B1 adjective 11 min de lectura

tør

free from moisture or liquid

At the A1 level, the word 'tør' is introduced as a basic physical descriptor. Students learn it primarily as the opposite of 'våd' (wet). The focus is on everyday objects and simple states. For example, a student might learn to say 'Mit tøj er tørt' (My clothes are dry) or 'Jeg har tørre hænder' (I have dry hands). At this stage, the grammatical distinction between 'tør' (common) and 'tørt' (neuter) is introduced but often requires frequent correction. The emphasis is on recognizing the word in the context of weather—specifically 'tørvejr'—and simple hygiene. Learners are encouraged to use it in very short, subject-verb-adjective sentences. The goal is simply to communicate the absence of water. Visual aids, like a picture of a desert vs. a rainy street, are used to reinforce the concept. Students also encounter 'tør' in basic compound words like 'tørretumbler' (tumble dryer) which they might see in a shared laundry room (vaskeri) in a Danish apartment building. The pronunciation, with its soft 'r' and short 'ø', is also a key focus, as it can be difficult for English speakers to distinguish from other similar sounds.
At the A2 level, learners begin to use 'tør' in more varied contexts, including food and basic social interactions. They learn to describe food that is overcooked, such as 'Kødet er tørt', and use it to describe the weather more accurately ('Det bliver en tør dag'). The grammatical agreement becomes more consistent, with students correctly applying 'tørt' to neuter nouns like 'brød' or 'græs'. They also start to encounter the plural form 'tørre' in sentences like 'De tørre blade falder af træerne' (The dry leaves fall off the trees). At this stage, learners might also be introduced to the word in the context of shopping, specifically for skincare products ('creme til tør hud'). The focus shifts from just 'not wet' to a more nuanced understanding of 'lack of moisture'. They can participate in simple conversations about the weather or their daily routines using 'tør'. For instance, explaining why they need to hang up the laundry or why they need a drink of water. The distinction between 'tør' (adjective) and 'tør' (dare) might be mentioned as a curiosity, but the primary focus remains on the adjective.
At the B1 level, the learner's understanding of 'tør' expands into the figurative and idiomatic. This is where the concept of 'tør humor' (dry humor) is introduced, which is essential for understanding Danish culture. Students learn that 'tør' can describe a person's personality or a style of communication. They also encounter the word in the context of beverages, specifically 'tør vin' (dry wine). The grammar becomes more sophisticated, with learners using comparative and superlative forms like 'tørrere' and 'tørrest' correctly in context. For example, 'Denne sommer er tørrere end den sidste'. B1 students also start to recognize common idioms like 'at have sit på det tørre' (to be safe/secure). They are expected to distinguish between 'tør' (adjective) and 'tør' (dare) based on sentence structure without confusion. In writing, they can use 'tør' to add detail to descriptions of landscapes, climates, or personal experiences. The word becomes a tool for more nuanced expression, allowing the student to describe not just the physical world but also social atmospheres and character traits. They also learn to use 'tør' in professional contexts, such as 'tørre tal' (dry numbers/facts).
At the B2 level, learners are expected to have a fluid and natural command of 'tør'. They use it effortlessly in all its grammatical forms and can switch between literal and figurative meanings without hesitation. They understand the subtle difference between 'tør' and its synonyms like 'udtørret' or 'visnet' and can choose the most appropriate word for the context. For instance, in a discussion about climate change, a B2 student might use 'udtørret' to describe a riverbed to convey a sense of loss or damage. They are also comfortable with more complex idioms and can use 'tør humor' in their own speech to build rapport with Danes. In professional or academic writing, they use 'tør' to critique the style of a text ('En anelse for tør i sin fremstilling'). They also understand the nuances of 'tør' in technical fields, such as 'tørstof' (dry matter) in science or 'tørbyggeri' (dry construction). At this level, the learner is also aware of the historical development of the word and its relationship to other Germanic languages, which helps in understanding more obscure literary uses. They can engage in deep discussions about cultural differences in humor, using 'tør' as a key descriptor for the Danish approach.
At the C1 level, the word 'tør' is used with high precision and stylistic awareness. The learner can detect the subtle connotations of the word in literature, where it might be used to evoke a sense of sterility, age, or emotional coldness. They are proficient in using 'tør' in sophisticated idiomatic expressions and can even play with the word's multiple meanings for rhetorical effect. For example, they might use 'tør' to describe a political debate that was 'tør' both in its lack of excitement and its focus on 'tørre tal'. The C1 learner also understands the regional variations in how 'tør' might be used or pronounced across Denmark. They can handle complex grammatical structures where 'tør' is part of a larger adjectival phrase or a compound noun. Their vocabulary includes rare or specialized terms related to 'tør', such as 'tørlægning' (drainage of land). In professional settings, they can use 'tør' to describe abstract concepts like 'tør lovgivning' (dry/technical legislation) with the correct level of formality. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a versatile instrument in their linguistic repertoire, used to convey specific moods and analytical insights.
At the C2 level, the learner has reached a native-like mastery of 'tør'. They can use the word with all its cultural, historical, and emotional weight. They are familiar with its use in classical Danish literature and can interpret its meaning in archaic or poetic contexts. A C2 learner can intuitively sense when 'tør' is being used ironically or as part of a very specific cultural reference. They are also able to use the word in extremely specialized fields—such as oenology (wine study), geology, or literary theory—with total accuracy. They can distinguish between the finest shades of meaning, such as the difference between a 'tør' remark and a 'spydig' (snide) one. Their use of idioms involving 'tør' is flawless and naturally integrated into their speech. They could, for instance, lead a seminar on 'Dansk tør humor' and explain its sociolinguistic roots. At this level, the learner might even contribute to the evolution of the word's usage in contemporary Danish through creative writing or public speaking. The distinction between 'tør' (dry) and its homophones is so ingrained that it is processed entirely unconsciously, even in the most complex and ambiguous sentences.

