hilsen in 30 Seconds
- Hilsen: Danish for greeting or good wishes.
- Used for spoken and written greetings/closings.
- Common closings: Venlig hilsen (Kind regards), Mange hilsner (Many greetings).
- Convey regards indirectly: Send min hilsen til...
The Danish word 'hilsen' is a fundamental term used to convey greetings and well wishes. It's a versatile word that can be used in various social contexts, from casual encounters to more formal communications. Think of it as the Danish equivalent of 'greeting,' 'regards,' or 'best wishes.' It's a polite and common way to acknowledge someone or to close a message.
You'll hear 'hilsen' frequently in everyday Danish life. When Danes meet friends or acquaintances, they might say 'Hej!' followed by a 'hilsen' to their family. In written communication, like emails or letters, 'hilsen' is a standard closing. It's also used when sending a message indirectly, for example, 'Giv min hilsen til din mor' which translates to 'Give my regards to your mother.' The word itself stems from the verb 'at hilse,' meaning 'to greet.' Therefore, 'hilsen' literally means 'a greeting' or 'the act of greeting.'
Understanding 'hilsen' is crucial for navigating basic Danish social interactions. It's a simple yet significant word that adds warmth and politeness to your communication. Whether you're starting a conversation or ending one, using 'hilsen' appropriately will help you connect with Danish speakers more effectively. It's a sign of respect and friendliness, making it an indispensable part of the Danish lexicon for anyone learning the language.
- Etymology
- Derived from the verb 'at hilse' (to greet).
- Usage
- Common in both spoken and written Danish, used for greetings and closings.
- Register
- Generally neutral, suitable for most situations.
Senderens hilsen var meget venlig.
Send min hilsen til din familie.
- Meaning
- A greeting or expression of good wishes.
- Context
- Used to send greetings to someone, either directly or indirectly, or as a closing in a message.
Med venlig hilsen, Lars.
The word 'hilsen' is incredibly useful for everyday Danish communication. Its primary function is to act as a greeting or a closing. In spoken Danish, it's often used when you want to send good wishes to someone who isn't present. For instance, if you're talking to a friend about their parents, you might say, 'Giv min hilsen til dem' (Give my greetings to them). This shows you are thinking of them and sending positive thoughts.
In written Danish, 'hilsen' is a very common closing for letters, emails, and even text messages. It's a polite and standard way to sign off. You might see variations like 'Mange hilsner' (Many greetings) or 'Venlig hilsen' (Friendly greetings), which are slightly more elaborate but carry the same core meaning. 'Venlig hilsen' is particularly common in more formal or professional correspondence, akin to 'Sincerely' or 'Kind regards' in English.
Consider these examples to grasp the nuances: When meeting someone, you might say 'Hej!' as a direct greeting. However, if you're leaving a voicemail for a friend and want to send good wishes to their family, you'd say, 'Send min hilsen til din mor og far.' If you're writing an email to a colleague, a common closing is 'Med venlig hilsen, [Your Name].' This usage is very similar to how 'regards' or 'best wishes' functions in English. The word is adaptable and can be used in both personal and professional settings, though its directness can vary depending on the accompanying words.
- Direct Greeting
- While 'Hej' is the primary spoken greeting, 'hilsen' can be used to convey a greeting when talking about someone else.
- Indirect Greeting
- 'Send min hilsen til...' (Send my greetings to...) is a common structure for conveying good wishes to someone not present.
- Written Closing
- Used as a sign-off in letters, emails, and messages. Examples include 'Venlig hilsen' and 'Mange hilsner'.
Jeg sender en varm hilsen til hele familien.
Du skal hilse fra mig, når du ser ham.
You'll encounter 'hilsen' in a multitude of everyday Danish settings. In informal conversations, Danes often use it when relaying messages. For example, if you're speaking with a friend who hasn't seen their grandmother in a while, they might say, 'Jeg sender min hilsen til hende' (I'm sending my greetings to her). This is a warm and common way to show affection and remembrance.
In written communication, 'hilsen' is ubiquitous. It's the standard closing for emails, letters, and even SMS messages. You'll frequently see 'Venlig hilsen' (Friendly greetings/Kind regards) in professional emails, and 'Mange hilsner' (Many greetings) or simply 'Hilsen' followed by the sender's name in more casual correspondence. This is comparable to how English speakers use 'Sincerely,' 'Best regards,' or 'Cheers' at the end of their messages.
