Which one should you use?
While Taler du engelsk? is a direct inquiry into whether a person actually speaks the language, the alternative Kan du tale engelsk? focuses more specifically on the person's ability or capacity to speak it. Additionally, if you wish to ask if English is spoken in a general context or place rather than addressing a specific person, you can use Taler man engelsk?
How does it change in a sentence?
By replacing the pronoun du with man, you change the question from addressing a specific person to a general inquiry. For example, Taler man engelsk? translates to "Does one speak English?" and can be used to ask if a language is spoken in a certain context or place.
When do people say it?
If someone asks you this question and you have limited proficiency, a common and natural response is Ja, lidt. Useful related words for polite conversation include Hej (Hello), Vær venlig (Please), Tak (Thank you) and Farvel (Goodbye).
Did you know?
- Danes often skip the question Taler du engelsk? entirely because English proficiency is among the highest in the world for non-native speakers.
- The Danish word du is a direct linguistic relative of the archaic English word 'thou'.
- The response Ja, lidt (Yes, a little) is often used as a modest social lubricant, even by people who are nearly fluent in English.
Example conversation
Lucas is asking Freja for help in a shop.
- LucasUndskyld, taler du engelsk?Excuse me, do you speak English?
- FrejaJa, det gør jeg.Yes, I do.
- LucasKan du hjælpe mig?Can you help me?
- FrejaSelvfølgelig, hvad kan jeg gøre?Of course, what can I do?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, engelsk, taler, CC BY-SA 4.0.
