Meaning
Cannot give a definitive answer.
Cultural Background
Danes often use this phrase to avoid sounding like an 'expert' on things that are inherently uncertain. It's a form of social lubricant that prevents arguments. In Greenlandic Danish, this phrase is used even more frequently due to the extreme and unpredictable nature of the Arctic weather and travel conditions. Similar to Greenland, the Faroese use this to respect the power of nature. It's considered wise to admit you don't know what the sea will do. In a Danish office, saying this is not seen as a sign of weakness, but as a sign of honesty and realistic planning.
Sound like a local
Add 'lige' to the phrase: 'Det er ikke lige til at sige'. It makes it sound even more natural and slightly softer.
Don't over-pronounce 'at'
If you say the 't' in 'at' too clearly, you will sound like a robot. Let it blend into the next word.
Meaning
Cannot give a definitive answer.
Sound like a local
Add 'lige' to the phrase: 'Det er ikke lige til at sige'. It makes it sound even more natural and slightly softer.
Don't over-pronounce 'at'
If you say the 't' in 'at' too clearly, you will sound like a robot. Let it blend into the next word.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the phrase.
Hvem vinder kampen? Det er ikke ___ ___ ___.
The standard idiom uses 'til at sige'.
Which sentence is the most natural Danish response to: 'Hvornår stopper det med at regne?'
Hvornår stopper det med at regne?
While 'Jeg ved det ikke' is correct, 'Det er ikke til at sige' is more idiomatic for weather.
Match the situation to the best use of the phrase.
Match: 1. Weather, 2. Personal Name, 3. Future Career
You use the phrase for uncertainty, not for personal facts.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tror du, de bliver glade for kagen? B: ______, jeg har aldrig bagt den før.
B is unsure of the reaction, so 'ikke til at sige' fits best.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHvem vinder kampen? Det er ikke ___ ___ ___.
The standard idiom uses 'til at sige'.
Hvornår stopper det med at regne?
While 'Jeg ved det ikke' is correct, 'Det er ikke til at sige' is more idiomatic for weather.
Match: 1. Weather, 2. Personal Name, 3. Future Career
You use the phrase for uncertainty, not for personal facts.
A: Tror du, de bliver glade for kagen? B: ______, jeg har aldrig bagt den før.
B is unsure of the reaction, so 'ikke til at sige' fits best.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsNo, it's actually quite polite. It shows you are taking the question seriously but cannot give a false answer.
Yes, it's perfectly fine for business emails when discussing timelines or results.
Related Phrases
Det er ikke til at bære
similarIt is unbearable
Det er ikke til at tro
similarIt's unbelievable
Det er svært at sige
synonymIt's hard to say
Man ved aldrig
similarYou never know
