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A1 verb 11 min read

drikke

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips drikke in 30 Seconds

Explanation drikke in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'drikke' is one of the first verbs you will learn. It is used in its most literal sense: consuming liquids like water (vand), milk (mælk), or coffee (kaffe). You will learn to use it in the present tense ('Jeg drikker') and the infinitive ('at drikke'). At this stage, the focus is on basic needs and simple social interactions, such as ordering a drink at a cafe. You will also learn the basic negative form: 'Jeg drikker ikke kaffe'. The goal is to be able to state what you are drinking or what you want to drink in a very straightforward manner. You should also become familiar with the question form 'Drikker du...?' to ask others about their preferences. Vocabulary at this level usually revolves around common breakfast and lunch items. It's important to start noticing that the 'r' at the end of 'drikker' is often very soft or almost silent in spoken Danish, which can make it sound like the infinitive 'drikke' to an untrained ear.

As an A2 learner, you will expand your use of 'drikke' to include the past tense 'drak' and the present perfect 'har drukket'. This allows you to talk about what you did yesterday or what you have already done today. You will also start using modal verbs more frequently, such as 'vil gerne drikke' (would like to drink) or 'skal drikke' (must/going to drink). Social contexts become more important, and you might learn to use 'drikke' in the context of an invitation, such as 'Skal vi drikke en kop kaffe i morgen?'. You will also encounter the word in simple compound nouns like 'drikkevarer' (beverages) and 'drikkedunk' (water bottle). At this level, you should be able to describe your daily routines in more detail, including what you usually drink at different times of the day. You'll also start to see the verb used with simple prepositions, like 'drikke af et glas' (drink from a glass).

At the B1 level, you will begin to use 'drikke' in more complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions. You might learn phrases like 'at drikke tæt' (to drink heavily) or 'at drikke sig fuld' (to get drunk). Your understanding of the verb's role in Danish culture will deepen, particularly regarding the social significance of coffee and beer. You will be able to discuss health topics, such as the importance of drinking enough water during exercise or illness. The passive voice 'drikkes' might appear in texts you read, such as recipes or instructions. You will also become more proficient in using the past participle 'drukket' as an adjective in certain contexts. At this stage, you should be able to differentiate between 'drikke' and its synonyms like 'nippe' (sip) or 'slubre' (slurp) to add more nuance to your descriptions. You'll also start to understand the use of 'drikke' in broader metaphorical contexts, though these remain relatively rare.

By B2, you should have a firm grasp of all the grammatical forms of 'drikke' and be able to use them fluently in both speech and writing. You will encounter 'drikke' in more sophisticated literature and news articles. You will learn about the historical context of the word, such as the tradition of 'at drikke dus' (to agree to use the informal 'du' instead of the formal 'De'). You'll be able to participate in nuanced discussions about Danish drinking culture, including the pros and cons of the high alcohol consumption among Danish youth. You will also understand more complex idioms, like 'at drikke som en svamp' (to drink like a sponge/very heavily). Your ability to use 'drikke' with various prefixes and in compound words will increase, and you'll be able to recognize the subtle differences in meaning they convey. You will also be more aware of the register, knowing when to use 'drikke' versus more formal alternatives like 'indtage'.

At the C1 level, your use of 'drikke' will be highly nuanced and contextually appropriate. You will be able to appreciate the word's use in classical Danish literature and poetry, where it might be used metaphorically to describe 'drinking in' experiences, beauty, or knowledge. You will have a deep understanding of the etymological roots of the word and how it relates to other Germanic languages. You will be able to discuss the sociolinguistic aspects of 'drikke', such as how its usage might vary across different regions or social classes in Denmark. You'll also be comfortable using the verb in highly formal or academic contexts, perhaps in a discussion about public health policy or the history of trade in beverages. Your mastery of the word will include a perfect command of its irregular forms and the ability to use it in complex, multi-clause sentences without hesitation. You will also be able to play with the language, using 'drikke' in puns or creative writing.

