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A1 noun 10 min de lecture

kop

Exemples kop en 30 secondes
Explication kop in your Level:
At the A1 level, you learn 'kop' as one of your first basic nouns. It's a fundamental word for daily life. You should know that it is 'en kop' (a cup) and that you use it to ask for drinks. You will practice simple sentences like 'Jeg vil gerne have en kop kaffe' (I would like a cup of coffee). At this stage, focus on the singular and plural forms: 'en kop' and 'to kopper'. You don't need to worry about complex idioms yet, just the physical object you see on the table every day. You might also learn it in the context of the kitchen or a cafe. It is an essential building block for surviving a basic social interaction in Denmark, where coffee is the most common social lubricant. Remember that 'kop' is common gender, so you use 'min kop' (my cup) and not 'mit kop'. This is a great word to practice your basic Danish pronunciation, especially the short 'o' sound and the soft 'p' at the end.
At the A2 level, you start to use 'kop' in more descriptive sentences. You might talk about the color or size of the cup: 'Den røde kop er min' (The red cup is mine). You also learn to use the definite forms correctly in context: 'Kan du vaske koppen?' (Can you wash the cup?). You begin to see 'kop' in compound words like 'kaffekop' or 'tekop'. You should also be able to use 'kop' as a simple unit of measurement in basic recipes. Your understanding of the word expands from just the object to the social action associated with it, such as the phrase 'at få en kop kaffe' as an invitation. You will also learn the difference between 'en kop' and 'et glas', and when to use each. This level focuses on making your usage more natural by adding adjectives and using the word in common daily routines like breakfast or office breaks.
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By B1, you are comfortable with the grammatical variations of 'kop' and can use it in more complex sentence structures. You might describe the material of the cup, such as 'en kop af porcelæn' (a cup of porcelain) or talk about 'kopperne i skabet' (the cups in the cupboard). You start to encounter the word in more idiomatic expressions and understand the cultural significance of the 'kaffekop' in Danish 'hygge'. You can participate in longer conversations where the word 'kop' might come up, perhaps discussing your favorite type of tea or coffee. You also learn about 'målebæger' and 'målekop' in the context of cooking and baking. At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'kop' and 'krus' and use them appropriately based on the setting, whether formal or informal. You also begin to understand the use of 'kop' in a professional setting, like during a 'kaffepause' at work.
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At the B2 level, you use 'kop' fluently in both literal and figurative contexts. You are aware of the subtle social cues associated with the word, such as how offering a 'kop kaffe' can be a way to initiate a difficult conversation or provide comfort. You can read texts where 'kop' might be used metaphorically or in literary descriptions of a scene. You understand the historical context of Danish porcelain and why certain 'kopper' are more valued than others. You can also handle more technical uses, such as in scientific or medical contexts where 'en kop' might be used as a standardized (though often informal) measurement. Your pronunciation is refined, and you correctly handle the soft Danish 'p'. You might also start to use phrases like 'det er ikke lige min kop te' (it's not quite my cup of tea), acknowledging its English origin but using it naturally in Danish conversation.
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At the C1 level, your understanding of 'kop' is nuanced and deep. You can discuss the aesthetics of Danish design in relation to 'kopper', from the classic 'Musselmalet' to modern minimalist styles. You understand the word's place in Danish etymology and its relationship to other Germanic languages. You can use 'kop' in sophisticated metaphors and understand its role in creating atmosphere in a piece of creative writing. You are also aware of the environmental discussions surrounding 'engangskopper' (disposable cups) versus 'genbrugskopper' (reusable cups) and can participate in a debate on sustainability using these terms. You recognize the word in older Danish texts where it might have slightly different connotations or be part of archaic phrases. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the subtle stress patterns in compound words like 'kaffekop' versus 'målekop'.
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At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'kop' and its various roles in the Danish language. You can analyze the word's function in poetry, where it might symbolize domesticity, routine, or even loneliness. You understand the sociological implications of the 'kaffekop' in Danish society and can write or speak about it with academic precision. You are familiar with the most obscure idioms and historical uses of the word. You can effortlessly switch between registers, using 'kop' in a formal speech about cultural heritage or in a slang-filled conversation about a 'kop' at a music festival. You understand the phonological nuances of the word in different Danish dialects and how the pronunciation of the 'o' or 'p' might change. For you, 'kop' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a versatile tool for expression that carries the full weight of Danish history and culture.
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Exemples

