Basic Verbs

1. at gå

   To go

   Usage

   The key motion verb; combine it with a destination

   Grammar Note

   The infinitive marker is "at"; "gå" is to go on foot, by vehicle it is "at køre"

2. at komme

   To come

   Usage

   Used when a person or a vehicle arrives

   Grammar Note

   Present tense "kommer"; Danish verbs do not change by person

3. at spise

   To eat

   Usage

   The basic verb for anything about meals

   Grammar Note

   Present tense "spiser"

4. at drikke

   To drink

   Usage

   For ordering or declining drinks

   Grammar Note

   Present tense "drikker"

5. at købe

   To buy

   Usage

   Shopping verb; pair it with the item name

   Grammar Note

   Present tense "køber"

6. at se

   To see

   Usage

   For sightseeing, and for asking to be shown an item

   Grammar Note

   "Se" is perceiving; "kigge" is looking deliberately

7. at vente

   To wait

   Usage

   For queues and for explaining a meeting arrangement

   Grammar Note

   "To wait for" is "at vente på"

8. Jeg vil gerne derhen

   I want to go

   Usage

   The standard way to state a destination; add a place name

   Grammar Note

   "Gerne" softens the wish; name a place with "til": "Jeg vil gerne til Odense"

9. Jeg vil gerne spise

   I want to eat

   Usage

   State what you feel like eating; add the dish name

10. Jeg vil gerne have det her

    I want it

    Usage

    Point at an item and say you would like it

    Grammar Note

    Say it while pointing; "det her" means "this one"

11. Det behøver jeg ikke

    I don't need it

    Usage

    Decline a bag, a receipt, or anything else you do not need

12. Jeg leder efter

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

    Say what you are trying to find, place or object

    Grammar Note

    Add the object: "Jeg leder efter stationen"

13. Jeg har det

    I have it

    Usage

    States possession; used to confirm tickets or bookings

14. Jeg har det ikke

    I don't have it

    Usage

    States you do not have it, e.g. no cash on you

15. Jeg vil gerne hæve penge

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

    State your intent at an ATM or a bank

    Grammar Note

    A cash machine is "en hæveautomat"

16. Jeg vil gerne bestille

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

    For booking a table or a room

17. Kan du hjælpe mig?

    Can you help me?

    Usage

    Ask for concrete help: carrying a bag, working a machine

    Grammar Note

    Danish uses "du" freely; politeness comes from tone rather than pronouns

18. Fortæl mig det, tak

    Please tell me

    Usage

    Prefaces a question when you want information

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