At the C2 level, 'drikke' is a word you use with the same ease and subtlety as a native speaker. You understand the finest shades of meaning and can use the word and its derivatives to express complex ideas with precision. You are familiar with archaic uses of the word found in historical texts and can interpret its meaning in various historical periods. Your command of idioms, proverbs, and slang related to 'drikke' is exhaustive. You can engage in high-level debates about the cultural, economic, and social implications of drinking habits in Denmark and globally. You might even explore the phonological evolution of the word within the Danish language. At this level, 'drikke' is not just a verb but a versatile tool in your extensive linguistic repertoire, allowing you to convey everything from the most mundane daily action to the most profound metaphorical concept with absolute clarity and stylistic flair.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

drikke in 30 Seconds

Drikke is the basic Danish verb for 'to drink', essential for daily needs and social life.
It is a strong verb with the principal forms: drikke, drikker, drak, and drukket.
Culturally, it is central to 'hygge' through coffee and social drinking at bars.
Commonly used in phrases like 'noget at drikke' (something to drink) and 'skål' (cheers).

The Danish verb drikke is a fundamental building block of the language, primarily used to describe the act of consuming liquids. At its most basic level, it corresponds exactly to the English verb 'to drink'. However, in the context of Danish culture and daily life, the word carries various nuances depending on the social setting. In Denmark, 'at drikke' is not just a biological necessity but a deeply social activity. Whether you are meeting a friend for a quick cup of coffee, known as a 'kaffetår', or participating in the extensive Danish tradition of 'fredagsbar' (Friday bar) at work or university, this verb will be your constant companion. It is a strong verb, meaning it undergoes a vowel change in its past tense forms, which is a key hurdle for many beginners to overcome. Understanding when to use the infinitive versus the present 'drikker' or the past 'drak' is essential for clear communication.

Hydration: Used for the daily intake of water, juice, or milk to stay healthy.

Jeg prøver at drikke to liter vand hver dag for at holde mig hydreret.

Socializing: Often implies going out for alcoholic beverages or coffee with friends.

Skal vi gå ud og drikke en øl i aften efter arbejde?

Furthermore, the word 'drikke' appears in many compound nouns and expressions. For instance, 'drikkepenge' refers to tips given at a restaurant, literally translating to 'drink money'. This reflects an older European tradition where a small extra amount was given so the server could buy themselves a drink. In modern Danish, the verb also takes on metaphorical roles. You might 'drikke til sig' (drink in) information or an atmosphere, though this is more poetic. The versatility of 'drikke' makes it one of the top 100 most used verbs in the Danish language. Whether you are discussing the weather over a 'varm kakao' (hot cocoa) or toast to a friend's health with 'skål', the verb 'drikke' is the linguistic vessel for these experiences. It is also important to note the pronunciation; the 'd' is hard, and the 'kk' sound is a sharp, unvoiced stop, followed by a soft 'e' which is often reduced in rapid speech to a schwa sound.

Børnene elsker at drikke mælk til deres morgenmad.

Habitual Action: Describing what one usually consumes as part of a routine.

Han plejer at drikke sin kaffe sort uden sukker.

Det er vigtigt at drikke masser af væske, når man har feber.

Mastering the usage of drikke involves understanding its conjugation as a strong verb. In the present tense, we add an '-r' to the infinitive, resulting in 'drikker'. This form is used for actions happening now or habitual actions. For example, 'Jeg drikker kaffe' can mean 'I am drinking coffee right now' or 'I drink coffee (regularly)'. Unlike English, Danish does not have a separate continuous form (am drinking), so context is key. When moving to the past tense, the word changes significantly to 'drak'. This is a common pattern for strong verbs in Germanic languages, similar to 'drink/drank' in English. For the present perfect, we use the auxiliary verb 'har' combined with the past participle 'drukket'. For instance, 'Jeg har drukket tre kopper te' (I have drunk three cups of tea). This structure is vital for discussing past events that have a connection to the present.

Present Tense: Used for current or habitual actions.

Hvad drikker du til din mad?

Past Tense (Preterite): Used for completed actions in the past.

I går drak vi en hel flaske vin sammen.

When using 'drikke' with modal verbs, the infinitive form is maintained. Modals like 'vil' (want to), 'kan' (can), 'skal' (must/shall), and 'må' (may/must) are frequently paired with 'drikke'. For example, 'Jeg vil gerne drikke noget vand' (I would like to drink some water). Note the use of 'gerne' to make the request more polite. In commands or imperatives, the stem of the verb is used: 'Drik!'. However, this can sound quite blunt, so it is often softened with 'lige' or used in specific contexts like 'Drik din mælk op!' (Drink up your milk!). Another interesting aspect is the passive voice, though 'drikkes' is less common than 'bliver drukket'. You might see 'Vinen bør drikkes afkølet' (The wine should be drunk chilled) on a bottle label. Understanding these variations allows you to navigate everything from a casual chat to reading formal instructions on a beverage container.

