Meaning
Being near the completion of a project.
Cultural Background
Danes value 'flad struktur' (flat hierarchy). Using 'vi' (we) in 'Vi er tæt på målet' is a way for leaders to show they are part of the team. In Danish football (soccer), 'mål' means both 'goal' (the score) and 'goal' (the physical net). This phrase is often shouted by commentators. Because of Janteloven (the idea that you shouldn't think you're better than others), Danes often prefer saying they are 'close to the goal' rather than 'I have succeeded,' as it sounds more humble. Danes love to finish work early to go home and 'hygge'. Being 'tæt på målet' often signals that the 'hygge' time is about to start.
Use it for motivation
When your Danish study feels hard, say 'Jeg er tæt på målet' to yourself. It actually helps!
Watch the 'på'
Don't forget the 'på'. 'Vi er tæt målet' is a common mistake that sounds very broken to Danes.
Meaning
Being near the completion of a project.
Use it for motivation
When your Danish study feels hard, say 'Jeg er tæt på målet' to yourself. It actually helps!
Watch the 'på'
Don't forget the 'på'. 'Vi er tæt målet' is a common mistake that sounds very broken to Danes.
The 'Vi' factor
Even if you did most of the work, using 'Vi' (we) makes you sound like a better team player in Denmark.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
Vi er tæt ___ målet.
In Danish, the expression is always 'tæt på' when referring to a goal.
Which sentence is the most natural for a work project?
Your boss asks for a status update. You are 90% done.
You need the definite form 'målet' and the preposition 'på'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Er I færdige med at male stuen? B: Nej, ikke endnu, men...
'Målet' refers to the completion of the painting task.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Context: A marathon runner sees the finish line 100 meters away.
This is the literal use of the phrase in sports.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Proximity in Danish
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVi er tæt ___ målet.
In Danish, the expression is always 'tæt på' when referring to a goal.
Your boss asks for a status update. You are 90% done.
You need the definite form 'målet' and the preposition 'på'.
A: Er I færdige med at male stuen? B: Nej, ikke endnu, men...
'Målet' refers to the completion of the painting task.
Context: A marathon runner sees the finish line 100 meters away.
This is the literal use of the phrase in sports.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, but 'Vi er tæt på' or 'Vi er næsten fremme' is more common for travel.
Absolutely. It shows you are focused on results.
'Mål' is the end result (the goal), 'formål' is the purpose or reason for doing it.
Yes, if you are referring to a specific life goal like retirement or buying a house.
Because you are usually talking about a specific goal that has already been discussed.
You can say 'Vi er der næsten' or 'Det spiller snart'.
Yes: 'Vi var tæt på målet, da strømmen gik.'
Yes, it's very common in football and cycling.
'Tæt på' is more common in modern spoken Danish.
Yes, if the deadline is the goal.
Then you should say 'Vi er halvvejs'.
'Tæt på' for goals, 'tæt ved' for physical objects.
Yes, if you have multiple specific goals.
You say 'Vi skød ved siden af målet' or 'Vi nåede ikke målet'.
Related Phrases
I mål
builds onTo have reached the goal/finished.
Lige om hjørnet
similarJust around the corner.
Næsten færdig
synonymAlmost finished.
At sætte sig et mål
specialized formTo set a goal for oneself.
Langt fra målet
contrastFar from the goal.
