Meaning
To be calm under pressure.
Cultural Background
Danes value 'hygge' and low-conflict environments. This phrase is a way to maintain that balance. In Nordic business, flat hierarchies mean everyone is expected to be calm and contribute to solutions. Danish athletes are often praised for their 'is i maven' during crucial moments in games. Students are encouraged to stay calm during exams to demonstrate their true knowledge.
Use it in meetings
It's a great way to show you are a steady worker.
Don't say 'is i hjertet'
It sounds very strange to a native speaker.
Meaning
To be calm under pressure.
Use it in meetings
It's a great way to show you are a steady worker.
Don't say 'is i hjertet'
It sounds very strange to a native speaker.
Combine with 'bevare'
Use 'bevare isen i maven' for a more professional tone.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word.
Når man er under pres, skal man have is i ______.
The idiom is 'is i maven'.
What does this phrase mean?
Hvad betyder det at have is i maven?
It describes composure, not hunger or temperature.
Match the situation to the correct reaction.
Du skal til en vigtig jobsamtale. Hvad gør du?
Having ice in the stomach is the best way to handle a job interview.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesNår man er under pres, skal man have is i ______.
The idiom is 'is i maven'.
Hvad betyder det at have is i maven?
It describes composure, not hunger or temperature.
Du skal til en vigtig jobsamtale. Hvad gør du?
Having ice in the stomach is the best way to handle a job interview.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it is a very positive compliment.
Yes, it's a good way to encourage them.
No, it's strictly figurative.
It's neutral and works everywhere.
Yes, 'Jeg har is i maven'.
Extremely common.
You can say 'Jeg har ikke is i maven'.
Yes, in emails and articles.
Yes, 'nerver af stål'.
No, it's the same for everyone.
Yes, it's very common in texts.
No, it's standard Danish.
Related Phrases
At bevare roen
synonymTo keep calm
At være koldblodig
similarTo be cold-blooded
At have nerver af stål
similarTo have nerves of steel
At tage det roligt
synonymTo take it easy
