Meaning
Something is very expensive.
Cultural Background
The idiom reflects Denmark's past as a farming nation where land was the primary form of capital. Danes often use this phrase to signal that they are aware of the value of money and aren't 'showing off' by spending carelessly. Ironically, people in Copenhagen use this more than actual farmers, who might find it a bit literal. In modern Denmark, this is frequently used in online forums (like Hestenettet or Reddit) to discuss inflation.
Use 'jo' for natural flow
Adding 'jo' (Det koster jo en bondegård) makes you sound like a native speaker who is sharing an obvious truth.
Don't pluralize
Even if something is REALLY expensive, it never costs 'to bondegårde'. Keep it singular.
Meaning
Something is very expensive.
Use 'jo' for natural flow
Adding 'jo' (Det koster jo en bondegård) makes you sound like a native speaker who is sharing an obvious truth.
Don't pluralize
Even if something is REALLY expensive, it never costs 'to bondegårde'. Keep it singular.
The 'Sticker Shock' Face
Combine the phrase with a slight shake of the head and a sigh for maximum cultural authenticity.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the idiom.
Det er en flot bil, men den koster en ________.
The idiom is 'at koste en bondegård'.
Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
Choose the most natural sentence:
Buying a castle is a perfect context for this idiom as it is genuinely very expensive.
Complete the dialogue with the correct response.
A: Skal vi tage en taxa til lufthavnen? B: Nej, det ________.
We use the verb 'koster' (costs) with the idiom.
Match the situation to the most likely use of the idiom.
Match: 1. Buying a cheap apple. 2. Buying a new private jet. 3. Finding a 10 krone coin.
A private jet is extremely expensive, fitting the idiom's meaning.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDet er en flot bil, men den koster en ________.
The idiom is 'at koste en bondegård'.
Choose the most natural sentence:
Buying a castle is a perfect context for this idiom as it is genuinely very expensive.
A: Skal vi tage en taxa til lufthavnen? B: Nej, det ________.
We use the verb 'koster' (costs) with the idiom.
Match: 1. Buying a cheap apple. 2. Buying a new private jet. 3. Finding a 10 krone coin.
A private jet is extremely expensive, fitting the idiom's meaning.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt can be seen as a bit complaining. It's better to say it to a friend *about* the shop, rather than directly to the person selling the item.
No, you can't say 'Han koster en bondegård' unless you are paying for his services (like a very expensive lawyer).
'Koste kassen' is more informal and common among younger people. 'Bondegård' is a bit more classic and used by everyone.
No, it can also be used for services, taxes, or even 'time' metaphorically, though money is the 99% use case.
Yes, 'koste bondegård' is grammatically incorrect. The article 'en' is mandatory.
Not a direct farm-based one, but you can say it 'koster en slik' (costs a piece of candy/very little).
Yes: 'Det kostede en bondegård'.
Only in very casual business settings, like over lunch. Not in formal reports.
Not at all. It is a 'timeless' idiom that remains very popular.
Yes, that's a variation meaning 'it costs a manor house', implying it's even more expensive!
Related Phrases
koste kassen
synonymTo cost the 'cash box'.
koste spidsen af en jetjager
specialized formTo cost the tip of a fighter jet.
at være pebret
similarTo be 'peppered'.
koste det hvide ud af øjnene
similarTo cost the white out of the eyes.
