Meaning
Maintaining stability in life.
Cultural Background
The Danish '37-hour work week' is a point of national pride. Having a good balance is seen as a right, not a privilege. Employers often encourage staff to go home on time. In contrast to Denmark, the US often prioritizes 'hustle culture'. A Dane might use this phrase to explain why they are declining a promotion that requires 60 hours of work. The concept of 'Karoshi' (death from overwork) is the extreme opposite of 'en god balance'. Modern Japanese youth are increasingly using similar terms to push for better conditions. In cultures like Italy or Spain, the 'siesta' or long lunch was a traditional way to maintain balance, though this is changing in big cities.
Use 'mellem'
Always pair this phrase with 'mellem' (between) to sound like a native speaker when discussing work and life.
The 'Hygge' Connection
Having a good balance is often the prerequisite for 'hygge'. You can't hygge if you are stressed and out of balance!
Meaning
Maintaining stability in life.
Use 'mellem'
Always pair this phrase with 'mellem' (between) to sound like a native speaker when discussing work and life.
The 'Hygge' Connection
Having a good balance is often the prerequisite for 'hygge'. You can't hygge if you are stressed and out of balance!
Don't forget the 'en'
Saying 'Jeg har god balance' sounds like you are a robot. Keep the 'en' for a natural flow.
Test Yourself
Fyld de manglende ord ind i sætningen.
Det er vigtigt for mig at ______ en god balance ______ arbejde og fritid.
We use the verb 'at have' and the preposition 'mellem' for this collocation.
Hvilken sætning er korrekt?
Vælg den rigtige form:
'Balance' is common gender (en) and requires the article 'en' and the adjective 'god'.
Match situationen med den bedste brug af udtrykket.
Hvor passer 'at have en god balance' bedst?
The phrase is primarily used for work-life balance and general well-being.
Færdiggør dialogen.
A: Hvordan går det med dit nye studie? B: Det er hårdt, men jeg prøver at...
This fits the context of managing different life priorities.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDet er vigtigt for mig at ______ en god balance ______ arbejde og fritid.
We use the verb 'at have' and the preposition 'mellem' for this collocation.
Vælg den rigtige form:
'Balance' is common gender (en) and requires the article 'en' and the adjective 'god'.
Hvor passer 'at have en god balance' bedst?
The phrase is primarily used for work-life balance and general well-being.
A: Hvordan går det med dit nye studie? B: Det er hårdt, men jeg prøver at...
This fits the context of managing different life priorities.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! 'En perfekt balance' or 'en sund balance' are very common and follow the same rules.
Not at all. It's very common in casual conversation when talking about health and happiness.
You can say 'at være i ubalance' or 'at have en dårlig balance'.
No, it can apply to food (diet), emotions, or even the colors in a painting.
'At holde' implies an active, physical struggle to stay upright. 'At have' implies a state of being.
It is always 'en balance'.
You say 'balance mellem arbejdsliv og privatliv'.
No, use 'saldo' for your bank balance.
Yes, many Danish pop songs about modern life and stress use this phrase.
Yes, 'at være i god balance' is a very common synonym for 'at have en god balance'.
Related Phrases
at finde fodfæste
similarTo find your footing
at være i ubalance
contrastTo be out of balance
at holde tungen lige i munden
similarTo keep your tongue straight in your mouth
at prioritere
builds onTo prioritize