tør en 30 segundos

  • Tør means dry, the opposite of wet (våd).
  • It changes to tørt (neuter) and tørre (plural/definite).
  • It describes weather, wine, skin, and deadpan humor.
  • Don't confuse it with the verb 'tør' (to dare).

The Danish word tør primarily functions as an adjective meaning 'dry'—the state of being free from moisture, liquid, or dampness. While its literal application to physical objects like laundry, soil, or skin is the most common, its utility in the Danish language extends far into figurative and specialized domains. Understanding 'tør' requires a grasp of its grammatical transformations: it becomes tørt when describing neuter nouns (et-words) and tørre when used with plural nouns or in the definite form. This word is fundamental for daily survival in Denmark, a country known for its unpredictable weather where the transition from 'våd' (wet) to 'tør' is a constant topic of conversation.

Physical State
Used to describe anything that has lost its moisture, such as 'tørt tøj' (dry clothes) or 'tør jord' (dry earth). It is the opposite of 'våd' (wet) or 'fugtig' (moist).
Culinary Usage
In the context of wine, 'tør' signifies a lack of residual sugar, mirroring the English 'dry wine'. In cooking, it can be negative, describing meat that has been overcooked and lost its juices ('kødet er tørt').
Personality and Humor
Danes are famous for 'tør humor' (dry humor)—a deadpan, understated wit that relies on irony rather than slapstick. A person might also be described as 'en tør kiks' (a dry biscuit) if they are perceived as boring or overly formal.

Efter en lang dag i regnen er det dejligt endelig at få noget tørt tøj på.

Beyond these basics, 'tør' appears in the meteorological term 'tørvejr', which specifically refers to a period without precipitation. For a learner at the B1 level, recognizing the difference between the adjective 'tør' and the present tense verb 'tør' (from 'at turde', meaning 'to dare') is a critical milestone. While they look identical, their placement in a sentence—one following a noun or 'at være', the other functioning as a modal verb followed by another verb—usually clarifies the meaning. Furthermore, 'tør' is used to describe the climate, where a 'tørt klima' implies an arid environment, contrasting with the 'fugtigt klima' (humid climate) often found in coastal regions.

Denne hvidvin er meget tør, hvilket passer godt til fisken.

In professional settings, you might encounter 'tørre tal' (dry numbers). This refers to raw data or statistics presented without emotional context or narrative flourish. It is a common phrase in business and journalism. Another common usage is in skincare; 'tør hud' (dry skin) is a frequent complaint during the cold Danish winters when indoor heating strips moisture from the air. In such cases, 'tør' is not just a description but a call to action for 'fugtighedscreme' (moisturizer).

Han leverede de tørre tal uden at fortrække en mine.

Environmental Context
A 'tør sommer' (dry summer) in Denmark is often celebrated by sun-seekers but feared by farmers whose crops might suffer from 'tørke' (drought).

