Meaning
To tease or joke with someone.
Cultural Background
Teasing is a sign of affection. If a Dane doesn't 'tage pis' on you, they might not feel comfortable around you yet. While Danish is spoken, the humor can be more direct. 'At tage pis' is used but sometimes perceived differently depending on the generation. Norwegians use 'å tulle' or 'å tøyse'. 'Å ta pisset' is understood but sounds very Danish to them. The British 'taking the piss' is the closest cultural cousin, reflecting a shared Northern European love for self-deprecation.
The 'Shock' Reaction
Use 'Tager du pis på mig?' as a standalone sentence when someone tells you something unbelievable. It makes you sound very native.
Know your audience
Even though it's common, some older or very religious Danes might still find the word 'pis' slightly offensive.
Meaning
To tease or joke with someone.
The 'Shock' Reaction
Use 'Tager du pis på mig?' as a standalone sentence when someone tells you something unbelievable. It makes you sound very native.
Know your audience
Even though it's common, some older or very religious Danes might still find the word 'pis' slightly offensive.
The Smile is Key
Always deliver this phrase with a smile or a playful tone. If you look angry, people will think you are accusing them of lying.
Preposition Power
Remember: Tage pis PÅ. Never 'til', 'af', or 'med'.
Test Yourself
Which sentence correctly uses the phrase to express disbelief?
Din ven siger, han har vundet 10 millioner kroner. Hvad siger du?
The standard expression for disbelief is 'Tager du pis på mig?' using the verb 'tage' and preposition 'på'.
Fill in the missing past tense verb.
I går ______ de virkelig meget pis på den nye kollega.
'Tage' is irregular. The past tense is 'tog'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are at a formal job interview and the interviewer tells a small joke.
In a formal interview, 'at tage pis' is too slangy and rude. 'Det var en god vits' is polite.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Jeg har glemt mine nøgler i Spanien! B: Ej, ______ du pis på mig?
The idiom always uses the verb 'at tage'.
Match the Danish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the closest semantic matches.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale
Practice Bank
5 exercisesDin ven siger, han har vundet 10 millioner kroner. Hvad siger du?
The standard expression for disbelief is 'Tager du pis på mig?' using the verb 'tage' and preposition 'på'.
I går ______ de virkelig meget pis på den nye kollega.
'Tage' is irregular. The past tense is 'tog'.
Situation: You are at a formal job interview and the interviewer tells a small joke.
In a formal interview, 'at tage pis' is too slangy and rude. 'Det var en god vits' is polite.
A: Jeg har glemt mine nøgler i Spanien! B: Ej, ______ du pis på mig?
The idiom always uses the verb 'at tage'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the closest semantic matches.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsIn this context, no. It's like saying 'crap' or 'piss' in English—informal, but not a 'hard' swear word.
Generally no, unless you have a very informal relationship. Stick to 'at lave sjov'.
'Tage gas' is slightly more polite and 'cleaner'. 'Tage pis' is more modern and common among young people.
It is 'tog'. For example: 'Jeg tog pis på ham i går.'
Absolutely not. It is strictly for spoken language or very informal texts.
Yes! You can take the piss out of a situation or an object, like a bad movie.
It's a way to show that everyone is equal. It's part of the 'Jante Law' culture.
No, 'at tage pis' implies it's a joke. Bullying is 'mobning'.
If you say 'Tager du pis på mig?!' with an angry face, it means 'Are you trying to screw with me?'
It means a very obvious or 'thick' joke that is easy to see through.
Yes, older children and teenagers use it constantly.
Yes, 'at spøge' or 'at lave sjov'.
No. It is way too informal and could cost you the job.
Yes, from Copenhagen to the smallest islands, everyone knows this phrase.
Related Phrases
at tage gas på nogen
synonymTo tease someone.
at gøre nar af nogen
similarTo mock someone.
at drive gæk med nogen
similarTo play a trick on someone.
at lave sjov
similarTo joke around.
at tage fejl
contrastTo be wrong.
at tage tykt pis
specialized formTo tease someone very obviously.
