Meaning
Response to thank you.
Cultural Background
Danes are known for 'uformel høflighed' (informal politeness). They rarely use 'Sir' or 'Madam,' but phrases like 'Det var så lidt' are essential for maintaining social grease. In Jutland, people are often even more modest. You might hear 'Det var da ingenting' (It was certainly nothing) as a more emphatic version of 'Det var så lidt.' In Danish offices, hierarchy is flat. A CEO will say 'Tak' to an intern, and the intern should confidently reply 'Det var så lidt' rather than something overly formal. Younger Danes might shorten the phrase or use 'Det er bare i orden,' but 'Det var så lidt' remains the most respected and universally understood version.
The 'Da' Factor
Add 'da' to sound like a native: 'Det var da så lidt.' It adds a friendly, 'of course' vibe.
Avoid 'Du er velkommen'
Even if you see it in subtitles, don't say it. It's a bad translation from English.
Meaning
Response to thank you.
The 'Da' Factor
Add 'da' to sound like a native: 'Det var da så lidt.' It adds a friendly, 'of course' vibe.
Avoid 'Du er velkommen'
Even if you see it in subtitles, don't say it. It's a bad translation from English.
Test Yourself
How do you respond when a stranger says 'Tak' after you hold the door?
Fremmed: 'Tak skal du have!' — Dig: '_______'
'Det var så lidt' is the standard response for a small favor like holding a door.
Complete the sentence with the correct past tense verb.
Tak for hjælpen! — Det ___ så lidt.
The phrase always uses the past tense 'var'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: You and a friend both helped each other clean up after a party. Friend says 'Tak for hjælpen!'. What is the most natural response?
'Selv tak' is best for mutual favors where both parties contributed.
Complete the professional dialogue.
Chef: 'Tak for din indsats med årsrapporten.' — Medarbejder: 'Det var ___ så lidt, jeg er glad for resultatet.'
Adding 'da' makes the response sound more natural and warm in a professional context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say what?
General Favor
- • Det var så lidt
Food/Gifts
- • Velbekomme
Mutual Help
- • Selv tak
Practice Bank
4 exercisesFremmed: 'Tak skal du have!' — Dig: '_______'
'Det var så lidt' is the standard response for a small favor like holding a door.
Tak for hjælpen! — Det ___ så lidt.
The phrase always uses the past tense 'var'.
Situation: You and a friend both helped each other clean up after a party. Friend says 'Tak for hjælpen!'. What is the most natural response?
'Selv tak' is best for mutual favors where both parties contributed.
Chef: 'Tak for din indsats med årsrapporten.' — Medarbejder: 'Det var ___ så lidt, jeg er glad for resultatet.'
Adding 'da' makes the response sound more natural and warm in a professional context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is perfectly appropriate for professional settings in Denmark's flat hierarchy.
No, that would be confusing. You must use the full phrase 'Det var så lidt'.
Then 'Det var så lidt' might sound too modest. Try 'Det var en fornøjelse' (It was a pleasure).
Related Phrases
Selv tak
similarThanks back to you.
Ingen årsag
synonymNo cause / No worries.
Velbekomme
specialized formYou're welcome (for food/gifts).
Det var ikke noget
synonymIt was nothing.
