This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 noun 10 min read

detalje

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips detalje in 30 Seconds

Explanation detalje in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize the word 'detalje' as meaning 'detail'. You might use it in very simple sentences to describe things you see. For example, 'Jeg ser en detalje' (I see a detail). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex idioms. Just remember that it is 'en detalje' (common gender) and that it refers to something small and specific. You might hear it when someone is describing a picture or a person. Focus on the basic singular form and the fact that it sounds like 'de-tal-ye'. It is a useful word for basic descriptions. If you are learning colors or shapes, you might say 'en rød detalje' (a red detail). This helps you start building more descriptive sentences beyond just 'the house is red'. You are identifying parts of the house.

At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'detalje' in more varied contexts. You should know the plural form 'detaljer' and the definite form 'detaljen'. You can start using common adjectives like 'vigtig' (important) or 'lille' (small) with the word. 'Det er en vigtig detalje' is a very useful sentence for A2 learners. You might also encounter the phrase 'i detaljer' (in detail) when reading simple stories or instructions. You should be able to ask questions like 'Kan du give mig en detalje?' (Can you give me a detail?). Understanding that 'detalje' is used for specific features rather than large parts (del) is a key goal for this level. You are moving from just identifying things to describing them with more precision.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'detalje' more fluidly in both speech and writing. You should be comfortable with the phrase 'at gå i detaljer' (to go into detail) and use it to manage conversations. For example, 'Jeg vil ikke gå i for mange detaljer' (I don't want to go into too many details). You will likely encounter the word in more professional or academic settings, such as job descriptions ('detaljeorienteret') or project plans. You should also start to recognize compound words like 'detaljeplan' (detail plan) or 'detaljerig' (rich in detail). Your understanding of the word should expand to include abstract details, like the details of a plan or an argument, not just physical objects. You can now use the word to add nuance to your opinions.

At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of the nuances between 'detalje' and its synonyms like 'enkelthed' or 'finesse'. you can use the word to discuss complex topics with precision. You might use it in legal, technical, or artistic contexts. For example, 'Detaljerne i denne lovgivning er komplicerede' (The details in this legislation are complicated). You should be able to follow fast-paced conversations where 'detalje' is used idiomatically. You are also expected to use the correct word order and prepositions consistently, such as 'opmærksomhed på detaljen' (attention to the detail). At this level, you can use the word to critique things, noting which details are successful and which are not.

At the C1 level, your use of 'detalje' should be indistinguishable from a native speaker's in terms of context and collocation. You understand the stylistic choice between using 'detalje' and more sophisticated terms like 'nuance' or 'facet'. You can use the word in high-level academic writing or professional presentations to delineate specific points of interest. You are familiar with the cultural weight of 'detaljer' in Danish design and can discuss this concept fluently. You also know rarer idioms and can use 'detalje' to express subtle irony or emphasis. Your pronunciation is precise, handling the soft 'd' and the 'j' sound perfectly. You can navigate complex texts where 'detalje' refers to philosophical or theoretical minutiae.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'detalje' and its entire word family. You can use the verb 'detaljere' (to detail) and the noun 'detaljering' (detailing) in complex grammatical structures. You understand the historical and etymological journey of the word and how it fits into the broader Germanic and Romance linguistic landscape. You can use 'detalje' to engage in deep literary analysis or technical debates. You are comfortable with the proverb 'djævlen ligger i detaljen' and can use it appropriately in various registers. There are no contexts—be they legal, medical, artistic, or colloquial—where you cannot use the word with absolute precision and native-like flair. You can even play with the word in creative writing or poetry.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

detalje in 30 Seconds

En detalje is a common gender noun meaning 'detail'.
It refers to a small, specific part of a larger object or idea.
Common phrases include 'i detaljer' (in detail) and 'at gå i detaljer' (to go into detail).
It is essential for precise descriptions in design, work, and daily life.

The Danish word detalje is a common gender noun (fælleskøn) that translates directly to the English word 'detail'. At its core, it refers to a small, individual part, item, or particular feature of a larger whole. Whether you are discussing a complex architectural blueprint, a piece of intricate jewelry, or the specific points of a legal contract, detalje is the word you need. In Danish culture, which often prides itself on minimalism and functionalism, the 'detalje' is where the true quality of an object or idea is often hidden. It is not just about being 'small'; it is about being 'specific'.