Min hals føles helt tør; må jeg få et glas vand?

Mastering 'tør' involves navigating its three forms: tør (common gender singular), tørt (neuter gender singular), and tørre (plural or definite). The placement of the adjective determines which form to use. If you are describing a 'mand' (common), he is 'tør'. If you describe 'brød' (neuter), it is 'tørt'. If you describe 'blade' (plural leaves), they are 'tørre'. This grammatical agreement is the backbone of Danish adjective usage and applies to 'tør' just as it does to 'rød' or 'stor'.

Predictive Usage
When the adjective follows a verb like 'at være' (to be) or 'at blive' (to become): 'Vasketøjet er tørt' (The laundry is dry). Here, the adjective must agree with the subject 'vasketøjet' (neuter).
Attributive Usage
When the adjective comes before the noun: 'En tør kiks' (A dry biscuit). 'Det tørre græs' (The dry grass). Notice how the definite article 'det' forces the adjective into the 'e' form (tørre).

Vi har brug for mere regn, fordi jorden er alt for tør.

In everyday conversation, you will often use 'tør' to describe physical sensations. 'Jeg er tør i munden' (I am dry in the mouth/thirsty) or 'Mine øjne er tørre' (My eyes are dry). In these instances, the word is used exactly like its English counterpart. However, pay attention to the comparative and superlative forms: tørrere (drier) and tørrest (driest). For example, 'I dag er vejret tørrere end i går' (Today the weather is drier than yesterday).

Dette er den tørreste sommer i mands minde.

Furthermore, 'tør' is used in compound words that are vital for B1 learners to recognize. 'Tørshampoo' (dry shampoo), 'tørfoder' (dry food for pets), and 'tørretumbler' (tumble dryer). The root 'tør' remains constant, providing a clear hint to the object's function. When using 'tør' to describe a person's demeanor, it usually implies a lack of emotion or excitement. 'Hans tale var meget tør' (His speech was very dry/dull). This usage is slightly more advanced but very common in academic or professional critiques.

Abstract Sentences
'Analysen var tør, men informativ.' (The analysis was dry but informative). Here, it refers to the style of presentation.

Kan du mærke, om vasketøjet er blevet tørt endnu?

In Denmark, the word tør is ubiquitous, appearing in contexts ranging from the mundane to the sophisticated. You will hear it most frequently in the home, specifically in the laundry room or kitchen. Parents will ask children, 'Er dine sokker tørre?' (Are your socks dry?) or check the 'opvask' (dishes) to see if they are 'tørre' before putting them away. In the kitchen, 'tørt brød' (dry/stale bread) is a common complaint, often leading to the making of 'arme riddere' (French toast).

Weather Reports
Meteorologists on DR1 or TV2 will frequently use 'tørt' to describe the forecast. 'Det bliver tørt og solrigt' (It will be dry and sunny). This is a welcome phrase in a country with high annual rainfall.
Wine Tastings and Restaurants
When ordering wine, 'en tør hvidvin' is a standard request for those who prefer less sweetness. Waiters will often clarify: 'Er den for tør til jeres smag?' (Is it too dry for your taste?).

I aften lover de tørvejr i hele landet.

In the workplace, particularly in fields like accounting, law, or engineering, 'tør' is used to describe the nature of materials or presentations. A 'tør præsentation' is one that sticks to the facts without much visual aid or storytelling. While it might sound like a criticism in English, in Danish, it can sometimes be a neutral observation of professional rigor. However, if someone calls a colleague 'tør', they usually mean the person lacks charisma or is overly focused on rules.

Husk at bruge creme, hvis du har tør hud efter svømmeturen.

Finally, in the beauty and health industry, 'tør' is a keyword. Advertisements for 'tørshampoo' or lotions for 'tørre hænder' (dry hands) are everywhere, especially during the winter months. Pharmacists will often ask if you have a 'tør hoste' (dry cough) vs. a 'våd hoste' (productive cough) to determine which medicine you need. This distinction is vital for getting the correct treatment.

Medical Context
'Tør hoste' is a common term used in pharmacies and by doctors to describe a non-productive cough.

Denne kiks er alt for tør uden kaffe.

For English speakers learning Danish, the word tør presents two major hurdles: grammatical agreement and homophones. The most frequent error is failing to add the -t when describing a neuter noun. English only has 'dry', but Danish has 'tør' and 'tørt'. Saying 'Håndklædet er tør' instead of 'Håndklædet er tørt' is a classic mistake that marks a learner. Always identify the gender of the noun before applying the adjective.

