Meaning
Making a firm decision to end a discussion.
Cultural Background
Danes value consensus highly, but they also respect 'handlingskraft' (the power to act). 'At skære igennem' is the bridge between these two values. In the Nordic flat hierarchy, 'skære igennem' is a specific tool used by leaders to prevent 'mødekultur' (meeting culture) from becoming unproductive. In Danish startups, 'at skære igennem' is often seen as a sign of 'agile' leadership. Danish parenting often involves negotiation, but 'at skære igennem' is the final stage when negotiation fails.
Use it in Job Interviews
If asked about your leadership style, say you are good at 'at skære igennem'. It sounds very professional.
Don't overdo it
If you 'skærer igennem' too often, people might think you don't care about their opinions.
Meaning
Making a firm decision to end a discussion.
Use it in Job Interviews
If asked about your leadership style, say you are good at 'at skære igennem'. It sounds very professional.
Don't overdo it
If you 'skærer igennem' too often, people might think you don't care about their opinions.
Test Yourself
Udfyld med den rigtige form af 'at skære igennem'.
I går var mødet så langt, at direktøren til sidst ____ ____.
Sætningen er i datid ('I går'), så vi bruger 'skar'.
Hvilken situation passer bedst til udtrykket?
Hvornår ville du sige: 'Jeg bliver nødt til at skære igennem'?
Udtrykket bruges til at afslutte en ubeslutsom debat.
Færdiggør dialogen.
A: Vi kan ikke blive enige om budgettet. B: ____
Dette er den logiske reaktion på en fastlåst diskussion.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesI går var mødet så langt, at direktøren til sidst ____ ____.
Sætningen er i datid ('I går'), så vi bruger 'skar'.
Hvornår ville du sige: 'Jeg bliver nødt til at skære igennem'?
Udtrykket bruges til at afslutte en ubeslutsom debat.
A: Vi kan ikke blive enige om budgettet. B: ____
Dette er den logiske reaktion på en fastlåst diskussion.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt depends on your tone. If said calmly, it's professional. If shouted, it's rude.
Yes, but it's not idiomatic then. 'Kniven skar igennem rebet' is literal.
It is 'skar'. Example: 'Han skar igennem i går.'
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
Usually, but a company or a government can also 'skære igennem'.
Not directly, but you can talk about 'en gennemskæring', though that is usually literal/technical.
Yes, that is a very common and correct usage.
No. 'Cutting corners' is 'at springe over hvor gærdet er lavest' in Danish.
Only if you are deciding where to go on a date. Don't use it for emotional talks.
It sounds like 'sgah' with a very soft, almost silent 'r'.
Related Phrases
at skære ind til benet
similarTo cut to the core/bone.
at sætte foden ned
similarTo put one's foot down.
at tale for døve ører
contrastTo speak to deaf ears.
