Signification
Identifying an object.
Contexte culturel
Danes are very proud of their 'hygge' items. Asking 'Hvad er det?' about a candle holder or a blanket is a great way to start a conversation about Danish lifestyle. In Greenland (part of the Kingdom of Denmark), you might use this phrase to ask about traditional 'tupilaks' or local wildlife like narwhals. On the Faroe Islands, you might ask this about the unique grass-roofed houses or specific bird species like puffins. In a country obsessed with aesthetics, 'Hvad er det?' is often the first step in a long discussion about the architect or designer of a building or piece of furniture.
The Pointing Rule
Always point when saying this to make your meaning clear to native speakers.
Person vs. Object
Never use 'hvad' for a person. It's a major social faux pas.
Signification
Identifying an object.
The Pointing Rule
Always point when saying this to make your meaning clear to native speakers.
Person vs. Object
Never use 'hvad' for a person. It's a major social faux pas.
Add 'her'
Adding 'her' (Hvad er det her?) makes you sound much more natural and fluent.
Be Curious
Danes love it when you ask about their culture. Don't be shy!
Teste-toi
Choose the correct Danish translation for 'What is it?'
You see a strange fruit at the market. You ask:
'Hvad' is used for things, 'hvem' for people, 'hvor' for places, and 'hvordan' for manner.
Complete the question.
Hvad ___ det?
The verb 'er' (is) is required to form 'What is it?'.
Fill in the missing line.
A: ________? B: Det er en rød cykel.
The answer identifies an object (a bike), so the question must be 'Hvad er det?'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You hear a loud bang in the kitchen.
You are inquiring about the source of a noise/event.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesYou see a strange fruit at the market. You ask:
'Hvad' is used for things, 'hvem' for people, 'hvor' for places, and 'hvordan' for manner.
Hvad ___ det?
The verb 'er' (is) is required to form 'What is it?'.
A: ________? B: Det er en rød cykel.
The answer identifies an object (a bike), so the question must be 'Hvad er det?'.
You hear a loud bang in the kitchen.
You are inquiring about the source of a noise/event.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, use 'Hvem er det?' for people.
No, it is always silent in modern Danish.
'Det' is neutral/common, 'dette' is more formal and specific to 'this'.
Use 'Hvad er det der?'.
Generally no, especially if you are a learner trying to find a word.
'Det' is the default pronoun for unknown things in Danish.
Yes, 'Hvad er det?' is perfect for asking about a sound.
You would say 'Hvad hedder det?'.
Yes, 'Hva'er'et?' is the common contracted form.
Yes, if you are attaching a file and asking what it is.
Expressions liées
Hvem er det?
similarWho is it?
Hvor er det?
similarWhere is it?
Hvad sker der?
similarWhat is happening?
Hvad så?
informalWhat's up?
Hvad med dig?
builds onWhat about you?
Hvad koster det?
specialized formHow much does it cost?
