Meaning
Shutting a door.
Cultural Background
The 'draft' (træk) is a serious social concern. Leaving a door open in winter is seen as wasteful and inconsiderate. Closing a door loudly is considered very rude. In Denmark, it's just 'smække', but in Japan, it's a sign of poor upbringing. The 'Open Door Policy' in management is a common buzzword. In Denmark, this is often the default state, so 'closing the door' is a more significant act. An open door is a symbol of hospitality. Closing it can sometimes be interpreted as a sign that guests are not welcome at that time.
The 'Træk' Warning
If you leave a door open in a Danish home, expect someone to ask you to close it within 60 seconds. It's not personal; it's the draft!
Use 'i' for Fluency
Saying 'Jeg lukker døren i' sounds much more native than just 'Jeg lukker døren' when you are physically shutting it.
Meaning
Shutting a door.
The 'Træk' Warning
If you leave a door open in a Danish home, expect someone to ask you to close it within 60 seconds. It's not personal; it's the draft!
Use 'i' for Fluency
Saying 'Jeg lukker døren i' sounds much more native than just 'Jeg lukker døren' when you are physically shutting it.
Office Etiquette
In Danish offices, a closed door is a 'Do Not Disturb' sign. Always knock before entering if the door is closed.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'at lukke'.
I går ______ jeg døren, fordi det var koldt.
The sentence starts with 'I går' (yesterday), so we need the past tense.
Which sentence is correct if you want to be private?
Hvad siger du til din kollega?
You close the door for privacy; you don't lock your colleagues out (usually!), and 'slukker' is for lights.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Det trækker fra gangen. B: Okay, jeg ______ ______ ______.
If there is a draft (træk), the logical response is to shut the door properly.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'At lukke døren for en mulighed' with the correct context.
This is the figurative meaning of ending an opportunity.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Lukke'
Physical Objects
- • Døre
- • Vinduer
- • Kasser
- • Øjne
Abstract Concepts
- • Muligheder
- • Forhandlinger
- • Debatter
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI går ______ jeg døren, fordi det var koldt.
The sentence starts with 'I går' (yesterday), so we need the past tense.
Hvad siger du til din kollega?
You close the door for privacy; you don't lock your colleagues out (usually!), and 'slukker' is for lights.
A: Det trækker fra gangen. B: Okay, jeg ______ ______ ______.
If there is a draft (træk), the logical response is to shut the door properly.
Match 'At lukke døren for en mulighed' with the correct context.
This is the figurative meaning of ending an opportunity.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Lukke' means to shut the door so it's no longer open. 'Låse' means to use a key to secure it. You can lukke a door without låse it.
Yes! 'At lukke vinduet' is perfectly correct and very common.
You say 'Butikken er lukket'. Here, 'lukket' acts as an adjective.
Usually, yes. It implies force. If it happens by accident (e.g., because of wind), you should say 'Vinden smækkede døren'.
It means a meeting or trial is private and the public/press are not allowed to attend.
The 'i' is a particle that indicates the door has reached its final position (shut). It's a quirk of Danish directional grammar.
Yes, 'at lukke øjnene' means to close your eyes.
'At lukke døren' is the infinitive (to close). 'Luk døren!' is the imperative (Close the door!).
Døren vil ikke lukke.
At åbne (to open).
Related Phrases
at åbne døren
contrastTo open the door.
at låse døren
similarTo lock the door.
at smække med døren
specialized formTo slam the door.
at lade døren stå på klem
builds onTo leave the door ajar.