The Homophone Trap
The word 'tør' is also the present tense form of the verb 'at turde' (to dare). 'Jeg tør ikke springe' means 'I don't dare to jump'. This has nothing to do with moisture. Beginners often get confused when they see 'tør' in a sentence where it doesn't seem to mean 'dry'.
The Verb 'at tørre'
Confusion also arises between the adjective 'tør' and the present tense of the verb 'at tørre' (to dry), which is 'tørrer'. 'Han tørrer bordet' (He dries the table) vs. 'Bordet er tørt' (The table is dry). The extra 'r' and 'e' in the verb form are crucial.

Fejl: Vejret er tørt i dag. (Correct if referring to weather in general, but if you mean 'a dry day', it's 'en tør dag').

Another subtle mistake involves the plural form 'tørre'. Learners often forget to double the 'r' when adding the 'e'. Writing 'tøre' is incorrect. The double 'r' is necessary to maintain the short vowel sound. Additionally, using 'tør' for 'thirsty' can be tricky. While 'tør i munden' is correct, the more common way to say 'I am thirsty' is 'Jeg er tørstig'. Using 'tør' on its own to mean thirsty (like in some dialects of English) does not work in Danish.

Vigtigt: 'Jeg tør godt' (I dare) vs. 'Det smager tørt' (It tastes dry).

Finally, be careful with the phrase 'at have sit på det tørre'. This is an idiom meaning to be safe or financially secure. Learners might translate it literally as 'having something on the dry', which makes no sense in English. Conversely, trying to use English idioms like 'dry run' in Danish by translating them literally as 'tør kørsel' will result in confusion; the Danish equivalent is 'generalprøve'.

Idiomatic False Friends
Don't translate 'dry as a bone' literally. Danes say 'tør som en pind' (dry as a stick) or 'knastør' (bone dry/knot dry).

Husk: Tørre (plural) vs. Tørrer (verb present tense).

While tør is the most versatile word for 'dry', Danish offers several alternatives depending on the intensity or the specific context. Understanding these nuances can elevate your Danish from functional to fluent. For instance, when something is extremely dry, Danes use the prefix 'knas-' to form knastør. This is often used for wood, soil, or even a very dry cake. It literally evokes the sound of something dry snapping (knas).

Visnet
Used specifically for plants or flowers that have dried up and died. 'En visnet blomst' (A withered flower) is more descriptive than just 'en tør blomst'.
Udtørret
This means 'dried out' or 'desiccated'. It often implies a process that has gone too far, like 'en udtørret sø' (a dried-up lake) or 'udtørret hud' (severely dehydrated skin).
Kedelig
While 'kedelig' usually means 'boring', it is the best alternative when 'tør' is used to describe a person or a book. If a lecture is 'tør', it is almost certainly 'kedelig'.

Brændet skal være knastørt, før man kan tænde op i pejsen.

In the world of wine and beverages, tør is contrasted with sød (sweet) or halvtør (semi-dry). If you find a wine too dry, you might look for something 'frugtig' (fruity) or 'saftig' (juicy). In a culinary sense, the opposite of a 'tør steg' (dry roast) is a 'saftig steg'. Using these specific antonyms helps clarify exactly what quality you are looking for.

Floden er helt udtørret efter hedebølgen.

For abstract concepts, 'tør' can be replaced by saglig (objective/matter-of-fact) or lakonisk (laconic). If a person's humor is 'tør', it might also be described as underfundig (quirky/subtle) or ironisk (ironic). These words capture the specific flavor of Danish 'tør humor' more precisely. Finally, 'vissen' is another word for 'withered', often used metaphorically for things that have lost their vitality, like 'vissen kærlighed' (withered love).

Comparison: Tør vs. Fugtig
'Tør' is 0% moisture, 'fugtig' is 10-30% moisture (damp), and 'våd' is 100% moisture. Choosing between 'tør' and 'fugtig' is common when talking about basements or laundry.

Hans underfundige bemærkninger er altid meget morsomme.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Analysen præsenterer de tørre fakta uden bias."

Neutral

"Vejret bliver tørt i morgen."

Informal

"Han er sgu en tør kiks."

Child friendly

"Se, dine sokker er helt tørre nu!"

