Meaning
Stopping work briefly.
Cultural Background
The 'frokostpause' is sacred. Most Danish workplaces have a fixed 30-minute lunch break where work talk is often discouraged in favor of 'hygge'. In schools, 'frikvarter' is the term for breaks. It is legally required for students to have these breaks to ensure learning quality. The concept of 'fika' in Sweden is similar to the Danish 'kaffepause', though Danes might be more likely to include a 'rundstykke' (roll) in the morning. In international Danish companies, 'at holde en pause' is often used to signal a 'bio-break' or a 'coffee-break' during long Zoom calls.
Use 'lige'
Adding 'lige' makes it sound more natural: 'Jeg holder lige en pause.'
Don't say 'gøre'
Never use 'gøre' with pause; it's a dead giveaway that you're translating from German or another language.
Meaning
Stopping work briefly.
Use 'lige'
Adding 'lige' makes it sound more natural: 'Jeg holder lige en pause.'
Don't say 'gøre'
Never use 'gøre' with pause; it's a dead giveaway that you're translating from German or another language.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'at holde'.
Vi ______ en pause lige nu.
The sentence uses 'lige nu' (right now), so we need the present tense 'holder'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural Danish sentence:
'At holde en pause' is the standard Danish collocation.
Match the Danish phrase with its English meaning.
Match the pairs:
These three are often confused by learners.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Er du træt? B: Ja, jeg ______ ______ ______ ______.
B is expressing a need to take a break in the immediate future.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Pauses
Work
- • Kaffepause
- • Frokostpause
- • Skærmpause
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVi ______ en pause lige nu.
The sentence uses 'lige nu' (right now), so we need the present tense 'holder'.
Choose the most natural Danish sentence:
'At holde en pause' is the standard Danish collocation.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These three are often confused by learners.
A: Er du træt? B: Ja, jeg ______ ______ ______ ______.
B is expressing a need to take a break in the immediate future.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is common, but 'holde' is more traditional and safer in formal settings.
It is common gender: 'en pause', 'pausen'.
Usually 5 to 30 minutes. Anything longer is usually 'frokost' or 'fri'.
Related Phrases
at holde fri
similarTo have time off
at holde ferie
similarTo be on vacation
at tage en lur
specialized formTo take a nap
at puste ud
similarTo catch one's breath
