Signification
Describing size of town
Contexte culturel
Most Danish towns are 'lille byer'. Outside of the top 5 cities, almost everywhere else feels like a small town to foreigners. In Jutland, being from a 'lille by' is often a point of pride, signifying a down-to-earth personality. The 'lille by' is a classic setting for Danish realism, often depicting the struggle between individual dreams and social pressure. There is a movement called 'den levende landsby' (the living village) to revitalize small towns.
The 'By' Ambiguity
Remember that 'by' can mean town or city. If you want to be specific about a large city, use 'storby'.
Plural Trap
Never say 'lille byer'. It must be 'små byer'.
Signification
Describing size of town
The 'By' Ambiguity
Remember that 'by' can mean town or city. If you want to be specific about a large city, use 'storby'.
Plural Trap
Never say 'lille byer'. It must be 'små byer'.
Adding Hygge
Danes almost always add 'hyggelig' when describing a small town they like: 'en hyggelig lille by'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word.
Jeg bor i en ______ by.
'By' is singular, so we use 'lille'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'They are small towns'?
The plural of 'lille' is 'små'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Er København en lille by? B: Nej, ________.
Copenhagen is a big city (storby), not a small town.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are describing a cozy town with 2,000 people.
A town of 2,000 is considered a 'lille by' in Denmark.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Danish Settlements
Size
- • Landsby (Village)
- • Lille by (Small town)
- • Storby (Big city)
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJeg bor i en ______ by.
'By' is singular, so we use 'lille'.
How do you say 'They are small towns'?
The plural of 'lille' is 'små'.
A: Er København en lille by? B: Nej, ________.
Copenhagen is a big city (storby), not a small town.
You are describing a cozy town with 2,000 people.
A town of 2,000 is considered a 'lille by' in Denmark.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsIn Denmark, a town with 1,000 to 10,000 people is typically called a 'lille by'.
Yes, but it usually means 'small in stature' or 'young'. Be careful not to sound patronizing.
'By' is a town/city with services; 'landsby' is a rural village.
Yes, in the singular. It doesn't change for gender. But it becomes 'små' in plural.
Expressions liées
en storby
contrastA big city
en landsby
similarA village
en provinsby
specialized formA provincial town
en havneby
specialized formA harbor town
midt i byen
builds onIn the middle of town