Jerga

"Det var en tør omgang, mand."

Dato curioso

The English word 'thirst' and the Danish 'tørst' are related to the same root as 'tør', emphasizing the lack of liquid.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /tœɐ̯/
US /tər/
Single syllable, primary stress on the vowel.
Rima con
bør gør smør skør dør før slør hør
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r'.
  • Making the 'ø' sound too much like 'o'.
  • Confusing the pronunciation with 'tø' (thaw).
  • Not shortening the vowel enough.
  • Over-emphasizing the ending in 'tørt'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize, but watch out for the homophone 'tør' (dare).

Escritura 3/5

Requires remembering the -t for neuter and double -r for plural.

Expresión oral 3/5

The 'ø' sound and soft 'r' can be tricky for beginners.

Escucha 2/5

Clear sound, but context is needed to distinguish from the verb.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

våd vand vejr tøj være

Aprende después

tørstig tørre (verb) fugtig tørke turde

Avanzado

tørlægge tørstof underfundig lakonisk asketisk

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective Agreement

En tør klud, et tørt håndklæde, de tørre bukser.

Double Consonants

The 'r' is doubled in 'tørre' to preserve the vowel quality.

Comparative Forms

Tør -> tørrere -> tørrest.

Compound Nouns

Tør + vejr = tørvejr. The first part describes the second.

Homophones

Jeg tør (dare) vs. Den er tør (dry).

Ejemplos por nivel

1

Min trøje er tør nu.

My sweater is dry now.

Common gender singular adjective.

2

Er jorden tør?

Is the ground dry?

Question form with adjective.

3

Jeg har tørre hænder.

I have dry hands.

Plural form 'tørre'.

4

Det er tørvejr i dag.

It is dry weather today.

Compound noun 'tørvejr'.

5

Håndklædet er tørt.

The towel is dry.

Neuter singular 'tørt' (et håndklæde).

6

Glasset er tørt.

The glass is dry.

Neuter singular 'tørt' (et glas).

7

Solen gør græsset tørt.

The sun makes the grass dry.

Object complement.

8

Er dine sko tørre?

Are your shoes dry?

Plural form 'tørre'.

1

Dette brød er meget tørt.

This bread is very dry.

Neuter singular 'tørt' (et brød).

2

Vi skal bruge noget tørt brænde.

We need some dry firewood.

Neuter singular 'tørt' (et brænde).

3

Huden bliver tør om vinteren.

The skin becomes dry in the winter.

Common gender singular.

4

Er vasketøjet tørt?

Is the laundry dry?

Neuter singular 'tørt' (et vasketøj).

5

Jeg kan bedst lide tør hvidvin.

I like dry white wine best.

Common gender singular.

6

Der er tørt i kælderen.

It is dry in the basement.

Impersonal 'det er' usage.

7

Husk at tørre dine tørre fødder.

Remember to dry your dry feet.

Shows verb 'tørre' vs adjective 'tørre'.

8

Blomsterne er helt tørre.

The flowers are completely dry.

Plural form 'tørre'.

1

Han har en meget tør humor.

He has a very dry humor.

Figurative usage.

2

Artiklen var fuld af tørre tal.

The article was full of dry numbers.

Plural 'tørre' used figuratively.

3

Nu har han sit på det tørre.

Now he is safe/secure.

Idiomatic expression.

4

Det var en tør og kedelig tale.

It was a dry and boring speech.

Adjective describing style.

5

Er denne hvidvin tør eller sød?

Is this white wine dry or sweet?

Contrastive usage.

6

Min hals er tør, jeg trænger til vand.

My throat is dry, I need water.

Physical sensation.

7

Maleriets overflade er helt tør.

The painting's surface is completely dry.

Technical state.

8

De tørre fakta taler for sig selv.

The dry facts speak for themselves.

Definite plural 'tørre'.

1

Præsentationen var præget af en tør, saglig stil.

The presentation was characterized by a dry, objective style.

Nuanced descriptive usage.

2

Efter uger uden regn er flodlejet helt tørt.

After weeks without rain, the riverbed is completely dry.

Environmental description.

3

Han leverede joken med en tør konstatering.

He delivered the joke with a dry statement.

Adverbial-like adjective usage.

4

Bogen er en tør gennemgang af historien.

The book is a dry review of history.

Critical usage.

5

Vi foretrækker en tør champagne til velkomst.

We prefer a dry champagne for the welcome.

