Meaning
Exceeding limits.
Cultural Background
The phrase is a verbal manifestation of 'Janteloven'. If you are 'for meget', you are breaking the social contract of being humble and equal. In Greenlandic Danish, 'for meget' might be used more literally regarding nature and weather conditions, which are often extreme. Younger Danes use 'for meget' to describe 'cringe' behavior on TikTok or Instagram. Danes value work-life balance. Saying 'det er for meget' to a boss is more acceptable in Denmark than in many other hierarchical cultures.
The 'Alt' Booster
Add 'alt' before 'for meget' to sound like a native when you are really frustrated. 'Det er alt for meget!'
Countable vs Uncountable
This is the #1 mistake. Use 'mange' for people, 'meget' for feelings and liquids.
Meaning
Exceeding limits.
The 'Alt' Booster
Add 'alt' before 'for meget' to sound like a native when you are really frustrated. 'Det er alt for meget!'
Countable vs Uncountable
This is the #1 mistake. Use 'mange' for people, 'meget' for feelings and liquids.
Softening the Blow
If you want to be polite, add 'måske' (maybe) or 'lidt' (a little). 'Det er måske lidt for meget.'
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with 'meget' or 'mange'.
Der er for ______ sukker i kagen.
Sugar is uncountable, so we use 'meget'.
Which sentence is correct for 'Too many people'?
Hvordan siger man 'Too many people'?
People (mennesker) are countable, so use 'mange'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Someone offers you a 5th cup of coffee.
Coffee is uncountable, and you are declining an excess.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Skal vi se fem film i aften? B: Nej, ______.
Watching five movies is an activity/intensity, so 'det er for meget' is the natural response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Meget vs Mange
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDer er for ______ sukker i kagen.
Sugar is uncountable, so we use 'meget'.
Hvordan siger man 'Too many people'?
People (mennesker) are countable, so use 'mange'.
Situation: Someone offers you a 5th cup of coffee.
Coffee is uncountable, and you are declining an excess.
A: Skal vi se fem film i aften? B: Nej, ______.
Watching five movies is an activity/intensity, so 'det er for meget' is the natural response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but it means they are being annoying or 'extra'. If you mean there are too many people in a room, use 'for mange'.
Not inherently, but it is direct. Adding 'tak' (thanks) after it when declining food makes it polite.
'For meget' is for uncountable things (water, stress). 'For mange' is for countable things (books, people).
No, just say 'Det er for dyrt'. 'Meget' is redundant when followed by another adjective.
Use 'Alt for meget'.
No, the G is silent in standard Danish pronunciation.
Usually no. It almost always implies that a limit has been crossed in a negative way.
'Det er for lidt' (It is too little).
Yes, if discussing workload, but be careful to remain professional.
Yes: 'Det var for meget' (It was too much).
Related Phrases
Lige i overkanten
similarA bit much / on the edge
Alt for meget
builds onWay too much
For mange
specialized formToo many
Det er nok
contrastThat is enough
Overvældende
synonymOverwhelming
