Greetings

1. Hej

   Hello / Hi

   Usage

   The most common Danish greeting, used in all situations

   Grammar Note

   Identical to Swedish "Hej"; pan-Nordic greeting pronounced like "hey"

2. God morgen

   Good morning

   Usage

   Morning greeting used until around noon

   Grammar Note

   "God" pronounced "go" — final consonants often drop in Danish

3. Tak

   Thank you

   Usage

   The basic way to say thank you in Danish

   Grammar Note

   "Tak" is written but pronounced closer to "ta"; final k is weak in Danish

4. Undskyld

   Excuse me / Sorry

   Usage

   Used to get someone's attention or to apologize

   Grammar Note

   Pronounced "ON-skil"; from "undskylde" (to excuse/forgive)

5. Hvordan har du det?

   How are you?

   Usage

   Common follow-up to a greeting

   Grammar Note

   Same phrase as Norwegian; "det" is often pronounced with a silent "d"

6. Fint, tak

   Fine, thank you

   Usage

   Common response to "Hvordan har du det?"

   Grammar Note

   "Fint" is the neuter form of "fin" (fine/nice); used adverbially here

7. Hej hej

   Bye bye / Goodbye

   Usage

   Casual farewell used frequently in Denmark

   Grammar Note

   Repeating "Hej" creates the farewell meaning; a distinctly Danish pattern

8. Velkommen

   Welcome

   Usage

   Greet guests and visitors

   Grammar Note

   Identical in form and meaning in Danish and Norwegian (Bokmål)

9. Taler du engelsk?

   Do you speak English?

   Usage

   Use when there's a language barrier; Danes speak excellent English

   Grammar Note

   "Taler du" (do you speak) inverts verb and subject; parallel to Swedish "Talar du"

10. Hyggeligt at møde dig

    Nice to meet you

    Usage

    Greet someone when meeting for the first time

    Grammar Note

    "Hygge" (coziness/togetherness) is Denmark's iconic cultural concept; "hyggeligt" = pleasant

11. Hvor er toilettet?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Used to ask for the location of the toilet in public places or restaurants

    Grammar Note

    "Hvor" asks for location. "Toilettet" is the definite neuter form of "toilet"

12. Jeg taler ikke dansk

    I can't speak Danish

    Usage

    Used to let someone know you don't speak Danish

    Grammar Note

    Negation in Danish places "ikke" after the verb. "Taler" is the present tense of "tale"

13. Jeg kommer igen.

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop — a friendly way to signal you enjoyed it

14. Jeg havde det super sjovt.

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said when parting, to share how much you enjoyed it

15. Tak, vi ses!

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual farewell for someone you've become friendly with

16. God nat.

    Good night

    Usage

    Said just before going to sleep — not a farewell, but a bedtime greeting

17. Jeg går nu.

    I'm heading out

    Usage

    Said when leaving your lodging for a while

18. Jeg er hjemme.

    I'm back

    Usage

    Said upon returning to your lodging; literally "I'm home"

19. Jeg må desværre gå nu.

    I'll be going now

    Usage

    A polite phrase for excusing yourself when leaving before others

20. Selv tak.

    You're welcome

    Usage

    A reply when someone thanks you; literally "thanks to you too"

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