Linguistic Origin: The word enters Danish via the French 'détail', which stems from the verb 'détailler', meaning 'to cut into pieces'. This historical root perfectly explains why we use the word to describe the act of breaking down a large concept into its constituent parts.
Scope of Use: In everyday conversation, Danes use this word to talk about everything from fashion ('en flot detalje på kjolen') to police work ('politiet undersøger hver eneste detalje'). It is a high-frequency word because it bridges the gap between the abstract and the concrete.

Der er en vigtig detalje, vi mangler at diskutere.

When you use detalje, you are often signaling that you are moving from a general overview to a more focused examination. For example, if you are looking at a painting, the 'detalje' might be the way the light hits a specific flower in the corner. In a business meeting, the 'detalje' might be the specific percentage of a budget allocation. It is a word that demands attention and precision.

Huset er smukt, men detaljerne gør hele forskellen.

Technical Context: In engineering or design, a 'detaljetegning' (detail drawing) is a specific type of document that shows exactly how parts fit together. This highlights the word's association with precision and structural integrity.

Kan du forklare denne tekniske detalje?

In summary, detalje is a versatile noun that helps you specify, clarify, and elaborate. It is essential for moving beyond basic descriptions and into more sophisticated, nuanced Danish. Whether you are being a 'detaljeorienteret' (detail-oriented) worker or just admiring the 'fine detaljer' of a sunset, this word is a foundational block of the Danish vocabulary.

Using detalje correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical behavior as a common gender noun. In its singular indefinite form, we say 'en detalje'. When we want to be specific, we use the definite form 'detaljen'. For instance, 'Detaljen i hjørnet af billedet er meget interessant' (The detail in the corner of the picture is very interesting). This word often pairs with adjectives that emphasize its importance or size.

Adjective Agreement: Since it is a common gender noun, adjectives must match. We say 'en lille detalje' (a small detail), 'en vigtig detalje' (an important detail), or 'en overset detalje' (an overlooked detail). In the plural, it becomes 'små detaljer', 'vigtige detaljer', or 'oversete detaljer'.

Hun har øje for enhver lille detalje.

The plural form 'detaljer' is perhaps even more common than the singular. It is frequently used in the prepositional phrase 'i detaljer'. If someone asks you to explain something 'i detaljer', they want the full story with all the specifics. Conversely, if you say 'jeg vil ikke gå i detaljer', you are indicating that you want to keep the conversation at a high level or that the specifics are too personal or boring to share.

Vi behøver ikke at gå i detaljer lige nu.

Verbs often used with Detalje: Common verbs include 'at bemærke' (to notice), 'at overse' (to overlook), 'at forklare' (to explain), and 'at studere' (to study). Example: 'Han studerede hver eneste detalje af planen'.

Har du lagt mærke til den lille detalje?

When writing, remember that 'detalje' can also be part of compound words, which is very common in Danish. For example, 'detaljerig' (rich in detail) or 'detaljegrad' (level of detail). These compounds allow you to express complex ideas concisely. If a plan is 'detaljeret' (detailed), it means it has been thought through thoroughly.

Hendes beskrivelse var utroligt detaljeret.

In Denmark, you will hear detalje across a variety of professional and social landscapes. Denmark is world-renowned for its design and architecture (think Arne Jacobsen or Bjarke Ingels), where the philosophy of 'less is more' actually makes every single detalje more prominent. If you visit a furniture store or an art gallery in Copenhagen, you'll likely hear people discussing 'de fine detaljer' (the fine details) of a chair's joinery or a painting's brushwork.

In the Workplace: In a Danish office, 'detaljeorienteret' is a buzzword often found in job descriptions. Employers value someone who can manage 'detaljerne' without losing the 'store overblik' (big picture). You might hear a manager say, 'Vi skal lige have styr på de sidste detaljer, før vi lancerer' (We just need to get the last details in order before we launch).

Vi mangler kun et par tekniske detaljer.