Du må ikke drikke vandet direkte fra åen.

Present Perfect: Used for actions that have happened at an unspecified time.

Har du nogensinde drukket dansk mjød?

Vi skal drikke kaffe hos min mormor på søndag.

In the bustling streets of Copenhagen or the quiet cafes of Aarhus, 'drikke' is a word that vibrates through the air constantly. One of the most common places you will hear it is in the service industry. Waiters will ask, 'Hvad vil I have at drikke?' (What would you like to drink?) almost immediately after you sit down. This phrase is a staple of Danish hospitality. You will also hear it in the workplace. The 'kaffepause' (coffee break) is a sacred Danish institution. Colleagues will often ask, 'Skal vi drikke en kop kaffe?' as an invitation to step away from the screen and socialize. In these contexts, 'drikke' is the catalyst for 'hygge', that uniquely Danish concept of cozy togetherness. It is not just about the liquid; it is about the pause and the connection that drinking something together facilitates.

At the Restaurant: Interactions with staff regarding beverage choices.

Jeg vil gerne drikke et glas hvidvin til min fisk.

In the Office: Social invitations among coworkers.

Vi drikker altid kaffe sammen klokken ti.

Beyond the social, 'drikke' is frequently heard in health and parenting contexts. Danish doctors and health visitors often emphasize 'at drikke rigeligt med vand' (to drink plenty of water), especially during the rare Danish heatwaves or when someone is ill. Parents can be heard telling their children, 'Husk at drikke din juice!' (Remember to drink your juice!). In the nightlife scene, the word takes on a more energetic tone. You might hear people shouting, 'Lad os drikke igennem!' (Let's drink heavily/party hard!), though this is more common among younger crowds. On television, especially in cooking shows or documentaries about Danish history (like those about the Vikings and their mead), 'drikke' is used to describe ancient traditions. Whether it is a formal toast at a wedding ('Lad os drikke for brudeparret!') or a casual morning routine, 'drikke' is a thread woven through the fabric of Danish daily life.

Man skal huske at drikke vand før man bliver tørstig.

Parental Instruction: Common phrases used by parents to ensure children stay hydrated.

Du skal drikke din mælk, så du kan blive stor og stærk.

De plejer at drikke te hver eftermiddag klokken fire.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when learning 'drikke' is related to the past tense. Because English uses 'drank', learners often try to say 'drakke' or 'drank' in Danish, forgetting that the correct Danish past tense is drak. It is a short, sharp sound. Another common error is confusing the present tense 'drikker' with the noun 'drikke' (drinks/beverages). In Danish, 'en drik' is a drink (singular), and 'drikkevarer' is the general term for beverages. If you say 'Jeg vil have en drikke', it sounds like you are saying 'I want to have a to drink', which is grammatically incorrect. You should say 'Jeg vil have noget at drikke' or 'Jeg vil have en drink' (if referring to a cocktail). The distinction between the verb and the noun is crucial for sounding natural.

Past Tense Confusion: Using English-influenced forms instead of the Danish 'drak'.

I går drak (NOT drank) jeg meget vand.

Verb vs. Noun: Confusing the infinitive verb with the noun for a beverage.

Jeg købte nogle drikkevarer (NOT drikke) til festen.

Additionally, learners often struggle with the preposition used with 'drikke'. While in English you drink 'to' someone's health, in Danish you 'drikker FOR nogen' (drink for someone) or simply say 'skål'. Another nuance is the use of 'at drikke af'. In English, you drink 'from' a cup, but in Danish, you 'drikker AF en kop'. If you say 'drikker fra en kop', it sounds slightly off, as 'fra' implies the origin of the liquid rather than the vessel. There is also the issue of 'drikke' versus 'drikke sig'. 'At drikke sig fuld' means to get oneself drunk. Forgetting the reflexive 'sig' changes the meaning or makes the sentence incomplete. Lastly, pay attention to the pronunciation of the double 'k'. It should be crisp. If pronounced too softly, it might be mistaken for other words in fast conversation. Practice the transition from the short 'i' to the hard 'k' to ensure clarity.

Hun drikker af et glas, ikke af en flaske.