Consider a scenario at a family gathering. Someone might say, 'Kan du give en hilsen til tante Birthe fra mig?' (Can you give a greeting to Aunt Birthe from me?). This demonstrates the word's use in passing messages. In a slightly more formal context, like a thank-you note or a business letter, 'Venlig hilsen' is the go-to closing. Even in casual notes left for roommates, 'Hilsen' can be used. It's also common in public announcements or messages where someone wants to send good wishes to a group, such as 'Vi sender en hilsen til alle vores lyttere' (We send a greeting to all our listeners) on a radio show.
- Informal Conversations
- Used when relaying messages to friends or family members not present. Example: 'Send min hilsen til din far.'
- Written Communication
- A standard closing for emails, letters, and texts. Common forms include 'Venlig hilsen' and 'Mange hilsner'.
- Public Announcements
- Used to send good wishes to a broader audience. Example: 'En hilsen til alle studerende.'
Jeg håber, du får en dejlig dag. Min hilsen er med dig.
Med venlig hilsen fra Aarhus.
One common mistake for English speakers is to directly translate 'hilsen' as 'hello' or 'hi.' While 'hilsen' relates to greeting, it's not typically used as an initial, direct spoken greeting in the same way 'hello' is. The primary Danish spoken greeting is 'Hej.' Using 'Hilsen!' as a standalone spoken greeting might sound a bit unnatural or overly formal in many casual contexts.
Another pitfall is overusing 'hilsen' in situations where a more specific or personal phrase is appropriate. For instance, while 'Venlig hilsen' is a good closing for emails, it might feel a bit impersonal if you're writing a very warm, personal letter to a close friend. In such cases, more affectionate closings might be preferred, though 'Mange hilsner' can still work. It's also important to remember that 'hilsen' isn't always a noun; it's derived from the verb 'at hilse' (to greet), and this can sometimes cause confusion in sentence construction.
A subtle error is to think of 'hilsen' as a direct synonym for 'greeting' in every English context. While it often functions that way, its specific usage as a closing or an indirect message needs to be understood. For example, you wouldn't say 'I received a hilsen from John' to mean 'I received a greeting from John'; you'd more likely say 'Jeg fik en hilsen fra John,' or more naturally, 'John sendte mig en hilsen.' The key is to distinguish between its use as a noun in closings and its function as conveying good wishes.
- Misusing as a Spoken Greeting
- Using 'Hilsen!' as a standalone spoken greeting instead of 'Hej!' can sound odd in casual contexts.
- Overly Formal/Impersonal Closings
- Using standard closings like 'Venlig hilsen' in very intimate or personal letters where more affectionate phrases might be better.
- Confusing with 'at hilse'
- Not recognizing that 'hilsen' is derived from the verb 'at hilse' (to greet), leading to awkward sentence structures.
Incorrect: Hilsen til dig!
Correct: Hej! or Send min hilsen til dig!
Incorrect: Jeg giver dig en hilsen.
Correct: Jeg giver dig et vink. or Send min hilsen til ham.
While 'hilsen' is a versatile word, Danish offers other ways to express greetings and good wishes, each with its own nuance. The most common spoken greeting is 'Hej,' which is equivalent to 'Hi' or 'Hello' in English and is used universally in informal and semi-formal situations. 'Goddag' (Good day) is a more formal greeting, used during daytime, similar to 'Good day' or 'Good afternoon' in English.
For closings, 'Venlig hilsen' (Friendly greetings) is a very common and neutral option, suitable for most professional and semi-formal correspondence, akin to 'Kind regards' or 'Sincerely.' 'Mange hilsner' (Many greetings) is a bit warmer and can be used in both semi-formal and informal contexts, similar to 'Best wishes' or 'Warm regards.' For very informal closings, especially among friends, you might simply use 'Kh.' (a common abbreviation for 'Kærlig hilsen' - Loving greetings) or just the sender's name.
When you want to convey good wishes to someone indirectly, the phrase 'Send min hilsen til...' (Send my greetings to...) is standard. Alternatively, you could say 'Fortæl ham/hende at jeg tænker på ham/hende' (Tell him/her that I'm thinking of him/her), which is more personal. 'Kærlig hilsen' (Loving greetings) is reserved for very close relationships, such as family or romantic partners, and is the equivalent of 'Lots of love' or 'With love.' Understanding these alternatives allows for more precise and contextually appropriate communication.