The news media is another place where this word flourishes. Crime reporting often focuses on 'afgørende detaljer' (crucial details) that led to an arrest. Similarly, in political analysis, commentators will 'gå ned i detaljerne' of a new law or budget proposal to explain how it affects the average citizen. It is a word that signifies depth and investigative rigor.

Journalisten spurgte ind til de politiske detaljer.

Social Context: When friends gossip or tell stories, they might say 'Fortæl alle detaljerne!' (Tell all the details!). It shows interest and engagement in the speaker's narrative. It's a way of asking for the 'juicy' parts of a story.

Jeg vil gerne høre hver eneste detalje fra din ferie.

Finally, in the world of Danish 'hygge', the 'detalje' is what creates the atmosphere. The specific placement of a candle, the texture of a blanket, or the choice of music—these are the 'detaljer', that collectively make a space feel cozy and welcoming. Understanding this word is key to understanding the Danish eye for aesthetics and quality of life.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with detalje is its pronunciation. In English, 'detail' has a strong 'T' and a long 'A' or 'I' sound depending on the dialect. In Danish, the 'd' is soft (sometimes almost silent at the start), the 'a' is a flat, short sound like in 'cat', and the 'j' is pronounced like the English 'y' in 'yes'. It sounds more like 'de-TAL-yeh'. Mispronouncing the 'j' as an English 'j' (like in 'judge') is a dead giveaway of a non-native speaker.

Confusion with 'Del': As mentioned before, learners often swap 'detalje' with 'del'. Remember: 'En del af kagen' (A piece of the cake), but 'En detalje på kagen' (A detail on the cake, like a sugar flower). Using 'del' when you mean 'detalje' can make you sound vague or imprecise.

Forkert: Det er en vigtig del af billedet. (If you mean a specific small feature).
Rigtigt: Det er en vigtig detalje i billedet.

Another common error involves gender. Since 'detalje' is common gender (en), using 'et detalje' is a grammatical mistake. This also affects the definite form. It must be 'detaljen', never 'detaljet'. Similarly, when using adjectives, you must use the common gender form: 'en stor detalje', not 'et stort detalje'. This is a hurdle for many A2 learners who are still internalizing noun genders.

Forkert: Jeg så et lille detalje.
Rigtigt: Jeg så en lille detalje.

Spelling Pitfalls: Don't forget the 'e' at the end of 'detalje'. Without it, the word doesn't exist in Danish. Also, in the plural 'detaljer', the 'j' remains, which can be tricky for those used to English spelling patterns where 'y' might change to 'i'.

Forkert: Mange detalier.
Rigtigt: Mange detaljer.

Finally, be careful with the idiom 'djævlen ligger i detaljen'. Sometimes learners try to translate the English 'the devil is in the details' (plural) directly, but the standard Danish proverb usually uses the singular 'detaljen'. Saying 'djævlen ligger i detaljerne' isn't technically wrong, but it sounds less like the established idiom.

While detalje is the most versatile word for 'detail', Danish offers several alternatives depending on the context. Understanding these nuances will help you sound more like a native speaker and allow for more precise expression.

Enkelthed: This word literally means 'particularity' or 'single item'. It is often used in plural 'enkeltheder' to mean 'the specifics'. It sounds slightly more formal or bureaucratic than 'detaljer'. For example: 'Vi skal gennemgå alle enkeltheder i kontrakten'.
Finesse: Used when the detail is subtle, clever, or sophisticated. It implies a level of skill or artistry. 'Der er mange små finesser i hans madlavning' (There are many small finesses/clever details in his cooking).
Småting: Literally 'small things'. Use this when the details are perceived as insignificant or minor. 'Det er bare småting' (It's just small details/trivia).

Vi mangler kun et par enkeltheder før vi er færdige.

When comparing detalje to punkt (point), the difference is one of structure. A 'punkt' is an item on a list or a specific moment in time/space. A 'detalje' is a characteristic of something. You might discuss 'punkt 5' on an agenda, which contains several 'detaljer' about the project.

Han er lidt af en detaljerytter, når det kommer til grammatik.

In academic or technical writing, you might encounter 'specifikation' (specification). While a 'detalje' is a part of something, a 'specifikation' is a requirement or a formal description of a detail. 'Denne detalje er en del af de tekniske specifikationer'.