Preposition Errors: Using 'fra' instead of the more natural 'af' when referring to a container.

De drak sig mætte i saft (They drank their fill of juice).

Vi har drukket alt vinen nu.

While drikke is the all-purpose verb for consumption of liquids, Danish offers several more descriptive alternatives that can add color to your speech. If you want to describe someone drinking noisily, you might use 'at slubre' (to slurp). This is often used when drinking hot soup or coffee. If someone is drinking very quickly, 'at bunde' (to bottom/chug) is the go-to term, especially in social or party environments. For a more formal or medical context, you might encounter 'at indtage' (to ingest/consume), which covers both eating and drinking. Understanding these synonyms helps you grasp the speaker's intent and the formality of the situation. Another interesting word is 'at pælle', which is a more colloquial, slightly old-fashioned way of saying to drink, often used in the context of alcohol.

Slubre vs. Drikke: 'Drikke' is neutral; 'slubre' implies a loud, sucking sound while drinking.

Han slubrer sin te, fordi den er meget varm.

Bunde vs. Drikke: 'Drikke' is the act; 'bunde' is the speed and completion of the whole drink at once.

Han bundede sin øl på rekordtid.

In addition to these, 'at sugle' is a dialectal or very informal way to describe drinking, often used for kids with straws. When discussing alcoholic beverages specifically, you might hear 'at pive' or 'at kyle ned' (to toss down). In a more refined setting, like a wine tasting, you would use 'at smage' (to taste) rather than just 'drikke'. For example, 'Vi skal smage på seks forskellige vine' (We are going to taste six different wines). This implies a focus on the quality and flavor rather than hydration or intoxication. There is also 'at læske' (to quench), usually used with 'tørsten' (the thirst). 'At læske tørsten' is a common phrase in advertisements for soft drinks. By expanding your vocabulary beyond the basic 'drikke', you can express more precise actions and better understand the rich tapestry of Danish social interactions and culinary traditions.

Hun nippede forsigtigt til den varme kaffe.

Indtage vs. Drikke: 'Indtage' is academic/formal; 'drikke' is everyday language.

Patienten skal indtage rigeligt med væske efter operationen.

En kold sodavand kan virkelig læske tørsten på en varm dag.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Det anbefales at indtage rigeligt med væske."

Neutral

"Jeg drikker et glas vand."

Informal

"Skal vi bunde de her bajere?"

Child friendly

"Husk at drikke din mælk, skat."

Slang

"Lad os kyle nogle øl ned."

Fun Fact

In ancient Germanic cultures, the act of drinking together was a legal and social contract, which is why we still have so many formal idioms like 'at drikke dus' or 'at drikke en skål'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈdʁekə/

US /ˈdʁekə/

The stress is on the first syllable: DRIK-ke.

Rhymes With

stikke ligge ikke blikke klikke skikke tikke vrikke

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'd' as a soft 'th' sound (like in 'the'). It should be a hard 'd'.
Using an English 'r' sound instead of the Danish uvular 'r'.
Making the 'i' sound too long, like 'ee'. It must be short.
Pronouncing the final 'e' too clearly. In natural speech, it's very faint.
Confusing the pronunciation with 'drikker' (present tense), where the final 'r' is often vocalized.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize due to its similarity to English 'drink'.

Writing 2/5

The irregular past forms (drak, drukket) require some memorization.

Speaking 2/5

The uvular 'r' and the short 'i' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

In fast speech, the ending 'e' or 'er' can be hard to distinguish.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

vand kaffe jeg du vil

Learn Next

spise tørstig sulten mad restaurant

Advanced

indtage læske beruset alkoholbevilling væskebalance

Grammar to Know

Strong Verbs

drikke -> drak -> drukket (vowel change pattern).

V2 Word Order

Nu drikker jeg vand. (Adverb first, then verb).

Present Tense Formation

Add -r to the infinitive: drikke + r = drikker.

Modal + Infinitive

Jeg vil drikke juice. (No 'at' between modal and verb).

Passive with -s

Vinen drikkes bedst kold.

Examples by Level

Jeg drikker vand.

I drink water.

Present tense of 'drikke'.

Drikker du kaffe?

Do you drink coffee?

Question form using present tense.

Han vil gerne drikke mælk.

He would like to drink milk.

Infinitive 'drikke' with modal 'vil gerne'.

Vi drikker te til morgenmad.

