Meaning
Learn basics before advanced steps.
Cultural Background
Danes value 'grundighed' (thoroughness). This proverb is often used by parents and teachers to instill a sense of patience in children, reflecting a society that values long-term stability over quick wins. Across the Nordic countries, there is a shared respect for the 'apprentice' model. You are expected to 'earn your stripes' before you are given authority. In Danish offices, hierarchy is flat, but expertise is earned. This phrase might be used to remind a young 'stjerne' (star) that they need to understand the company culture before changing it. Danish parenting often focuses on 'free play' and natural development. This proverb supports the idea that children should not be pushed too hard to reach milestones before they are ready.
Use it for encouragement
This is a very 'kind' proverb. Use it to support someone who feels like they aren't progressing fast enough.
Don't over-use it
If someone is actually an expert, telling them this can be insulting!
Meaning
Learn basics before advanced steps.
Use it for encouragement
This is a very 'kind' proverb. Use it to support someone who feels like they aren't progressing fast enough.
Don't over-use it
If someone is actually an expert, telling them this can be insulting!
Test Yourself
Udfyld de manglende ord i ordsproget.
Man skal _____, før man kan _____.
Det rigtige ordsprog er 'Man skal krybe, før man kan gå'.
Hvad betyder ordsproget?
Hvilken situation passer bedst til ordsproget?
Ordsproget handler om at tage tingene i den rigtige rækkefølge.
Vælg den rigtige respons.
A: 'Jeg vil gerne skrive en hel bog på dansk i morgen!' B: 'Rolig nu... _________'
Dette er den perfekte respons til en person, der er for ambitiøs for hurtigt.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Stages of Mastery
Krybe (Crawl)
- • Basics
- • Alphabet
- • Small tasks
Gå (Walk)
- • Sentences
- • Projects
- • Responsibility
Practice Bank
3 exercisesMan skal _____, før man kan _____.
Det rigtige ordsprog er 'Man skal krybe, før man kan gå'.
Hvilken situation passer bedst til ordsproget?
Ordsproget handler om at tage tingene i den rigtige rækkefølge.
A: 'Jeg vil gerne skrive en hel bog på dansk i morgen!' B: 'Rolig nu... _________'
Dette er den perfekte respons til en person, der er for ambitiøs for hurtigt.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is very common in both spoken and written Danish, especially in educational and parenting contexts.
You can, and people will understand you, but 'krybe' is the traditional word used in the proverb.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, it is generally positive and encouraging, though it can be used to check someone's ego.
'Man' makes it a general rule for everyone, which is how most Danish proverbs are structured.
Yes, it is often used literally in medical or rehabilitation contexts.
The most direct equivalent is 'You have to crawl before you can walk.'
Frequently. It's used to describe the 'startup' phase or learning a new corporate system.
Sometimes people just say 'Man skal krybe før man går.'
It can be related to Janteloven's focus on humility, but it's more about practical learning than social control.
Related Phrases
Rom blev ikke bygget på en dag
similarRome wasn't built in a day.
Al begyndelse er svær
similarAll beginnings are difficult.
At tage munden for fuld
contrastTo bite off more than one can chew.
