hvordan har du det?
The English phrase "how are you?" is translated into Danish as hvordan har du det?
This phrase is used to ask someone about their health or general well-being.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "how have you it?"
Which one should you use?
While hvordan har du det? focuses on personal well-being or health, the phrase hvordan går det? is a more general "how is it going?" used for casual greetings.
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the subject to 'I', you change the pronoun 'du' (you) to 'jeg' (I).
When do people say it?
A common way to respond to hvordan har du det? is Jeg har det godt (I have it well).
Did you know?
- In Denmark, hvordan har du det? is often treated as a genuine inquiry into health rather than a casual greeting.
- Danes rarely use hvordan har du det? with strangers, as the phrase is considered too intimate for a first meeting.
- The word du is also used as a verb in Danish meaning 'to be useful' or 'to suffice'.
Examples in context
- Hej! Hvordan har De det?Hello! How are you?
- Hej! Jeg har det godt, tak. Og du?Hello! I am well, thank you. And you?
Example conversation
Mikkel and Emma meet at a cafe.
- MikkelHej Emma, hvordan har du det?Hi Emma, how are you?
- EmmaJeg har det godt, tak.I am doing well, thanks.
- MikkelDet er jeg glad for at høre.I am happy to hear that.
- EmmaHvad med dig, Mikkel?What about you, Mikkel?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, hvordan, CC BY-SA 4.0.
