Signification
Requesting assistance.
Contexte culturel
Danes value independence. They might not offer help unless you ask, but they are very willing to help once you do. In Greenlandic culture, mutual aid is essential for survival in harsh climates. Asking for help is seen as a natural part of community life. Similar to Denmark, but with a stronger emphasis on neighborly help (grannalag). People often help without being asked in small villages. In Danish offices, 'flat hierarchy' means you can ask your boss for help using this exact phrase without any stigma.
The 'For' Rule
Always remember the 'for'. It's the glue that holds the phrase together. Without it, you're just saying 'I have use help'.
Be Direct
Don't be afraid to use this phrase. Danes prefer directness over vague hints that you might need something.
Signification
Requesting assistance.
The 'For' Rule
Always remember the 'for'. It's the glue that holds the phrase together. Without it, you're just saying 'I have use help'.
Be Direct
Don't be afraid to use this phrase. Danes prefer directness over vague hints that you might need something.
Add 'lige'
Adding 'lige' (just) makes the request sound softer and more natural: 'Jeg har lige brug for hjælp'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the phrase 'I need help'.
Jeg har brug ___ hjælp.
The expression is always 'at have brug for'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask a stranger for help?
Vælg den rigtige sætning:
'Undskyld' makes it polite, and 'har brug for hjælp' is the standard phrase.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Har du brug for hjælp? B: Ja, jeg har brug for hjælp ___ at finde stationen.
When followed by 'at' + verb, we use 'til'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are carrying three heavy bags and a friend is nearby.
'Give en hånd' is perfect for physical tasks with friends.
Match the Danish phrase with its English meaning.
Match phrases:
These are the basic variations of the phrase.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesJeg har brug ___ hjælp.
The expression is always 'at have brug for'.
Vælg den rigtige sætning:
'Undskyld' makes it polite, and 'har brug for hjælp' is the standard phrase.
A: Har du brug for hjælp? B: Ja, jeg har brug for hjælp ___ at finde stationen.
When followed by 'at' + verb, we use 'til'.
Situation: You are carrying three heavy bags and a friend is nearby.
'Give en hånd' is perfect for physical tasks with friends.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the basic variations of the phrase.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsYes, it is perfectly polite. If you want to be extra polite, start with 'Undskyld' (Excuse me).
Yes, but 'trænger til' implies a more desperate or urgent need, like 'I'm in dire need of help.'
'Hjælp' is the everyday word. 'Assistance' is formal and mostly used in professional or technical contexts.
In Danish, 'h' is always silent before 'j' and 'v'. It's just a spelling tradition!
Technically yes ('Jeg har brug for en drink'), but it sounds like you've had a very long day. Usually, you'd say 'Jeg vil gerne have en drink'.
Expressions liées
at have behov for
synonymto have a need for
at hjælpe til
builds onto pitch in / help out
at række en hånd
similarto lend a hand
at klare sig selv
contrastto manage on one's own
førstehjælp
specialized formfirst aid
