vær så venlig
The English phrase 'please' can be expressed in Danish as vær så venlig.
vær så venlig is used to make a polite request. It is typically followed by the conjunction at and an infinitive verb to complete the request. Danish speakers often use tak (thanks) at the end of a request to achieve the same polite effect.
Meaning: interjection to make a polite request (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase vær så venlig literally translates to 'be so kind'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
vær så venlig is a formal way to say 'please' and is often used in written instructions or polite requests to strangers. For less formal situations, you might use Gider du (Would you mind) or Kan du ikke lige (Could you just). Another option for requesting a favor is Vil du være sød at (Would you be kind to).
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing a group of people, the adjective 'venlig' changes to the plural form vær så venlige.
Did you know?
- While vær så venlig exists, Danish has no single word that translates directly to 'please' in the way the English word functions.
- While vær så venlig is a direct translation of 'be so kind', using it too often in person can actually make you sound stiff or even sarcastic.
- In Danish, the concept of 'please' is often embedded in the tone of voice and the use of modal particles rather than a specific phrase like vær så venlig.
Examples in context
- Vær så venlige at sætte jer.Sit down, please.This sentence demonstrates the plural form vær så venlige used for a group.Tatoeba #2022620 by danepo, translation #38571 by CK
- Vær så venlig at slukke lyset.Please turn off the light.Tatoeba #562251 by danepo, translation #29826 by CK
- Vær så venlig at forlade lokalet.Could you please leave the room?Tatoeba #12662866 by danepo, translation #4013484 by CK
- Vær venlig at gentage detPlease repeat that
- Gider du hente min taske?Would you mind getting my bag?
- Kan du ikke lige hjælpe mig med at åbne vinduet?Could you just help me open the window?
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas is asking Emma to pass him a document at work.
- LucasVær så venlig at række mig den mappe.Please pass me that folder.
- EmmaSelvfølgelig, her er den.Of course, here it is.
- LucasTak skal du have, Emma.Thank you, Emma.
- EmmaDet var så lidt, Lucas.You're welcome, Lucas.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “please” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