- Hej
- Direct spoken greeting. Equivalent to 'Hi' or 'Hello.' Used universally in informal and semi-formal settings.
- Venlig hilsen
- Common written closing. Equivalent to 'Kind regards' or 'Sincerely.' Neutral and suitable for professional contexts.
- Kærlig hilsen
- Written closing for close relationships. Equivalent to 'With love' or 'Lots of love.' Used for family and partners.
- Send min hilsen til...
- Phrase for indirect greetings. Equivalent to 'Send my regards to...'
Instead of just 'Hilsen,' consider 'Venlig hilsen' for a more complete closing.
Comparison: 'Hej!' (spoken) vs. 'Venlig hilsen' (written closing).
How Formal Is It?
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Fun Fact
The verb 'at hilse' is related to the English word 'hail,' which also means to greet or salute. This connection highlights the shared linguistic roots between Danish and English.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing the 'h' silently.
- Using a long 'i' sound instead of a short one.
- Making the final 'e' sound too prominent or clear, instead of a short schwa.
Difficulty Rating
The word 'hilsen' is very common and appears frequently in everyday written Danish. Learners will encounter it early on in texts, emails, and signs, making it easy to recognize and understand in context.
Using 'hilsen' correctly in writing, especially in standard closings like 'Venlig hilsen,' is straightforward for beginners. Mastering the nuances of different closings requires a bit more practice but is achievable at an early stage.
While 'Hej' is the primary spoken greeting, understanding and using phrases like 'Send min hilsen til...' is also relatively simple and common in spoken Danish.
The pronunciation is relatively simple, and the word is frequently used, making it easy to identify when listening to native speakers.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Possessive Pronouns
The use of 'min' in 'send min hilsen' (send my greeting) requires understanding Danish possessive pronouns.
Verb Conjugation (sender)
The verb 'sender' (sends) is often used with 'hilsen', as in 'Jeg sender en hilsen' (I send a greeting).
Prepositions (til)
The preposition 'til' (to) is crucial in phrases like 'Send min hilsen til din mor' (Send my greetings to your mother).
Adjective Agreement
Adjectives modifying 'hilsen' must agree in gender and number, e.g., 'en varm hilsen' (a warm greeting).
Compound Words
Understanding how 'hilsen' combines with other words to form compound nouns like 'fødselsdagshilsen' (birthday greeting).
Examples by Level
Hej, hilsen fra mig!
Hi, greetings from me!
Simple greeting structure.
Send min hilsen til din mor.
Send my greetings to your mother.
'Min hilsen' is a common possessive construction.
Med venlig hilsen.
With friendly greetings.
Standard polite closing.
En lille hilsen til dig.
A small greeting for you.
Describes the nature of the greeting.
Hvad siger du til en hilsen?
What do you say to a greeting?
Question form using 'hilsen'.
Jeg sender dig en hilsen.
I am sending you a greeting.
Verb 'sender' (send) with 'hilsen'.
Mange hilsner til jer alle.
Many greetings to you all.
Plural form of 'hilsen'.
En varm hilsen fra syd.
A warm greeting from the south.
Adds a descriptive adjective and location.
Kan du give min hilsen til Peter, når du ser ham?
Can you give my greetings to Peter when you see him?
Using 'give min hilsen' in a request.
Vi sender en stor hilsen til vores bedste kunder.
We send a big greeting to our best customers.
'Stor hilsen' emphasizes the size/warmth of the greeting.
Husk at sende en hilsen til din tante på hendes fødselsdag.
Remember to send a greeting to your aunt on her birthday.
Using 'husk at' (remember to) with 'sende en hilsen'.
Afslutningsvis vil jeg gerne sende en hilsen til alle frivillige.
Finally, I would like to send a greeting to all volunteers.
Used in a concluding remark.
Med venlig hilsen, Teamet.
With friendly greetings, The Team.
Common professional closing.
Jeg fik en dejlig hilsen fra min gamle ven.
I received a lovely greeting from my old friend.
'Dejlig hilsen' describes the quality of the greeting.
Sender en hilsen fra solrige Spanien.
Sending a greeting from sunny Spain.
Used in informal travel messages.
Han bad mig hilse dig.
He asked me to greet you.
Uses the verb 'hilse' (to greet), related to 'hilsen'.
