Meaning
Possessing the necessary skills.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a key part of 'Talent-kultur' (talent culture) in Denmark, often used to bypass Janteloven by focusing on innate potential rather than outward boasting. Similar versions exist in Swedish ('ha det i sig') and Norwegian, reflecting a shared Nordic view of internal character strength. In international Danish sports commentary, this phrase is used to describe the 'clutch' factor—the ability to perform when it matters most. Reality TV judges use this phrase to create emotional 'story arcs' for contestants who lack confidence but have raw talent.
The Reflexive Rule
Always double-check your subject. If it's 'vi', use 'os'. If it's 'I', use 'jer'.
Don't overdo it
Only use this for meaningful things. Using it for small tasks makes you sound like a motivational speaker on too much coffee.
Meaning
Possessing the necessary skills.
The Reflexive Rule
Always double-check your subject. If it's 'vi', use 'os'. If it's 'I', use 'jer'.
Don't overdo it
Only use this for meaningful things. Using it for small tasks makes you sound like a motivational speaker on too much coffee.
The Silent Praise
In Denmark, this is one of the highest forms of praise because it suggests the person is 'naturally' great.
Negative usage
Remember you can use it to express shock at bad behavior too!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun (mig, dig, sig, os, jer).
Jeg ved, at jeg har det i ___ at klare opgaven.
The subject is 'Jeg', so the reflexive pronoun must be 'mig'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Talking about a third person (Peter):
In Danish, 'sig' is the reflexive pronoun for the third person singular.
Complete the dialogue with the best response.
A: Jeg tør ikke springe i faldskærm! B: Jo, kom nu! Jeg ved, du ___.
B is talking to A (du), so 'har det i dig' is correct.
Match the sentence to the context.
'Jeg troede ikke, hun havde det i sig at stjæle.'
The sentence expresses shock that someone was capable of stealing.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJeg ved, at jeg har det i ___ at klare opgaven.
The subject is 'Jeg', so the reflexive pronoun must be 'mig'.
Talking about a third person (Peter):
In Danish, 'sig' is the reflexive pronoun for the third person singular.
A: Jeg tør ikke springe i faldskærm! B: Jo, kom nu! Jeg ved, du ___.
B is talking to A (du), so 'har det i dig' is correct.
'Jeg troede ikke, hun havde det i sig at stjæle.'
The sentence expresses shock that someone was capable of stealing.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it's metaphorical. 'Denne bil har det i sig at blive en klassiker' (This car has it in it to become a classic).
Both work, but 'i sig' is more common for the idiom. 'I sig selv' means 'in and of itself'.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Nothing specific! It's a dummy pronoun representing 'the quality' or 'the talent'.
No, that sounds strange. Use it for skills or character traits, not temporary states.
No. 'At have det på fornemmelsen' means to have a gut feeling.
Du har det ikke i dig.
Yes: 'Du vil vise dem, at du har det i dig.'
Very! Many Danish pop songs use it to talk about love or ambition.
Saying 'Han har det i ham' instead of 'sig'.
Related Phrases
at have det i blodet
similarTo have it in the blood
at have ben i næsen
similarTo have bones in the nose
at have hvad der skal til
synonymTo have what it takes
at være gjort af et særligt stof
builds onTo be made of a special material
