Meaning
Losing memory of a thing.
Cultural Background
The song 'Glemmer du' is a national treasure. It teaches that while we forget many things, the heart remembers the important moments. Forgetting a birthday is a significant faux pas in Denmark, where 'fødselsdag' celebrations with flags are very important. Danes value efficiency. Forgetting to follow up on an email ('at glemme at følge op') is seen as unprofessional, though usually forgiven once. The word 'Glemmebogen' (The Forgetting Book) is a mythical place where all forgotten things go. It's a common metaphor in news and politics.
Use 'har glemt' for the present
If you are standing at the door without your keys, say 'Jeg har glemt mine nøgler' rather than 'Jeg glemmer mine nøgler'.
Watch the 'at'
Always remember the 'at' when followed by another verb: 'Jeg glemte AT købe...'
Meaning
Losing memory of a thing.
Use 'har glemt' for the present
If you are standing at the door without your keys, say 'Jeg har glemt mine nøgler' rather than 'Jeg glemmer mine nøgler'.
Watch the 'at'
Always remember the 'at' when followed by another verb: 'Jeg glemte AT købe...'
The 'Glem det' wave
Use 'Glem det' with a small hand wave to show you aren't angry about someone's mistake.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'at glemme'.
Jeg ______ min taske i går.
'I går' (yesterday) requires the past tense.
Which sentence is correct?
You want to say 'I have forgotten my password'.
The perfect tense 'har glemt' is used for a current state of having forgotten.
Match the Danish phrase with the English meaning.
1. Glem det! 2. Jeg glemte tiden. 3. Er du glemsom?
These are common idiomatic uses of the verb.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Huskede du mælken? B: Nej, jeg ______ ______ ______.
Since the question is in the past, the answer should be too. 'Den' refers to 'mælken'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Glemme vs. Miste
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJeg ______ min taske i går.
'I går' (yesterday) requires the past tense.
You want to say 'I have forgotten my password'.
The perfect tense 'har glemt' is used for a current state of having forgotten.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are common idiomatic uses of the verb.
A: Huskede du mælken? B: Nej, jeg ______ ______ ______.
Since the question is in the past, the answer should be too. 'Den' refers to 'mælken'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually, but 'at glemme tiden' (forgetting time) can be positive, implying you were having a great time.
Yes, 'Jeg glemmer aldrig dig' (I will never forget you).
'Glemme' is the mental act; 'efterlade' is the physical act of leaving something behind.
Use 'Jeg glemte at...' followed by the infinitive verb.
It is a weak verb (Group 2).
No, that's not common. Use 'Jeg glemte det'.
It can mean 'Drop it!' or 'Never mind!', often indicating the person is frustrated.
Yes, 'glemsel' (oblivion/forgetfulness), but it's very formal.
Say 'Jeg er glemsom'.
No, but the phrase 'tilgive og glemme' (forgive and forget) is common.
Related Phrases
at huske
contrastto remember
at miste
similarto lose
at efterlade
similarto leave behind
at udelade
specialized formto omit
