Signification
Asking what is required.
Contexte culturel
Danes value directness. Asking 'Hvad har du brug for?' is seen as helpful and efficient, not intrusive. In the harsh climate, community help is vital. This phrase is often used when preparing for hunting or travel. Similar to Denmark, but with a stronger emphasis on neighborly help (grannalag). Due to German influence, you might occasionally hear 'Hvad behøver du?' more often than in Copenhagen, but 'brug for' remains dominant.
The 'For' Rule
Always keep 'for' at the end of the question. It feels weird for English speakers, but it's vital.
Don't over-formalize
Avoid 'behøver' in casual settings; it can make you sound like a textbook.
Signification
Asking what is required.
The 'For' Rule
Always keep 'for' at the end of the question. It feels weird for English speakers, but it's vital.
Don't over-formalize
Avoid 'behøver' in casual settings; it can make you sound like a textbook.
Adding 'lige'
Add 'lige' to sound more native: 'Hvad har du lige brug for?' (What do you just need?).
Service Culture
In Denmark, you don't need to say 'sir' or 'madam'. Just 'Hvad har du brug for?' is perfectly polite.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the standard phrase.
Hvad har du brug ___?
The fixed expression is always 'at have brug for'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct for a question?
...
In Danish questions, the verb (har) comes before the subject (du).
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
A: Jeg skal i supermarkedet. B: Okay, jeg skal lave mad i aften. A: ____?
This is the most natural way to ask what someone needs from the store.
Match the phrase to the most likely situation.
'Hvad har du brug for hjælp til?'
This phrase specifically offers help with a task.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHvad har du brug ___?
The fixed expression is always 'at have brug for'.
...
In Danish questions, the verb (har) comes before the subject (du).
A: Jeg skal i supermarkedet. B: Okay, jeg skal lave mad i aften. A: ____?
This is the most natural way to ask what someone needs from the store.
'Hvad har du brug for hjælp til?'
This phrase specifically offers help with a task.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, 'brug til' is used when asking what an object is used for, not what a person needs.
Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for all levels of hierarchy in Denmark.
You say 'Jeg har brug for...' followed by the item or 'Jeg har ikke brug for noget, tak'.
'Behov for' is slightly more intense, often used for fundamental needs like 'behov for søvn' (need for sleep).
It's a historical remnant. All 'hv-' words in Danish have a silent 'h'.
Yes: 'Jeg har brug for dig'. It sounds very sincere.
No, it is a noun. The verb is 'har'.
Yes, in informal settings like shopping or cooking, it's very common.
No, it remains 'Hvad havde du brug for?'.
Yes, it is very common in both spoken and written forms.
Expressions liées
at have lyst til
similarto want / to feel like
at mangle
synonymto lack / to miss
at behøve
synonymto need
at skulle bruge
similarto be going to use