Specific culinary term.

6

Halsen føles tør efter den lange forelæsning.

The throat feels dry after the long lecture.

Resultative adjective.

7

Det tørre klima i regionen gør det svært at dyrke korn.

The dry climate in the region makes it hard to grow grain.

Definite singular 'tørre'.

8

Hans tørre bemærkning fik alle til at grine.

His dry remark made everyone laugh.

Social context.

1

Lovteksten er skrevet i et meget tørt sprog.

The legal text is written in a very dry language.

Stylistic critique.

2

Hun har en underfundig og tør måde at udtrykke sig på.

She has a subtle and dry way of expressing herself.

Complex personality description.

3

Regionen lider under en langvarig tør periode.

The region is suffering from a long-lasting dry period.

Formal environmental report.

4

Analysen er en tør, men nødvendig øvelse.

The analysis is a dry but necessary exercise.

Professional context.

5

Han bevarede sin tørre humor selv i svære tider.

He kept his dry humor even in difficult times.

Character trait.

6

Det tørre stof i mælken bestemmer dens kvalitet.

The dry matter in the milk determines its quality.

Technical/Scientific term.

7

Hendes stemme var tør og uden følelse.

Her voice was dry and without emotion.

Literary description.

8

Vinen efterlader en tør fornemmelse på tungen.

The wine leaves a dry sensation on the tongue.

Sensory description.

1

Værket er en tør, næsten asketisk, skildring af livet.

The work is a dry, almost ascetic, depiction of life.

High-level literary criticism.

2

Han besidder den tørreste vid, jeg nogensinde har mødt.

He possesses the driest wit I have ever encountered.

Superlative 'tørreste'.

3

Den tørre konstatering af fakta overskyggede debatten.

The dry statement of facts overshadowed the debate.

Sociopolitical analysis.

4

Hendes lakoniske og tørre stil er unik i dansk litteratur.

Her laconic and dry style is unique in Danish literature.

Academic literary analysis.

5

Tørlægningen af området har ændret økosystemet fundamentalt.

The drainage of the area has fundamentally changed the ecosystem.

Usage of related noun 'tørlægning'.

6

Der findes ingen tørre tal, kun tørre fortolkninger.

There are no dry numbers, only dry interpretations.

Philosophical wordplay.

7

Han trak tørt på skuldrene og gik sin vej.

He shrugged dryly and walked away.

Adverbial usage of neuter form.

8

Denne tørre, knitrende lyd er typisk for gammelt pergament.

This dry, crackling sound is typical of old parchment.

Sensory-rich description.

Colocaciones comunes

tør humor
tørt vejr
tør hvidvin
tørre tal
tør hud
tør hoste
tørt brød
tørt tøj
tørre øjne
tør sommer

Frases Comunes

at have sit på det tørre

i tørvejr

en tør kiks

tør som en pind

at tørre ud

tørre af

tørt og køligt

på tørre fødder

at tørre øjnene

en tør omgang

Se confunde a menudo con

tør vs tør (verb)

Present tense of 'at turde' (to dare). Example: 'Jeg tør ikke'.

tør vs tørrer (verb)

Present tense of 'at tørre' (to dry). Example: 'Han tørrer bordet'.

tør vs tørst (noun)

The noun 'thirst'. Example: 'Jeg har en stor tørst'.

Modismos y expresiones

"At have sit på det tørre"

To be safe and secure, especially financially.

Han har tjent nok til at have sit på det tørre resten af livet.

idiomatic

"En tør kiks"

A very boring or dull person.

Han er en tør kiks, der aldrig griner.

informal

"Tørre tal"

Statistics or data presented without any emotion or narrative.

Vi har brug for de tørre tal for at forstå budgettet.

neutral

"At tørre den af på nogen"

To blame someone else for something or give them a boring task.

Han tørrede opvasken af på sin lillebror.

informal

"I tørvejr"

Under cover from the rain.

Vi stod i tørvejr under halvtaget.

neutral

"Tør som en pind"

Very dry (about food or wood).

Husk at kødet ikke må blive tørt som en pind.

informal

"At løbe tør for"

To run out of something (though 'tør' here is an adverb).

Vi er løbet tør for mælk.

neutral

"En tør omgang"

Something very tedious or lacking excitement.

Foredraget var en tør omgang.

informal

"Tørre tårer"

To console someone (literally or figuratively).

