Bedeutung
Something is illogical.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Danish work culture is very flat. Using 'Det giver ingen mening' to a superior is not seen as an insult but as a sign of engagement and critical thinking. Teachers frequently use 'Giver det mening?' to check if students follow. Students are encouraged to say 'Det giver ingen mening' if they are confused. Danes use irony heavily. Sometimes 'Det giver god mening' is said with a specific tone to mean the exact opposite. While Danish is used, local languages have their own idioms, but 'at give mening' is widely understood and used in Danish-language administration there.
The 'Bare' Trick
Add 'bare' (just) to sound more native: 'Det giver bare ingen mening.' It adds a touch of natural frustration.
Avoid 'Lave'
Never say 'Det laver mening'. It is the #1 sign of an English speaker and sounds very 'danglish'.
Bedeutung
Something is illogical.
The 'Bare' Trick
Add 'bare' (just) to sound more native: 'Det giver bare ingen mening.' It adds a touch of natural frustration.
Avoid 'Lave'
Never say 'Det laver mening'. It is the #1 sign of an English speaker and sounds very 'danglish'.
The Sarcastic Nod
If a Dane says 'Det giver god mening' while rolling their eyes, they mean the exact opposite. Watch for body language!
Teste dich selbst
Which verb is correct in this Danish idiom?
Det ______ ingen mening.
In Danish, we always use the verb 'at give' (to give) with 'mening'.
Complete the sentence to say 'It makes no sense at all'.
Det giver ___________ ingen mening.
'Overhovedet' is the standard intensifier for 'not at all' in Danish.
Match the situation to the correct variation of the phrase.
Situation: Your boss explains a very clear and smart new plan.
When you agree and understand, you use 'god mening' (good sense).
What would a Dane say here?
A: Jeg har købt en ismaskine, men jeg kan ikke lide is. B: ___________________
Buying an ice cream maker when you don't like ice cream is illogical.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Danish vs English Logic
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenDet ______ ingen mening.
In Danish, we always use the verb 'at give' (to give) with 'mening'.
Det giver ___________ ingen mening.
'Overhovedet' is the standard intensifier for 'not at all' in Danish.
Situation: Your boss explains a very clear and smart new plan.
When you agree and understand, you use 'god mening' (good sense).
A: Jeg har købt en ismaskine, men jeg kan ikke lide is. B: ___________________
Buying an ice cream maker when you don't like ice cream is illogical.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, but you must add 'nogen': 'Det giver ikke nogen mening'. 'Det giver ingen mening' is more common.
In Denmark, no. It is seen as being 'saglig' (objective). Just keep your tone neutral.
'Mening' is logic/opinion. 'Betydning' is importance or literal definition.
You say 'Nu giver det mening' or 'Nu giver det god mening'.
No, you don't say 'Han giver ingen mening' about a person's character, only about their words or actions.
Yes, 'Det er helt sort' (It's completely black) is a very common slang alternative.
Absolutely. 'Regnestykket giver ingen mening' is perfect.
Yes: 'Det gav ingen mening' (It made no sense).
Yes, it is very common in emails, journalism, and literature.
The opposite is 'Det giver god mening' (That makes good sense).
Verwandte Redewendungen
Det er helt sort
synonymIt's completely black / incomprehensible
Det hænger ikke sammen
similarIt doesn't hang together
Det giver god mening
contrastThat makes good sense
Hvad mener du?
builds onWhat do you mean?
Meningsløst
specialized formMeaningless