We drink tea for breakfast.

Present tense for habitual action.

Hun drikker ikke øl.

She does not drink beer.

Negative form with 'ikke'.

Hvad drikker du?

What are you drinking?

Wh-question in the present tense.

De drikker juice.

They are drinking juice.

Present tense plural.

Jeg skal drikke noget nu.

I need to drink something now.

Infinitive with modal 'skal'.

I går drak jeg en hel liter vand.

Yesterday I drank a whole liter of water.

Past tense 'drak' with time expression.

Har du drukket din kaffe?

Have you drunk your coffee?

Present perfect 'har drukket'.

Vi drak kaffe sammen i morges.

We drank coffee together this morning.

Past tense 'drak'.

Hun har aldrig drukket rødvin.

She has never drunk red wine.

Present perfect with 'aldrig'.

Drak du al juicen?

Did you drink all the juice?

Past tense question.

Vi vil gerne have noget at drikke.

We would like something to drink.

Infinitive 'at drikke' as part of a noun phrase.

Han drak et glas mælk før sengetid.

He drank a glass of milk before bedtime.

Past tense 'drak'.

Hvad har I drukket til festen?

What have you (plural) drunk at the party?

Present perfect plural question.

Det er sundt at drikke meget vand.

It is healthy to drink a lot of water.

Infinitive 'at drikke' as a subject complement.

De drak tæt hele aftenen.

They drank heavily all evening.

Idiomatic use of 'drak tæt'.

Jeg har drukket for meget kaffe i dag.

I have drunk too much coffee today.

Present perfect with 'for meget'.

Han drak sig fuld til julefrokosten.

He got drunk at the Christmas lunch.

Reflexive use 'drak sig fuld'.

Man bør ikke drikke alkohol, når man kører bil.

One should not drink alcohol when driving a car.

Generic 'man' with modal 'bør'.

Hun drak af sin fars kop ved en fejl.

She drank from her father's cup by mistake.

Preposition 'af' used with 'drikke'.

Vi drak en skål for fødselaren.

We drank a toast to the birthday person.

Collocation 'drikke en skål'.

Hvor meget vand har du drukket efter træning?

How much water have you drunk after training?

Present perfect question about quantity.

De blev enige om at drikke dus efter mange års venskab.

They agreed to use the informal 'du' after many years of friendship.

Cultural idiom 'drikke dus'.

Han drikker som en svamp, når han er deprimeret.

He drinks like a sponge when he is depressed.

Simile 'som en svamp'.

Vinen skal drikkes ved stuetemperatur.

The wine should be drunk at room temperature.

Passive voice 'drikkes'.

Hun drak grådigt af kilden efter den lange vandretur.

She drank greedily from the spring after the long hike.

Adverbial use 'grådigt'.

Der bliver drukket enorme mængder kaffe i Danmark.

Enormous amounts of coffee are drunk in Denmark.

Passive construction with 'bliver'.

Han drak sig til mod, før han holdt talen.

He drank for courage before giving the speech.

Idiom 'drikke sig til mod' (liquid courage).

Vi drak os igennem hele vinkortet.

We drank our way through the entire wine list.

Metaphorical use of 'igennem'.

Det er vigtigt ikke at drikke sig fra sans og samling.

It is important not to drink oneself out of one's mind.

Fixed expression 'fra sans og samling'.

Hun drak begærligt hvert ord til sig under forelæsningen.

She eagerly drank in every word during the lecture.

Metaphorical use 'drikke til sig'.

Han drak sin sorg væk i billig whisky.

He drank his sorrow away in cheap whisky.

Figurative use 'drikke væk'.

Byen drak af solens sidste stråler.

The city drank from the sun's last rays.

Poetic personification.

De drak hinanden under bordet.

They drank each other under the table.

Idiom 'drikke under bordet'.

Han har drukket sin arv op på få år.

He has drunk up his inheritance in a few years.

Phrasal verb 'drikke op' meaning to spend money on drink.

Vandet var ikke længere drikkeligt efter forureningen.

The water was no longer drinkable after the pollution.

Adjective 'drikkelig' derived from the verb.

Man må formode, at der er drukket tæt til gildet.

One must assume that there was heavy drinking at the feast.

Impersonal passive 'der er drukket'.

Han drak sig en mave til gennem årene.

He developed a (beer) belly over the years through drinking.

