Signification
Using time unproductively.
Contexte culturel
Danes have a very high 'punctuality' score. Wasting someone else's time by being late is considered quite disrespectful. Danish meetings are usually short and to the point. 'At spilde tiden' is a common critique of long, aimless meetings. Like many places, Danes use 'at spilde tiden' to describe their addiction to smartphones, but there is a growing 'digital detox' movement. The idea of not wasting resources (including time) fits into the broader Nordic value of sustainability and minimalism.
Use 'på'
Always remember to use the preposition 'på' when saying what you are wasting time on. 'Jeg spilder tiden PÅ det.'
Don't be too rude
Telling someone 'Du spilder min tid' is very direct and can be seen as aggressive. Use it carefully!
Signification
Using time unproductively.
Use 'på'
Always remember to use the preposition 'på' when saying what you are wasting time on. 'Jeg spilder tiden PÅ det.'
Don't be too rude
Telling someone 'Du spilder min tid' is very direct and can be seen as aggressive. Use it carefully!
The Noun Form
Use 'Det er spild af tid' for a more natural, idiomatic sound when commenting on a situation.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the present tense.
Jeg ______ tiden på at se fjernsyn.
The sentence requires the present tense 'spilder'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
How do you say 'It is a waste of time'?
In this noun phrase, we don't use the article 'en'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Skal vi arbejde nu? B: Ja, vi skal ikke ______.
'Spilde tiden' is the natural collocation for not being unproductive.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are waiting for a friend who is 30 minutes late. What do you say when they arrive?
This expresses frustration with their lateness.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJeg ______ tiden på at se fjernsyn.
The sentence requires the present tense 'spilder'.
How do you say 'It is a waste of time'?
In this noun phrase, we don't use the article 'en'.
A: Skal vi arbejde nu? B: Ja, vi skal ikke ______.
'Spilde tiden' is the natural collocation for not being unproductive.
You are waiting for a friend who is 30 minutes late. What do you say when they arrive?
This expresses frustration with their lateness.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, 'at spilde min tid' is very common and makes it more personal. 'Du spilder min tid' means 'You are wasting MY time'.
Yes, 'at spilde' always implies that the time should have been used for something better.
'Spilde' is everyday language. 'Ødsle' is more formal and implies a reckless, almost royal waste of resources.
You say 'Det er rent tidsspilde' or 'Det er totalt spild af tid'.
Yes! 'At spilde penge' is also very common.
Expressions liées
tidsspilde
synonymA waste of time (noun)
at slå tiden ihjel
similarTo kill time
at fordrive tiden
similarTo pass the time
at spare tid
contrastTo save time
at ødsle
specialized formTo squander