kop en 30 secondes

  • A 'kop' is a standard Danish noun for a cup, essential for coffee and tea.
  • It is a common gender noun (en kop) and forms the plural 'kopper'.
  • The word is central to Danish social life and the concept of 'hygge'.
  • It differs from 'krus' (mug) by being smaller and often having a saucer.
In the Danish language, the word kop refers to a small, typically bowl-shaped container used for drinking hot liquids. This noun is central to Danish domestic life and social rituals. While it primarily denotes the vessel itself, it also frequently signifies the quantity of liquid contained within it, much like the English word 'cup'. In Denmark, the kop is not just a utility item; it is an essential component of the cultural phenomenon known as hygge. Whether you are visiting a friend, attending a business meeting, or sitting in a cozy cafe in Copenhagen, the offer of a 'kop kaffe' (cup of coffee) is the standard gesture of hospitality.
Physical Form
A standard Danish kop usually features a 'hank' (handle) and is often paired with an 'underkop' (saucer). Historically, these were made of porcelain or ceramic, though modern variations include glass and recycled materials.

Vær så god, her er en varm kop te til dig.

The word is used in various settings, from the kitchen where you measure ingredients using a 'målekop', to the office where a 'plastikkop' might be used at the water cooler. Understanding the nuances of this word involves recognizing that it is often part of compound words. Danes love compounding nouns to be specific. Instead of just saying 'en kop', they will say 'en kaffekop' or 'en tekop' to specify the intended use. This linguistic habit reflects the Danish value of precision and domestic order. Furthermore, the word appears in social invitations. Asking someone 'Skal vi få en kop kaffe?' is the most common way to suggest a casual meeting or a date. It is less about the caffeine and more about the social connection.
Materiality
The material of the kop often dictates the setting. A 'porcelænskop' suggests a formal or traditional setting, often associated with fine dining or 'mormor' (grandmother) visits, while a 'krus' (mug) is more casual and rugged.

Jeg drak min kop kakao, mens jeg læste bogen.

In professional environments, the 'kop' is a symbol of the 'kaffepause' (coffee break), which is a vital part of the Danish workplace culture. It is during these breaks that horizontal communication happens, and the hierarchy is temporarily set aside. Therefore, knowing how to use 'kop' correctly is not just a matter of vocabulary; it is an entry point into Danish social etiquette and the philosophy of egalitarianism. Whether it is a 'termokop' for a commute or a delicate 'musselmalet kop' for a celebration, the word permeates every level of Danish life.
Using the word kop correctly requires an understanding of Danish noun declension and common verb pairings. As a common gender noun (en-ord), 'kop' follows standard patterns for singular, plural, definite, and indefinite forms. To say 'a cup', you use 'en kop'. To say 'the cup', you use 'koppen'. For the plural 'cups', it becomes 'kopper', and 'the cups' is 'kopperne'.
Grammar Table
Indefinite Singular: en kop | Definite Singular: koppen | Indefinite Plural: kopper | Definite Plural: kopperne.

Hvor er min kop? Jeg kan ikke finde den.

When describing the contents of the cup, Danish uses the preposition 'med' (with) or simply places the content after the word. For example, 'en kop kaffe' (a cup of coffee) or 'en kop med te' (a cup with tea). Note that unlike English, Danish does not use a possessive 'of' equivalent here; 'en kop af kaffe' would sound very strange and incorrect. Adjectives modifying 'kop' must agree with its gender. For instance, 'en stor kop' (a large cup) or 'en lille kop' (a small cup). If you are using the definite form with an adjective, it becomes 'den store kop' or 'den lille kop'.

De smukke kopper står i skabet.

Verbs frequently associated with 'kop' include 'drikke' (to drink), 'skænke' (to pour), 'vaske op' (to wash up), and 'tabe' (to drop). In a sentence like 'Hun skænkede en kop te til ham', the word functions as the direct object.
Common Verb Pairings
At drikke af en kop (to drink from a cup). At fylde koppen (to fill the cup). At tømme koppen (to empty the cup).

Pas på, du ikke vælter din kop!

In more advanced usage, 'kop' can be used in measurement. 'Tilsæt en kop sukker til dejen' (Add a cup of sugar to the dough). While Danes generally use the metric system (deciliters), older recipes or those influenced by American culture might still use 'kop' as a unit of measure. Finally, remember the distinction between 'kop' and 'krus'. A 'kop' is typically more formal and has a saucer, whereas a 'krus' is a mug without a saucer. Using 'kop' when you mean 'krus' is acceptable in casual speech, but using 'krus' for a fine china 'kop' might be seen as a slight lack of refinement in traditional circles.
The word kop is ubiquitous in Danish daily life, and you will hear it in a wide variety of contexts. The most frequent location is undoubtedly the Danish home. In the morning, you might hear a partner ask, 'Vil du have en kop kaffe?' as the coffee machine gurgles in the background. This morning ritual is a cornerstone of the Danish day.
In the Kitchen
You'll hear it during meal preparation: 'Kan du give mig en kop til vandet?' or during cleanup: 'Husk at sætte kopperne i opvaskemaskinen'.

