When you're just starting out with Danish, understanding basic adjectives like "varm" (warm) is very useful. At the A1 level, you'll use words like this to describe everyday things.
For example, you might talk about "varm kaffe" (warm coffee) or "varmt vejr" (warm weather). Notice how the ending of "varm" can change slightly depending on the noun it describes, but the core meaning stays the same.
It's a foundational word for expressing comfort, temperature, and even affection in simple sentences.
§ What does 'varm' mean?
The Danish word varm (pronounced like 'varm' with a rolled 'r' if you can manage it, or just a soft 'r' sound if not) is an adjective. It means warm in English. It's a very common word you'll hear and use often in Denmark, especially given the Danish weather! You'll use it to describe temperatures, feelings, and even certain personality traits.
§ When to use 'varm'
You use 'varm' in situations where you would use 'warm' in English. Think about:
- Weather: When it's a nice day and the sun is out, you'd say it's 'varmt vejr' (warm weather).
- Objects: A cup of coffee, a blanket, or even a radiator can be 'varm'.
- People/Animals: If you're feeling hot, you are 'varm'. Your dog might feel 'varm' after a long walk.
- Feelings/Atmosphere: A 'varm' welcome or a 'varm' atmosphere refers to a friendly and inviting feeling.
- Colors: While less common than in English, you can refer to 'varme farver' (warm colors) in Danish too.
Let's look at some examples to make this clearer.
§ Examples of 'varm' in sentences
Det er varmt i dag.
- Hint
- It is warm today.
Here, 'varmt' is used to describe the weather. Notice the extra 't' at the end. We'll talk about why that happens in a moment.
Jeg drikker en kop varm kakao.
- Hint
- I am drinking a cup of warm cocoa.
In this case, 'varm' describes the cocoa. No 't' here. Curious?
Hun er en meget varm person.
- Hint
- She is a very warm person.
Here, 'varm' describes someone's personality – they are friendly and kind.
§ The 't' ending: a quick grammar point
You might have noticed that sometimes 'varm' has a 't' at the end ('varmt') and sometimes it doesn't. This is because Danish adjectives often change their ending depending on the noun they describe. This is called agreement.
- Use varm for common gender nouns (en-words).
- Use varmt for neuter gender nouns (et-words) and when the adjective describes an entire clause or is used as an adverb.
- Use varme for plural nouns and when the adjective is in the definite form (e.g., 'den varme kaffe' - the warm coffee).
Don't worry too much about mastering all the endings right now. The most important thing is to understand the core meaning of 'varm'. As you learn more Danish, these endings will start to make more sense.
So, whether you're talking about the weather, your coffee, or a friendly person, 'varm' is the word you need. Practice using it and you'll soon feel more comfortable with this essential Danish adjective!
§ Danish 'varm' vs. English 'warm': Watch out for False Friends
While 'varm' directly translates to 'warm', there are situations where English speakers might naturally use 'warm' but Danes would use a different word. This section will help you avoid these common traps.
§ Mistake 1: Warm Welcome (Danish uses 'hjertelig' or 'god')
In English, we say 'a warm welcome'. In Danish, you would typically say 'en hjertelig velkomst' (a heartfelt welcome) or 'en god velkomst' (a good welcome). Using 'en varm velkomst' isn't technically wrong, but it sounds a bit odd and less natural to a native speaker. 'Hjertelig' emphasizes the genuine feeling behind the welcome.
Vi fik en hjertelig velkomst.
Translation hint: We received a heartfelt welcome.
§ Mistake 2: Warm Up (Danish uses 'varme op')
When you're talking about warming up before exercise, or warming food, the verb 'varme op' is used. It's a separable verb, meaning 'op' often goes to the end of the sentence. Simply using 'varm' as a verb is incorrect.
Husk at varme op før træning.
Translation hint: Remember to warm up before training.
Jeg skal varme maden op.
Translation hint: I need to warm the food up.
§ Mistake 3: Feeling Warm (Danish uses 'jeg har det varmt' or 'jeg er varm')
In English, you say 'I am warm' or 'I feel warm'. In Danish, you have two main options, but they have slightly different nuances:
- Jeg har det varmt: This literally means 'I have it warm' and is the most common and natural way to say you are feeling warm because of the temperature, or you are simply hot.
- Jeg er varm: This means 'I am warm' and can be used, but it sometimes implies you have a fever or are physically warm to the touch (e.g., after exercise). It's less ambiguous to use 'Jeg har det varmt' for general warmth.
Jeg har det varmt indenfor.
Translation hint: I am warm inside (I feel warm inside).