I ønskes alle en rigtig god jul og et godt nytår med venlig hilsen fra os.
You are all wished a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with friendly greetings from us.
Compound holiday wish with a closing.
Skriv gerne tilbage, hvis du har spørgsmål. Med venlig hilsen, Anders.
Please write back if you have questions. With friendly greetings, Anders.
Standard polite closing in business correspondence.
Han overbragte en personlig hilsen fra direktøren til bestyrelsen.
He conveyed a personal greeting from the director to the board.
'Personlig hilsen' implies a unique and specific message.
Det var en meget rørende hilsen, vi modtog fra vores gamle skolekammerater.
It was a very touching greeting we received from our old schoolmates.
Describing the emotional impact of a greeting.
Selvom vi ikke kan være der personligt, sender vi en varm hilsen til dig på din store dag.
Although we cannot be there in person, we send a warm greeting to you on your big day.
Expressing good wishes from a distance.
Din hilsen i bogen betyder meget for mig.
Your greeting in the book means a lot to me.
'Hilsen i bogen' refers to an inscription.
Vi vil gerne udtrykke vores taknemmelighed med en særlig hilsen.
We would like to express our gratitude with a special greeting.
Using 'hilsen' to accompany an expression of gratitude.
Venligst bemærk, at alle hilsner vil blive videregivet.
Please note that all greetings will be passed on.
Formal announcement regarding the handling of greetings.
I anledning af jubilæet sendte firmaet en personlig hilsen til alle medarbejdere.
On the occasion of the anniversary, the company sent a personal greeting to all employees.
Formal communication for a company event.
Det er kutyme at afslutte professionelle breve med 'Med venlig hilsen' eller lignende.
It is customary to conclude professional letters with 'Med venlig hilsen' or similar.
Discussing standard practices in formal writing.
Hans tale var en rørende hyldest, der inkluderede en hilsen til hans afdøde mentor.
His speech was a touching tribute that included a greeting to his deceased mentor.
Incorporating a tribute within a speech.
Vi har modtaget adskillige hilsner fra vores følgere på sociale medier.
We have received numerous greetings from our followers on social media.
Refers to greetings received through digital platforms.
Selvom det kun var en kortfattet hilsen, var budskabet utvetydigt.
Although it was only a brief greeting, the message was unambiguous.
Describing the nature and impact of a brief message.
Bestyrelsen takker for jeres bidrag og sender en særlig hilsen til alle involverede.
The board thanks you for your contributions and sends a special greeting to all involved.
Official communication from a governing body.
Hendes seneste værk indeholder en subtil hilsen til hendes kunstneriske inspirationskilder.
Her latest work contains a subtle greeting to her artistic sources of inspiration.
Metaphorical use of 'hilsen' in art criticism.
Ved afslutningen af konferencen blev der uddelt certifikater med en personlig hilsen fra arrangørerne.
At the conclusion of the conference, certificates were distributed with a personal greeting from the organizers.
Formal acknowledgement and appreciation at an event.
I sin nekrolog bragte han en rørende hilsen til sin afdøde hustru, som han havde elsket dybt.
In his obituary, he included a touching tribute to his deceased wife, whom he had loved deeply.
Expressing profound emotion in a formal text.
Den litterære analyse afslørede en skjult hilsen til det 19. århundredes romantiske bevægelse.
The literary analysis revealed a hidden tribute to the 19th century Romantic movement.
Interpreting subtle references in literature.
Som en gestus af goodwill sendte organisationen en symbolsk hilsen til de berørte samfund.
As a gesture of goodwill, the organization sent a symbolic greeting to the affected communities.
Using 'hilsen' to represent a symbolic act of solidarity.
Hans erindringer var præget af en vemodig hilsen til den tabte ungdom og uskyld.
His memories were marked by a melancholic tribute to lost youth and innocence.
Reflecting on past experiences with a sense of nostalgia.
Den politiske leder afsluttede sin tale med en universel hilsen til fred og forsoning.
The political leader concluded his speech with a universal greeting to peace and reconciliation.
Using 'hilsen' in a broad, ideological context.
Et brev, der indeholder en personlig hilsen fra en fremmed, kan have uventet stor betydning.
A letter containing a personal greeting from a stranger can have unexpectedly great significance.
Exploring the impact of unexpected kindness.
I sin analyse af værket fandt kritikeren en subtil hilsen til den klassiske tragedie.