Skal vi ikke lige sætte os og få en kop kaffe?

Moving outside the home, the word is a staple of the service industry. In a 'café' or 'bageri' (bakery), the staff will ask, 'Skal det være en lille eller stor kop?' when you order a latte or tea. In these commercial settings, 'kop' is often replaced by 'krus' if the establishment serves coffee in larger mugs, but 'kop' remains the generic term for the unit of beverage. In the workplace, 'kop' is heard during the 'formiddagspause' (morning break) or 'frokost' (lunch). Colleagues might say, 'Jeg henter lige en kop kaffe, skal du have noget med?'. This informal networking is where much of the social glue of a Danish company is formed.
Public Spaces
At festivals or outdoor events, you might hear about 'genbrugskopper' (reusable cups) or 'engangskopper' (disposable cups) as part of sustainability initiatives.

Må jeg få en kop koldt vand?

You will also encounter the word in Danish literature and media. In TV shows and movies, characters often bond over a 'kop'. It serves as a prop for intimacy or a moment of reflection. News reports might discuss the price of a 'kop kaffe' in different cities as a measure of the cost of living. Even in healthcare, a doctor might ask how many 'kopper kaffe' you drink a day. The word is so integrated into the fabric of the language that it is almost invisible to native speakers, yet it carries the weight of centuries of social tradition. From the clinking of a 'porcelænskop' at a wedding to the crinkle of a 'papkop' at a train station, the sound of the word 'kop' is the sound of Danish life in motion.
For English speakers learning Danish, the word kop might seem deceptively simple, but there are several common pitfalls to avoid. The first major mistake is gender confusion. Danish has two genders: common (en) and neuter (et). 'Kop' is common gender, so it must always be 'en kop' and 'koppen'. A frequent error is saying 'et kop' or 'koppet', which sounds distinctly 'off' to a native ear.
Gender Error
Incorrect: Jeg vil gerne have et kop kaffe. | Correct: Jeg vil gerne have en kop kaffe.

Hvor er den lille kop? (Note the 'den' and 'lille' for common gender).

Another common mistake involves the preposition used for the contents of the cup. In English, we say 'a cup of coffee'. Beginners often try to translate this literally as 'en kop af kaffe'. In Danish, the preposition 'af' is not used in this context. You simply say 'en kop kaffe'. The 'of' is implied by the juxtaposition of the two nouns. Pronunciation also poses a challenge. The 'p' in 'kop' is not a hard, aspirated 'p' as in the English word 'pop'. In Danish, a final 'p' often sounds more like a soft, voiceless 'b'. If you pronounce it with a strong puff of air, it will sound foreign. The vowel sound 'o' in 'kop' is short and open, similar to the 'o' in 'hot' but slightly more rounded.
Pluralization Mistake
Learners sometimes forget the '-er' ending for the plural. They might say 'to kop' instead of 'to kopper'. Remember: one kop, two kopper.

Jeg har købt seks nye kopper.

Finally, there is the confusion between 'kop' and 'krus'. While English speakers use 'cup' and 'mug' somewhat interchangeably, Danes are more specific. A 'kop' is usually smaller and comes with a saucer, often used for tea or formal coffee. A 'krus' is larger, thicker, and used for casual coffee or cocoa. If you are at a formal dinner and ask for a 'krus' kaffe, it might seem a bit too informal, though in modern times this distinction is fading among younger generations. Avoid these errors, and your Danish will sound much more natural and fluent.
While kop is the standard term, Danish offers several related words that provide more specific meanings or different registers. Understanding these alternatives will help you navigate different social settings and describe objects more accurately.
Krus (Mug)
This is the most common alternative. A 'krus' is typically larger than a 'kop', made of thicker ceramic or stoneware, and lacks a saucer. It's what you use for a large morning coffee or a big cup of hot chocolate.

Han drak en stor krus kakao med flødeskum.

Bæger (Beaker/Cup)
This word is often used for plastic or paper cups, like those at a stadium or a fast-food restaurant. It can also refer to a goblet in a historical or religious context (e.g., 'alterbæger').
Glas (Glass)
While a 'kop' is for hot drinks, a 'glas' is for cold drinks. However, some modern cafes serve coffee in heat-resistant 'glas'. In that case, you might hear 'et glas kaffe'.