Hun tørrede hans tårer efter faldet.

neutral

"På det tørre"

On dry land / out of danger.

Endelig var vi på det tørre igen.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

tør vs turde

The present tense is 'tør'.

'Tør' (adjective) describes a state. 'Tør' (verb) describes courage.

Han tør (dares) ikke røre det tørre (dry) græs.

tør vs tørrer

Sounds similar.

'Tør' is a state (dry), 'tørrer' is an action (is drying).

Solen tørrer tøjet, så det bliver tørt.

tør vs tørstig

Related meaning.

'Tørstig' is the adjective for a person who needs water. 'Tør' is the state of the mouth.

Jeg er tørstig, fordi min mund er tør.

tør vs vissen

Both mean 'not wet'.

'Vissen' implies something is dead/withered (plants). 'Tør' just means no water.

Blomsten er vissen og jorden er tør.

tør vs kedelig

Synonyms in social contexts.

'Kedelig' is boring in general. 'Tør' is boring because it lacks life/humor.

Filmen var tør og kedelig.

Patrones de oraciones

A1

[Noun] er tør/tørt.

Blusen er tør.

A2

Jeg har [Adjective] [Noun].

Jeg har tør hud.

B1

Det var en [Adjective] [Noun].

Det var en tør hvidvin.

B1

Han har [Adjective] humor.

Han har tør humor.

B2

At have sit på det [Adjective].

Nu har vi vores på det tørre.

C1

En [Adjective] gennemgang af [Noun].

En tør gennemgang af budgettet.

C2

[Noun] er [Comparative] end [Noun].

Denne sommer er tørrere end den forrige.

A1

Er [Noun] [Adjective]?

Er græsset tørt?

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high, especially in weather and daily chores.

Errores comunes
  • Håndklædet er tør. Håndklædet er tørt.

    Håndklæde is an et-word, so the adjective must end in -t.

  • Jeg tørre bordet. Jeg tørrer bordet.

    'Tørre' is the infinitive or plural adjective. The present tense verb needs an -r.

  • Mine sko er tøre. Mine sko er tørre.

    In plural, you must double the 'r' to keep the correct vowel sound.

  • Jeg er tør. Jeg er tørstig.

    To say 'I am thirsty', use 'tørstig'. 'Jeg er tør' sounds like you are physically not wet.

  • Det er en tørt dag. Det er en tør dag.

    'Dag' is an en-word, so you should not add the -t.

Consejos

Check the Noun

Always look at the noun's gender. 'En klud' -> 'tør'. 'Et tøj' -> 'tørt'. This is the most common mistake.

Embrace the Humor

Don't be offended by 'tør humor'. It's a sign that a Dane feels comfortable enough to be subtle with you.

Learn the Prefix

Remember 'knastør'. It's much more native-sounding than saying 'meget, meget tør'.

Soft 'r'

Practice the soft Danish 'r'. It shouldn't sound like the English 'r' in 'dry'.

Laundry Check

Use 'tør' daily when doing laundry. It's the best way to make the word stick.

Financial Safety

Use 'at have sit på det tørre' when talking about someone who has retired or sold a business.

Tørvejr

In Denmark, 'tørvejr' is a positive thing. Use it to express relief when the rain stops.

Stale Bread

If your bread is 'tørt', don't throw it out. Say 'det er tørt' and make French toast!

Skin Care

Look for 'tør hud' on labels in stores like Matas to find the right lotion.

Boring People

Be careful calling someone 'en tør kiks' to their face. It's funny but can be mean.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a 'T-shirt' that is 'Tør'. If it's ready to wear, it's tør.

Asociación visual

Imagine a desert with a giant letter 'Ø' in the middle of the sand. The 'Ø' is thirsty and 'tør'.

Word Web

Vejr Vin Humor Tøj Hud Tal Brød Hals

Desafío

Try to find five things in your room right now that are 'tørre' and three things that are 'våde'.

Origen de la palabra

From Old Norse 'þurr', which traces back to Proto-Germanic '*þurzu-'. It is cognate with English 'dry', German 'trocken', and Dutch 'droog'.

Significado original: The core meaning has always been 'withered' or 'lacking moisture'.

Indo-European, Germanic, North Germanic.

Contexto cultural

Calling someone 'en tør kiks' is mildly insulting, implying they are boring.

English speakers might find 'tør humor' more similar to British 'deadpan' than American 'slapstick'.

