Signification
Ordering a drink.
Contexte culturel
Danes value directness but also social harmony. The lack of a word for 'please' is compensated by a friendly tone and the word 'gerne'. Similar structures exist in Swedish (Jag skulle vilja ha) and Norwegian (Jeg vil gjerne ha), reflecting a shared linguistic approach to politeness. In Denmark, it is common to order tap water (postevand). It is considered high quality and is often served in a carafe. Using 'Jeg vil gerne have' shows you respect the person serving you as an equal, which is a core Danish value.
The 'Tak' Rule
Always add 'tak' at the end of the phrase to sound 100% like a local.
Avoid 'Please'
Don't try to use 'venligst' in a restaurant. It sounds like a sign on a wall, not a person talking.
Signification
Ordering a drink.
The 'Tak' Rule
Always add 'tak' at the end of the phrase to sound 100% like a local.
Avoid 'Please'
Don't try to use 'venligst' in a restaurant. It sounds like a sign on a wall, not a person talking.
The 'Postevand' Trick
If you want free tap water, specifically ask for 'postevand'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to make the sentence polite.
Jeg vil ______ have vand.
'Gerne' is the essential word for making a request polite in Danish.
Which sentence is the most polite way to order a coffee?
Choose the best option:
Option C uses the 'vil gerne have' formula, which is the standard polite way to order.
Complete the dialogue between a waiter and a customer.
Tjener: Hvad vil du have? Kunde: ___________________
This is a direct and polite response to the waiter's question.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Phrase: 'Jeg vil gerne have regningen, tak.'
'Regningen' means 'the bill'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJeg vil ______ have vand.
'Gerne' is the essential word for making a request polite in Danish.
Choose the best option:
Option C uses the 'vil gerne have' formula, which is the standard polite way to order.
Tjener: Hvad vil du have? Kunde: ___________________
This is a direct and polite response to the waiter's question.
Phrase: 'Jeg vil gerne have regningen, tak.'
'Regningen' means 'the bill'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsNo, it's perfectly fine! It's polite but not stiff. For very close friends, you might just say 'Må jeg få...'.
Yes! You can say 'Jeg vil gerne have en billet' (I would like a ticket) or 'Jeg vil gerne have hjælp' (I would like help).
'Vil' is present tense (I want), while 'ville' is past/conditional (I would like). 'Jeg vil gerne have' is the most common for ordering.
It's a cultural preference for expressing personal desire politely rather than using a formal imperative 'please'.
As a substance, yes (vandet). But when ordering 'a water' (a bottle), some people say 'en vand'.
Expressions liées
Jeg vil gerne bede om
specialized formI would like to ask for
Må jeg få
similarMay I have
Jeg kunne godt tænke mig
similarI could imagine for myself (I would like)
Jeg tager en
informalI'll take a