In his analysis of the work, the critic found a subtle tribute to classical tragedy.
Sophisticated analysis of artistic influences.
Som en anerkendelse af hendes bidrag blev der indsat en særlig hilsen i den officielle rapport.
In recognition of her contributions, a special greeting was inserted into the official report.
Formal recognition within an official document.
Hans posthume erindringer indeholdt en dybfølt hilsen til de mange, der havde formet hans liv.
His posthumous memoirs contained a heartfelt tribute to the many who had shaped his life.
Profound reflection on life influences.
Den arkitektoniske stil udviste en tydelig hilsen til de gamle romerske bygninger.
The architectural style showed a clear homage to the old Roman buildings.
Artistic and historical references in design.
I sin afskedstale vendte han sig mod publikum med en sidste, inderlig hilsen om fællesskab.
In his farewell speech, he turned to the audience with a final, heartfelt greeting about community.
A deeply personal and unifying final message.
Kritikeren påpegede, at romanens subtile allegorier fungerede som en hilsen til den tabte generation.
The critic pointed out that the novel's subtle allegories functioned as a tribute to the lost generation.
Complex literary interpretation involving allegorical tributes.
Det var en uventet, men dybt meningsfuld hilsen fra en fjern slægtning.
It was an unexpected, but deeply meaningful greeting from a distant relative.
Exploring the profound impact of unexpected connections.
Den historiske analyse afdækkede en række indirekte hilsner til de politiske strømninger i samtiden.
The historical analysis uncovered a series of indirect tributes to the political currents of the time.
Detailed examination of historical context and influences.
Hans seneste komposition syntes at være en personlig hilsen til hans musikalske forgængere.
His latest composition seemed to be a personal tribute to his musical predecessors.
Artistic dialogue and homage across generations.
I sit testamente efterlod han en sidste, velovervejet hilsen til sine arvinger.
In his will, he left a final, well-considered message to his heirs.
Formal legal document containing a personal, final communication.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— This is a standard polite closing for letters and emails, equivalent to 'Kind regards' or 'Sincerely'.
Tak for din henvendelse. Med venlig hilsen, Charlotte.
— This phrase is used to convey good wishes to someone who is not present. It translates to 'Send my regards to...'.
Send min hilsen til din bror, når du taler med ham.
— A slightly warmer closing than 'Venlig hilsen', meaning 'Many greetings' or 'Best wishes'.
Vi sender mange hilsner fra vores ferie i Italien.
— Used to indicate that a greeting is coming from a specific place, often in informal messages or postcards.
En hilsen fra det solrige Tenerife!
— This is a very affectionate closing used between close family members or partners, meaning 'Loving greetings' or 'With love'.
Kærlig hilsen, din søn.
— A rhetorical question, often used playfully, meaning 'How about a little greeting?' or 'Fancy a greeting?'.
Jeg har en lille gave til dig. Hvad siger du til en hilsen?
— Refers to a small token or message, often a gift or a brief note sent with good wishes.
Her er en lille hilsen til dig for din hjælp.
— A common closing indicating sender's location, similar to 'Sincerely from...'.
Med venlig hilsen fra det kolde nord.
— To convey or deliver a greeting to someone.
Kan du overbringe en hilsen fra mig til hende?
— A warm and affectionate greeting, implying strong positive feelings.
Vi sender en varm hilsen til jer alle.
Often Confused With
'Hej' is primarily a spoken greeting ('Hi'/'Hello'), whereas 'hilsen' is more about sending regards or closing a message. You wouldn't typically start a conversation with 'Hilsen!'.
'Farvel' means 'goodbye' and signifies the end of an interaction. 'Hilsen' can be part of a closing but focuses on conveying positive sentiment rather than simply parting.
'Hilsende' is the present participle of 'at hilse' (to greet), often used adjectivally (e.g., 'en hilsende hånd' - a greeting hand). 'Hilsen' is the noun form.
Idioms & Expressions
— To send good wishes or regards to someone, often indirectly.
Husk at sende en hilsen til din bedstemor.
Neutral— Similar to sending a greeting, often implies relaying a message or good wishes from oneself to another person.
Kan du give en hilsen til ham fra mig?
Neutral— A standard, polite closing in written Danish, equivalent to 'Kind regards' or 'Sincerely'.
Tak for din besked. Med venlig hilsen, Peter.
