Signification
Needing rest.
Contexte culturel
The 'kaffepause' is a cultural institution. It's not just about caffeine; it's about 'social samvær' (social togetherness). Danish schools have 'frikvarter' every 45-90 minutes. It is considered essential for learning. Danish labor unions have historically fought for the right to breaks. It is part of the 'work-life balance' that Denmark is famous for. Taking a break is often the first step to 'hygge'. You stop working to enjoy a moment of peace.
Add 'lige'
Adding 'lige' (just) makes the request sound softer and more natural: 'Jeg har lige brug for en pause'.
Preposition Alert
Never say 'brug af' when you mean 'need'. It's a very common mistake for English speakers.
Signification
Needing rest.
Add 'lige'
Adding 'lige' (just) makes the request sound softer and more natural: 'Jeg har lige brug for en pause'.
Preposition Alert
Never say 'brug af' when you mean 'need'. It's a very common mistake for English speakers.
The 'We' version
If you want to be a leader, say 'Skal vi ikke holde en pause?' It uses the phrase to build consensus.
Coffee is implied
In Denmark, saying you need a break often implies you are going to get coffee. Don't be surprised if someone asks 'Skal du have kaffe?'
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing preposition.
Jeg har brug ___ en pause.
In Danish, the expression is always 'at have brug for'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I need a break' in a neutral setting?
Choose the best option:
This is the standard, most common way to express the need for a break.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Vi har læst i to timer nu. B: Ja, ___.
B is agreeing that they have been working a long time and needs a rest.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at the gym and you cannot lift any more weights.
When physically exhausted, you need a break.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Need vs. Crave
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJeg har brug ___ en pause.
In Danish, the expression is always 'at have brug for'.
Choose the best option:
This is the standard, most common way to express the need for a break.
A: Vi har læst i to timer nu. B: Ja, ___.
B is agreeing that they have been working a long time and needs a rest.
You are at the gym and you cannot lift any more weights.
When physically exhausted, you need a break.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it is very neutral and polite. You can say it to anyone.
You can, but it sounds more formal and less natural for personal feelings.
'Pause' is a break from an activity; 'hvil' is a physical rest, often lying down.
You can say 'Jeg har brug for en lang pause'.
Yes, in Denmark it is perfectly normal to tell your boss you need a break.
Usually, but in relationships, it can mean weeks or months.
It is the specific word for a break in school.
The 'g' is very soft, almost like a breathy 'h'.
It sounds incomplete. Always use 'en pause' for a single instance.
Use 'Jeg trænger virkelig til en pause'.
Yes, it is one of the most common nouns in daily Danish.
Yes, 'en pause fra dig' means a break from you.
Expressions liées
at trænge til
similarto desperately need
at holde en pause
builds onto take a break
et hvil
synonyma rest
frikvarter
specialized formschool recess
at lade op
similarto recharge
