Signification
Asking for someone's name.
Contexte culturel
The 'Du-reform' of the 1970s made 'Hvad hedder du?' the standard for everyone. Using 'De' today can actually make you seem distant or even sarcastic. In Greenland (part of the Kingdom of Denmark), names often have deep meanings related to nature or ancestors. Asking 'Hvad hedder du?' might lead to a story about the person's namesake. Faroese people often use patronymics or are closely knit. Asking for a name often leads to 'Who are your parents?' to establish a connection. Danes value efficiency. They will often skip long titles and go straight to 'Hvad hedder du?' to get the collaboration started.
The Soft D
Don't pronounce the 'dd' in 'hedder' like an English 'd'. It's much softer, like the 'th' in 'this'.
Don't use 'Hvem'
Even though you are asking about a person, Danish uses 'Hvad' (What) for names.
Signification
Asking for someone's name.
The Soft D
Don't pronounce the 'dd' in 'hedder' like an English 'd'. It's much softer, like the 'th' in 'this'.
Don't use 'Hvem'
Even though you are asking about a person, Danish uses 'Hvad' (What) for names.
Add 'nu igen'
If you forgot someone's name, add 'nu igen' (now again) to make it sound more natural and less awkward.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to ask for someone's name.
Hvad ______ du?
'Hedder' is the present tense form of the verb used for names.
Which of these is the most natural way to introduce yourself and ask for a name?
Select the best option:
This uses the most natural Danish verb 'at hedde' for both introduction and inquiry.
Match the Danish question with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are all correct translations of the verb 'at hedde' with different pronouns.
Complete the dialogue between two people meeting for the first time.
A: Hej! Jeg hedder Mette. B: Hej Mette. Jeg hedder Lars. A: ______?
Since they have already exchanged names, the next logical step is 'Nice to meet you'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHvad ______ du?
'Hedder' is the present tense form of the verb used for names.
Select the best option:
This uses the most natural Danish verb 'at hedde' for both introduction and inquiry.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are all correct translations of the verb 'at hedde' with different pronouns.
A: Hej! Jeg hedder Mette. B: Hej Mette. Jeg hedder Lars. A: ______?
Since they have already exchanged names, the next logical step is 'Nice to meet you'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, it is perfectly acceptable in Denmark. You can use it with the interviewer without any problem.
It's grammatically correct but sounds like you are reading from a passport. 'Hvad hedder du?' is the heartbeat of spoken Danish.
Simply say 'Jeg hedder [Your Name]'.
Yes! 'Hvad hedder den her by?' (What is this city called?) is very common.
The formal version is 'Hvad hedder De?', but you will likely never need to use it.
Expressions liées
Jeg hedder...
builds onMy name is...
Hvad er dit navn?
synonymWhat is your name?
Hyggeligt at møde dig
similarNice to meet you
Hvad kalder man dig?
specialized formWhat do people call you?