Idiomatic 'drikke sig til'.

Forfatteren lader sin hovedperson drikke af glemselens flod.

The author lets his protagonist drink from the river of forgetfulness.

Literary/Mythological allusion.

Der drikkes flittigt af de lærde kilder i dette værk.

The scholarly sources are diligently drawn upon (drunk from) in this work.

Highly metaphorical academic usage.

Han drak den bitre kalk til bunden.

He drank the bitter cup to the dregs (endured a hard fate).

Biblical/Archaic idiom.

Naturen drak grådigt af det længe ventede regnskyl.

Nature drank greedily from the long-awaited downpour.

Advanced personification.

Hun drak sig ind i en tilstand af eufori.

She drank herself into a state of euphoria.

Complex reflexive construction.

At drikke sin næste under er en tvivlsom bedrift.

Drinking one's neighbor under (the table) is a dubious achievement.

Substantive use of the infinitive phrase.

De drak af samme kilde, både åndeligt og bogstaveligt.

They drank from the same source, both spiritually and literally.

Dual-meaning metaphorical usage.

Drikfældighed var et udbredt samfundsproblem i det 19. århundrede.

Drunkenness/Intemperance was a widespread social problem in the 19th century.

Noun 'drikfældighed' related to the verb.

Common Collocations

drikke kaffe

drikke vand

drikke øl

drikke te

drikke vin

drikke mælk

drikke tæt

drikke dus

drikke sig fuld

drikke op

Common Phrases

Noget at drikke?

— A short way of asking 'Would you like something to drink?'. Very common in homes and cafes.

Velkommen! Vil I have noget at drikke?

Drik ud!

— An encouragement to finish the drink in your glass. Often heard at parties.

Vi skal gå nu, så drik ud!

At drikke til

— To drink something along with a meal. Refers to the pairing of food and drink.

Hvad vil du drikke til din bøf?

At drikke kaffe sammen

— A standard invitation to meet and socialize. It's more about the meeting than the coffee.

Vi burde drikke kaffe sammen snart.

At drikke sig ihjel

— To drink oneself to death. A serious phrase about chronic alcoholism.

Det er tragisk, at han drak sig ihjel.

At drikke mælk af kartonen

— To drink milk directly from the carton. Often considered bad manners.

Lad være med at drikke mælk af kartonen!

At drikke en skål

— To propose or participate in a toast. Central to Danish celebrations.

Lad os alle drikke en skål for bruden.

At drikke som en hest

— To drink a very large amount of liquid (usually water) quickly.

Han var så tørstig, at han drak som en hest.

At have drukket for meget

— A polite way to say someone is drunk. Used in social observations.

Jeg tror, han har drukket lidt for meget.

Drikkevand

— Drinking water. Refers to water that is safe to consume from the tap.

Danmark har noget af verdens bedste drikkevand.

Often Confused With

drikke vs drik

Drik is the noun (a drink) or imperative (Drink!), while drikke is the infinitive verb.

drikke vs drink

In Danish, 'en drink' specifically refers to a cocktail, whereas 'drikke' is the general verb.

drikke vs drukket

This is the past participle. Use it only with 'har' or 'havde', never alone as a main verb.

Idioms & Expressions

"At drikke som en svamp"

— To drink excessive amounts of alcohol regularly. Compares the person to a sponge soaking up liquid.

Han har drukket som en svamp siden han mistede sit job.

informal

"At drikke dus"

— A historical ritual where two people agree to stop using formal pronouns (De) and start using informal (du).

I gamle dage drak man dus for at forsegle et venskab.

formal/historical

"At drikke sig til mod"

— To consume alcohol in order to gain the courage to do something difficult or scary.

Han drak sig til mod, før han friede til hende.

neutral

"At drikke under bordet"

— To out-drink someone until they are too drunk to continue, often resulting in them passing out.

Han praler altid med, at han kan drikke alle under bordet.

informal

"At drikke ens sorg væk"

— To use alcohol as a way to cope with or forget sadness or emotional pain.

Man kan ikke bare drikke sin sorg væk.

neutral

"At drikke af den bitre kalk"

— To endure a very difficult, painful, or unpleasant experience or fate.

Efter nederlaget måtte de drikke af den bitre kalk.

literary/archaic

"At drikke sig fra sans og samling"

— To drink so much that one loses all reason, consciousness, or self-control.

