Meaning
Working hard to achieve something.
Cultural Background
The phrase is linked to 'flid' (diligence), a highly respected trait in Danish schools and workplaces. It's better to be seen as 'hardworking' than 'naturally gifted'. In Norway, the equivalent 'gjøre en innsats' is used similarly, often in the context of 'dugnad' (community volunteer work). Swedes use 'göra en insats', but it can also specifically mean 'to perform a heroic deed' or a significant social contribution. While English speakers might say 'I'll try my best', Danes are more likely to use 'gøre en indsats' to signal a concrete plan of action.
Use adjectives!
Danes love to qualify their effort. Use 'kæmpe' (huge), 'flot' (nice), or 'lille' (small) to sound more native.
Verb choice
Never use 'lave'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Stick to 'gøre'.
Meaning
Working hard to achieve something.
Use adjectives!
Danes love to qualify their effort. Use 'kæmpe' (huge), 'flot' (nice), or 'lille' (small) to sound more native.
Verb choice
Never use 'lave'. It's the most common mistake for English speakers. Stick to 'gøre'.
Modesty
When someone praises your 'indsats', a typical Danish response is 'Det var så lidt' (It was nothing) or 'Jeg gjorde bare mit arbejde' (I just did my job).
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'at gøre'.
I går ______ han en stor indsats for at færdiggøre opgaven.
The sentence refers to 'i går' (yesterday), so we need the past tense 'gjorde'.
Which sentence is naturally correct Danish?
How do you say 'I want to make an effort'?
'Gøre' is the only verb that collocates with 'en indsats' in this context.
Match the adjective with the meaning of the effort.
Match the pairs:
These are common modifiers for the phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Chef: 'Vi har brug for at blive færdige til tiden.' Medarbejder: 'Bare rolig, vi skal nok ______.'
This is a standard professional response to a deadline.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI går ______ han en stor indsats for at færdiggøre opgaven.
The sentence refers to 'i går' (yesterday), so we need the past tense 'gjorde'.
How do you say 'I want to make an effort'?
'Gøre' is the only verb that collocates with 'en indsats' in this context.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common modifiers for the phrase.
Chef: 'Vi har brug for at blive færdige til tiden.' Medarbejder: 'Bare rolig, vi skal nok ______.'
This is a standard professional response to a deadline.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions'Gøre et forsøg' means 'to make an attempt'. It's more about a single try, while 'gøre en indsats' is about sustained work.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The plural is 'indsatser', but the phrase is almost always used in the singular: 'at gøre en indsats'.
Yes! 'Han gjorde en god indsats i fitnesscentret' is perfectly natural.
You say 'Jeg gjorde ikke en indsats' or more naturally 'Jeg gjorde ikke rigtig nogen indsats'.
Related Phrases
at yde en indsats
specialized formTo render an effort.
at gøre sit bedste
synonymTo do one's best.
at lægge sig i selen
similarTo pull one's weight / work very hard.
at tage fat
builds onTo get to work / roll up one's sleeves.