Træk: Meaning 'feature' or 'trait'. Often used for physical appearance or personality. 'Hendes ansigt har nogle meget fine træk' (Her face has some very fine features/details).

Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to emphasize the smallness (detalje), the specificity (enkelthed), the skill (finesse), or the insignificance (småting) of the item in question. For most A2 learners, mastering 'detalje' first is the most effective strategy.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root verb 'détailler' comes from 'tailler', which means 'to cut'. This is the same root as the English word 'tailor'—someone who cuts cloth!

Pronunciation Guide

UK [deˈtæljə]

US [deˈtæljə]

The stress is on the second syllable: de-TAL-je.

Rhymes With

medalje talje emalje batalje kanalje radikalje pastilje familie

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'j' like the 'j' in 'jump'. It should be like 'y' in 'yes'.
Using a long English 'A' sound in the second syllable.
Forgetting to pronounce the final 'e'.
Pronouncing the 'd' too hard like an English 'd'.
Stressing the first syllable instead of the second.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to English cognate.

Writing 3/5

Spelling the 'j' and remembering the final 'e' can be tricky.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation of the 'j' and the soft 'd' is challenging for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Usually clear, but can be swallowed in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

en lille vigtig se her

Learn Next

beskrive forklare vigtighed specifik helhed

Advanced

minutiøs ekskvisit nuancere uddybe bestanddel

Grammar to Know

Common Gender Nouns

En detalje, detaljen.

Plural Formation (-er)

Detalje -> detaljer.

Definite Plural (-ne)

Detaljer -> detaljerne.

Adjective Agreement (Common)

En vigtig detalje.

Compound Noun Formation

Detalje + plan = detaljeplan.

Examples by Level

Her er en lille detalje.

Here is a small detail.

Simple common gender noun usage.

Jeg ser en detalje.

I see a detail.

Subject-verb-object structure.

Hvad er denne detalje?

What is this detail?

Interrogative sentence.

En detalje er blå.

One detail is blue.

Adjective agreement.

Jeg kan lide denne detalje.

I like this detail.

Expressing preference.

Det er en ny detalje.

It is a new detail.

Using 'ny' (new) with 'en'.

Hvor er detaljen?

Where is the detail?

Definite singular form.

Se på denne detalje.

Look at this detail.

Imperative form.

Der er mange detaljer i bogen.

There are many details in the book.

Plural form 'detaljer'.

Hun lagde mærke til en vigtig detalje.

She noticed an important detail.

Past tense verb + adjective.

Kan du forklare detaljen?

Can you explain the detail?

Definite singular form.

Vi mangler en lille detalje.

We are missing a small detail.

Common gender adjective 'lille'.

Detaljerne er meget smukke.

The details are very beautiful.

Definite plural form 'detaljerne'.

Jeg vil ikke gå i detaljer.

I don't want to go into details.

Common idiom 'gå i detaljer'.

Huset har mange fine detaljer.

The house has many fine details.

Plural adjective agreement.

Husk hver eneste detalje.

Remember every single detail.

Using 'hver eneste' for emphasis.

Planen er god, men vi skal diskutere detaljerne.

The plan is good, but we need to discuss the details.

Definite plural in a business context.

Han er meget detaljeorienteret i sit arbejde.

He is very detail-oriented in his work.

Compound adjective 'detaljeorienteret'.

Fortæl mig om detaljerne i aftalen.

Tell me about the details of the agreement.

Preposition 'om' followed by definite plural.

Denne detalje gør en stor forskel.

This detail makes a big difference.

Singular subject with a verb phrase.

Jeg har glemt en væsentlig detalje.

I have forgotten a significant detail.

Adjective 'væsentlig' (significant).

Vi skal kigge på detaljegraden i projektet.

We need to look at the level of detail in the project.

Compound noun 'detaljegrad'.

Hun beskrev rejsen i mindste detalje.

She described the journey in the smallest detail.

Superlative 'mindste' with singular 'detalje'.

Der er ingen grund til at gå i detaljer nu.

There is no reason to go into details now.

Negation with the idiom 'gå i detaljer'.

Djævlen ligger i detaljen, som man siger.

The devil lies in the detail, as they say.

Proverbial usage.

