Meaning
To regain control of one's emotions.
Cultural Background
Danes value directness. This phrase is a common way to give 'tough love' without being overly aggressive. The concept of 'Janteloven' (the law of Jante) influences this; one should not make a scene or be overly emotional, so 'tage sig sammen' is a way to keep the peace. In Danish offices, this is used to maintain productivity. It is seen as a professional nudge rather than an insult. Parents often use this to teach children emotional regulation and resilience.
Reflexive pronouns
Remember that 'sig' changes to 'mig', 'dig', 'os', 'jer' depending on who is doing the action.
Emotional sensitivity
Be careful not to use this with people who are truly suffering; it can sound very cold.
Meaning
To regain control of one's emotions.
Reflexive pronouns
Remember that 'sig' changes to 'mig', 'dig', 'os', 'jer' depending on who is doing the action.
Emotional sensitivity
Be careful not to use this with people who are truly suffering; it can sound very cold.
Imperative usage
Use 'Tag dig sammen!' as a quick, punchy way to motivate yourself.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct reflexive pronoun.
Jeg skal tage ___ sammen.
Since the subject is 'Jeg', the reflexive pronoun must be 'mig'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the best option.
The imperative form requires the reflexive pronoun before the adverb.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Jeg er så træt af at studere. B: ____, vi bliver færdige snart!
The speaker is addressing one person ('du'), so 'Tag dig sammen' is correct.
Match the situation to the correct usage.
When is it appropriate to use 'at tage sig sammen'?
It is used for motivation, not for grief or social interaction.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJeg skal tage ___ sammen.
Since the subject is 'Jeg', the reflexive pronoun must be 'mig'.
Choose the best option.
The imperative form requires the reflexive pronoun before the adverb.
A: Jeg er så træt af at studere. B: ____, vi bliver færdige snart!
The speaker is addressing one person ('du'), so 'Tag dig sammen' is correct.
When is it appropriate to use 'at tage sig sammen'?
It is used for motivation, not for grief or social interaction.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt depends on the context. To a friend who is procrastinating, it's fine. To someone grieving, it's very rude.
Yes, but be careful. It implies you are judging their current behavior.
Yes, it must be 'tage sig sammen'.
That means 'to go together' (e.g., to a party), which is a completely different meaning.
Rarely. It is mostly for spoken language or informal communication.
It is almost silent. Think of it as a soft 'uh' sound.
Yes, use 'Tag jer sammen!' for a group.
No, it's a standard idiom, but it is informal.
Pull yourself together.
It is used in all Danish-speaking regions.
It would be funny, but pets don't understand the concept of 'pulling themselves together'.
It requires understanding reflexive verbs and social context, which is typical for intermediate learners.
Related Phrases
At tage sig selv i nakken
similarTo force oneself to act
At komme op på hesten igen
similarTo get back on the horse
At stramme sig an
similarTo make an effort
At give op
contrastTo give up
