Bedeutung
Stating lack of funds.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Danes are generally very honest about their finances. It is not considered shameful to say you don't have money for a specific social outing. The 'Jantelov' influences how people talk about money. Flaunting wealth is frowned upon, so even wealthy people might say they 'don't have money' for something expensive to avoid looking boastful. In Denmark, the 'SU' (student grant) is well-known. Students often joke about having 'no money' at the end of the month, creating a sense of solidarity. Denmark is nearly cashless. If you say 'Jeg har ikke nogen penge', people might assume you mean on your 'MobilePay' or card, not just physical coins.
The 'Nogen' Rule
Remember: Negative = Nogen. Positive = Nogle. This applies to almost everything in Danish, not just money!
Don't be too blunt
If someone asks for a donation, add 'desværre' (unfortunately) to sound more polite.
Bedeutung
Stating lack of funds.
The 'Nogen' Rule
Remember: Negative = Nogen. Positive = Nogle. This applies to almost everything in Danish, not just money!
Don't be too blunt
If someone asks for a donation, add 'desværre' (unfortunately) to sound more polite.
Add 'på mig'
Adding 'på mig' (on me) clarifies that you aren't poor, you just don't have your wallet right now.
The 'Flad' Factor
If you want to sound 100% native with friends, say 'Jeg er helt flad' instead.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing word to complete the negative sentence.
Jeg har ikke ____ penge.
In Danish, 'nogen' is used for 'any' in negative sentences, especially with plural nouns like 'penge'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I'm broke' to a friend?
Choose the best option:
The first option is the standard neutral/informal way. The others are either too formal or grammatically incorrect.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Skal vi købe en is? B: Nej, desværre. ____.
The context of 'Nej, desværre' (No, unfortunately) implies a lack of funds.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You realize you forgot your wallet at the cafe.
'På mig' (on me) is the perfect addition for when you have money in the bank but not physically with you.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenJeg har ikke ____ penge.
In Danish, 'nogen' is used for 'any' in negative sentences, especially with plural nouns like 'penge'.
Choose the best option:
The first option is the standard neutral/informal way. The others are either too formal or grammatically incorrect.
A: Skal vi købe en is? B: Nej, desværre. ____.
The context of 'Nej, desværre' (No, unfortunately) implies a lack of funds.
Situation: You realize you forgot your wallet at the cafe.
'På mig' (on me) is the perfect addition for when you have money in the bank but not physically with you.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes! It means the exact same thing and is very common.
It is always plural. You can't say 'en penge'.
It's not rude if it's the truth, but it might be an awkward situation! Use 'Jeg har et problem med mit kort' if the card fails.
'Nogen' is for negatives/questions, 'nogle' is for positive statements.
'Jeg er flad' is the most common way.
No, it's a nasal 'ng' sound, like in 'sing'.
Probably not. It sounds too personal. Use 'Jeg søger nye udfordringer' instead.
Both! It's the general word for all money.
Say 'Jeg har ikke så mange penge' (I don't have that many money).
Because in Danish main clauses, the negation follows the finite verb.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Jeg er flad
similarI am broke (literally: I am flat)
Jeg har ingen penge
synonymI have no money
Jeg har masser af penge
contrastI have plenty of money
Jeg har ikke en krone
similarI don't have a single krone
Kontoen er tom
builds onThe account is empty