Efter løbeturen var jeg helt varm.
Translation hint: After the run, I was completely warm (my body was warm).
§ Mistake 4: Warm Regards (Danish uses 'venlig hilsen')
At the end of an email or letter, English speakers often use 'warm regards'. In Danish, the standard closing is 'Venlig hilsen' (friendly greeting/regards). While 'varm hilsen' isn't unheard of, it's far less common and can sound a bit too literal or even intense. Stick to 'Venlig hilsen' for most situations.
Venlig hilsen, [Dit navn].
Translation hint: Friendly regards, [Your name].
§ Summary of Key Differences
To recap, here are the main points to remember to avoid common mistakes with 'varm':
- For a 'warm welcome', use 'hjertelig velkomst' or 'god velkomst'.
- For 'to warm up' (verb), use 'varme op'.
- For 'I feel warm' (general feeling), use 'Jeg har det varmt'.
- For 'warm regards' in a closing, use 'Venlig hilsen'.
By paying attention to these common pitfalls, you'll sound much more natural when using 'varm' and related expressions in Danish. Keep practicing, and you'll master it in no time!
§ Understanding 'varm'
Let's talk about the Danish word 'varm'. It's an adjective, and it means 'warm' in English. Pretty straightforward, right? You'll use this word a lot, so it's good to get it down early. Like in English, 'warm' can refer to temperature, feelings, or even colors.
- Definition
- warm
§ Basic Examples of 'varm'
Here are some common ways you'll hear and use 'varm'. Notice how it functions just like 'warm' in English.
Vejret er varmt i dag. (The weather is warm today.)
Jeg drikker en kop varm kaffe. (I am drinking a cup of warm coffee.)
Tæppet er dejlig varmt. (The blanket is nice and warm.)
§ 'Varm' with People and Feelings
You can also use 'varm' to talk about how people feel or to describe a person's demeanor, just like in English.
Han har et varmt hjerte. (He has a warm heart.)
Hun føler sig varm. (She feels warm.)
§ Common Phrases with 'varm'
Here are a few common phrases where 'varm' is used. Learning these as chunks can be very helpful.
En varm velkomst: A warm welcome.
Vi fik en varm velkomst. (We received a warm welcome.)
At holde varmen: To stay warm.
Husk at klæde dig på for at holde varmen. (Remember to dress to stay warm.)
§ Similar words and when to use this one vs alternatives
While 'varm' is your go-to for 'warm', there are other words in Danish that might seem similar but have slightly different nuances. Let's look at a couple.
Hed: This means 'hot'. While 'varm' is pleasant, 'hed' implies a higher, often uncomfortable, temperature. Think of 'burning hot'.
Suppen er hed. (The soup is hot.)
Lun: This also translates to 'warm' but often implies a milder, gentle warmth. Think of 'lukewarm' or 'balmy'. It's often used for things like bread, a light breeze, or a cozy evening.
Brødet er stadig lunt. (The bread is still warm/lukewarm.)
En lun sommeraften. (A balmy summer evening.)
So, when do you use 'varm'? Most of the time when you mean 'warm' in a general sense, for weather, drinks, or general temperature. When things are uncomfortably hot, use 'hed'. For a more gentle or cozy warmth, especially when describing a specific item like fresh bread or a pleasant evening, 'lun' is often a better choice. Don't worry too much about perfect usage right away; context will help you a lot, and with practice, it will become natural.
Niveau de difficulté
short and common
short and common
short and common pronunciation
short and common pronunciation
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Exemples par niveau
Det er varmt i dag.
It is warm today.
Jeg har det varmt.
I am warm. (Literally: I have it warm.)
Vandet er varmt.
The water is warm.
Hun drikker varm kaffe.
She drinks warm coffee.
Tag en varm jakke på.
Put on a warm jacket.
Suppen er dejlig varm.
The soup is nice and warm.
Vi har en varm sommer i år.
We have a warm summer this year.
Huset er altid varmt om vinteren.
The house is always warm in the winter.
Det er varmt udenfor i dag, så tag en let jakke på.
It is warm outside today, so wear a light jacket.
Here 'varmt' is the neuter form of 'varm' to agree with 'det'.
Jeg kan godt lide en varm kop te om morgenen.
I like a warm cup of tea in the morning.
'varm' agrees with the common gender noun 'kop'.
Vandet i swimmingpoolen er dejligt varmt nu.
The water in the swimming pool is nicely warm now.
'varmt' agrees with the neuter noun 'vand'.
Har du husket at tænde for den varme plade?
