Signification
Asking for someone's wish.
Contexte culturel
Danes value 'Directness'. Asking 'Hvad vil du have?' is not rude; it's seen as helpful and efficient. In a Danish home, you are expected to say what you want clearly. In Greenlandic Danish, the tone might be even more minimalist. Hospitality is huge, but the language used is often very functional. Similar to Denmark, but there is a slightly stronger tradition of formal address among older generations, where 'De' might still be heard. Many expats find this phrase 'aggressive' at first. It's a common topic in 'Living in Denmark' blogs where people learn that 'What do you want?' is actually a friendly offer.
The 'Gerne' Trick
Always add 'gerne' if you want to sound like a polite local. 'Hvad vil du gerne have?' is the magic formula.
Watch the 'D'
Never pronounce the 'd' in 'hvad'. It makes you sound like a textbook from 1920.
Signification
Asking for someone's wish.
The 'Gerne' Trick
Always add 'gerne' if you want to sound like a polite local. 'Hvad vil du gerne have?' is the magic formula.
Watch the 'D'
Never pronounce the 'd' in 'hvad'. It makes you sound like a textbook from 1920.
Eye Contact
When asking this, maintain brief, friendly eye contact. It shows you are genuinely interested in the answer.
The 'Skal' Alternative
If you're in a rush at a bar, use 'Hvad skal du ha'?' to sound like a real Copenhagener.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing modal verb.
Hvad ___ du have at drikke?
We use 'vil' (want/will) with 'have' to ask what someone wants.
Which sentence is the most polite for a cafe setting?
Choose the best option:
Adding 'gerne' (gladly) makes the request sound more like 'What would you like?'
Complete the dialogue at the bakery.
Bager: Værsgo! Hvad vil du have? Kunde: Jeg ___ gerne have to snegle.
The customer responds using the same modal verb 'vil' to express their wish.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Match 'Hvad vil du have i fødselsdagsgave?' to the correct context.
This phrase specifically asks about birthday wishes.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Direct vs. Polite
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHvad ___ du have at drikke?
We use 'vil' (want/will) with 'have' to ask what someone wants.
Choose the best option:
Adding 'gerne' (gladly) makes the request sound more like 'What would you like?'
Bager: Værsgo! Hvad vil du have? Kunde: Jeg ___ gerne have to snegle.
The customer responds using the same modal verb 'vil' to express their wish.
Match 'Hvad vil du have i fødselsdagsgave?' to the correct context.
This phrase specifically asks about birthday wishes.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, it is neutral. However, in a service job, adding 'gerne' is preferred for a softer tone.
Yes, it is perfectly fine for strangers in shops or cafes.
'Vil' is about desire ('What do you want?'), while 'skal' is more about the choice you are about to make ('What are you getting?').
In casual speech, no. It's almost always just 'ha'.
Use 'Hvad kunne De tænke Dem?'.
Yes, if your workplace is casual (which most Danish workplaces are).
Yes, like 'Hvad vil du have ud af livet?' (What do you want out of life?).
Because 'vil' is a modal verb, and in Danish, the main verb (have) goes to the end of the core phrase.
Yes: 'Hvad vil I have?' when talking to two or more people.
Only for gifts or very big dreams. It's too heavy for food/drinks.
It sounds like 'What do you want (from me)?' and can be perceived as slightly annoyed.
Yes, very similar versions exist: 'Hva vil du ha?' (Norwegian) and 'Vad vill du ha?' (Swedish).
Expressions liées
Hvad vil du gerne have?
similarWhat would you like to have?
Hvad skal du have?
similarWhat are you having?
Hvad har du lyst til?
similarWhat do you feel like?
Hvad ønsker du dig?
specialized formWhat do you wish for?
Hvad kan jeg hjælpe med?
similarHow can I help?
