Signification
Not knowing the answer.
Contexte culturel
Danes often use 'i tvivl' to avoid appearing too arrogant or 'bedrevidende' (know-it-all). It's a social lubricant. In Danish meetings, saying 'Jeg er i tvivl' is an invitation for others to contribute, reflecting a flat hierarchy. Danish students are encouraged to express doubt. It is seen as a part of the critical thinking process. Using 'i tvivl' is a common way to 'soften' a refusal to an invitation without being rude.
The 'Om, Om' Rule
Don't be afraid to say 'om' twice. 'Jeg er i tvivl om (about), om (if) det virker.' It sounds very native!
Avoid 'Hvis'
Never use 'hvis' after 'i tvivl'. Even though English uses 'if', Danish requires 'om'.
Signification
Not knowing the answer.
The 'Om, Om' Rule
Don't be afraid to say 'om' twice. 'Jeg er i tvivl om (about), om (if) det virker.' It sounds very native!
Avoid 'Hvis'
Never use 'hvis' after 'i tvivl'. Even though English uses 'if', Danish requires 'om'.
Polite Stalling
Use this phrase to buy yourself time to think in a conversation without looking like you've stopped listening.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing preposition.
Jeg er i tvivl ___ mit svar.
The phrase 'at være i tvivl' always takes the preposition 'om'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural Danish sentence.
You need the 'om, om' construction when introducing a 'whether' clause.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Your boss asks if you can finish the report by Friday.
This is a polite way to express that you might not meet a deadline.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Skal vi tage bussen eller toget? B: _____
This correctly uses the phrase to express uncertainty between two options.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJeg er i tvivl ___ mit svar.
The phrase 'at være i tvivl' always takes the preposition 'om'.
Choose the most natural Danish sentence.
You need the 'om, om' construction when introducing a 'whether' clause.
Situation: Your boss asks if you can finish the report by Friday.
This is a polite way to express that you might not meet a deadline.
A: Skal vi tage bussen eller toget? B: _____
This correctly uses the phrase to express uncertainty between two options.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, if the context is already clear. For example: 'Skal vi gå?' 'Jeg er i tvivl.'
'Tvivl' is usually about a specific choice or fact. 'Usikkerhed' is a more general feeling of being insecure or unsafe.
It is perfectly neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
You say 'Jeg er ikke i tvivl' or 'Der er ingen tvivl om det'.
Expressions liées
at tvivle på
similarTo doubt the truth or reliability of something.
at have sine tvivl
similarTo have one's doubts.
uden tvivl
contrastWithout doubt / certainly.
at lade tvivlen komme nogen til gode
specialized formTo give someone the benefit of the doubt.
