Meaning
Stating language level.
Cultural Background
Danes are very proud of their language but also very realistic about its difficulty. Using this phrase is seen as a sign of respect. In the capital, English is so prevalent that you might have to insist on speaking Danish even after saying this phrase. In more rural areas, people might be less used to English, making this phrase even more vital for basic communication. Danish hierarchy is flat. Even a CEO will appreciate a foreign colleague saying 'Jeg taler lidt dansk' during lunch.
The 'Kun' Trick
Add 'kun' (only) to sound more humble and encourage people to speak slowly.
The English Trap
Danes will switch to English immediately. If you want to practice, keep speaking Danish!
Meaning
Stating language level.
The 'Kun' Trick
Add 'kun' (only) to sound more humble and encourage people to speak slowly.
The English Trap
Danes will switch to English immediately. If you want to practice, keep speaking Danish!
Smile!
Danes love it when you try. A smile with this phrase goes a long way.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb.
Jeg ____ lidt dansk.
We need the present tense form, which ends in -r.
Which word means 'a little' in the context of language ability?
Jeg taler ____ dansk.
'Lidt' is for quantity/degree; 'lille' is for physical size.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Taler du dansk? B: ____
This is the most natural and grammatically correct response.
Match the phrase to the best situation.
Phrase: 'Jeg taler kun lidt dansk.'
Adding 'kun' (only) emphasizes your limited level to the listener.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Lidt vs. Lille
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJeg ____ lidt dansk.
We need the present tense form, which ends in -r.
Jeg taler ____ dansk.
'Lidt' is for quantity/degree; 'lille' is for physical size.
A: Taler du dansk? B: ____
This is the most natural and grammatically correct response.
Phrase: 'Jeg taler kun lidt dansk.'
Adding 'kun' (only) emphasizes your limited level to the listener.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsBoth are correct. 'Tale' is slightly more formal/standard, while 'snakke' is more casual. Most Danes use them interchangeably.
In this context, 'dansk' is the name of the language (a noun/adjective used substantively). 'Danske' is the plural form of the adjective.
Yes! 'En smule' means 'a bit' and is a very natural, slightly more advanced alternative to 'lidt'.
Not at all. They will likely be relieved and happy that you tried.
You say 'Jeg taler ikke dansk.'
In many dialects, the 'd' is silent or very soft. It sounds more like 'lit'.
Yes, under 'Sprog' (Languages), you can write 'Dansk: Begynder' or 'Jeg taler lidt dansk'.
Then say 'Jeg taler ikke dansk, desværre' (I don't speak Danish, unfortunately).
They aren't laughing at you! They are usually pleasantly surprised and find it 'hyggeligt' that you are trying.
No, 'lidt' remains the same. 'Jeg taler lidt dansk og lidt tysk.'
Related Phrases
Jeg forstår lidt dansk
similarI understand a little Danish
Jeg er ved at lære dansk
builds onI am learning Danish
Hvad betyder det?
specialized formWhat does that mean?
Kan du gentage det?
specialized formCan you repeat that?
