Signification
To be calm under pressure.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is deeply linked to the concept of 'Sindighed'—a Danish virtue of being calm and collected. It is often seen as the opposite of being 'hysterisk' (hysterical). Across Norway and Sweden, similar 'stomach-based' metaphors for nerves exist, reflecting a shared North Germanic view of the gut as the emotional center. Danish sports commentators use this phrase constantly. It is considered the highest praise for a player's mental strength, often more valued than raw physical talent. In Danish business, showing too much emotion or 'heat' during a negotiation is often seen as a sign of weakness. Having 'is i maven' is a sign of a seasoned professional.
Use it in Job Interviews
Danish employers love the phrase. It shows you understand the value of composure without sounding arrogant.
Don't use 'på'
Remember: 'Is i maven' (inside). 'Is på maven' sounds like you're treating a sports injury with an ice pack.
Signification
To be calm under pressure.
Use it in Job Interviews
Danish employers love the phrase. It shows you understand the value of composure without sounding arrogant.
Don't use 'på'
Remember: 'Is i maven' (inside). 'Is på maven' sounds like you're treating a sports injury with an ice pack.
The 'Sindig' Connection
If you want to sound really native, use it alongside the word 'besindig' (composed).
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Hvis du vil vinde i poker, skal du have is i _______.
The correct idiom is 'is i maven.' While 'hovedet' (head) is used in 'holde hovedet koldt,' it doesn't fit with 'is i...'
Which situation best describes someone who 'har is i maven'?
Hvilken person har is i maven?
The idiom describes staying calm (rolig) during a difficult (svær) situation like an exam.
Match the advice to the situation.
Din ven skal til en vigtig jobsamtale og er meget nervøs. Hvad siger du?
You use the imperative 'Hav is i maven!' to give advice or encouragement to someone else.
Complete the dialogue between two investors.
Investor A: 'Aktierne falder! Skal vi sælge?' Investor B: 'Nej, vi skal ________.'
In financial contexts, 'have is i maven' is the standard way to suggest waiting calmly.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHvis du vil vinde i poker, skal du have is i _______.
The correct idiom is 'is i maven.' While 'hovedet' (head) is used in 'holde hovedet koldt,' it doesn't fit with 'is i...'
Hvilken person har is i maven?
The idiom describes staying calm (rolig) during a difficult (svær) situation like an exam.
Din ven skal til en vigtig jobsamtale og er meget nervøs. Hvad siger du?
You use the imperative 'Hav is i maven!' to give advice or encouragement to someone else.
Investor A: 'Aktierne falder! Skal vi sælge?' Investor B: 'Nej, vi skal ________.'
In financial contexts, 'have is i maven' is the standard way to suggest waiting calmly.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
No, that would be 'kold' or 'følelseskold.' 'Is i maven' is specifically about calmness under pressure.
The opposite is 'at tabe hovedet' (to lose one's head) or 'at gå i panik' (to panic).
Mostly yes, but you can also use it for organizations or teams (e.g., 'Holdet havde is i maven').
No! 'Cold feet' means you are afraid to do something. 'Is i maven' means you are brave and calm enough to do it.
No, 'is i hjertet' would mean you are an evil or unfeeling person. Stick to the stomach for calmness!
Extremely common. You will hear it in almost every sports broadcast and many news segments.
Yes, Swedish (is i magen) and Norwegian (is i magen) use almost the exact same phrase.
Yes: 'Jeg vil have is i maven' (I will have ice in my stomach/I will stay calm).
It is uncountable, like 'water.' You don't say 'en is' (an ice) in this context.
Expressions liées
slå koldt vand i blodet
synonymTo calm down / cool off.
holde hovedet koldt
similarTo keep a cool head.
klappe hesten
similarTo wait a moment / hold your horses.
tabe hovedet
contrastTo lose one's head / panic.
