Significado
Asking about desires.
Contexto cultural
The 'Ønskeseddel' (wish list) is essential. Danes often share digital lists (via apps like Ønskeskyen) months before Christmas. In Greenlandic Danish, 'ønsker' is used similarly, but gift-giving often involves traditional hand-made items or local food (kalaalimerngit). Faroese has a similar structure. Politeness in asking about desires is highly valued in the tight-knit community. In meetings, 'Hvad ønsker vi at opnå?' is a standard way to define goals without sounding too aggressive.
The 'Dig' Rule
Always add 'dig' (reflexive) if you are asking about a physical object someone wants to own.
Be Specific
When a Dane asks this, they expect a specific answer, not 'I don't know'.
Significado
Asking about desires.
The 'Dig' Rule
Always add 'dig' (reflexive) if you are asking about a physical object someone wants to own.
Be Specific
When a Dane asks this, they expect a specific answer, not 'I don't know'.
Don't over-use 'De'
Only use 'De' for the Queen or very elderly people. 'Du' is fine for 99% of situations.
Softening the blow
Adding 'kunne' (Hvad kunne du ønske dig?) makes it sound even more polite and hypothetical.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the missing verb to ask what someone wants for their birthday.
Hvad _______ du dig til din fødselsdag?
'Ønsker' is the correct verb for making a wish or asking for a gift.
Which sentence is the most polite way to ask a guest what they want to drink?
Choose the best option:
'Ønsker' adds a layer of politeness suitable for hosting.
Complete the dialogue between a mother and her son.
Mor: Julen kommer snart! _________? Søn: Jeg ønsker mig en ny cykel!
The son's answer 'Jeg ønsker mig...' indicates the question was 'Hvad ønsker du dig?'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are at a high-end restaurant and the waiter approaches.
In a formal restaurant, the waiter will use 'ønsker' and the formal 'De'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Politeness Scale
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosHvad _______ du dig til din fødselsdag?
'Ønsker' is the correct verb for making a wish or asking for a gift.
Choose the best option:
'Ønsker' adds a layer of politeness suitable for hosting.
Mor: Julen kommer snart! _________? Søn: Jeg ønsker mig en ny cykel!
The son's answer 'Jeg ønsker mig...' indicates the question was 'Hvad ønsker du dig?'.
Situation: You are at a high-end restaurant and the waiter approaches.
In a formal restaurant, the waiter will use 'ønsker' and the formal 'De'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasNot at all! It's the standard way to ask about birthday or Christmas wishes among friends and family.
'Ønske' is a desire for something specific (I wish for a car). 'Håbe' is a hope for an outcome (I hope it doesn't rain).
Only if the person is receiving something for themselves. 'Hvad ønsker du at spise?' (No 'dig'). 'Hvad ønsker du dig til jul?' (Yes 'dig').
Yes, as a customer you can say 'Jeg ønsker...', but 'Jeg vil gerne have...' is more common.
You use the same verb: 'Jeg ønsker dig en god fødselsdag!'.
No, in modern Danish the 'h' in 'hv-' words is always silent.
It is a 'wish list'. Danes are famous for being very organized with these for holidays.
Yes, but it's a 'softer' want. It's like 'would like' vs 'want'.
The most casual way is 'Hvad skal du ha'?' (What are you having?).
Round your lips as if to say 'o', but try to say 'e'. It's similar to the 'i' in 'bird'.
No, for hypothetical 'I wish' (counter-factual), Danes use 'Jeg ville ønske, at...'.
It can be blunt. If a waiter says it, it might feel slightly impatient.
Frases relacionadas
Hvad kunne du tænke dig?
similarWhat would you like?
Jeg ønsker mig...
builds onI wish for...
Ønskekvist
specialized formDowsing rod
Hvad vil du have?
contrastWhat do you want to have?
Håbe
similarTo hope