Vil du have et glas vand i stedet for en kop te?

Skål (Bowl)
Historically, 'kop' and 'skål' share an ancestry. In some very old contexts or specific dialects, a 'kop' might be referred to as a small 'skål', but today, a 'skål' is exclusively for food like soup or cereal.
Finally, consider the compound words. A 'termokop' (travel mug) is essential for commuters. A 'målekop' (measuring cup) is essential for bakers. A 'musselmalet kop' refers specifically to the famous blue-and-white fluted porcelain from Royal Copenhagen. By choosing the right word—whether it's the humble 'krus', the disposable 'bæger', or the elegant 'porcelænskop'—you demonstrate a deeper understanding of Danish culture and the specific context of your interaction.
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Exemples par niveau

1

Jeg har en kop.

I have a cup.

Indefinite singular: 'en kop'.

2

Her er din kop.

Here is your cup.

Possessive pronoun 'din' matches the common gender of 'kop'.

3

Vil du have en kop kaffe?

Would you like a cup of coffee?

Common phrase for offering a drink.

4

Koppen er blå.

The cup is blue.

Definite singular: 'koppen'.

5

Jeg drikker en kop te.

I am drinking a cup of tea.

Present tense verb 'drikker' with the object 'en kop te'.

6

Hvor er min kop?

Where is my cup?

Question word 'hvor' followed by the verb and subject.

7

Der er to kopper.

There are two cups.

Indefinite plural: 'kopper'.

8

En kop vand, tak.

A cup of water, please.

Polite request using 'tak'.

1

Jeg vasker koppen nu.

I am washing the cup now.

Definite form 'koppen' used as the object.

2

Kan du række mig den store kop?

Can you hand me the large cup?

Definite adjective 'store' with the definite pronoun 'den'.

3

Vi mangler nogle kopper til festen.

We are missing some cups for the party.

Indefinite plural 'kopper' with the quantifier 'nogle'.

4

Denne kop er meget varm.

This cup is very hot.

Demonstrative pronoun 'denne' for common gender.

5

Jeg købte en ny kaffekop i går.

I bought a new coffee cup yesterday.

Compound noun 'kaffekop'.

6

Sæt kopperne ind i skabet.

Put the cups into the cupboard.

Definite plural 'kopperne'.

7

Må jeg få en kop mere?

May I have another cup?

Using 'mere' to ask for a refill.

8

Der er mælk i koppen.

There is milk in the cup.

Preposition 'i' indicating containment.

1

Hun foretrækker at drikke af en porcelænskop.

She prefers to drink from a porcelain cup.

Compound noun 'porcelænskop'.

2

Husk at bruge en målekop til melet.

Remember to use a measuring cup for the flour.

Compound noun 'målekop'.

3

Koppen faldt på gulvet og gik i stykker.

The cup fell on the floor and broke.

Past tense 'faldt' and 'gik i stykker'.

4

Jeg har samlet på disse kopper i mange år.

I have collected these cups for many years.

Present perfect 'har samlet' with plural 'kopper'.

5

Hver morgen starter jeg med en kop kaffe og avisen.

Every morning I start with a cup of coffee and the newspaper.

Prepositional phrase 'med en kop kaffe'.

6

Kan du se, om der er flere rene kopper?

Can you see if there are any more clean cups?

Plural adjective 'rene' matching 'kopper'.

7

Denne kop har en meget lille hank.

This cup has a very small handle.

Noun 'hank' (handle) associated with 'kop'.

8

Vi drak en kop kaffe, mens vi talte om ferien.

We drank a cup of coffee while we talked about the holiday.

Conjunction 'mens' used with the activity of drinking coffee.

1

At give en kop kaffe er en vigtig del af dansk gæstfrihed.

Giving a cup of coffee is an important part of Danish hospitality.

Infinitive 'at give' as a subject phrase.

2

Han kiggede ned i sin tomme kop og sukkede.

He looked down into his empty cup and sighed.

Reflexive possessive 'sin' referring to the subject 'han'.

3

Der var en storm i en kop vand over den lille fejl.

It was a storm in a teacup over that small mistake.

Idiomatic expression (similar to 'storm in a teacup').

4

Hun købte en termokop, så kaffen kunne holde sig varm.

She bought a thermos cup so the coffee could stay warm.

Compound noun 'termokop' with a purpose clause.

5

Kopperne fra Royal Copenhagen er verdenskendte.

The cups from Royal Copenhagen are world-famous.

Proper noun 'Royal Copenhagen' as a modifier.

