Signification
Controlling one's emotions.
Contexte culturel
In Danish culture, 'selvbeherskelse' (self-control) is a key part of 'dannelse' (upbringing). It is often seen as more polite to hide your anger than to express it directly. The 'Law of Jante' influences this idiom by encouraging people not to stand out or make a scene, which requires constant self-restraint. Danish workplaces are flat and egalitarian, but professionalism is maintained through emotional restraint rather than strict hierarchy. In the age of 'shitstorms', the ability to 'lægge bånd på sig selv' before commenting is considered a digital virtue in Denmark.
Use it in Job Interviews
It's a great way to describe your 'soft skills' or emotional intelligence without sounding arrogant.
Don't forget the 'Selv'
If you just say 'lægge bånd på mig', it sounds like you are physically putting ribbons on yourself. You need 'selv' to make it figurative.
Signification
Controlling one's emotions.
Use it in Job Interviews
It's a great way to describe your 'soft skills' or emotional intelligence without sounding arrogant.
Don't forget the 'Selv'
If you just say 'lægge bånd på mig', it sounds like you are physically putting ribbons on yourself. You need 'selv' to make it figurative.
The 'Jante' Connection
Remember that in Denmark, being 'nede på jorden' (down to earth) often requires laying ribbons on your own success.
Teste-toi
Udfyld det manglende ord i sætningen.
Jeg måtte lægge ______ på mig selv for ikke at grine.
Det korrekte ord i idiomet er 'bånd'.
Hvilken sætning er grammatisk korrekt?
Vælg den rigtige form af det refleksive pronomen.
Pronomenet skal passe til subjektet 'vi'.
Match situationen med den rigtige reaktion.
Din ven fortæller en meget dårlig vittighed til en begravelse.
Idiomet bruges til at kontrollere upassende impulser.
Færdiggør dialogen.
A: 'Blev du ikke sur, da han afbrød dig?' B: 'Jo, men jeg ______.'
B taler om sig selv i datid.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJeg måtte lægge ______ på mig selv for ikke at grine.
Det korrekte ord i idiomet er 'bånd'.
Vælg den rigtige form af det refleksive pronomen.
Pronomenet skal passe til subjektet 'vi'.
Din ven fortæller en meget dårlig vittighed til en begravelse.
Idiomet bruges til at kontrollere upassende impulser.
A: 'Blev du ikke sur, da han afbrød dig?' B: 'Jo, men jeg ______.'
B taler om sig selv i datid.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, you can use it for any impulse, including the urge to laugh, the urge to spend money, or the urge to brag.
Yes, you can say 'Han burde lægge bånd på sig selv' (He ought to restrain himself).
It is always 'lægge' because it is an active movement of putting the 'bånd' on.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The plural is also 'bånd'. One bånd, many bånd.
Yes, that is a very common and correct variation.
Not exactly. 'At tie stille' just means to be quiet. 'At lægge bånd på sig selv' explains *why* you are being quiet (self-control).
Yes, it is very common in newspapers, novels, and formal emails.
It's a bit sophisticated for young children, but teenagers would definitely know and use it.
The slang version would be 'at styre sig' or 'at slappe af'.
Expressions liées
at holde sig i skindet
synonymTo behave oneself / to stay in control.
at tøjle sin vrede
similarTo bridle one's anger.
at give los
contrastTo let go / to let loose.
at bide tænderne sammen
similarTo grit one's teeth.