Han drak sig helt fra sans og samling til festen.

neutral

"At drikke tæt"

— To drink alcohol heavily and frequently over a period of time.

De har drukket tæt hele weekenden.

neutral

"At drikke sig en mave til"

— To develop a large belly (beer belly) as a result of long-term heavy drinking.

Han har efterhånden drukket sig en ordentlig mave til.

informal

"At drikke til sig"

— Metaphorically, to absorb information, impressions, or an atmosphere eagerly.

Hun drak alle indtrykkene fra rejsen til sig.

literary

Easily Confused

drikke vs drikker

Looks like the noun 'drinker' in English.

In Danish, 'drikker' is the present tense verb 'drinks'. A person who drinks is 'en person, der drikker' or 'en dranker' (negative).

Han drikker kaffe (He drinks coffee).

drikke vs drank

English past tense of drink.

Danish past tense is 'drak'. 'Drank' is not a Danish word.

Han drak vand (He drank water).

drikke vs druk

Related to drinking alcohol.

'Druk' is a noun referring to heavy drinking or a binge. 'Drikke' is the verb.

Han er gået på druk (He has gone on a binge).

drikke vs drikkevarer

Looks like it could be a verb form.

It is a plural noun meaning 'beverages'.

Vi skal købe drikkevarer.

drikke vs drikkelig

Related adjective.

Means 'drinkable' or 'potable'.

Vandet er drikkeligt.

Sentence Patterns

Jeg drikker [substance].

Jeg drikker mælk.

Drikker du [substance]?

Drikker du kaffe?

Jeg drak [substance] i går.

Jeg drak te i går.

Jeg har drukket [substance].

Jeg har drukket vand.

Det er vigtigt at drikke [substance].

Det er vigtigt at drikke vand.

Jeg vil gerne have noget at drikke.

Han drak sig [adjective].

Han drak sig fuld.

Der blev drukket [substance].

Der blev drukket meget vin.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common, essential vocabulary.

Common Mistakes

Jeg drikke vand. → Jeg drikker vand.
You must use the present tense 'drikker' for an active statement. 'Drikke' is the infinitive.
Jeg drakke kaffe i går. → Jeg drak kaffe i går.
The past tense is 'drak', not 'drakke'. Strong verbs change their vowel and often lose the ending.
Jeg har drak vand. → Jeg har drukket vand.
After 'har', you must use the past participle 'drukket', not the simple past 'drak'.
Vil du have en drikke? → Vil du have noget at drikke?
'En drikke' is grammatically incorrect. Use the phrase 'noget at drikke' (something to drink).
Han drikker fra et glas. → Han drikker af et glas.
In Danish, the preposition 'af' is used for the container you are drinking from.

Tips

Learn the triad

Always memorize 'drikke, drak, drukket' together. Since it's a strong verb, knowing one form doesn't always help you guess the others. Practicing them as a set will make your speech much smoother.

The Coffee Invitation

In Denmark, an invitation to 'drikke kaffe' is rarely just about the coffee. It's an invitation to talk, bond, and spend time together. Even if you don't like coffee, you can still accept and drink tea or water.

The Soft 'r'

The 'r' in 'drikker' is not rolled like in Spanish or hard like in English. It's a soft, uvular sound. Try to let it vibrate slightly at the back of your throat.

Tap Water is King

When you want to 'drikke vand' in Denmark, you usually get it from the tap. It's high quality and perfectly safe. Asking for bottled water in a home might seem unusual.

Drink vs. Drik

Remember that 'en drink' is specifically an alcoholic cocktail. For anything else, use 'en drik' or the name of the beverage (en juice, en sodavand).

Eye Contact

When you 'drikker en skål', it is very important in Danish culture to look people in the eye. It shows respect and presence.

Inversion

Remember word order! 'Jeg drikker vand' but 'Nu drikker jeg vand'. The verb must always be the second element in a declarative sentence.

Medical Advice

If a doctor says 'Husk at drikke rigeligt', they mean drink plenty of fluids. This is a very common piece of advice in Denmark.

The Sponge Metaphor

If someone 'drikker som en svamp', it's a strong way to describe heavy drinking. Use it carefully as it can be quite critical.

Compound Words

Danish loves compound words. 'Drikke' often forms the first part of these, like 'drikkevand' or 'drikkebæger'. Don't put a space between them!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'DRink' that is 'ICKE' (like 'ikke' in Danish, meaning not). You are DR-ICKE-ing because you are NOT thirsty anymore. Or simply associate it with the English 'Drink' but replace the 'nk' with 'kke'.

