Meaning
Discussing a specific topic.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'at tale ud' (to speak out/finish speaking) is vital. Danes value letting everyone finish their sentence before responding. In Greenlandic Danish, 'tale om' is used similarly, but non-verbal communication (eyebrow movements) often accompanies the speech to add nuance. Directness is key. 'At tale om problemerne' is seen as a sign of respect for the project's success, not as a personal attack. Younger generations often swap 'tale' for 'snakke' or English loanwords like 'discutere' or 'vibe', but 'tale om' remains the standard for anything serious.
The 'About' Rule
Always remember that 'om' is the bridge to your topic. Without it, 'tale' just means the act of speaking.
Don't over-formalize
If you're at a bar, use 'snakke om'. Using 'tale om' might make you sound like you're giving a lecture.
Meaning
Discussing a specific topic.
The 'About' Rule
Always remember that 'om' is the bridge to your topic. Without it, 'tale' just means the act of speaking.
Don't over-formalize
If you're at a bar, use 'snakke om'. Using 'tale om' might make you sound like you're giving a lecture.
Use 'Der er tale om' in exams
Using this phrase in the B1/B2 Danish exam (PD3) to define a problem shows the examiner you have a high-level grasp of formal structures.
Silence is okay
In Denmark, if you don't have anything to 'tale om', silence is perfectly acceptable. Don't feel forced to fill the gap.
Test Yourself
Udfyld med den rigtige form af 'tale' (taler, talte, talt).
I går ______ vi om vores nye hus i flere timer.
The sentence starts with 'I går' (yesterday), so we need the past tense.
Hvilken sætning er korrekt?
Vælg den rigtige brug af 'der er tale om'.
The idiom 'der er tale om' never uses an article or plural form for 'tale'.
Hvad siger faren?
Barn: 'Må jeg få slik til morgenmad?' Far: '________!'
'Ikke tale om' is the standard idiomatic way to say 'No way'.
Match sætningen med den rigtige situation.
1. 'Vi skal tale om din løn.' 2. 'Der er tale om et røveri.' 3. 'Hvad taler I om?'
1 matches b (salary), 2 matches c (crime report), 3 matches a (casual chat).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Tale vs. Snakke
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI går ______ vi om vores nye hus i flere timer.
The sentence starts with 'I går' (yesterday), so we need the past tense.
Vælg den rigtige brug af 'der er tale om'.
The idiom 'der er tale om' never uses an article or plural form for 'tale'.
Barn: 'Må jeg få slik til morgenmad?' Far: '________!'
'Ikke tale om' is the standard idiomatic way to say 'No way'.
1. 'Vi skal tale om din løn.' 2. 'Der er tale om et røveri.' 3. 'Hvad taler I om?'
1 matches b (salary), 2 matches c (crime report), 3 matches a (casual chat).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Tale' is more formal and focused on a topic. 'Snakke' is informal, like 'chatting' or 'small talk'.
Yes, it means 'I am talking about you'. It can be neutral or positive/negative depending on context.
It is very direct. Use it with friends or family to be firm, but avoid it with your boss unless you have a very close relationship.
It is 'talte'. For example: 'Vi talte om det i går.'
No, you can 'tale til' (to), 'tale med' (with), or just 'tale' (speak). 'Om' is only for the topic.
It means 'It is a case of' or 'We are dealing with'. It identifies the nature of the event.
Yes, it is very appropriate for academic and formal writing.
Yes, 'en tale' means 'a speech'.
Danish culture is quite informal, so 'snakke' is the default for most daily interactions.
Yes, 'Der tales om...' means 'There is talk of...' or 'Rumor has it...'.
Related Phrases
at snakke om
similarTo chat about.
at drøfte
specialized formTo discuss formally.
at omtale
builds onTo mention.
at tale over sig
idiomTo let a secret slip.
