of you
- Jeg sætter virkelig pris på det - I really appreciate it
For example, if someone helps you carry your luggage, say: ”Tusind tak for hjælpen!” (Thank you very much for your help!)
Other Useful Phrases
Here are some additional phrases that might come in handy:
- Hvad hedder du? - What's your name?
- Jeg hedder... - My name is...
- Hvor kommer du fra? - Where are you from?
- Jeg er fra... - I'm from...
- Hvornår? - When?
- Hvor meget? - How much?
For example, if you want to introduce yourself, say: ”Hej, jeg hedder Maria. Jeg kommer fra Sverige.” (Hi, my name is Maria. I'm from Sweden.)
Conclusion
In this lesson, you learned common Danish phrases for everyday conversations, including asking for help and directions, ordering food and drinks, and expressing gratitude. Keep practicing these phrases, and you'll be speaking Danish fluently in no time!
Well done on mastering this lesson! Don't miss these related pages to expand your knowledge: Family Members & Animal.
Other Lessons
- Nature and Environment
- Beverages
- Relationships
- Months of the Year
- Count to 10
- Art
- Quantity in Danish
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Count from 1 to 10
- Numbers 1 100
Sources
- Useful Words and Phrases in Danish
- 15+ Basic Danish Phrases That Will Be Useful In Denmark - Ling App
- The Danish Phrases You Should Know Before Visiting Copenhagen