Signification
Noticing the passage of time toward the end of the day.
Contexte culturel
The 'Danish Goodbye' is a real phenomenon. Saying 'it's getting late' is just the first step in a long process of leaving. In Nordic cultures, respecting people's sleep and morning routines is a sign of a good friend. Danish offices often empty out by 4:00 PM. Using this phrase at 4:30 PM is perfectly acceptable. It is often the guest's responsibility to notice the time so the host doesn't have to feel rude.
The 'Vist' Trick
Add 'vist' (Det er vist ved at være sent) to sound 100% more like a native speaker. It adds a layer of polite uncertainty.
Don't say 'Jeg er sent'
In English you say 'I am late'. In Danish, you must say 'Jeg kommer for sent' or 'Jeg er forsinket'.
Signification
Noticing the passage of time toward the end of the day.
The 'Vist' Trick
Add 'vist' (Det er vist ved at være sent) to sound 100% more like a native speaker. It adds a layer of polite uncertainty.
Don't say 'Jeg er sent'
In English you say 'I am late'. In Danish, you must say 'Jeg kommer for sent' or 'Jeg er forsinket'.
The Exit Signal
When you say this, start looking for your keys. It signals to the host that they can also start relaxing.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to say 'It is getting late'.
Det er ___ ___ ___ sent.
The standard construction is 'ved at være' + adjective.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
When would you say 'Det er ved at være sent'?
This phrase is used to describe the time of day, not being late for an appointment.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Skal vi se en film mere? B: Nej, ___.
B is declining another movie because of the time.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesDet er ___ ___ ___ sent.
The standard construction is 'ved at være' + adjective.
When would you say 'Det er ved at være sent'?
This phrase is used to describe the time of day, not being late for an appointment.
A: Skal vi se en film mere? B: Nej, ___.
B is declining another movie because of the time.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsYes, if you have an early start the next day. 'Sent' is subjective in Denmark.
No, it is actually considered polite as it shows you are mindful of their time.
'Sent på den' is a slangier way to say you are running late for something.
You could say 'Tiden er fremskreden' (The time is advanced).
Expressions liées
Klokken er mange
synonymIt's late (literally: the clock is many)
Det lakker mod enden
similarIt's drawing to a close
At få benene på nakken
builds onTo hurry up and leave
Det er for sent
contrastIt is too late
