Signification
Facing a tough choice.
Contexte culturel
Danes value 'konsensus'. Making a 'svær beslutning' often involves a long process of talking with everyone involved to ensure everyone is heard. In Danish offices, a manager saying 'Det er en svær beslutning' is often a sign of respect for the employees, showing that their input was considered. Danes can be very indecisive about small things like where to eat, often using this phrase to avoid being the one who dictates the plan. Politicians use this phrase frequently to signal that they are taking 'ansvar' (responsibility) for unpopular but necessary actions.
Use 'svært' for verbs
If you say 'It is difficult to choose', use the -t: 'Det er svært at vælge'.
Avoid 'hård'
Don't say 'hård beslutning' unless you want to sound like a Google Translation.
Signification
Facing a tough choice.
Use 'svært' for verbs
If you say 'It is difficult to choose', use the -t: 'Det er svært at vælge'.
Avoid 'hård'
Don't say 'hård beslutning' unless you want to sound like a Google Translation.
The 'Mads & Monopolet' trick
Listen to the podcast 'Mads & Monopolet' to hear Danes discuss 'svære beslutninger' for hours. It's great for immersion!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word.
Jeg ved ikke, hvad jeg skal vælge. Det er en ____ beslutning.
'Beslutning' is singular and common gender, so 'svær' is the correct form.
Which verb is typically used with 'beslutning'?
Jeg har ____ en svær beslutning.
'At træffe en beslutning' is the most standard collocation in Danish.
Match the Danish phrase with its English meaning.
Match the pairs:
These are the core variations of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Skal du flytte til København? B: Jeg ved det ikke. ____.
The context of moving suggests a difficult choice.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Svær vs. Svært
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJeg ved ikke, hvad jeg skal vælge. Det er en ____ beslutning.
'Beslutning' is singular and common gender, so 'svær' is the correct form.
Jeg har ____ en svær beslutning.
'At træffe en beslutning' is the most standard collocation in Danish.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the core variations of the phrase.
A: Skal du flytte til København? B: Jeg ved det ikke. ____.
The context of moving suggests a difficult choice.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is very common and almost identical in meaning.
Because 'beslutning' is an 'en' word. You only use 'svært' with 'et' words like 'valg'.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Den svære beslutning.
En nem beslutning (an easy decision).
Yes, Danes often use it jokingly when they can't choose between two delicious things.
Usually 'at træffe' (to make) or 'at stå over for' (to face).
It sounds a bit more professional, but 'svær' is perfectly fine too.
In modern Danish, no. We use 'tung' for heavy. But 'svær' used to mean heavy.
Yes, that means 'a difficult time'.
Expressions liées
et svært valg
synonyma difficult choice
at træffe en beslutning
builds onto make a decision
en nem beslutning
contrastan easy decision
at være i syv sind
similarto be in seven minds
en tung beslutning
specialized forma heavy decision