Formal/Neutral— A slightly warmer closing than 'Venlig hilsen', used in semi-formal or informal contexts.
Sender mange hilsner fra ferien!
Informal/Neutral— An affectionate closing used between close friends and family, meaning 'Loving greetings' or 'With love'.
Kærlig hilsen, din mor.
Intimate— Used to indicate the origin of a greeting, often in informal messages like postcards.
En hilsen fra det danske sommervejr!
Informal— Can refer to a small gift or a brief note sent with good wishes.
Her er en lille hilsen til dig.
Informal/Neutral— To relay or deliver a greeting from someone else.
Kan du overbringe en hilsen til hende fra mig?
Neutral— A very warm and affectionate greeting, expressing strong positive feelings.
Sender en varm hilsen til hele familien.
Informal— To send a thoughtful greeting, showing you have considered the recipient.
Jeg sender dig en tankefuld hilsen i denne svære tid.
Formal/EmotiveEasily Confused
Both relate to greeting and are common in Danish communication.
'Hej' is the standard spoken greeting ('Hi', 'Hello'). 'Hilsen' refers to the act of greeting or good wishes, often used as a closing in writing or to send regards indirectly. You don't start a conversation with 'Hilsen!' but you do with 'Hej!'.
Hej Peter! (Spoken greeting) vs. Med venlig hilsen, Peter. (Written closing)
'Venlig' (friendly) is often part of the phrase 'Venlig hilsen'.
'Venlig' is an adjective meaning 'friendly'. 'Hilsen' is a noun meaning 'greeting' or 'regards'. 'Venlig hilsen' combines them to mean 'Friendly greetings' or 'Kind regards'.
Han er en venlig mand. (He is a friendly man.) vs. Venlig hilsen. (Kind regards.)
'Hilsen' is derived from the verb 'at hilse'.
'At hilse' is the verb 'to greet'. 'Hilsen' is the noun 'a greeting' or 'regards'. You 'hilse' (greet) someone, and you send or receive a 'hilsen' (greeting).
Jeg skal hilse dig fra ham. (I shall greet you from him.) vs. Jeg sender dig en hilsen. (I am sending you a greeting.)
Both can occur at the end of an interaction.
'Afsked' means 'farewell' or 'departure'. It's the act of leaving. 'Hilsen' is a message of goodwill that can be part of a farewell, but it's the message itself, not the act of leaving. 'Farvel' is the direct spoken word for goodbye.
Han tog afsked med sine venner. (He took leave of his friends.) vs. Han sendte en sidste hilsen. (He sent a final greeting.)
Both are common in polite communication.
'Tak' means 'thank you'. It expresses gratitude. 'Hilsen' expresses greetings or good wishes. They are often used together, but have distinct meanings.
Tak for gaven. Med venlig hilsen. (Thank you for the gift. Kind regards.)
Sentence Patterns
Hej, [Name]! [Hilsen phrase].
Hej, Maria! Venlig hilsen.
Send min hilsen til [person].
Send min hilsen til din far.
En [adjective] hilsen fra [place].
En varm hilsen fra solen!
Med venlig hilsen, [Name].
Med venlig hilsen, Jens.
Jeg sender en hilsen til [person/people].
Jeg sender en hilsen til hele familien.
Tak for din [message]. Med [hilsen phrase].
Tak for din mail. Med venlig hilsen.
I anledning af [event], sender vi en hilsen.
I anledning af jubilæet sender vi en hilsen.
Det var en [adjective] hilsen, som [verb] [person].
Det var en rørende hilsen, som hun modtog.
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
Very High
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Using 'Hilsen!' as a spoken greeting.
→
Hej!
'Hilsen' is primarily used for written closings or sending regards indirectly. 'Hej' is the standard spoken greeting. Using 'Hilsen!' alone in speech can sound unnatural.
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Using 'Hilsen' as an opening in an email.
→
Kære [Name], or Hej [Name],
'Hilsen' and its variations are closings (valedictions), not openings (salutations). You need a greeting at the start of an email.
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Confusing 'hilsen' (noun) with 'at hilse' (verb).
→
Jeg sender en hilsen. / Jeg skal hilse dig.
'Hilsen' is the noun ('greeting'), while 'at hilse' is the verb ('to greet'). Ensure you use the correct form based on the sentence structure.
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Using 'Kærlig hilsen' in a professional email.
