Meaning
To keep informed about news.
Cultural Background
Danes have a high level of trust in public media (DR). Staying updated is often seen as a way to participate in the 'common conversation' (den fælles samtale). In Danish companies, 'lifelong learning' is a buzzword. Employees are expected to 'holde sig opdateret' on their own initiative. Denmark is one of the most digitized countries. Staying updated often happens via 'Borger.dk' or 'E-boks' for official government news. Being 'opdateret' on cultural trends (like the Eurovision Song Contest or 'Vild med dans') is a key part of small talk (småsnak).
The 'Sig' Rule
Always check your subject. If it's 'vi', use 'os'. If it's 'I', use 'jer'.
Don't over-English it
While 'opdateret' comes from English, the structure 'holde sig' is very Danish. Don't just say 'Jeg er updated'.
Meaning
To keep informed about news.
The 'Sig' Rule
Always check your subject. If it's 'vi', use 'os'. If it's 'I', use 'jer'.
Don't over-English it
While 'opdateret' comes from English, the structure 'holde sig' is very Danish. Don't just say 'Jeg er updated'.
Use 'løbende'
Add the word 'løbende' (continuously) to sound very professional: 'Jeg holder mig løbende opdateret'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun.
Vi prøver at holde ___ opdateret på nyhederne.
Since the subject is 'Vi' (We), the reflexive pronoun must be 'os' (ourselves).
Which preposition is most natural here?
Jeg holder mig opdateret ___ de nyeste film.
We use 'på' when staying updated on a specific topic or category like movies.
Complete the response using the phrase.
A: Ved du hvad der skete i Folketinget i går? B: Nej, jeg har ikke ____.
The past participle 'holdt' is needed for the perfect tense 'har ikke holdt'.
Match the sentence to the context.
1. 'Jeg holder mig opdateret via LinkedIn.' 2. 'Jeg holder mig opdateret på mine børns liv.'
LinkedIn is a professional network, while children's lives are personal.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVi prøver at holde ___ opdateret på nyhederne.
Since the subject is 'Vi' (We), the reflexive pronoun must be 'os' (ourselves).
Jeg holder mig opdateret ___ de nyeste film.
We use 'på' when staying updated on a specific topic or category like movies.
A: Ved du hvad der skete i Folketinget i går? B: Nej, jeg har ikke ____.
The past participle 'holdt' is needed for the perfect tense 'har ikke holdt'.
1. 'Jeg holder mig opdateret via LinkedIn.' 2. 'Jeg holder mig opdateret på mine børns liv.'
LinkedIn is a professional network, while children's lives are personal.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, but it means 'I am (currently) updated.' 'At holde sig opdateret' emphasizes the ongoing effort.
In formal writing, yes (opdaterede), but in speech, 'opdateret' is usually fine for everyone.
'På' is for specific topics (politics, tech), 'med' is for general things (the news, my friends).
Not really, but young people might say 'Jeg er helt up-to-date'.
Yes, it's very common to say you stay updated on people's lives via Instagram or Facebook.
Related Phrases
at holde sig ajour
synonymTo keep up to date (often professional/financial).
at følge med
similarTo follow along.
at være med på noderne
idiomTo be hip/trendy.
at falde bagud
contrastTo fall behind.
at orientere sig
similarTo orient oneself.