Rapporten mangler detaljer om økonomien.

The report lacks details about the finances.

Plural noun in formal context.

Det er en teknisk detalje, som vi skal løse.

It is a technical detail that we need to solve.

Relative clause 'som vi skal løse'.

Kunstneren har fokuseret på de små detaljer.

The artist has focused on the small details.

Present perfect tense.

Vi må ikke overse denne vigtige detalje.

We must not overlook this important detail.

Modal verb 'må ikke'.

Kan du uddybe detaljerne i dit forslag?

Can you elaborate on the details of your proposal?

Verb 'uddybe' (elaborate).

Hun har et skarpt øje for detaljer.

She has a sharp eye for details.

Idiomatic expression 'øje for'.

Detaljerne i kontrakten skal gennemgås nøje.

The details in the contract must be reviewed carefully.

Passive voice 'skal gennemgås'.

Undersøgelsen gik i dybden med hver eneste detalje.

The investigation went into depth with every single detail.

Idiomatic 'gå i dybden'.

Det er detaljerne, der adskiller de to modeller.

It is the details that distinguish the two models.

Cleft sentence structure.

Man kan nemt fortabe sig i detaljerne.

One can easily lose oneself in the details.

Reflexive verb 'fortabe sig'.

Han forklarede sagen uden at udelade en eneste detalje.

He explained the case without omitting a single detail.

Infinitiv construction with 'uden at'.

Arkitekturen er præget af raffinerede detaljer.

The architecture is characterized by refined details.

Passive construction with 'præget af'.

Detaljeringen i dette værk er enestående.

The detailing in this work is exceptional.

Noun 'detaljeringen'.

Vi skal være opmærksomme på de juridiske detaljer.

We must be aware of the legal details.

Adjective phrase 'opmærksomme på'.

Filmen er fantastisk helt ned i mindste detalje.

The movie is fantastic right down to the smallest detail.

Prepositional phrase 'helt ned i'.

Værkets æstetik hviler på en subtil detalje.

The work's aesthetics rest on a subtle detail.

Abstract academic usage.

Han formåede at detaljere hændelsesforløbet minutiøst.

He managed to detail the sequence of events meticulously.

Verb 'detaljere' and adverb 'minutiøst'.

Der opstod en tvist om en teknisk detalje i traktaten.

A dispute arose over a technical detail in the treaty.

Formal noun 'tvist' (dispute).

Det er en detalje af sekundær betydning for helheden.

It is a detail of secondary importance to the whole.

Complex prepositional phrases.

Forfatteren dvæler ved detaljerne i naturbeskrivelsen.

The author lingers on the details of the nature description.

Verb 'dvæle ved' (linger on).

Præcisionen i detaljen er afgørende for resultatet.

Precision in the detail is crucial for the result.

Singular definite 'detaljen' as a concept.

Han kritiserede udspillet for manglende detaljering.

He criticized the proposal for a lack of detailing.

Gerund-like usage of 'detaljering'.

Analysen afdækkede flere oversete detaljer i materialet.

The analysis uncovered several overlooked details in the material.

Past tense 'afdækkede' (uncovered).

Common Collocations

vigtig detalje

lille detalje

teknisk detalje

afgørende detalje

mange detaljer

hver eneste detalje

forklare i detaljer

gå i detaljer

øje for detaljer

styr på detaljerne

Common Phrases

i mindste detalje

— Down to the smallest detail. Used when something is very thorough.

Han planlagde alt i mindste detalje.

uden detaljer

— Without details. A brief overview.

Han gav os historien uden detaljer.

mange fine detaljer

— Many fine details. Often used in aesthetics or art.

Kjolen har mange fine detaljer.

en overset detalje

— An overlooked detail. Something important that was missed.

Det var en lille, men overset detalje.

de sidste detaljer

— The last details. The final touches.

Vi mangler bare de sidste detaljer.

mangel på detaljer

— Lack of details. When something is too vague.

Der er en tydelig mangel på detaljer i rapporten.

detaljer omkring

— Details regarding/about.

Har du flere detaljer omkring mødet?

fokus på detaljen

— Focus on the detail. Paying close attention.

Deres fokus på detaljen er imponerende.

en mærkværdig detalje

— A strange detail. Something unusual.