Have you remembered to turn on the warm/hot plate?
'varme' is the definite form of the adjective, used with a definite noun ('den varme plade').
Jeg har det varmt, kan vi åbne et vindue?
I am warm, can we open a window?
Here 'har det varmt' is an idiom for 'to be warm'.
Den varme kakao var perfekt efter turen i kulden.
The hot cocoa was perfect after the trip in the cold.
'varme' is the definite form of the adjective, used with a definite noun ('den varme kakao').
Husk at klæde dig varmt på, når du skal ud.
Remember to dress warmly when you go out.
'varmt' is used as an adverb here, modifying the verb 'klæde på'.
Han gav hende en varm velkomst, da hun ankom.
He gave her a warm welcome when she arrived.
'varm' agrees with the common gender noun 'velkomst'.
Efter en lang gåtur i sneen var en kop varm kakao lige, hvad jeg trængte til for at tø op igen.
After a long walk in the snow, a cup of warm cocoa was just what I needed to warm up again.
Selvom solen skinnede, var vinden kold, så jeg var glad for min varme jakke.
Even though the sun was shining, the wind was cold, so I was glad for my warm jacket.
At modtage en varm velkomst fra mine nye kolleger gjorde det meget lettere at starte på det nye job.
Receiving a warm welcome from my new colleagues made it much easier to start the new job.
Hun havde altid en varm kop te klar til mig, når jeg kom på besøg, uanset tidspunktet.
She always had a warm cup of tea ready for me when I visited, regardless of the time.
Den varme debat om klimaforandringer fortsætter med at dominere dagsordenen på den politiske scene.
The heated debate about climate change continues to dominate the agenda on the political scene.
Med den varme sommersol var det umuligt at sove uden aircondition.
With the warm summer sun, it was impossible to sleep without air conditioning.
Hans varme smil og venlige øjne fik mig straks til at føle mig tryg i det fremmede land.
His warm smile and kind eyes immediately made me feel safe in the foreign country.
Jeg har en varm fornemmelse af, at dette projekt vil blive en stor succes.
I have a warm feeling that this project will be a great success.
Efter den lange vandretur føltes det varme bad som en sand velsignelse for hendes trætte muskler, og hun sank dybt ned i det velduftende vand, mens dampen steg op omkring hende og dæmpede omverdenens lyde til en fjern summen.
After the long hike, the warm bath felt like a true blessing for her tired muscles, and she sank deep into the fragrant water, while the steam rose around her, dampening the sounds of the outside world to a distant hum.
Selvom vinteren var barsk, holdt den varme kakao i den knitrende pejsestue humøret højt, og familiens latter fyldte rummet, mens snefnuggene dansede udenfor vinduerne og skabte et magisk, men koldt tæppe over landskabet.
Although the winter was harsh, the warm cocoa in the crackling fireplace room kept spirits high, and the family's laughter filled the room, while snowflakes danced outside the windows, creating a magical but cold blanket over the landscape.
Han reflekterede over den varme velkomst, han havde modtaget i landsbyen, en gæstfrihed der strakte sig ud over forventningerne og omfavnede ham som en gammel ven, selvom han kun havde været der i få timer, og hvert smil og hver venlige gestus varmede hans hjerte.
He reflected on the warm welcome he had received in the village, a hospitality that extended beyond expectations and embraced him like an old friend, even though he had only been there for a few hours, and every smile and kind gesture warmed his heart.
Den varme brise fra Middelhavet strøg blidt over huden, og havets salte duft blandede sig med timian og lavendel fra de omkringliggende marker, skabende en sanseoplevelse, der var både beroligende og oplivende, som et løfte om sommerens uendelige dage.
The warm breeze from the Mediterranean gently caressed the skin, and the salty scent of the sea mingled with thyme and lavender from the surrounding fields, creating a sensory experience that was both calming and invigorating, like a promise of summer's endless days.
Hendes varme smil var som solskin på en regnvejrsdag, og det spredte en umiddelbar glæde til alle omkring hende, en uforklarlig fornemmelse af lethed og håb, som om alle bekymringer forsvandt i dens stråler, og verden pludselig virkede lysere og mere farverig.
Her warm smile was like sunshine on a rainy day, and it spread immediate joy to everyone around her, an inexplicable feeling of lightness and hope, as if all worries disappeared in its rays, and the world suddenly seemed brighter and more colorful.
At modtage en varm anbefaling fra en respekteret kollega åbnede døre, han ikke engang vidste eksisterede, og det banede vejen for uventede muligheder, der transformerede hans karrierebane på måder, han aldrig havde turdet drømme om, og bekræftede hans anstrengelser.
