B1 Expression Neutral

at se det an

to wait and see

Significado

To observe before making a decision.

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Contexto cultural

Danes often use this phrase to avoid conflict. It's a 'soft' way to delay a decision without being rude. In Danish companies, 'at se det an' is a valid strategic stance, reflecting a preference for data over gut feeling. When invited to something vague, a Dane might say this to keep their options open without committing. In Jutland, this phrase is often delivered with a characteristic 'jyde' stoicism, implying a deep skepticism.

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The 'Lige' Trick

Danes almost always add 'lige' (just) to this phrase: 'Jeg ser det lige an.' It makes it sound much more natural and less heavy.

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Don't forget the object

You cannot just say 'Jeg ser an.' You must have 'det', 'den', or a noun in the middle.

Significado

To observe before making a decision.

🎯

The 'Lige' Trick

Danes almost always add 'lige' (just) to this phrase: 'Jeg ser det lige an.' It makes it sound much more natural and less heavy.

⚠️

Don't forget the object

You cannot just say 'Jeg ser an.' You must have 'det', 'den', or a noun in the middle.

💬

Polite Rejection

If a salesperson is pushy, 'Jeg skal lige se det an' is the perfect polite way to walk away.

Ponte a prueba

Fill in the missing words to say 'I want to wait and see the situation.'

Jeg vil gerne ___ situationen ___.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: se, an

The phrase is 'at se [noget] an'.

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

Choose the right word order:

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Jeg ser det an.

The pronoun 'det' must come between the verb and the particle.

Complete the dialogue.

A: Skal vi købe aktier nu? B: Nej, lad os lige ___ ___ ___.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: se det an

'Se det an' refers to the general situation of buying stocks.

Match the phrase variation to the context.

Match 'Se giraffen an' with its best context:

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Meeting a new famous boss

'Se giraffen an' is used for meeting notable or new people.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Ayudas visuales

Common Objects for 'Se ... an'

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Situations

  • Vejret
  • Situationen
  • Tiden
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People

  • Den nye chef
  • En date
  • Modstanderen

Banco de ejercicios

4 ejercicios
Fill in the missing words to say 'I want to wait and see the situation.' Fill Blank A2

Jeg vil gerne ___ situationen ___.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: se, an

The phrase is 'at se [noget] an'.

Which sentence is grammatically correct? Choose B1

Choose the right word order:

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Jeg ser det an.

The pronoun 'det' must come between the verb and the particle.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B1

A: Skal vi købe aktier nu? B: Nej, lad os lige ___ ___ ___.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: se det an

'Se det an' refers to the general situation of buying stocks.

Match the phrase variation to the context. situation_matching B2

Match 'Se giraffen an' with its best context:

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Meeting a new famous boss

'Se giraffen an' is used for meeting notable or new people.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes! 'At se nogen an' means to size someone up or observe them before forming an opinion.

It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.

'Se det an' is for a specific thing (like a car), while 'se tiden an' is for waiting for the right moment.

No, the object must come before 'an'.

No, it means to evaluate or observe with a purpose.

No, it's a verbal particle that changes the meaning of 'se'.

Use 'at afvente situationen'.

Yes: 'Jeg så det an'.

Extremely. It fits the stereotypical Jutlandic caution.

Only if you are deciding whether to eat it (e.g., if it looks old).

Frases relacionadas

🔗

at se tiden an

similar

To wait for time to pass.

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at slå koldt vand i blodet

builds on

To stay calm and wait.

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at afvente

synonym

To await.

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at sondere terrænet

specialized form

To scout the terrain.

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