Der er en mærkværdig detalje i hans forklaring.

relevante detaljer

— Relevant details. Specifics that matter.

Giv mig kun de relevante detaljer.

Often Confused With

detalje vs del

Del means 'part' (a segment), whereas detalje is a 'feature' (a specific point).

detalje vs punkt

Punkt is a 'point' on a list; detalje is a 'characteristic' of an item.

detalje vs småting

Småting implies the details are trivial; detalje is neutral.

Idioms & Expressions

"Djævlen ligger i detaljen"

— The devil is in the details. Small things can cause big problems.

Vær forsigtig med kontrakten; djævlen ligger i detaljen.

Common

"At gå i detaljer"

— To go into detail. To explain something thoroughly.

Jeg vil gerne gå i detaljer med planen.

Common

"At have øje for detaljen"

— To have an eye for detail. To be observant of small things.

Som arkitekt skal man have øje for detaljen.

Common

"Helt ned i detaljen"

— Right down to the detail. Extremely thorough.

Han kender systemet helt ned i detaljen.

Informal

"Fortabe sig i detaljer"

— To get lost in details. To focus too much on small things and lose the big picture.

Du må ikke fortabe dig i detaljer.

Neutral

"I alle detaljer"

— In all details. Completely.

Han beskrev ulykken i alle detaljer.

Formal

"En lille detalje"

— A small detail. Often used ironically for something important.

Åh, og en lille detalje: Jeg har opsagt mit job.

Informal

"At hænge sig i detaljer"

— To dwell on details. To be overly pedantic.

Hold op med at hænge dig i detaljer!

Informal

"Det er en detalje"

— That is a detail. Meaning it is minor or unimportant.

Prisen? Det er en detalje, vi ordner senere.

Neutral

"Uden at gå i detaljer"

— Without going into detail. Keeping it brief.

Uden at gå i detaljer kan jeg sige, at det var svært.

Neutral

Easily Confused

detalje vs del

Both mean 'part' in English.

A 'del' is a portion of a whole (like a slice of pie). A 'detalje' is a specific feature (like the pattern on the crust).

Jeg vil have en del af kagen, men se lige den detalje på toppen!

detalje vs punkt

Both can refer to specific items.

A 'punkt' is a location or a bullet point. A 'detalje' is a descriptive element.

Næste punkt på dagsordenen er detaljerne i budgettet.

detalje vs stykke

Both refer to smaller items.

A 'stykke' is a physical piece or segment. A 'detalje' is a non-physical or visual feature.

Et stykke papir med mange detaljer.

detalje vs træk

Both describe features.

A 'træk' is a general trait or characteristic. A 'detalje' is a specific, often minute, point.

Hans ansigtstræk er grove, men øjnene har fine detaljer.

detalje vs finesse

Both refer to small parts.

A 'finesse' is always positive and implies skill. A 'detalje' is neutral.

Uret har mange tekniske detaljer og smukke finesser.

Sentence Patterns

Her er en [adjective] detalje.

Her er en lille detalje.

Jeg kan lide [detaljerne] i [noun].

Jeg kan lide detaljerne i bogen.

Vi skal [verb] detaljerne.

Vi skal diskutere detaljerne.

Han er [detaljeorienteret].

Han er meget detaljeorienteret.

Uden at gå i [detaljer]...

Uden at gå i detaljer var det en succes.

Helt ned i [mindste] detalje.

Hun kender planen helt ned i mindste detalje.

[Noun] er præget af [adjective] detaljer.

Huset er præget af arkitektoniske detaljer.

Djævlen ligger i [detaljen].

Husk, djævlen ligger i detaljen.

Word Family

Nouns

detalje

detaljering

detaljegrad

detaljerigdom

Verbs

detaljere

Adjectives

detaljeret

detaljeorienteret

detaljerig

enkelthed

finesse

del

punkt

specifikation

How to Use It

frequency

Very High

Common Mistakes

et detalje → en detalje
Detalje is common gender, not neuter.
i detalje → i detaljer
The idiom for 'in detail' always uses the plural.
detalier → detaljer
The 'j' must be included in the spelling.
detaljen (plural) → detaljerne
Don't confuse the definite singular with the definite plural.
at detalje → at detaljere
The verb form is 'detaljere', not the noun itself.

