Signification
Do not judge based on appearance.
Contexte culturel
Danes value modesty and functionality. A person in a high position might dress very casually, making this proverb essential for social navigation. The 'Law of Jante' influences this proverb, as it discourages judging people based on status symbols or flashy exteriors. Historically, the proverb comes from the importance of working dogs in farming communities where utility trumped aesthetics. In the age of Instagram, Danes use this proverb to remind each other that 'perfect' photos don't reflect real life.
Use it for surprises
The best time to use this is when you are genuinely surprised by how good something is.
Don't modernize 'skue'
If you say 'se hunden på hårene', people will understand you, but it sounds like a mistake.
Signification
Do not judge based on appearance.
Use it for surprises
The best time to use this is when you are genuinely surprised by how good something is.
Don't modernize 'skue'
If you say 'se hunden på hårene', people will understand you, but it sounds like a mistake.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
Man skal ikke ____ hunden på ____.
The correct traditional form uses 'skue' and 'hårene'.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Situation: You see a small, old restaurant that looks boring, but the food is the best in the city.
This proverb is used when the quality of something is better than its appearance.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Han ser meget streng ud, jeg er bange for ham. B: Bare rolig, han er faktisk meget sød. ____.
B is telling A not to judge the person by their strict appearance.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesMan skal ikke ____ hunden på ____.
The correct traditional form uses 'skue' and 'hårene'.
Situation: You see a small, old restaurant that looks boring, but the food is the best in the city.
This proverb is used when the quality of something is better than its appearance.
A: Han ser meget streng ud, jeg er bange for ham. B: Bare rolig, han er faktisk meget sød. ____.
B is telling A not to judge the person by their strict appearance.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
2 questionsNo, the proverb is fixed with 'dog'. Using 'cat' would be seen as a joke or a mistake.
Very rarely. You might see it in old poetry or the phrase 'at skue ud over' (to look out over), but it's mostly dead.
Expressions liées
Skinnet bedrager
synonymAppearances are deceptive.
Det er det indre, der tæller
similarIt's what's on the inside that counts.
At dømme på forhånd
builds onTo judge in advance.
