Signification
Something is not serious or true.
Contexte culturel
Danes use 'pjat' to maintain social equality. By calling their own ideas 'pjat', they avoid appearing arrogant. Parents use 'pjat' as a soft way to discipline. It labels the behavior as 'silly' rather than 'bad', which is a hallmark of Danish upbringing. In Danish offices, 'pjat' is common during coffee breaks. It helps build 'social capital' and trust between colleagues. The phrase is the safety net for Danish irony. Without it, many ironic statements would be taken literally and cause offense.
The Smile Rule
Always accompany 'det er bare pjat' with a smile to ensure the other person knows you are being friendly.
Not for Funerals
Avoid this word in any context involving grief or serious illness; it will sound incredibly cold.
Signification
Something is not serious or true.
The Smile Rule
Always accompany 'det er bare pjat' with a smile to ensure the other person knows you are being friendly.
Not for Funerals
Avoid this word in any context involving grief or serious illness; it will sound incredibly cold.
Janteloven
Use it to downplay your own success to sound more 'Danish' and humble.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to tell your friend you are joking.
Jeg vil ikke flytte til Kina. Det er bare ___!
'Pjat' is the correct word for a lighthearted joke.
Match the situation to the correct use of 'pjat'.
A child is jumping on the sofa while you try to talk.
The imperative form is used to stop behavior.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Sagde du virkelig, at du har vundet en million?' B: 'Nej, ___.'
The context implies a joke is being revealed.
Which word is a more formal version of 'pjat' when referring to nonsense?
Vælg det rigtige ord:
'Vrøvl' is slightly more formal and refers to logical nonsense.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Pjat vs. Alvor
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJeg vil ikke flytte til Kina. Det er bare ___!
'Pjat' is the correct word for a lighthearted joke.
A child is jumping on the sofa while you try to talk.
The imperative form is used to stop behavior.
A: 'Sagde du virkelig, at du har vundet en million?' B: 'Nej, ___.'
The context implies a joke is being revealed.
Vælg det rigtige ord:
'Vrøvl' is slightly more formal and refers to logical nonsense.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is completely innocent and can be used in front of children and grandmothers.
Yes, if you have a friendly relationship and are joking during a break. Don't use it during a serious meeting.
'Fis' is slightly more informal/slangy, but they are 90% interchangeable.
Yes, 'at pjatte' means to fool around or joke.
Both are correct, but 'bare' (just) makes it sound more natural and softer.
'Det er bare pjat' is the most common way to say this in Danish.
Only if it was a funny, harmless mistake. If it's a big mistake, 'pjat' sounds like you don't care.
It's a friendly name for someone who jokes a lot. Literally 'joking-bottom'.
Yes, in texts, emails to friends, and informal articles.
No, 'pjat' is uncountable.
Expressions liées
det er noget fis
synonymIt's nonsense (slightly more informal)
hold op med det pjat
specialized formStop that nonsense
at pjatte
builds onTo fool around / to joke
en pjatterøv
specialized formA joker / silly person
det er ramme alvor
contrastIt is deadly serious
