Meaning
Keep the item.
Cultural Background
Danes are very conscious of recycling. Throwing away items that could be reused is often frowned upon. The 'Jante Law' culture values modesty and not being wasteful with resources. Similar to Denmark, there is a strong culture of 'Mülltrennung' (waste separation) and not wasting items. The concept of 'Mottainai' expresses regret when something is wasted, similar to the sentiment behind this phrase.
Soft D
Remember that the 'd' in 'Smid' is a soft 'd', which sounds like the 'th' in 'the'.
Sustainability
Danes love to recycle. Using this phrase shows you care about not wasting things.
Meaning
Keep the item.
Soft D
Remember that the 'd' in 'Smid' is a soft 'd', which sounds like the 'th' in 'the'.
Sustainability
Danes love to recycle. Using this phrase shows you care about not wasting things.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word.
Smid det ikke ____.
Both 'væk' and 'ud' work, but 'væk' is the target phrase.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the correct word order.
The object pronoun 'det' must come before the negation 'ikke'.
Match the Danish phrase to its English meaning.
Match: Smid det ikke væk
Smid det ikke væk means don't throw it away, which is to keep it.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Skal jeg smide denne kasse ud? B: ____.
This is the appropriate response to stop someone from throwing something away.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSmid det ikke ____.
Both 'væk' and 'ud' work, but 'væk' is the target phrase.
Choose the correct word order.
The object pronoun 'det' must come before the negation 'ikke'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Smid det ikke væk means don't throw it away, which is to keep it.
A: Skal jeg smide denne kasse ud? B: ____.
This is the appropriate response to stop someone from throwing something away.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsNo, only for objects. For people, you would use different phrases.
No, it is a standard, neutral instruction.
You can add 'vil du være sød at...' (would you be so kind to...).
Related Phrases
Smid det ud
synonymThrow it away
Gem det
similarKeep it
Behold det
similarKeep it
Lad være med at smide det ud
similarDon't throw it out