6

Jeg foretrækker en kop, der er god at holde om.

I prefer a cup that is nice to hold.

Relative clause 'der er god at holde om'.

7

Mange foretrækker krus frem for de små, fine kopper.

Many prefer mugs over the small, fine cups.

Comparison using 'frem for'.

8

Det er utroligt, hvor meget en enkelt kop kaffe kan gøre.

It's incredible how much a single cup of coffee can do.

Exclamatory structure with 'hvor meget'.

1

Udvalget af kopper i butikken afspejler tidens designtendenser.

The selection of cups in the shop reflects the design trends of the time.

Genitive 'tidens' modifying 'designtendenser'.

2

En kop kaffe fungerer ofte som en social katalysator.

A cup of coffee often functions as a social catalyst.

Abstract noun 'social katalysator'.

3

Hun nød den stilfærdige klirren af kopper i køkkenet.

She enjoyed the quiet clinking of cups in the kitchen.

Gerund-like noun 'klirren'.

4

Det er vigtigt at mindske forbruget af engangskopper.

It is important to reduce the consumption of disposable cups.

Compound noun 'engangskopper'.

5

Koppen var dekoreret med fine, håndmalede detaljer.

The cup was decorated with fine, hand-painted details.

Passive construction 'var dekoreret'.

6

At dele en kop kaffe kan bygge bro mellem generationer.

Sharing a cup of coffee can bridge the gap between generations.

Metaphorical use of 'bygge bro' (build a bridge).

7

Han rakte hende koppen med en næsten ceremoniel gestus.

He handed her the cup with an almost ceremonial gesture.

Adverbial phrase 'med en næsten ceremoniel gestus'.

8

Dette krus er egentlig bare en glorificeret kop.

This mug is really just a glorified cup.

Adjective 'glorificeret' (glorified).

1

Koppens form og funktion er blevet perfektioneret gennem århundreder.

The cup's form and function have been perfected over centuries.

Genitive 'koppens' as the subject.

2

I hans erindringer var duften af bedstemors kopper altid nærværende.

In his memories, the scent of his grandmother's cups was always present.

Plural genitive 'bedstemors kopper'.

3

Man kan læse meget ud af en persons valg af kop.

One can read a lot into a person's choice of cup.

Impersonal pronoun 'man' and the phrase 'læse ud af'.

4

Den skårede kop vidnede om mange års tro tjeneste.

The chipped cup bore witness to many years of faithful service.

Metaphorical use of 'vidnede om'.

5

Kaffekoppen blev et symbol på den industrielle revolutions pauser.

The coffee cup became a symbol of the Industrial Revolution's breaks.

Historical/Sociological context.

6

Der findes en nærmest sakral ro over en kop te i ensomhed.

There is an almost sacred calm over a cup of tea in solitude.

Adjective 'sakral' (sacred).

7

Hun betragtede mønsteret i koppen, som var det et kort over fremtiden.

She observed the pattern in the cup as if it were a map of the future.

Subjunctive-like comparison 'som var det'.

8

Koppens skrøbelighed kontrasterede skarpt med bordets massive egetræ.

The cup's fragility contrasted sharply with the table's massive oak.

Abstract noun 'skrøbelighed'.

Collocations courantes

en kop kaffe
en kop te
en varm kop
en tom kop
at vaske kopper op
en ren kop
en lille kop
en kopfuld
at skænke en kop
en kop med hank

Phrases Courantes

En kop kaffe?

— A short way of offering someone coffee.

Velkommen! En kop kaffe?

Giv mig en kop.

— Hand me a cup.

Jeg er tørstig, giv mig en kop.

Lige en kop til.

— Just one more cup.

Det smager godt, må jeg få lige en kop til?

En kop på farten.

— A cup of something to go/while traveling.

Jeg tager en kop på farten til arbejde.

At kigge i koppen.

— Literally looking into the cup, often implies being lost in thought.

Han sad bare og kiggede i koppen.

At drikke ud af koppen.

— To drink out of the cup.

Barnet lærer at drikke ud af koppen.

Kopper og kar.

— An old-fashioned way to refer to all dishes/kitchenware.

Vi skal have vasket alle kopper og kar op.

En kop varmt.

— A cup of something hot (generic).

Kom ind og få en kop varmt.

At tabe koppen.

— To drop the cup.

Pas på ikke at tabe koppen!

En kop til deling.

— A cup to share (rare, but used).

Vi har kun en kop til deling.

Expressions idiomatiques

"En storm i et glas vand"

— A lot of fuss about nothing. Note: Danes use 'glas' here, but i

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