Signification
Not aiming for that result
Contexte culturel
Danes value 'flad struktur' (flat hierarchy). Using this phrase helps maintain equality by admitting mistakes easily. There is a high level of trust in systems. When a system fails, this phrase is used to preserve the belief that the system is generally good. Over-apologizing is not common in Denmark. A single 'Det var ikke meningen' is usually enough to settle a minor issue. Danes prefer directness. If you make a mistake, saying 'Det var ikke meningen' is seen as more honest than making up a complex excuse.
The 'Pyt' Connection
If someone says 'Det var ikke meningen' to you, the most Danish response is 'Pyt!' (Never mind/No worries).
Don't drop the -en
Saying 'Det er ikke mening' sounds like 'It is not opinion', which is confusing. Always use 'meningen'.
Signification
Not aiming for that result
The 'Pyt' Connection
If someone says 'Det var ikke meningen' to you, the most Danish response is 'Pyt!' (Never mind/No worries).
Don't drop the -en
Saying 'Det er ikke mening' sounds like 'It is not opinion', which is confusing. Always use 'meningen'.
Past vs Present
Use 'Det VAR ikke meningen' for things that just happened. Use 'Det ER ikke meningen' for ongoing situations or general rules.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the apology.
Undskyld, det var ikke ______.
The idiom always uses the definite singular form 'meningen'.
Which phrase should you use if you accidentally spill water on a friend's book?
Du spilder vand på en bog. Hvad siger du?
'Det er ikke meningen' is the correct way to say it was an accident.
Complete the dialogue between a boss and an employee.
Boss: 'Hvorfor er rapporten ikke færdig?' Employee: 'Min computer gik ned. ______.'
The employee is explaining that the delay was unintended due to a computer crash.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You sent a text to the wrong person.
Sending a text to the wrong person is an unintended action.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
ER vs GIVER
When to say it
Social
- • Late
- • Wrong name
- • Bumped into
Physical
- • Spill
- • Drop
- • Break
Work
- • Typo
- • Wrong file
- • Late report
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesUndskyld, det var ikke ______.
The idiom always uses the definite singular form 'meningen'.
Du spilder vand på en bog. Hvad siger du?
'Det er ikke meningen' is the correct way to say it was an accident.
Boss: 'Hvorfor er rapporten ikke færdig?' Employee: 'Min computer gik ned. ______.'
The employee is explaining that the delay was unintended due to a computer crash.
Situation: You sent a text to the wrong person.
Sending a text to the wrong person is an unintended action.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it can be used purely to clarify a technical error or a misunderstanding without a deep emotional apology.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your grandmother, or a stranger on the street.
'Hensigt' is more formal and specifically means 'intent'. 'Mening' is more common in daily speech.
Yes, this means 'That is not my intention' and is slightly more personal/emphatic.
Because it refers to 'the' specific intention behind the action that just occurred.
Det var ikke meningen at såre dig.
Very much so. It's the standard way to acknowledge a mistake in a professional setting.
No! Use 'Det giver ikke mening' for that.
Then you say 'Det var med vilje'.
In very casual speech, people just say 'Ikke meningen!' while waving their hand.
If used too much, yes. But generally, it's seen as a polite clarification.
No, because humans don't intend the weather.
Expressions liées
med vilje
contrastOn purpose
det giver mening
similarIt makes sense
et uheld
similarAn accident
utilsigtet
specialized formUnintended
hvad er meningen?
builds onWhat is the meaning/point?
