Meaning
Checking if a seat or room is free.
Cultural Background
Danes value their personal space highly. Asking 'Er det ledigt?' is a polite way to acknowledge that you are entering their 'bubble'. In Greenlandic culture, sharing space is very common and often happens without much verbal inquiry, but 'Er det ledigt?' is still used in formal settings. Similar to Denmark, but social circles are smaller. You might ask 'Er det ledigt?' but quickly follow up with a friendly greeting. In international hubs like Reffen or food halls, the phrase is the universal 'permission' to join a long communal table.
The Soft D
Don't pronounce the 'd' in 'ledigt' like an English 'd'. It's a soft, airy sound made with the tongue behind the lower teeth.
Gratis vs Ledig
This is the #1 mistake. Remember: Ledig = Vacant, Gratis = $0.
Meaning
Checking if a seat or room is free.
The Soft D
Don't pronounce the 'd' in 'ledigt' like an English 'd'. It's a soft, airy sound made with the tongue behind the lower teeth.
Gratis vs Ledig
This is the #1 mistake. Remember: Ledig = Vacant, Gratis = $0.
The Polite Nod
When someone says 'Ja' to your question, a small nod and a 'Tak' (thanks) is the perfect Danish response.
Don't Over-talk
After asking and sitting down, you don't need to make small talk. Danes appreciate the silence!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'ledig' (ledig or ledigt).
Undskyld, er bordet ___?
'Bordet' is neuter (et bord), so the adjective must end in -t.
Which phrase is used to ask if a seat is free?
Du vil sidde i bussen. Hvad siger du?
'Gratis' means no cost, and 'billigt' means cheap. 'Ledigt' means vacant.
Match the Danish phrase with its English meaning.
Match the pairs:
All pairs are correctly matched.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Undskyld, er stolen ledig? B: Nej, desværre. Den er ___.
If the answer is 'No, unfortunately', the seat must be 'occupied' (optaget).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ledig vs. Gratis
Practice Bank
4 exercisesUndskyld, er bordet ___?
'Bordet' is neuter (et bord), so the adjective must end in -t.
Du vil sidde i bussen. Hvad siger du?
'Gratis' means no cost, and 'billigt' means cheap. 'Ledigt' means vacant.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
All pairs are correctly matched.
A: Undskyld, er stolen ledig? B: Nej, desværre. Den er ___.
If the answer is 'No, unfortunately', the seat must be 'occupied' (optaget).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, but usually you just look at the lock. If you must ask, 'Er det ledigt?' is fine.
No, it is more rude to just sit down without asking if someone is nearby.
Just say 'Tak' and sit down. You don't need to say anything else.
'Ledig' is for vacancy. 'Fri' is for freedom or being off work (Jeg har fri).
Because 'det' (it) is a neuter pronoun, and the adjective must agree.
Yes, it means 'Are you free (to do something)?'.
Ask 'Har I nogle ledige stillinger?'.
Yes, 'optaget' means occupied or busy.
Yes, 'Er der en ledig parkeringsplads?'.
No, it is neutral and used by everyone.
People will still understand you, but it sounds slightly 'broken'.
Just pointing and saying 'Ledigt?' with a questioning tone.
No, for a book you would ask if it is 'hjemme' (at home/available).
That is exactly what 'Er det ledigt?' means in this context.
Related Phrases
Er her optaget?
contrastIs it occupied here?
Må jeg sidde her?
similarMay I sit here?
Lediggang
builds onIdleness/Unemployment
Ledige pladser
specialized formAvailable seats
Arbejdsløs
synonymUnemployed
