Signification
To be tough or determined.
Contexte culturel
In Denmark, 'ben i næsen' is often used as a specific compliment for women to highlight their professional competence and independence. The flat hierarchy in Nordic workplaces means that having 'ben i næsen' (the courage to speak up) is highly valued at all levels of a company. Danish schools focus heavily on 'selvstændighed' (independence). Teachers often praise students who 'har ben i næsen' when they take initiative. On Danish LinkedIn, you will often see this phrase in 'About' sections or recommendations to signal a proactive work ethic.
Use it in Job Interviews
Danish employers love this phrase. It signals that you are proactive and don't need constant hand-holding.
Don't use 'knogler'
Even though 'knogler' means bones, saying 'knogler i næsen' will make people think you have a medical condition.
Signification
To be tough or determined.
Use it in Job Interviews
Danish employers love this phrase. It signals that you are proactive and don't need constant hand-holding.
Don't use 'knogler'
Even though 'knogler' means bones, saying 'knogler i næsen' will make people think you have a medical condition.
A Gender-Neutral Compliment
While historically used for women, it is now perfectly fine to use for men, children, or even organizations!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Min chef er meget stærk. Hun har ____ i ____.
The correct idiom is 'ben i næsen'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly to mean 'She is determined'?
Vælg den rigtige sætning:
The idiom 'at have ben i næsen' is used to describe someone who doesn't give up.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Tror du, Maria kan klare det svære projekt? B: Ja, helt sikkert. Hun ____.
In a work context, 'ben i næsen' is the perfect way to say someone is capable and tough.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
When to use it
Positive
- • Complimenting a boss
- • Praising a child
- • Job application
Negative
- • Funerals
- • Literal medical issues
- • Insulting someone
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesMin chef er meget stærk. Hun har ____ i ____.
The correct idiom is 'ben i næsen'.
Vælg den rigtige sætning:
The idiom 'at have ben i næsen' is used to describe someone who doesn't give up.
A: Tror du, Maria kan klare det svære projekt? B: Ja, helt sikkert. Hun ____.
In a work context, 'ben i næsen' is the perfect way to say someone is capable and tough.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot at all! It is a very positive compliment in Denmark.
Yes, but be careful not to sound too boastful. 'Jeg føler, jeg har ben i næsen' is a safe way to say it.
No. 'Stubborn' (stædig) is often negative. 'Ben i næsen' is positive determination.
Yes, Swedish has 'skinn på näsan' (skin on the nose), which means the same thing!
No, that sounds like you literally have bones in your nose. Stick to 'i næsen'.
It's neutral. You can use it with your friends or your boss.
You could say someone is 'vege' (weak/soft) or 'karakterløs' (lacking character).
The nose is the front of the face; it represents how you meet the world.
No, it is used every day in modern Denmark.
Yes, it's a very common way to describe a brave or independent child.
Expressions liées
At have rygrad
synonymTo have a backbone/moral integrity.
At tage bladet fra munden
similarTo speak one's mind openly.
At være hårdhudet
similarTo be thick-skinned.
At have krudt i måsen
contrastTo be hyperactive/full of energy.
