Signification
Expressing empathy for an unfortunate event.
Contexte culturel
Danes use 'det er synd' as a social lubricant to show they are listening and care, without needing to offer a solution. The concept of 'stakkels' (poor thing) is often paired with 'synd' in Norway and Sweden too, but the prepositions vary. English speakers often say 'I'm sorry' for things they didn't do. Danes only say 'undskyld' if they are at fault; otherwise, they use 'synd'. On social media, 'det er synd' is the equivalent of the 'sad face' emoji reaction.
The 'For' Rule
Always use 'for' if you are mentioning a person. 'Det er synd for Peter.'
Don't be too dramatic
Avoid using this for very serious life events; it can sound trivializing.
Signification
Expressing empathy for an unfortunate event.
The 'For' Rule
Always use 'for' if you are mentioning a person. 'Det er synd for Peter.'
Don't be too dramatic
Avoid using this for very serious life events; it can sound trivializing.
Add 'Hvor'
Saying 'Hvor er det synd' sounds much more natural and native than just 'Det er synd.'
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to express pity for a friend.
Det er synd ______ dig, at du mistede din pung.
In Danish, we always use 'for' after 'synd' when referring to a person.
Which sentence is the most natural response to: 'Jeg kan ikke komme til din fødselsdag'?
Response:
'Det er synd' is the standard way to express regret about a situation.
Match the situation to the correct phrase.
Situation: Someone is throwing away a perfectly good cake.
When something is being wasted, we use 'det er synd at [verb]'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Min cykel er punkteret. B: Ej, ______ ______ ______ synd!
'Hvor er det synd' is a very common emphatic way to react to bad news.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Det er synd'
Minor Accidents
- • Spilled drink
- • Lost keys
- • Missed bus
Health
- • Cold/Flu
- • Headache
- • Tiredness
Disappointment
- • Cancelled plans
- • Bad weather
- • Lost game
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDet er synd ______ dig, at du mistede din pung.
In Danish, we always use 'for' after 'synd' when referring to a person.
Response:
'Det er synd' is the standard way to express regret about a situation.
Situation: Someone is throwing away a perfectly good cake.
When something is being wasted, we use 'det er synd at [verb]'.
A: Min cykel er punkteret. B: Ej, ______ ______ ______ synd!
'Hvor er det synd' is a very common emphatic way to react to bad news.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, you can say 'Det er synd for mig,' but it can sound a bit like you are fishing for sympathy or being a bit self-pitying.
'Synd' is more common for empathy. 'Skam' (shame) is often used when something good is wasted, like 'Det er en skam at smide mad ud.'
Yes, if a colleague tells you they are sick or had a minor setback, 'Det er synd at høre' is perfectly fine.
Shape your lips like you are going to whistle, but try to say 'eee'.
Yes! 'Syndebuk' means 'scapegoat' (literally 'sin-goat').
Expressions liées
det er ærgerligt
similarit's annoying/unfortunate
det er en skam
synonymit's a shame
stakkels dig
builds onpoor you
hvor nederen
similarhow a downer
jeg har ondt af
specialized formI feel sorry for