The TV show 'Klovn' is a prime example of tør humor. Danish weather forecasts on DR1. The idiom 'at have sit på det tørre' in political speeches.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Laundry

  • Er tøjet tørt?
  • Ind i tørretumbleren
  • Hæng det til tørre
  • Det er stadig vådt

Weather

  • Det holder tørt
  • Tørvejr i dag
  • En tør sommer
  • Mangel på regn

Dining

  • En tør hvidvin
  • Kødet er tørt
  • Tørt brød
  • Må jeg få noget vand?

Skincare

  • Tør hud
  • Creme til tørre hænder
  • Vinteren gør huden tør
  • Fugtighedscreme

Social

  • Tør humor
  • En tør kiks
  • Det var en tør tale
  • Tørre tal

Inicios de conversación

"Tror du, det holder tørt i eftermiddag?"

"Kan du bedst lide tør eller sød hvidvin?"

"Har du også problemer med tør hud om vinteren?"

"Hvad synes du om hans tørre humor?"

"Er vasketøjet blevet tørt endnu?"

Temas para diario

Beskriv en dag, hvor vejret endelig var tørt efter meget regn.

Hvem kender du, der har en meget tør humor? Giv et eksempel.

Hvad gør du, når du løber tør for energi eller motivation?

Beskriv følelsen af at få tørt tøj på efter at have været gennemblødt.

Skriv om en bog eller film, som du syntes var lidt for tør.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Usually, you use 'tørstig'. However, you can say 'Jeg er tør i munden' (I am dry in the mouth).

'Tør' is for common gender nouns (en-words), and 'tørt' is for neuter nouns (et-words). Example: 'En tør klud' vs. 'Et tørt håndklæde'.

Yes, especially when describing a speech, a book, or a person's personality. It implies a lack of excitement.

You use the word 'knastør'. It's a very common and expressive way to say something is completely dry.

Yes, but only as a verb. 'Jeg tør' means 'I dare'. You can tell the difference by the context.

It's an idiom meaning to be safe, secure, and out of trouble, usually financially.

It is a soft, vocalic 'r'. It's almost not there, but it colors the vowel 'ø'.

Yes, 'en tør vin' is the standard term for a wine that is not sweet.

It is one word. In Danish, we combine nouns to create new concepts.

The plural is 'tørre'. Note the double 'r'.

Ponte a prueba 180 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence describing the weather as dry.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence saying you have dry hands.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Ask if the towel is dry.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe a person with dry humor.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Say that the meat is too dry.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write that you prefer dry white wine.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use the idiom 'at have sit på det tørre' in a sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Say that the flowers are withered and dry.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe a book as a 'dry review'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write that the summer was the driest in many years.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Say you ran out of coffee.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Ask someone to wipe the table.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe the desert as bone dry.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Say the laundry is finally dry.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write that your throat is dry.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Ask for a dry cider.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe a dry cough.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Say the grass is dry after the sun.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write that the facts are dry but important.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe the basement as dry and cool.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce: tør

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce: tørt

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce: tørre

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: Vejret er tørt.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: Jeg har tør hud.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: Han har tør humor.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: Er tøjet tørt?

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: Knastørt brænde.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: Tørre tal.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: At have sit på det tørre.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: Tørvejr i morgen.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: En tør kiks.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: Tørrere end før.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: Det tørreste år.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: Tørshampoo.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: Tørfoder.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: Tørmælk.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: Tørre af.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: Tør hoste.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: Visne blade.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Vejret er tørt'. What is the state of the weather?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Er tøjet tørt?'. What is being asked?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Han er en tør kiks'. Is the person interesting?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Jeg har tørre hænder'. What part of the body is dry?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Vi har brug for tørvejr'. What do they want?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Det er en tør vin'. Is it sweet?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Kødet er tørt'. Is the food good?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Løbet tør for kaffe'. What is missing?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Tørre tal'. What does it refer to?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Knastørt brænde'. Is the wood ready for the fire?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Jeg tør ikke'. Does it mean 'I am not dry'?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Tørre tårer'. What is happening?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Tørshampoo'. What is it?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Tørre blade'. What season is it likely?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Tør hoste'. What kind of cough is it?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Tørre tider'. What does it imply?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Tørre fødder'. Are the feet wet?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Tørre øjne'. What is the problem?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Tørre kiks'. What is it plural of?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to 'Tørrere og tørrere'. What is happening?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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