bamse
/ˈbɑmsə/common gender
The English phrase 'teddy bear' is translated into Danish as bamse. Wiktionary also lists teddybjørn.
Meaning: a stuffed toy bear (noun)
Ways to say it
| Danish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bamse | /ˈbɑmsə/ | common gender |
| teddybjørn | common gender |
Both bamse and teddybjørn are used to refer to a stuffed toy bear.
What does it mean word for word?
The word teddybjørn is a compound formed from the loanword 'teddy' and the Danish word 'bjørn', which means 'bear'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both forms are common-gender nouns. The plural of bamse is bamser. To refer to a specific teddy bear in the definite form, you add '-en' to the end of the word to get bamsen.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbɑmsə/
Did you know?
- The word bamse is also used as a nickname for the Danish military police, who are known as Bamsen in certain contexts.
- Danish children often use bamse as a generic term for any stuffed animal, regardless of whether the toy is actually a bear.
- The word bamse actually entered the Danish language from Norwegian rather than being an indigenous Danish word.
Examples in context
- Tom mistede sin bamse.Tom lost his teddy bear.This sentence shows how to use bamse when someone has lost their toy.Tatoeba #8237739 by danepo, translation #8187434 by Hybrid
- Hun krammede sin bamse.She hugged her teddy bear.This sentence shows how to use bamse when someone is hugging their toy.Tatoeba #10104210 by danepo, translation #7385314 by CH
- Jeg købte en fin teddybjørn til min nieceI bought a lovely teddy bear for my niece
- Min søn sover altid med sin bamseMy son always sleeps with his teddy bear
- Husk at tage din nalle med, når vi skal på ferieRemember to bring your teddy bear when we go on vacation
- Den lille bamse ligger på sengen.The little teddy bear is lying on the bed.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mette and Mads are looking for a gift for a child.
- MetteSkal vi købe en bamse til ham?Should we buy a teddy bear for him?
- MadsJa, han elsker sin bamse.Yes, he loves his teddy bear.
- MetteHvilken far er bedst, Mads?Which color is best, Mads?
- MadsJeg tror, den brune er fin.I think the brown one is fine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “teddy bear” translations and entries bamse, teddybjørn, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bamse, teddybjørn, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
