Signification
Asking for the price of an item.
Contexte culturel
Danes generally do not haggle in shops. The price you see is the price you pay. Flea markets are the only real exception. Prices can be significantly higher due to shipping costs. Asking 'Hvad koster den?' might lead to a surprising answer regarding fresh produce. Similar to Denmark, but with a strong local market culture for fish and wool products. Danes abroad often use this phrase as a way to identify each other in shops or markets.
The 'Det' Fallback
If you forget the gender, use 'Hvad koster det?'. It's safer and usually sounds okay in a rush.
Don't Haggle in Supermarkets
Asking for a lower price in a place like Føtex or Netto will result in very confused looks.
Signification
Asking for the price of an item.
The 'Det' Fallback
If you forget the gender, use 'Hvad koster det?'. It's safer and usually sounds okay in a rush.
Don't Haggle in Supermarkets
Asking for a lower price in a place like Føtex or Netto will result in very confused looks.
Use 'den her'
Adding 'her' (here) while pointing makes you sound more like a native speaker.
MobilePay
After asking the price, always check if they take MobilePay if you're at a market.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct pronoun (den or det) based on the noun gender.
En stol: Hvad koster ___?
'Stol' is a common gender noun (en stol), so we use 'den'.
Which is the most natural way to ask for a price in a Danish bakery?
You are pointing at a loaf of bread (et brød).
'Brød' is neuter (et brød), so 'det' is the correct pronoun.
Complete the dialogue at the flea market.
Kunde: 'Undskyld, den her lampe er flot. ______?' Sælger: 'Den koster 100 kroner.'
The customer is referring to 'en lampe', which is common gender.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Hvad koster de?
'De' is plural, and shoes come in pairs.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Den vs Det
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEn stol: Hvad koster ___?
'Stol' is a common gender noun (en stol), so we use 'den'.
You are pointing at a loaf of bread (et brød).
'Brød' is neuter (et brød), so 'det' is the correct pronoun.
Kunde: 'Undskyld, den her lampe er flot. ______?' Sælger: 'Den koster 100 kroner.'
The customer is referring to 'en lampe', which is common gender.
Hvad koster de?
'De' is plural, and shoes come in pairs.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, that would imply human trafficking! Use it only for objects.
In a shop, no. In a private home, it can be slightly impolite unless you are close friends.
Use the plural: 'Hvad koster de?'.
Danish doesn't have a direct word for 'please'. Use 'tak' (thanks) at the end of the interaction instead.
It is neutral. It works everywhere.
Say 'Hvad bliver det i alt?'.
No, for time use 'tager' (takes). E.g., 'Hvor lang tid tager det?'.
The past tense is 'kostede'. 'Hvad kostede den?'.
Always 'Hvad' for price in Danish.
It's better to ask 'Hvad tager du for...?' for services.
Expressions liées
Hvad koster det?
similarHow much is it? (neuter/general)
Hvad skal du have for den?
specialized formWhat do you want for it?
Hvad er prisen?
synonymWhat is the price?
Det er dyrt
contrastIt is expensive
Det er billigt
contrastIt is cheap
