What are some common danish phrases? – All you need to know about Denmark

Learning a handful of everyday phrases is a great way to feel at home more quickly in Denmark.

Locals will appreciate even a modest effort to speak Danish, and you’ll find it easier to connect with people in cafés, shops, or during travel. Below is a solid mix of greetings, idioms, slang, and useful expressions that will serve you well.

Basic Everyday Phrases

These foundational phrases are essential in daily interaction.
Pronunciation tips help, but don’t worry about perfection at first — Danes tend to be patient with non-native speakers.

Hej (hi) — a versatile informal greeting used all day long.
Farvel (goodbye / farewell) — the standard, neutral way to say goodbye.
Ja / Nej (yes / no) — essential for basic responses.
Tak (thank you) — short and often used. Sometimes a Dane will end a request with tak to imply “please.”
Selv tak (you’re welcome / literally “self thanks”) — a polite reply to tak.
Undskyld (excuse me / sorry) — used to apologize or to get someone’s attention.
Undskyld mig (excuse me, formal) — adds a mild politeness.
Jeg hedder … (My name is …) — use this to introduce yourself.
Taler du engelsk? (Do you speak English?) — very useful when you’re unsure.
Jeg forstår ikke (I don’t understand) — polite way to ask someone to repeat or simplify.
Hvor meget koster det? (How much does this cost?) — indispensable while shopping.
Vent lidt (wait a moment) — handy in queues or when catching attention.

These basics form the backbone of polite and fluid communication in Danish daily life.

Greetings, Small Talk & Phatic Expressions

To sound natural, it’s helpful to know the little phrases Danes use in passing or when making small talk. Linguists call those phatic expressions. (Wikipedia)

Hvordan går det? (How’s it going?) — very common.
Hvad så? (What’s up? / What’s going on?) — informal, often among friends.
Ha’ det godt (“Have it good”) — a friendly way to say “take care.”
Tak for sidst (thanks for last time) — a phrase used when you meet someone again after having spent time together earlier.
Knæk og bræk (crack and break) — analogous to “break a leg,” said especially before performances, hunts, or fishing.
Held og lykke (luck and fortune) — a way to wish someone good luck.

If you already published a post on greetings in Danish, linking it here would strengthen internal navigation.

Idioms, Sayings & Colorful Expressions

Idioms and peculiar sayings often reveal cultural flair. Some make sense at first glance, others don’t.
Use them in moderation (you might misuse!), but knowing them helps you spot them in conversation, signs, or jokes.

Animal, Food & Nature Idioms

At sluge en kamel (to swallow a camel) — to accept something distasteful or make a difficult compromise.
At gå agurk (to go cucumber) — equivalent to “go bananas” or “go crazy.”
Ingen ko på isen (no cow on the ice) — everything’s fine / no danger.
Jeg har ikke en rød reje (I don’t have a red shrimp) — I have no money / I’m broke.

Surprising & Witty Phrases

Det blæser en halv pelikan (it’s blowing half a pelican) — meaning: it’s very windy.
Klap lige hesten (pat the horse for a moment) — similar to “hold your horses” / slow down.
Det er ingen sag (it’s no case) — essentially: “it’s no problem.”
Han er i kridthuset (he is in the chalk house) — someone is in favor or in someone’s good graces.
Skyde papegøjen (shoot the parrot) — to have extremely good luck.

Such idioms pop up in conversation, literature, and daily speech in Denmark. They help you sound more like a local when used sparingly.

Modern Slang & Colloquial Speech

Slang evolves fast, especially among younger Danes. Below are a few current slang terms to sprinkle into your vocabulary.

Fedt — “cool,” “great.” Very common slang positive.
Skidegod — literally “shit good,” meaning extremely good or top quality (for things, not people).
Sindssygt — “crazy” (in a positive or emphatic way).
Smadder — intensifier: “really,” “a lot.” E.g., smaddertravlt means “super busy.”
Kender du det? (Do you know that?) — used to check if someone relates to what you’re saying.

One more note: many Danish speakers mix English words into casual speech — this phenomenon is dubbed Danglish.
You may hear English vocabulary with Danish inflections (e.g. reboote computeren). Just listen and adopt carefully.

Phrases for Strong Emotions & Disagreements

You might find yourself in heated or emotional moments. Here are expressions that help you express frustration or boundaries.

Det kommer ikke dig ved — “It’s none of your business.”
Du lytter ikke til mig — “You’re not listening to me.” Useful in conflict resolution.

Stick to calm tone and respectful phrasing; Danish communication tends to favor clarity and directness over emotional escalation.

Tips for Using Phrases Naturally

To make these phrases feel authentic rather than forced, here are some pointers:

Start with simple ones and build up
Use greetings and polite expressions first (hej, tak, undskyld). Add a slang or idiom now and then.
Observe local usage
Listen to how Danes say things. You’ll pick up intonation and rhythm better than via textbooks.
Don’t overuse idioms
Using too many will seem unnatural. Use a couple in conversation to show your grasp, but always with awareness.
Watch formality levels
Some slang is fine with friends or peers, but avoid it in formal settings (job interviews, official meetings).
Ask when unsure
If a Dane uses a phrase you don’t know, ask, “Hvad betyder det?” (What does that mean?) It often leads to more learning.

Danish is rich with sayings, slang, and expressive idioms.
As you explore Denmark and mingle with locals, these phrases will grow on you, and your confidence will too.
Pour a bit of effort into mastering a few and you’ll be rewarded with smiles, nods, and deeper conversations.