Signification
Asking for definition.
Contexte culturel
Danes are very direct. If you don't understand a word, just ask. It's not considered rude or unintelligent; it's considered efficient. In Greenland, where Danish is a second language for many, 'Hvad betyder det?' is a vital tool for navigating the bilingual administrative landscape. Similar to Greenland, Faroese people are often fluent in Danish, and using this phrase is a common way to bridge linguistic gaps between Faroese and Danish terms. In a Danish workplace, clarity is king. Asking 'Hvad betyder det for projektet?' shows that you are thinking about the practical outcomes.
Point and Ask
If you are at a market, you can just point at an object and say 'Hvad betyder det?'. It's the fastest way to learn nouns.
The 'Mener' Trap
Never say 'Hvad mener det?'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Remember: Objects don't have opinions!
Signification
Asking for definition.
Point and Ask
If you are at a market, you can just point at an object and say 'Hvad betyder det?'. It's the fastest way to learn nouns.
The 'Mener' Trap
Never say 'Hvad mener det?'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Remember: Objects don't have opinions!
Don't be shy
Danes love it when you try to learn their language. Asking for a definition is seen as a sign of respect for the language.
Use it for signs
Use this phrase when you see written Danish you don't understand, like 'Udsalg' (Sale) or 'Lukket' (Closed).
Teste-toi
Choose the correct Danish translation for 'What does this word mean?'
What does this word mean?
'Betyder' is the correct verb for definitions, and the verb must come second.
Fill in the missing verb to ask for a definition.
Hvad _______ 'hygge'?
'Betyder' is the standard verb used to ask for the meaning of a word.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Jeg er virkelig 'træt af' det her vejr. B: Undskyld, _________?
B is asking for a definition of the phrase 'træt af' (tired of).
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You see a sign in a Danish park that you don't understand.
You use 'Hvad betyder det?' to ask for the meaning of written signs or words.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Betyder vs. Mener
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWhat does this word mean?
'Betyder' is the correct verb for definitions, and the verb must come second.
Hvad _______ 'hygge'?
'Betyder' is the standard verb used to ask for the meaning of a word.
A: Jeg er virkelig 'træt af' det her vejr. B: Undskyld, _________?
B is asking for a definition of the phrase 'træt af' (tired of).
You see a sign in a Danish park that you don't understand.
You use 'Hvad betyder det?' to ask for the meaning of written signs or words.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
14 questionsNo. If you ask 'Hvad betyder du?', it sounds like you are asking 'What is your significance as a human being?'. Use 'Hvad mener du?' instead.
Yes, it is neutral and polite. You can add 'Undskyld' (Excuse me) at the beginning to be extra polite.
'Betyder' is for direct definitions. 'Vil det sige' is for explaining the consequences or the 'gist' of something.
Just put the word in the middle: 'Hvad betyder [word]?'. For example: 'Hvad betyder skål?'.
In modern spoken Danish, yes. Pronouncing the 'd' will make you sound like a robot from the 19th century.
Yes: 'Hvad betød det?'. Use this if you are talking about something someone said earlier.
'Det her' means 'this'. It's very common to add 'her' (here) to emphasize what you are pointing at.
Yes, 'at betyde noget' can mean 'to matter' or 'to be important'. For example: 'Du betyder meget for mig' (You mean a lot to me).
The noun is 'en betydning' (a meaning).
Yes. If someone says a long sentence you don't get, just say 'Hvad betyder det?'.
In very casual speech, some might just say 'Hvad betyder...?' and trail off while pointing.
Almost! In Norwegian, it's 'Hva betyr det?'. Very easy to transition between the two.
Yes. 'Hvad betyder det her symbol?' is perfectly correct.
You can say 'Hvad betyder det på engelsk?' (What does it mean in English?).
Expressions liées
Hvad vil det sige?
similarWhat does that mean? / What is that to say?
Hvad menes der?
specialized formWhat is meant?
Hvad er betydningen af...?
formalWhat is the meaning of...?
Hvad mener du?
contrastWhat do you mean? / What is your opinion?
Hvordan siger man...?
builds onHow do you say...?
