Meaning
Expressing a lack of knowledge.
Cultural Background
Danes value honesty over 'saving face'. Saying 'Jeg ved det ikke' is considered professional and trustworthy in a workplace. In Greenlandic-influenced Danish, silence or a slight raising of the eyebrows can sometimes replace the phrase 'Jeg ved det ikke'. In Danish universities, students are encouraged to say 'Jeg ved det ikke' if they are unsure, as it opens up a dialogue for learning. On Danish social media, you'll often see the abbreviation 'IDK' used, but the phrase 'Pas' is the most common short Danish equivalent.
The 'Det' Rule
Always remember the 'det'. Without it, the sentence feels like it's hanging off a cliff.
Don't be too blunt
In professional settings, add 'desværre' (unfortunately) to sound more polite.
Meaning
Expressing a lack of knowledge.
The 'Det' Rule
Always remember the 'det'. Without it, the sentence feels like it's hanging off a cliff.
Don't be too blunt
In professional settings, add 'desværre' (unfortunately) to sound more polite.
Use Inversion
Say 'Det ved jeg ikke' to sound more like a native speaker.
Honesty is Key
Don't be afraid to use this phrase! Danes prefer a 'Jeg ved det ikke' over a wrong guess.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Jeg ved ___ ikke.
In Danish, 'vide' requires the object 'det' in this expression.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I don't know' in spoken Danish?
Choose the best option:
'Det ved jeg ikke' is the most common inverted form used in speech.
Match the Danish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the pairs:
These are different ways to express lack of knowledge.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form.
A: Hvor er mine briller? B: ___
Even though 'briller' is plural, the fixed expression 'Jeg ved det ikke' is used for the fact of their location.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJeg ved ___ ikke.
In Danish, 'vide' requires the object 'det' in this expression.
Choose the best option:
'Det ved jeg ikke' is the most common inverted form used in speech.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are different ways to express lack of knowledge.
A: Hvor er mine briller? B: ___
Even though 'briller' is plural, the fixed expression 'Jeg ved det ikke' is used for the fact of their location.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in very informal speech or text messages, you can drop the 'Jeg'.
Because 'det' refers to the abstract concept or fact, which is always neuter in Danish.
No, it's neutral. But your tone and body language matter.
'Vide' is for facts/data. 'Kende' is for familiarity/people.
Use the past tense: 'Jeg vidste det ikke'.
It's an informal way to say 'I don't know', like 'I pass' in a game.
No, that word order is incorrect in Danish.
Add 'endnu': 'Jeg ved det ikke endnu'.
Yes: 'Det er jeg ikke klar over'.
Danish has different word orders for main and subordinate clauses.
Related Phrases
Jeg har ingen anelse
synonymI have no clue
Jeg aner det ikke
similarI don't have a hint
Det ved jeg
contrastI know that
Det er jeg ikke klar over
specialized formI am not aware of that
Pas
synonymPass