→
Med venlig hilsen, or Venlig hilsen,
'Kærlig hilsen' (loving greetings) is too intimate for professional contexts. Use neutral or formal closings like 'Venlig hilsen' or 'Med venlig hilsen'.
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Translating 'hilsen' directly as 'hello' in all contexts.
→
Context-dependent translation (e.g., 'regards', 'greeting', 'closing').
While 'hilsen' relates to greetings, its specific function as a closing or indirect message means a direct translation as 'hello' is often incorrect.
Tips
Closing Etiquette
When writing emails or letters, choose your closing carefully. 'Venlig hilsen' is a safe default for most situations. Use 'Mange hilsner' for a slightly warmer tone, and 'Kærlig hilsen' only for very close relationships.
Stress and Vowels
Remember to stress the first syllable ('HIL-sen'). Pay attention to the short vowel sounds, especially the 'i' in the first syllable and the unstressed schwa sound at the end.
Word Association
Connect 'hilsen' to the English word 'hail' (as in 'hail fellow well met') to remember its meaning as a greeting. Visualize a postcard with 'Hilsen' on it.
Fixed Phrases
Many uses of 'hilsen' are in fixed phrases like 'Venlig hilsen' or 'Send min hilsen til...'. Learning these phrases as chunks is often easier than dissecting them grammatically.
Spoken vs. Written
While 'Hej' is the primary spoken greeting, 'hilsen' is more common for written closings or for sending indirect regards. Don't use 'Hilsen!' as a standalone spoken greeting.
Related Terms
Learn related words like 'at hilse' (to greet), 'venlig' (friendly), and 'mange' (many) to build a stronger understanding of how 'hilsen' is used in different contexts.
Politeness Norms
Using appropriate greetings and closings like 'hilsen' is important for showing respect and maintaining good social relationships in Denmark.
Active Recall
Try writing sample emails or messages using different forms of 'hilsen'. Test yourself by translating sentences from English to Danish that involve greetings or closings.
Avoid Direct Translation
Don't directly translate 'hilsen' as 'hello' for spoken greetings. Remember its primary role is in written closings and indirect messages.
Nuances in Tone
Understand that the choice between 'Venlig hilsen', 'Mange hilsner', and 'Kærlig hilsen' subtly alters the tone of your message, conveying different levels of warmth and formality.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine someone 'hailing' you from a distance with a friendly wave. The 'hail' sound is similar to the start of 'hilsen', and the wave is a greeting. So, 'Hailing' = 'Hilsen' (a greeting).
Visual Association
Picture a postcard with a sunny beach scene and the word 'Hilsen' written prominently on it, perhaps with a small hand waving. This connects 'hilsen' with sending good wishes from a place.
Word Web
Challenge
Try writing five different closing sentences for an email using 'hilsen' in its various forms (Venlig hilsen, Mange hilsner, Kærlig hilsen) and two sentences where you use 'send min hilsen til...' to a fictional friend.
Word Origin
The word 'hilsen' originates from the Old Norse word 'hilsan,' which means 'greeting' or 'salutation.' It is directly derived from the verb 'at hilse,' meaning 'to greet.'
Original meaning: The act of greeting or a greeting itself.
Germanic, Indo-European.Cultural Context
While 'hilsen' is generally neutral, using 'Kærlig hilsen' (loving greetings) is reserved for very close relationships. Using it inappropriately could be seen as overly familiar or insincere. Conversely, using overly formal closings in very intimate contexts might seem distant.
In English-speaking cultures, equivalents like 'Hello,' 'Hi,' 'Regards,' 'Sincerely,' and 'Best wishes' serve similar functions. However, the specific nuances and frequency of use can differ. 'Venlig hilsen' is perhaps more consistently used in Danish business emails than 'Sincerely' might be in some English contexts.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Email closings
- Med venlig hilsen
- Venlig hilsen
- Mange hilsner
Sending messages to absent people
- Send min hilsen til...
- Giv min hilsen videre
- En hilsen fra...
Informal notes and cards
- Kærlig hilsen
- En lille hilsen
- Mange hilsner
Formal letters
- Med venlig hilsen
- Venlig hilsen
Holiday greetings
- Julehilsen
- Nytårshilsen
- En varm hilsen
Conversation Starters
"How would you typically end an email to a Danish colleague?"
"What's the difference between 'Venlig hilsen' and 'Kærlig hilsen'?"
