Signification
To finish something unpleasant.
Contexte culturel
Danes value 'ærlighed' (honesty) about work. It is not considered rude to tell a colleague that you just want to get a meeting 'overstået'. The concept of 'sure pligter' (sour duties) is common across the Nordics. It refers to the necessary but boring tasks of life that must be endured. In Danish flat hierarchies, even a boss might use this phrase to signal that they also find a bureaucratic task tedious, creating a sense of solidarity with employees. The 'overstået' feeling is a major part of the Danish 'Studenterkørsel' (graduation truck rides). The celebration is so intense because the exams are finally 'overstået'.
The 'Få' vs 'Have' trick
Use 'få' when you are talking about the future ('I need to get this done') and 'have' when you are in the middle of it or just finished.
Watch the object!
Always put the thing you are finishing *before* the word 'overstået'. 'Jeg har det overstået' - NOT 'Jeg har overstået det'.
Signification
To finish something unpleasant.
The 'Få' vs 'Have' trick
Use 'få' when you are talking about the future ('I need to get this done') and 'have' when you are in the middle of it or just finished.
Watch the object!
Always put the thing you are finishing *before* the word 'overstået'. 'Jeg har det overstået' - NOT 'Jeg har overstået det'.
Honesty is key
Don't be afraid to use this phrase with Danes. It shows you understand the value of getting the work done so you can relax.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the sentence: 'I want to get the exam over with.'
Jeg vil ____ min eksamen ____.
The standard construction is 'have [object] overstået'.
Which situation is appropriate for using 'at have det overstået'?
Hvornår siger man 'Jeg vil have det overstået'?
The phrase is only used for unpleasant or dreaded tasks.
Complete the dialogue between two colleagues.
A: Er du klar til det lange budgetmøde? B: Nej, men lad os bare ____.
'Få det overstået' is the most natural way to suggest finishing a tedious meeting.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesJeg vil ____ min eksamen ____.
The standard construction is 'have [object] overstået'.
Hvornår siger man 'Jeg vil have det overstået'?
The phrase is only used for unpleasant or dreaded tasks.
A: Er du klar til det lange budgetmøde? B: Nej, men lad os bare ____.
'Få det overstået' is the most natural way to suggest finishing a tedious meeting.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, but it usually implies the project was stressful or you are tired of it.
Yes, if you are talking about a specific task like 'månedsrapporten'. It shows you are focused on finishing it.
'Færdig' is neutral. 'Overstået' implies you are glad it's done because it wasn't fun.
No. You can't have a person 'overstået' unless you are talking about a very unpleasant meeting with them.
It's a past participle acting like an adjective in this phrase.
Expressions liées
at være færdig
similarTo be finished
at lægge noget bag sig
builds onTo put something behind you
at slippe for noget
contrastTo avoid something
at bide i det sure æble
similarTo bite the sour apple
