Signification
It is better to do something late.
Contexte culturel
Danes are generally very punctual. If you are more than 5 minutes late, a text is expected. This phrase is the 'safety valve' that keeps the social atmosphere 'hyggelig' despite the lateness. In Greenlandic culture (part of the Kingdom of Denmark), time is often viewed more flexibly due to weather conditions. The Danish phrase is used frequently in administrative and social contexts to bridge the two cultures. In Danish offices, this phrase is often used ironically by colleagues to tease someone who is notoriously late, showing the 'flat hierarchy' and informal tone of Danish workplaces.
The Smile Factor
Always deliver this phrase with a friendly smile. It's meant to be a lighthearted way to diffuse tension.
Don't Overuse
If you use this every time you are late, people will stop finding it charming and start finding it annoying.
Signification
It is better to do something late.
The Smile Factor
Always deliver this phrase with a friendly smile. It's meant to be a lighthearted way to diffuse tension.
Don't Overuse
If you use this every time you are late, people will stop finding it charming and start finding it annoying.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Bedre sent ______ aldrig.
In Danish, 'end' is the conjunction used for comparisons (than).
Which situation best fits the phrase 'bedre sent end aldrig'?
Situation: You are 5 minutes late for a movie with a friend.
The phrase is used to acknowledge lateness when you actually arrive.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Her er gaven til din fødselsdag. Den er lidt forsinket.' B: 'Tusind tak! _________.'
This is the natural response to receiving a late gift.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Bedre sent end aldrig'
Social
- • Parties
- • Coffee dates
- • Birthdays
Life
- • Education
- • New hobbies
- • Marriage
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesBedre sent ______ aldrig.
In Danish, 'end' is the conjunction used for comparisons (than).
Situation: You are 5 minutes late for a movie with a friend.
The phrase is used to acknowledge lateness when you actually arrive.
A: 'Her er gaven til din fødselsdag. Den er lidt forsinket.' B: 'Tusind tak! _________.'
This is the natural response to receiving a late gift.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
2 questionsYes, if the culture is informal, but it's better to provide a real reason first and then use the phrase to lighten the mood.
Yes, 'slet ikke' means 'not at all'. It's a very common and slightly more emphatic variation.
Expressions liées
hellere sent end aldrig
synonymRather late than never
sent, men godt
similarLate, but good
hastværk er lastværk
contrastHaste makes waste
at komme i sidste øjeblik
builds onTo arrive at the last minute
