de bedste ønsker
The Danish phrase for "best wishes" is de bedste ønsker.
de bedste ønsker is a polite phrase used to express hope for someone's future happiness or success. It is commonly found in cards or letters.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of de bedste (the best) and ønsker (wishes).
How does it change in a sentence?
While de bedste ønsker is the grammatically complete form using the definite article, the article de is often omitted in many informal contexts or when used as a signature in cards, resulting in bedste ønsker.
Did you know?
- The article de used in this phrase shares the same Germanic roots as the English word 'they'.
- In English, 'best' is a superlative, but in Danish, the word bedste can also function as a way to describe your 'best' or most dear relatives.
- When writing bedste ønsker as a closing in a letter, Danes often omit the punctuation that English speakers typically use after 'best wishes', leaving the phrase without a comma.
Examples in context
- Henrik, bedste ønsker til din fødselsdag!Henrik, best wishes for your birthday!
- Venlig hilsen, Louise. Ønsker dig alt det bedste med dine fremtidige projekter!Kind regards, Louise. Wishing you all the best with your future projects!
- De bedste ønsker til jeres nye hjem.Best wishes for your new home.
Example conversation
Mikkel is writing a birthday card for Sofie.
- MikkelJeg har skrevet et kort til dig, Sofie.I have written a card for you, Sofie.
- SofieHvor sødt af dig, Mikkel!How sweet of you, Mikkel!
- MikkelDer står blot: De bedste ønsker på din fødselsdag.It just says: Best wishes on your birthday.
- SofieMange tak for det!Thank you very much for that!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bedste, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
