Meaning
Possessing valuable skills or qualities.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a safe way to self-promote in a culture influenced by Janteloven. It focuses on the 'offering' rather than the 'person'. Danish workplaces are flat. Even junior staff are expected to 'have something to offer' in meetings. Danes value 'substans' (substance). Saying someone 'has something to offer' often refers to their personality and intellect rather than money. The literal root of the phrase comes from the duty of a host to offer food/drink to guests.
The 'Meget' Trick
Always use 'meget' (a lot) instead of 'noget' (something) in job interviews to sound more confident.
Don't forget the 'på'
Leaving out 'på' makes the sentence sound like you are about to bid at an auction.
Meaning
Possessing valuable skills or qualities.
The 'Meget' Trick
Always use 'meget' (a lot) instead of 'noget' (something) in job interviews to sound more confident.
Don't forget the 'på'
Leaving out 'på' makes the sentence sound like you are about to bid at an auction.
Humility is Key
Even when saying you have a lot to offer, keep your tone modest to fit Danish social norms.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Han er en dygtig programmør, og han har meget ___ ___ ___.
The full idiom is 'at have noget at byde på'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly in a professional context?
A: Jeg byder på dette job. B: Jeg har meget at byde på i denne stilling. C: Jeg tilbyder på dette job.
B is the correct idiomatic way to say you have value to offer for a position.
Match the quantifier to the situation.
1. A boring movie. 2. A perfect job candidate. 3. A person you are unsure about.
Intet (nothing) for boring, Meget (a lot) for perfect, Noget (something) for unsure.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hvorfor skal vi gå på den nye restaurant? B: Fordi deres menu virkelig ___ ___ ___ ___ ___.
The verb 'har' is needed, followed by the quantifier 'meget' and the rest of the idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'At have noget at byde på'
Career
- • Interviews
- • CVs
- • Meetings
Social
- • Dating
- • Friendship
- • Parties
Places
- • Tourism
- • Cities
- • Nature
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHan er en dygtig programmør, og han har meget ___ ___ ___.
The full idiom is 'at have noget at byde på'.
A: Jeg byder på dette job. B: Jeg har meget at byde på i denne stilling. C: Jeg tilbyder på dette job.
B is the correct idiomatic way to say you have value to offer for a position.
1. A boring movie. 2. A perfect job candidate. 3. A person you are unsure about.
Intet (nothing) for boring, Meget (a lot) for perfect, Noget (something) for unsure.
A: Hvorfor skal vi gå på den nye restaurant? B: Fordi deres menu virkelig ___ ___ ___ ___ ___.
The verb 'har' is needed, followed by the quantifier 'meget' and the rest of the idiom.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can say a book or a city 'har meget at byde på'.
It is neutral. It works in both a job interview and with friends.
'Tilbyde' is a specific action (offering a cookie), 'byde på' in this idiom is about general value.
Yes, but it is very self-deprecating or a harsh insult to someone else.
Yes, it is an infinitive marker and cannot be dropped.
It's a soft 'd'. Place your tongue behind your lower teeth and let the air flow.
Yes: 'Han havde meget at byde på'.
Very common. It refers to having a good personality or interesting life.
Usually, unless you use 'lidt' (little) or 'intet' (nothing).
Yes, 'Vores firma har meget at byde på'.
Related Phrases
at bidrage med
synonymto contribute with
at have noget i posen
similarto have something in the bag
at byde velkommen
relatedto welcome
at tilbyde
similarto offer
at have potentiale
builds onto have potential