"Can you give me an example of when you might say 'Send min hilsen til...'?"
"What are some other ways Danes express good wishes?"
"How important is the closing in Danish written communication?"
Journal Prompts
Write a short email to a Danish friend and practice using different closings.
Describe a time you received a greeting or message that made you feel happy.
Imagine you are traveling in Denmark. Write a postcard to a friend back home using 'En hilsen fra...'.
Reflect on the importance of greetings and closings in your own language.
Create a short dialogue where one person asks the other to relay a greeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot typically as a standalone spoken greeting. The primary spoken greeting in Danish is 'Hej'. 'Hilsen' is more often used when sending regards to someone not present ('Send min hilsen til...') or as a closing in written communication. Using 'Hilsen!' as a direct spoken greeting can sound a bit unnatural in casual contexts.
'Venlig hilsen' is a neutral and polite closing, similar to 'Kind regards' or 'Sincerely', suitable for most professional and semi-formal situations. 'Mange hilsner' is slightly warmer and more informal, meaning 'Many greetings' or 'Best wishes', and can be used in less formal contexts.
No, 'Hilsen' and its variations like 'Venlig hilsen' are used as closings (valedictions) at the end of written messages, not as opening greetings (salutations). For openings, you would use 'Kære [Name],' or 'Hej [Name],'.
This phrase translates to 'Send my greetings to...' or 'Send my regards to...'. It's used when you want to convey your good wishes to someone who is not present, through another person.
'Hilsen' itself is quite neutral. However, its usage varies. 'Venlig hilsen' is neutral to formal, 'Mange hilsner' is neutral to informal, and 'Kærlig hilsen' is very informal and intimate. The context and accompanying words determine the formality.
The plural form is 'hilsener'. However, it's more common to use phrases like 'mange hilsner' (many greetings) where 'hilsner' functions as a plural noun. You might say 'Jeg modtog flere hilsener' (I received several greetings).
Yes, for 'Kærlig hilsen', the common abbreviation among close friends is 'Kh.'. It's very informal. For 'Venlig hilsen', there isn't a widely used standard abbreviation in Danish.
You can use 'Mange hilsner' for 'Best wishes' in a general sense. If you want to be more specific, like 'Best wishes for your birthday', you'd say 'Tillykke med fødselsdagen' (Happy birthday), which implies best wishes.
Yes, you can say 'Her er en lille hilsen til dig' (Here is a little greeting/gift for you) when giving a small gift, implying it comes with good wishes.
Yes, 'hilsen' is etymologically related to the English word 'hail', both deriving from Old Norse roots related to greeting or saluting. This connection can be a helpful mnemonic.
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Summary
The Danish word 'hilsen' is a fundamental term for greetings and good wishes, used both in spoken interactions to send regards and as a common closing in written communication like emails and letters, often in variations such as 'Venlig hilsen' (Kind regards).
- Hilsen: Danish for greeting or good wishes.
- Used for spoken and written greetings/closings.
- Common closings: Venlig hilsen (Kind regards), Mange hilsner (Many greetings).
- Convey regards indirectly: Send min hilsen til...
Closing Etiquette
When writing emails or letters, choose your closing carefully. 'Venlig hilsen' is a safe default for most situations. Use 'Mange hilsner' for a slightly warmer tone, and 'Kærlig hilsen' only for very close relationships.
Stress and Vowels
Remember to stress the first syllable ('HIL-sen'). Pay attention to the short vowel sounds, especially the 'i' in the first syllable and the unstressed schwa sound at the end.
Word Association
Connect 'hilsen' to the English word 'hail' (as in 'hail fellow well met') to remember its meaning as a greeting. Visualize a postcard with 'Hilsen' on it.
Fixed Phrases
Many uses of 'hilsen' are in fixed phrases like 'Venlig hilsen' or 'Send min hilsen til...'. Learning these phrases as chunks is often easier than dissecting them grammatically.
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This Word in Other Languages
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acceptere
B1to consent to receive or undertake something
alder
A1age
anerkende
B1to accept or admit
anerkendelse
B1Appreciation or approval of a person's achievements.
anledning
B1an occasion or reason
anmasselse
C1arrogance, presumption, or forwardness
anmassende
C1presumptuous, pushy, or overly familiar
arrangement
B1an event or organization
bar
A2bar
befolkning
B1All the inhabitants of a particular place.
