Ways to say it
| Danish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| baby | common gender | |
| spædbarn | /spɛdbarn/ | neuter |
The term is used to describe a very young human being. While baby is the standard way to refer to a young child or a loved one in everyday speech, spædbarn is more specific to a newborn or an infant.
Which one should you use?
baby is the common term used in general conversation, whereas spædbarn is a more clinical or formal term used to describe a newborn or an infant.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
baby is an informal term used in daily life and even as a way to refer to a loved one. In contrast, spædbarn is a formal term suited for medical or professional contexts.
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the definite article 'the baby', add the suffix '-en' to create babyen. For the plural 'babies', use the form babyer. To indicate possession, such as 'the baby's', add the suffix '-ens' to create babyens. Note that spædbarn is a neuter noun, while baby is a common-gender noun.
When do people say it?
In informal Danish settings, people sometimes use the word Skat, which literally means 'treasure' or 'sweetheart', as an affectionate way to refer to a baby or a loved one.
Did you know?
- While baby is used for infants, Danish parents often use the word putte as a verb to describe the act of cuddling or tucking a baby into bed.
- The word spæd in spædbarn doesn't just mean 'tiny' but specifically describes something 'tender' or 'fragile' like a new shoot of a plant.
- Danish has a distinct word nyfødt for 'newborn' that is used almost exclusively in medical settings, whereas spædbarn covers a slightly longer early period.
Examples in context
- Tom er en baby.Tom is a baby.This sentence shows how to use baby to identify someone.Tatoeba #9458165 by danepo, translation #2272755 by CK
- Jeg er ikke en baby.I'm not a baby.This sentence demonstrates a negative statement using baby.Tatoeba #5256674 by danepo, translation #2549638 by CK
- Babyen sov i vuggen.The baby was sleeping in the cradle.This sentence shows the use of the definite form babyen.Tatoeba #10490938 by danepo, translation #272416 by CK
- Jeg er vild med min babyI love my baby
- Hun har et sødt spædbarnShe has a cute baby
- Kom her, skatCome here, baby
- Min baby griner altidMy baby always laughs
- Skal du ud at handle, skat?Are you going grocery shopping, baby?
- Spædbarnet sover trygtThe newborn is sleeping soundly
- 49 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mette and Mads are looking at a photo on a phone.
- MetteSe på den lille baby!Look at the little baby!
- MadsHvor er han bare sød.He is just so cute.
- MetteDet er min søsters baby.It is my sister's baby.
- MadsHan ligner dig meget.He looks a lot like you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “baby” translations and entries baby, spædbarn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries baby, spædbarn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
