skat
/skat/
The Danish word for sweetie is skat.
skat is a term of endearment used for a romantic partner or a loved one. It is the most common term of endearment used between romantic partners in Denmark.
What does it mean word for word?
The word skat literally means treasure.
Which one should you use?
While it is a common term of endearment, skat is also the standard Danish word for tax, such as income tax.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word skat is used for both singular and plural forms of endearment without changing its spelling.
How do you pronounce it?
/skat/
Did you know?
- The word skat has its roots in the ancient word for 'cattle' or 'goods', as wealth was once measured by the size of one's livestock.
- Because skat also means 'tax', a Dane might joke about a loved one being a 'skat' in a way that implies they are an expensive burden.
- In Denmark, skat is so ubiquitous that it is often used by parents toward children and even by grandparents toward grandchildren.
Examples in context
- Hej skat, jeg savnede dig!Hello sweetie, I missed you!
- Hvordan har du det i dag, søde?How are you today, sweetie?
- Jeg elsker dig, skat.I love you, sweetie.
- Vil du have noget te, skat?Do you want some tea, sweetie?
- Du ser smuk ud, skat.You look beautiful, sweetie.
Example conversation
Lucas and Freja are relaxing on the sofa at home.
- LucasHvad skal vi lave i aften, skat?What shall we do tonight, sweetie?
- FrejaJeg vil bare gerne slappe af.I just want to relax.
- LucasDet lyder som en god plan.That sounds like a good plan.
- FrejaTak, du er sød, Lucas.Thanks, you are sweet, Lucas.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry skat, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries skat, CC BY-SA 4.0.