Visual Association

Imagine a large Danish 'drikkedunk' (water bottle) with the word 'DRIKKE' written in bold letters on the side, sitting on a cafe table next to a 'smørrebrød'.

Word Web

Vand Kaffe Øl Glas Flaske Tørstig Skål Hygge

Challenge

Try to use 'drikke' in three different tenses today: 'Jeg drikker vand', 'Jeg drak kaffe i morges', and 'Jeg har drukket te'.

Word Origin

The word 'drikke' originates from the Old Norse 'drekka', which itself comes from the Proto-Germanic '*drinkaną'. It is a common Germanic root found in English 'drink', German 'trinken', and Dutch 'drinken'.

Original meaning: The original meaning has remained consistent throughout history: the act of swallowing liquid.

Indo-European > Germanic > North Germanic > East Scandinavian > Danish.

Cultural Context

Be mindful when discussing alcohol. While common, some may abstain for health, religious, or personal reasons. Use 'noget at drikke' as a neutral offering.

Similar to English-speaking cultures, drinking is social, but the Danish emphasis on 'hygge' makes the 'coffee invitation' even more central to maintaining friendships.

Danish film 'Druk' (Another Round) which explores Danish drinking culture. The song 'Der er et yndigt land' often involves a toast. Traditional Viking sagas where mead-drinking is a central theme.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

At a Cafe

En kop kaffe, tak.
Hvad har I at drikke?
Kan jeg få noget vand?
Jeg vil gerne drikke en te.

Dinner at Home

Vil du have noget at drikke til maden?
Drikker du rødvin?
Husk at drikke op.
Skal vi drikke en skål?

At a Bar

En øl, tak.
Jeg giver en omgang.
Skal vi drikke en drink?
Jeg har drukket nok.

Health/Doctor

Drikker du nok vand?
Du skal drikke mere væske.
Drik ikke for meget kaffe.
Hvor meget drikker du om dagen?

Workplace

Skal vi drikke en kop kaffe?
Jeg henter noget at drikke.
Vi drikker kaffe i kantinen.
Vil du have kaffe med?

Conversation Starters

"Hvad plejer du at drikke til morgenmad?"

"Hvor kan man drikke den bedste kaffe i byen?"

"Drikker du mest te eller kaffe om eftermiddagen?"

"Kan du lide at drikke dansk øl?"

"Hvad er det mærkeligste, du nogensinde har drukket?"

Journal Prompts

Beskriv din yndlingsdrik og hvorfor du kan lide den.

Hvor meget vand har du drukket i dag? Er det nok?

Skriv om en gang du drak kaffe med en god ven.

Hvad foretrækker du at drikke, når det er meget varmt udenfor?

Reflektér over betydningen af 'kaffepausen' på en arbejdsplads.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You simply say 'Jeg drikker'. Danish does not have a separate continuous tense like English. 'Jeg drikker' can mean both 'I drink' and 'I am drinking' depending on the context.

No, 'drikke' is used for all liquids, including water, milk, coffee, and juice. However, in certain social contexts, if someone asks 'Drikker du?', they might be implying 'Do you consume alcohol?'.

'Drak' is the simple past tense (e.g., I drank yesterday). 'Drukket' is the past participle used with 'har' or 'havde' (e.g., I have drunk already).

You can say 'Vil du have noget at drikke?' or more informally 'Skal du have noget at drikke?'. To be even more specific, you can offer 'en kop kaffe' or 'et glas vand'.

'Skål' is the Danish word for 'cheers'. It is said before you start to 'drikke' in a social or festive setting. It is polite to make eye contact when saying it.

Yes, 'en drik' is a noun meaning 'a drink' or 'a beverage'. 'Drikke' is also used as a plural noun in 'mad og drikke' (food and drink).

No, it is a strong (irregular) verb because it changes its vowel in the past tense (i -> a -> u).

The most common way is 'Drik ud!' or 'Drik op!'. 'Drik op' is often used with children, while 'Drik ud' is common at parties.

It literally means 'drink money' but translates to 'tips' in English. It's the extra money you leave for service in a restaurant.

You say 'Jeg er tørstig'. This is the state that usually leads to the action of 'at drikke'.