A1 Idiom Informal

Ingen ko på isen

No cow on the ice

Significado

There is no problem.

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Contexto cultural

This idiom perfectly encapsulates the Danish 'Jantelov' and 'Pyt' culture—don't make a big deal out of yourself or your problems. Swedes use the exact same idiom ('Ingen ko på isen'). It shows the shared agricultural history of the two nations. While Norwegians understand the phrase, they are more likely to use 'Ingen fare' (No danger). Their idioms often lean more toward the sea and mountains. In international Danish companies (like LEGO or Maersk), this phrase is often translated literally into English as a joke among colleagues.

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The 'Pyt' Combo

For maximum Danish points, say 'Pyt, der er ingen ko på isen.' It's the ultimate 'don't worry about it' sentence.

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Watch the Tone

If you say it too sarcastically, it can sound like you are mocking someone's worry. Keep your voice warm and friendly.

Significado

There is no problem.

🎯

The 'Pyt' Combo

For maximum Danish points, say 'Pyt, der er ingen ko på isen.' It's the ultimate 'don't worry about it' sentence.

⚠️

Watch the Tone

If you say it too sarcastically, it can sound like you are mocking someone's worry. Keep your voice warm and friendly.

💬

The Swedish Connection

If you travel to Sweden, you can use this exact phrase. They will understand you perfectly!

Teste-se

Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.

Bare rolig, der er ingen ___ på ___.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: ko, isen

The standard idiom is 'ko' (cow) and 'isen' (the ice).

In which situation is it appropriate to say 'Ingen ko på isen'?

Situation: Your friend accidentally breaks a cheap glass at your party.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: Yes, it is appropriate.

Breaking a cheap glass is a minor accident, perfect for this idiom.

Complete the dialogue naturally.

A: 'Jeg har glemt min pung derhjemme!' B: '___, jeg betaler for din kaffe.'

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: Ingen ko på isen

This is the most natural way to reassure a friend that a forgotten wallet isn't a problem.

Which of these is the original full version of the idiom?

The full proverb is...

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: Ingen ko på isen, så længe rumpen er på land.

The original proverb refers to the cow's hindquarters being safe on land.

🎉 Pontuação: /4

Recursos visuais

Cow vs. No Cow

Ko på isen
Problem Problem
Fare Danger
Ingen ko på isen
Alt er fint Everything is fine
Sikkerhed Safety

Banco de exercicios

4 exercicios
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom. Fill Blank A1

Bare rolig, der er ingen ___ på ___.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: ko, isen

The standard idiom is 'ko' (cow) and 'isen' (the ice).

In which situation is it appropriate to say 'Ingen ko på isen'? situation_matching A2

Situation: Your friend accidentally breaks a cheap glass at your party.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: Yes, it is appropriate.

Breaking a cheap glass is a minor accident, perfect for this idiom.

Complete the dialogue naturally. dialogue_completion B1

A: 'Jeg har glemt min pung derhjemme!' B: '___, jeg betaler for din kaffe.'

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: Ingen ko på isen

This is the most natural way to reassure a friend that a forgotten wallet isn't a problem.

Which of these is the original full version of the idiom? Choose B2

The full proverb is...

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: Ingen ko på isen, så længe rumpen er på land.

The original proverb refers to the cow's hindquarters being safe on land.

🎉 Pontuação: /4

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Yes, if the relationship is relatively casual, which is common in Danish workplaces. If it's a very formal meeting, stick to 'Det er ikke et problem.'

No! It is used year-round. The 'ice' is purely metaphorical.

Technically yes, but it's much less common. Usually, people just say 'Der er et problem.' Saying 'Der er en ko på isen' sounds a bit like a joke.

Because cows were the most valuable and heavy livestock in old Denmark. A sheep or a chicken on ice wasn't as big of a deal.

It is always 'ingen' because 'ko' is a common gender noun (en ko).

It's 'EE-sun'. The 'i' is long, like in 'see'.

Not at all. It is used by all ages, from children to the elderly.

Absolutely. It's very common in SMS and on social media.

The closest are 'No worries,' 'No biggie,' or 'No harm done.'

No, it's very friendly and reassuring.

Frases relacionadas

🔗

Ingen ko

specialized form

Short version of the idiom.

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Det er bare i orden

synonym

That's perfectly fine.

🔗

Ingen alarm

similar

No alarm / No need to worry.

🔗

Pyt

builds on

Never mind / Oh well.

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