Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “what” in Danish! Whether you are planning a trip to Denmark, or simply interested in learning the language, this guide will help you navigate the various ways to express the concept of “what” in Danish. We will cover both formal and informal ways, focusing on the standard language with occasional mentions of regional variations.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “What”
When it comes to formal situations, such as speaking with strangers or in professional settings, it’s important to use proper Danish. Here are the formal ways to say “what” in Danish:
- Hvad? – This is the standard translation for “what” in Danish. It is the most commonly used and versatile term that works in various contexts. For example, if you want to ask “What is your name?” in a formal setting, you would say “Hvad er dit navn?”
- Hvad siger du? – If you couldn’t hear what someone said, you can ask “Hvad siger du?” which means “What are you saying?” This is a polite way to ask someone to repeat themselves.
- Jeg begriber ikke. – In formal situations, if you don’t understand what someone said, you can use this phrase which means “I don’t understand.” It conveys politeness and a desire for clarification.
Informal Ways to Say “What”
When speaking in casual or informal contexts, such as with friends or family, Danish offers some alternative ways to say “what”. Here are the informal ways:
- Hvad så? – This is a common way to say “what” in an informal way, similar to saying “what’s up?” in English. You can use it as a greeting or to ask what someone is doing. For example, “Hvad så, har du lyst til at gå ud?” means “What’s up, do you want to go out?”
- Hvad laver du? – In informal conversations, this phrase is used to ask “What are you doing?” in a casual manner. It’s a friendly way to initiate a conversation and show interest in the other person’s activities.
- Hvad mener du? – If you want to ask someone’s opinion in an informal setting, you can use this phrase, which means “What do you think?” It’s a great way to engage in a friendly discussion.
Regional Variations
Danish is spoken differently in various regions of Denmark, and there might be slight variations in the way “what” is expressed. Here are some regional variations you might encounter:
Hvad si’r du? – In some parts of Jutland, especially in the western region, it is common to hear this variation. It is similar to the standard Danish phrase “Hvad siger du?”
Keep in mind that the regional variations mentioned here are minor and not necessary to understand or speak Danish fluently. You can confidently use the standard phrases mentioned earlier throughout the country.
Tips for Using “What” in Danish
Now that we have covered the formal, informal, and regional ways to say “what” in Danish, let’s dive into some additional tips:
- Practice pronunciation: Danish pronunciation can be challenging, so make sure to practice the different sounds associated with “what.” Listen to native speakers, use language learning apps, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your own pronunciation.
- Immerse yourself in the language: Surround yourself with Danish content, such as movies, music, and podcasts. This will expose you to different contexts where “what” is used and deepen your understanding of the language.
- Learn common phrases: Expand your vocabulary by learning common phrases containing “what.” This will allow you to apply your knowledge in various situations. For example, phrases like “What time is it?” or “What do you mean?” can come in handy.
- Engage in conversation: Practice speaking Danish as much as possible. Find language exchange partners, join language learning communities, or even consider visiting Denmark to engage in real-life conversations. This will build your confidence and fluency in using “what” and other Danish phrases.
Remember, learning a language takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself and enjoy the process. Celebrate every small milestone as you progress towards becoming a proficient Danish speaker!