Tips

Plural Prepositions

When using the preposition 'i' (in), always use the plural 'detaljer' if you mean 'thoroughly'.

Soft D

The initial 'd' is soft. Don't explode it like in the English word 'Dog'.

Compound Power

Danish loves compounds. Combine 'detalje' with 'plan' or 'tegning' to sound more professional.

Design Focus

Danes value 'detaljer' in aesthetics. Use this word when complimenting someone's home or style.

Don't Overdo It

If you focus too much on 'detaljer', you might be called a 'detaljerytter'. Balance is key.

The Tailor

Remember the word 'tailor'. A tailor cuts (détailler) and focuses on the details.

Definite Plural

The definite plural 'detaljerne' is common in summaries. 'Detaljerne er som følger...' (The details are as follows...).

The 'J' Hook

Listen for the 'y' sound. If you hear 'de-tal-ye', you know they are talking about a detail.

Emphasis

Stress the second syllable 'TAL' to make the word clear and natural.

Context Clues

If you see 'detalje', look for adjectives like 'lille' or 'vigtig' to understand the significance.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'tailor' (from the same root) focusing on every 'detail' of a suit's stitching.

Visual Association

Imagine a magnifying glass hovering over a tiny, intricate part of a large clock.

Word Web

detalje lille vigtig gå i detaljer detaljeret overse bemærke finesse

Challenge

Try to describe three 'detaljer' of the room you are in right now using Danish adjectives.

Word Origin

From the French word 'détail', which was borrowed into Danish in the 18th century.

Original meaning: A cutting in pieces, or a small part cut off from a whole.

Indo-European, via Romance (French) to Germanic (Danish).

Cultural Context

None. The word is completely neutral and safe to use.

In English, 'detail' can be a verb or a noun. In Danish, 'detalje' is strictly the noun; the verb is 'detaljere'.

Danish Design (minimalism where details matter) Borgen (TV show where political details drive the plot) LEGO (where every detail is engineered for compatibility)

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Work/Office

Vi skal have styr på detaljerne.
Han er meget detaljeorienteret.
Gå i detaljer med planen.
Mangler vi nogle detaljer?

Art/Design

Se de fine detaljer.
Detaljerne i maleriet.
Et øje for detaljer.
Smukke detaljer.

Storytelling

Fortæl alle detaljerne.
Hver eneste detalje.
Uden at gå i detaljer.
En mærkelig detalje.

Legal/Contracts

Detaljerne i kontrakten.
En vigtig juridisk detalje.
Gennemgå detaljerne.
Djævlen ligger i detaljen.

Crime/News

Afgørende detaljer.
Politiet mangler detaljer.
En overset detalje.
Nye detaljer i sagen.

Conversation Starters

"Hvad er den vigtigste detalje i din plan?"

"Kan du fortælle mig detaljerne om din ferie?"

"Hvilke detaljer lagde du mærke til i filmen?"

"Er du en person, der har øje for detaljer?"

"Hvorfor er detaljerne så vigtige i dansk design?"

Journal Prompts

Beskriv en vigtig detalje i dit hjem, som du er glad for.

Skriv om en gang, hvor en lille detalje ændrede alt.

Er det vigtigst at se på helheden eller detaljerne? Hvorfor?

Beskriv din bedste ven ved hjælp af tre små detaljer.

Hvad betyder 'djævlen ligger i detaljen' for dig i din hverdag?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is common gender (fælleskøn), so you say 'en detalje' and 'detaljen'.

You say 'i detaljer' (using the plural form).

The plural is 'detaljer' and the definite plural is 'detaljerne'.

Yes, to describe specific features of their appearance or personality, e.g., 'en interessant detalje ved hans personlighed'.

It is a somewhat negative term for a person who is overly focused on minor details (a pedant).

Yes, very frequently, especially in phrases like 'detaljeorienteret' (detail-oriented).

It is pronounced like the English 'y' in 'yes' or 'yellow'.

'Enkelthed' is more formal and often refers to specific points in a document or list.

Yes, it comes from the French word 'détail'.

It means 'to go into detail' or to explain something thoroughly.