skat
/skat/common gender
The Danish word for sweetheart is skat. Wiktionary also lists elskede.
Meaning: a person very much liked or loved by someone (noun)
Ways to say it
| Danish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| skat | /skat/ | common gender |
| elskede | common gender |
skat is an affectionate term used between partners. When you use the phrase en skat (a sweetheart/a treasure), it can be used to describe a person who is exceptionally kind or helpful, rather than just a romantic partner.
What does it mean word for word?
The word skat literally means treasure.
Which one should you use?
elskede translates to beloved and is reserved for expressing deep love and affection. 'Elskede' is a more formal or poetic way to say 'beloved' and is less common in casual daily conversation than 'skat'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both skat and elskede are common-gender nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/skat/
Did you know?
- The Danish tax authority is actually named SKAT, which can lead to humorous double meanings in conversation.
- In a very literal sense, the Old Norse origin of skat referred to 'cattle' or 'goods', suggesting that the concept of 'treasure' once began with livestock.
- While 'sweetheart' in English is often used for children, using skat for a child is common in Denmark, whereas in some other languages, such terms are strictly romantic.
Examples in context
- Jeg har en overraskelse til dig, skat.I have a surprise for you, sweetheart.This sentence shows how to use skat when addressing a partner.Tatoeba #3676167 by danepo, translation #3387555 by Hybrid
- Tak for hjælpen, du er virkelig en skat.Thank you for the help, you are really a sweetheart.This sentence demonstrates how skat can describe a person who is being helpful.Tatoeba #13789384 by danepo, translation #13789210 by Just_Balls
- Godmorgen skat!Good morning, sweetheart.This sentence illustrates a common morning greeting using skat.Tatoeba #4701650 by danepo, translation #1808502 by CK
- Hej, skat. Hvordan har du haft det i dag?Hello, darling. How have you been today?
- Tak for alt, elskede.Thank you for everything, beloved.
Example conversation
Noah and Mette are at home in the evening.
- NoahKan du række mig fjernbetjeningen, skat?Can you pass me the remote, sweetheart?
- MetteSelvfølgelig, Noah.Of course, Noah.
- NoahDu er virkelig en skat.You are truly a sweetheart.
- MetteDet er sødt sagt af dig.That is sweet of you to say.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “sweetheart” translations and entries skat, elskede, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries skat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
