Meaning
Failing to appreciate something.
Cultural Background
In Denmark, the concept of 'Tryghed' (security/safety) is central. Because the state provides so much, there is a constant cultural fear of 'taking it for granted' and losing the drive to contribute to society. The 'Law of Jante' (Janteloven) suggests you shouldn't think you are special. Taking things for granted is often seen as a violation of this, as it implies you feel entitled to your privileges. Flat hierarchy means managers expect employees to be proactive. If an employee 'tager instruktioner for givet' (takes instructions for granted) without asking questions, it can be seen as a lack of engagement. There is a strong tradition of 'tak for mad' (thanks for food). Failing to say this is a literal example of taking someone's effort for granted.
The 'Det' Placeholder
When followed by a sentence (at...), always use 'det'. Say 'Jeg tager DET for givet, at...' instead of 'Jeg tager for givet, at...'. It sounds much more native.
Don't Pluralize!
Never say 'for givne'. It is a common trap for learners who know that adjectives usually match the noun.
Meaning
Failing to appreciate something.
The 'Det' Placeholder
When followed by a sentence (at...), always use 'det'. Say 'Jeg tager DET for givet, at...' instead of 'Jeg tager for givet, at...'. It sounds much more native.
Don't Pluralize!
Never say 'for givne'. It is a common trap for learners who know that adjectives usually match the noun.
The Power of 'Tak'
Danes value gratitude. Using this phrase to apologize ('Undskyld, jeg tog dig for givet') is a very powerful way to mend a relationship.
Test Yourself
Udfyld de manglende ord i sætningen.
Jeg føler, at du ______ mig ______ givet.
Den korrekte faste vending er 'at tage nogen for givet'.
Hvilken sætning er grammatisk korrekt?
Vælg den rigtige form af udtrykket.
Selvom 'venner' er flertal, ændrer 'givet' sig aldrig i dette udtryk.
Match situationen med den rigtige brug af udtrykket.
Situation: En politiker taler om demokrati.
Dette er en meget almindelig politisk advarsel i Danmark.
Færdiggør dialogen.
A: 'Hvorfor er du sur?' B: 'Fordi jeg gør alt herhjemme, og du ______ ______ ______ ______.'
I denne sammenhæng refererer 'det' til alt arbejdet i hjemmet.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJeg føler, at du ______ mig ______ givet.
Den korrekte faste vending er 'at tage nogen for givet'.
Vælg den rigtige form af udtrykket.
Selvom 'venner' er flertal, ændrer 'givet' sig aldrig i dette udtryk.
Situation: En politiker taler om demokrati.
Dette er en meget almindelig politisk advarsel i Danmark.
A: 'Hvorfor er du sur?' B: 'Fordi jeg gør alt herhjemme, og du ______ ______ ______ ______.'
I denne sammenhæng refererer 'det' til alt arbejdet i hjemmet.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsYes, absolutely. 'At tage nogen for givet' is very common in relationships.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The most direct opposite is 'at sætte pris på' (to appreciate).
No, it is always 'givet' in this specific expression.
No, you need an object (like 'det', 'mig', 'hende') or a placeholder 'det' before a clause.
It can be a confrontation. If you say 'Du tager mig for givet', you are expressing hurt.
Use 'Jeg tog det for givet'.
You can say 'Det er en selvfølge', but it doesn't have the same emotional weight.
Related Phrases
at sætte pris på
contrastTo appreciate / to value
en selvfølge
similarA matter of course / a given
at regne med
similarTo count on / expect
at overse
builds onTo overlook
