Signification
Requesting assistance.
Contexte culturel
Danes value independence, so they might not offer help unless you ask. Don't be afraid to use this phrase; it's not seen as a sign of weakness. In Greenlandic culture, mutual aid is vital due to the environment. While the Danish phrase is used, the spirit of 'hjælpsomhed' is even more deeply ingrained. Similar to Denmark, but with a very strong community focus. People will often go out of their way to help a traveler who asks. Many expats find it hard to ask for help because of the perceived 'coldness' of Danes. Using this phrase in Danish often breaks the ice and reveals a very warm side of the locals.
Add 'Undskyld'
Always start with 'Undskyld' (Excuse me) when asking a stranger. It makes you sound much more polite.
The 'Lige' Trick
Insert 'lige' after 'du' (Kan du lige hjælpe mig?) to make your request sound smaller and more Danish.
Signification
Requesting assistance.
Add 'Undskyld'
Always start with 'Undskyld' (Excuse me) when asking a stranger. It makes you sound much more polite.
The 'Lige' Trick
Insert 'lige' after 'du' (Kan du lige hjælpe mig?) to make your request sound smaller and more Danish.
Don't say 'Please'
Don't try to translate 'please' at the end. It will sound unnatural. Your tone of voice does the work.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the request.
Kan du ___ mig med mine lektier?
After the modal verb 'kan', you must use the infinitive form 'hjælpe'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask a stranger for help?
Choose the best option:
'Undskyld' adds necessary politeness when approaching a stranger.
Match the Danish phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the standard translations for these variations.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Undskyld, jeg er faret vild. ___? B: Ja, hvor skal du hen?
The context of being lost ('faret vild') requires a request for help.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKan du ___ mig med mine lektier?
After the modal verb 'kan', you must use the infinitive form 'hjælpe'.
Choose the best option:
'Undskyld' adds necessary politeness when approaching a stranger.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the standard translations for these variations.
A: Undskyld, jeg er faret vild. ___? B: Ja, hvor skal du hen?
The context of being lost ('faret vild') requires a request for help.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, Danish doesn't have a direct word for 'please'. Politeness is shown through the use of modal verbs like 'kan' and words like 'gerne' or 'lige'.
Use 'I' when you are asking two or more people for help. 'Kan I hjælpe mig?'
Yes, but for a formal email, 'Jeg skriver for at høre, om du kan hjælpe mig med...' is better.
'Kan' is 'can', 'kunne' is 'could'. 'Kunne' is slightly more polite and indirect.
Use the preposition 'med'. For example: 'Kan du hjælpe mig med min computer?'
In this phrase, yes, because it follows 'kan'. In other sentences, it can be 'hjælper' (present) or 'hjalp' (past).
Just shout 'Hjælp!' (Help!).
Yes, very much so! They just wait for you to ask first.
You can, but it's not very common. 'Tak' is usually said *after* they agree to help or after the help is given.
It sounds like the English word 'my'. Don't pronounce the 'g'.
Expressions liées
Hvad kan jeg hjælpe med?
specialized formWhat can I help with?
Jeg har brug for hjælp
similarI need help
Vil du være sød at hjælpe mig?
specialized formWould you be so kind as to help me?
Hjælp mig lige
informalJust help me
