hilsener
The Danish word for "greetings" is hilsener.
hilsener is a formal way of saying "hello". While hilsener specifically translates to "greetings", the singular form hilsen is the standard way to end a formal or semi-formal letter or email, equivalent to "Regards" or "Sincerely".
Meaning: formal way of saying "hello" (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is derived from the verb hilse, which means "to greet", making hilsen a "greeting" or "salutation".
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is hilsen.
Did you know?
- The word hilsen shares a linguistic root with the English word 'hail' as in 'hail the king', both originating from an ancient Germanic root meaning to greet or make whole.
- In Danish, the common phrase Hils ham fra mig literally translates to 'Greet him from me' rather than 'Give him my regards'.
- Despite the availability of formal terms like hilsener, Danish society is so egalitarian that hej is often acceptable regardless of the other person's age or social status.
Examples in context
- Mange hilsener.Many greetings.This sentence shows how to use hilsener in the phrase "Many greetings".Tatoeba #1130978 by danepo, translation #1130973 by cntrational
- Hilsener!Greetings!This sentence shows a standalone use of hilsener.Tatoeba #1979455 by volhardt, translation #1130106 by cntrational
- God dag, Hr. HansenGood day, Mr. Hansen
- Hej! Hvordan har du det?Hello! How are you?
- Jeg har det godt, tak. Hvad med dig?I'm good, thank you. How about you?
- Også godt, tak!Also good, thank you!
- Goddag! Må jeg præsentere dig for min søn?Good day! May I introduce you to my son?
- Tak skal du have.Thank you.
Example conversation
Lucas and Sofie are exchanging formal emails for a project.
- LucasHilsener, Sofie.Greetings, Sofie.
- SofieHej Lucas, tak for din besked.Hi Lucas, thanks for your message.
- LucasJeg sender hilsener fra hele teamet.I send greetings from the whole team.
- SofieDet er meget pænt af jer.That is very kind of you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
