Signification
Casual greeting asking how things are.
Contexte culturel
Danes value 'uformelhed' (informality). Even in many workplaces, the CEO might be greeted with a 'Hvad så?' if the culture is flat and modern. In the capital, the phrase is often delivered with a very specific 'multicultural' accent (perkerdansk), emphasizing the 'så'. In some parts of Jutland, people might be more reserved. 'Hvad så?' is still used, but 'Dav' (a short version of Goddag) is also very popular. On social media like TikTok or Instagram, 'Hvad så' is the standard way to start a video addressing followers.
The Silent D
Never pronounce the 'd' in 'hvad' when using this as a greeting. It's the #1 giveaway that you're a beginner.
The Response
You don't need to give a long answer. 'Ikke meget' (Not much) or 'Det går fint' (It's going fine) is perfect.
Signification
Casual greeting asking how things are.
The Silent D
Never pronounce the 'd' in 'hvad' when using this as a greeting. It's the #1 giveaway that you're a beginner.
The Response
You don't need to give a long answer. 'Ikke meget' (Not much) or 'Det går fint' (It's going fine) is perfect.
Context Matters
If you say 'Hvad så?' with a very flat tone and no smile, it can sound aggressive, like 'What do you want?'.
Teste-toi
Choose the most appropriate situation to use 'Hvad så?'
Where would you say 'Hvad så?'
'Hvad så?' is an informal greeting for friends and peers.
Complete the casual greeting.
Hej Mads, ___ så?
The phrase is 'Hvad så?'.
What is a natural response to 'Hvad så?'
Person A: 'Hvad så?' Person B: '_______'
'Ikke det store' (Not much) is the classic response to 'What's up?'.
Match the phrase variation to the vibe.
Match 'Hvad så der?' with its vibe.
Adding 'der' makes the phrase more slangy and youthful.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Hvad så?'
Safe ✅
- • Friends
- • Siblings
- • Teammates
- • Casual parties
Risky ⚠️
- • Colleagues
- • Teachers
- • In-laws
Avoid ❌
- • Job interviews
- • The Queen
- • Formal emails
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWhere would you say 'Hvad så?'
'Hvad så?' is an informal greeting for friends and peers.
Hej Mads, ___ så?
The phrase is 'Hvad så?'.
Person A: 'Hvad så?' Person B: '_______'
'Ikke det store' (Not much) is the classic response to 'What's up?'.
Match 'Hvad så der?' with its vibe.
Adding 'der' makes the phrase more slangy and youthful.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot among friends, but it can be seen as too casual or 'slangy' with elders or in formal settings.
The most common reply is 'Ikke det store' (Not much) or 'Det kører' (It's going well).
Only if it's a very casual email to a close friend. Otherwise, use 'Hej'.
'Hvad så' is 'What's up', while 'Hvordan går det' is 'How is it going'. The latter is slightly more formal.
The 'der' (there) is just a filler word that makes the phrase sound more rhythmic and casual.
Yes, it is a universal Danish greeting, though the accent changes by region.
In Denmark, students and teachers are often on a first-name basis, so 'Hvad så?' might be okay in a relaxed high school, but 'Hej' is safer.
It started that way, but now many adults use it in casual settings too.
No, it can also mean 'What then?' if you are discussing a plan.
It's a short 'o' sound, like in the English word 'ought' but shorter.
Expressions liées
Hvad sker der?
synonymWhat's happening?
Hvordan går det?
similarHow is it going?
Hvad så nu?
specialized formWhat now?
Hva' dælen?
contrastWhat the heck?
Hvad med dig?
builds onWhat about you?