Receiving a warm recommendation from a respected colleague opened doors he didn't even know existed, and it paved the way for unexpected opportunities that transformed his career path in ways he had never dared to dream of, confirming his efforts.
Den varme glød fra den gamle olielampe kastede lange skygger på væggene og skabte en intim atmosfære i det lille, rustikke sommerhus, hvor tiden syntes at stå stille, og hvert øjeblik var fyldt med en stille ro og uforstyrret eftertanke.
The warm glow from the old oil lamp cast long shadows on the walls, creating an intimate atmosphere in the small, rustic cottage, where time seemed to stand still, and every moment was filled with a quiet calm and undisturbed reflection.
På trods af hans reserverede ydre besad han en indre varme, der kun blev afsløret for dem, han stolede på, en dyb og ægte venlighed, der manifesterede sig i hans handlinger snarere end i tomme ord, og som gjorde ham til en uvurderlig ven for de få udvalgte.
Despite his reserved exterior, he possessed an inner warmth that was only revealed to those he trusted, a deep and genuine kindness that manifested itself in his actions rather than in empty words, and which made him an invaluable friend to the select few.
Comment l'utiliser
Varm can be used for temperature (weather, food, body) and also to describe a warm personality or atmosphere. It's an adjective, so it will change based on the noun it modifies (e.g., 'varmt' for neuter nouns, 'varme' for plural/definite).
A common mistake is forgetting to adjust the ending of 'varm' based on the noun's gender or number. For example, 'en varm suppe' (a warm soup) is correct, but 'et varm suppe' is wrong because 'suppe' is common gender. For neuter nouns like 'vejr' (weather), it's 'varmt vejr'. For plural nouns like 'varme hænder' (warm hands), it takes an -e.
Teste-toi 24 questions
Vejret er ___. (The weather is warm.)
Here, 'varm' means warm and fits the context of the weather.
Jeg drikker en ___ kop te. (I drink a warm cup of tea.)
'Varm' describes the temperature of the tea.
Han har en ___ jakke på. (He has a warm jacket on.)
The jacket is described as warm.
Er suppen ___ nok? (Is the soup warm enough?)
This sentence asks about the temperature of the soup.
Jeg kan godt lide ___ vejr. (I like warm weather.)
Here, 'varmt' is the neuter form of 'varm' and agrees with 'vejr' (weather).
Solen er ___. (The sun is warm.)
The sun is known for being warm.
This means 'the weather is warm.' In Danish, the subject usually comes first, followed by the verb, and then the adjective.
This means 'I want a cup of warm coffee.' The structure is 'Subject + vil have (want to have) + indefinite article + adjective + noun.'
This means 'My jacket is warm.' 'Min' (my) precedes the noun, followed by the verb 'er' (is) and the adjective 'varm'.
Listen for 'varmt' meaning 'warm'.
Listen for 'varm' describing 'chokolade'.
Listen for 'varmt' in the question about water.
Read this aloud:
Det er en varm sommerdag.
Focus: varm
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Jeg har en varm trøje på.
Focus: varm
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Kan du lide varmt vejr?
Focus: varmt
Tu as dit :
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Vælg den sætning, hvor 'varm' bruges korrekt i en overført betydning.
'Varm' kan bruges til at beskrive en venlig eller hjertelig modtagelse, hvilket er en overført betydning.
Hvilket ord er et synonym for 'varm' i betydningen 'kærlig' eller 'passioneret'?
'Lidenskabelig' betyder passioneret, hvilket kan være en stærkere form for 'varm' i en følelsesmæssig kontekst.
Hvilken af disse sætninger bruger 'varm' i en idiomatisk vending?
En 'varm følelse i maven' er en idiomatisk vending, der beskriver en behagelig eller glædelig fornemmelse.
Man kan sige 'en varm debat' for at beskrive en livlig og engageret diskussion.
'En varm debat' er et almindeligt udtryk på dansk, der betyder en passioneret og ofte intens diskussion.
At 'have varme hænder' betyder, at man er god til at gribe ting.
At 'have varme hænder' refererer ofte til at have held eller en særlig evne til at klare sig godt i bestemte situationer, især i spil eller konkurrencer, ikke at være god til at gribe ting.
Når man siger, at noget er 'varmt på hylderne', betyder det, at det er populært og sælger hurtigt.
Udtrykket 'varmt på hylderne' bruges til at beskrive et produkt, der er meget efterspurgt og sælger godt.
/ 24 correct
Perfect score!
