Signification
To observe before making a decision.
Contexte culturel
Danes often use this phrase to avoid conflict. It's a 'soft' way to delay a decision without being rude. In Danish companies, 'at se det an' is a valid strategic stance, reflecting a preference for data over gut feeling. When invited to something vague, a Dane might say this to keep their options open without committing. In Jutland, this phrase is often delivered with a characteristic 'jyde' stoicism, implying a deep skepticism.
The 'Lige' Trick
Danes almost always add 'lige' (just) to this phrase: 'Jeg ser det lige an.' It makes it sound much more natural and less heavy.
Don't forget the object
You cannot just say 'Jeg ser an.' You must have 'det', 'den', or a noun in the middle.
Signification
To observe before making a decision.
The 'Lige' Trick
Danes almost always add 'lige' (just) to this phrase: 'Jeg ser det lige an.' It makes it sound much more natural and less heavy.
Don't forget the object
You cannot just say 'Jeg ser an.' You must have 'det', 'den', or a noun in the middle.
Polite Rejection
If a salesperson is pushy, 'Jeg skal lige se det an' is the perfect polite way to walk away.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to say 'I want to wait and see the situation.'
Jeg vil gerne ___ situationen ___.
The phrase is 'at se [noget] an'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the right word order:
The pronoun 'det' must come between the verb and the particle.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Skal vi købe aktier nu? B: Nej, lad os lige ___ ___ ___.
'Se det an' refers to the general situation of buying stocks.
Match the phrase variation to the context.
Match 'Se giraffen an' with its best context:
'Se giraffen an' is used for meeting notable or new people.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Common Objects for 'Se ... an'
Situations
- • Vejret
- • Situationen
- • Tiden
People
- • Den nye chef
- • En date
- • Modstanderen
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJeg vil gerne ___ situationen ___.
The phrase is 'at se [noget] an'.
Choose the right word order:
The pronoun 'det' must come between the verb and the particle.
A: Skal vi købe aktier nu? B: Nej, lad os lige ___ ___ ___.
'Se det an' refers to the general situation of buying stocks.
Match 'Se giraffen an' with its best context:
'Se giraffen an' is used for meeting notable or new people.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! 'At se nogen an' means to size someone up or observe them before forming an opinion.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Se det an' is for a specific thing (like a car), while 'se tiden an' is for waiting for the right moment.
No, the object must come before 'an'.
No, it means to evaluate or observe with a purpose.
No, it's a verbal particle that changes the meaning of 'se'.
Use 'at afvente situationen'.
Yes: 'Jeg så det an'.
Extremely. It fits the stereotypical Jutlandic caution.
Only if you are deciding whether to eat it (e.g., if it looks old).
Expressions liées
at se tiden an
similarTo wait for time to pass.
at slå koldt vand i blodet
builds onTo stay calm and wait.
at afvente
synonymTo await.
at sondere terrænet
specialized formTo scout the terrain.
