Meaning
At risk.
Cultural Background
Danes often use this phrase in 'Janteloven' contexts to describe social pressures that are 'på spil' when someone stands out too much. In Danish flat-hierarchy workplaces, 'at være på spil' is used to discuss psychological safety and team dynamics. Danish news (DR, TV2) uses this phrase constantly to add gravity to political reporting without sounding biased. Classic Danish authors like Henrik Pontoppidan used this to describe the 'forces of fate' (skæbnens spil).
Use with 'meget'
90% of the time, Danes say 'Der er MEGET på spil'. Adding 'meget' makes it sound more natural.
Preposition Alert
Never say 'i spil' when you mean risk. It's a classic learner mistake.
Meaning
At risk.
Use with 'meget'
90% of the time, Danes say 'Der er MEGET på spil'. Adding 'meget' makes it sound more natural.
Preposition Alert
Never say 'i spil' when you mean risk. It's a classic learner mistake.
Understatement
Danes use this to be serious without being dramatic. It's the perfect 'cool' way to say something is important.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Hvis vi ikke vinder i dag, er vores mesterskab ___ ___.
The correct idiom for 'at stake' is 'på spil'.
Which sentence uses the phrase to mean 'hidden forces/motives'?
Vælg den rigtige sætning:
In this context, 'misundelse' (envy) is the hidden force influencing the situation.
Match the sentence to the most likely situation.
Match: 'Der er store politiske interesser på spil.'
Political interests are typically discussed in government or policy contexts.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hvorfor er chefen så bekymret? B: Fordi firmaets ___ er på spil.
A company's 'future' (fremtid) is a logical thing to be 'at stake'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHvis vi ikke vinder i dag, er vores mesterskab ___ ___.
The correct idiom for 'at stake' is 'på spil'.
Vælg den rigtige sætning:
In this context, 'misundelse' (envy) is the hidden force influencing the situation.
Match: 'Der er store politiske interesser på spil.'
Political interests are typically discussed in government or policy contexts.
A: Hvorfor er chefen så bekymret? B: Fordi firmaets ___ er på spil.
A company's 'future' (fremtid) is a logical thing to be 'at stake'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes! You can say 'Der er en stor gevinst på spil' (There is a big prize at stake).
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Stå' is slightly more formal and emphasizes the current state of the risk.
Yes, this is very common in movies and dramatic situations.
Metaphorically, yes. It implies the 'game of life' or a 'political game'.
Use 'at sætte sit rygte på spil'.
Constantly. Especially when talking about championships or relegation.
Usually, it follows 'Der er...' or the subject. 'På spil er...' is very rare and poetic.
No, 'spil' remains singular in this idiom.
It means 'dark forces at work', often used in mysteries or political thrillers.
Related Phrases
at sætte på spil
builds onTo risk something
at stå på spil
synonymTo be at stake
at være i spil
similarTo be in consideration
at bringe i spil
specialized formTo bring into play
alt er på højkant
similarEverything is on the line
