This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun 11 min read

temmelig

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips temmelig in 30 Seconds

Explanation temmelig in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to describe things. You likely know words like 'meget' (very) and 'lidt' (a little). 'Temmelig' is a step up from these. It means 'rather' or 'quite'. You can use it to make your descriptions more precise. For example, instead of saying 'Det er koldt' (It is cold), you can say 'Det er temmelig koldt' (It is rather cold). This shows that it is more than just a little cold, but maybe not freezing. At this stage, just focus on placing 'temmelig' right before the adjective you want to describe. It's a great word to use when you want to sound more like a real Danish person, as Danes use this word all the time in daily life. Don't worry about complex grammar; just remember: 'temmelig' + [adjective]. It's like adding a little extra flavor to your sentences. You might hear your teacher use it when they say 'Det er temmelig godt!' (That is quite good!).

As an A2 learner, you are building more complex sentences. 'Temmelig' becomes very useful here for expressing opinions. You can use it to talk about your day, the weather, or your hobbies. At this level, you should notice that 'temmelig' never changes its spelling. Whether you are talking about 'en temmelig stor bil' (a rather big car) or 'et temmelig stort hus' (a rather big house), the word 'temmelig' stays the same. This makes it easier than adjectives which have to change their endings. You can also start using it with adverbs, like 'Han taler temmelig hurtigt' (He speaks rather fast). This helps you describe actions with more detail. Try to use it when you are describing people's personalities or your feelings about a movie or a book. It helps you move away from simple 'good/bad' evaluations to something more nuanced and interesting for the person listening to you.

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle everyday situations and express your thoughts on various topics. 'Temmelig' is a key word for this level because it allows for 'nuanceret sprog' (nuanced language). You should be able to use it to soften criticisms or to provide a measured evaluation. For example, in a work setting, saying 'Opgaven er temmelig svær' (The task is rather difficult) is more professional than just saying it's 'meget svær'. You should also be comfortable with the word order in more complex sentences. Remember that in a sub-clause, the order might change: '...fordi det er temmelig dyrt' (...because it is rather expensive). At B1, you should also start distinguishing between 'temmelig' and its synonyms like 'ret' or 'ganske'. 'Ret' is often more positive, while 'temmelig' is more neutral. Using 'temmelig' correctly shows that you have moved beyond basic vocabulary and are starting to understand the subtle 'social' side of the Danish language.

At the B2 level, you should be using 'temmelig' fluently and naturally in both speech and writing. You should understand its role in Danish 'underdrivelse' (understatement). For example, a Dane might say 'Jeg er temmelig træt' even if they are completely exhausted. Recognizing this cultural context is vital. You should also be able to use 'temmelig' to modify more advanced adjectives and adverbs. Instead of 'temmelig god', you might say 'temmelig omfattende' (rather extensive) or 'temmelig kontroversielt' (rather controversial). Your word order should be perfect, even in sentences with inversion or multiple auxiliary verbs. You can also use 'temmelig' to create a specific tone in your writing—perhaps a slightly detached, analytical tone. You should also be aware of the register; 'temmelig' is perfect for standard Danish, but you might choose 'i betydelig grad' for a very formal academic paper or 'ret' for a very casual chat with friends.

At the C1 level, 'temmelig' is a word you use without thinking, but you also know exactly when *not* to use it. You understand the stylistic impact of choosing 'temmelig' over 'ganske', 'nogenlunde', or 'forholdsvis'. You can use it to convey irony or sarcasm, which is a big part of advanced Danish proficiency. For instance, using 'temmelig' to describe something that is obviously extreme can be a form of dry humor. You are also proficient in using it within complex grammatical structures, such as passive constructions or long descriptive passages. In your writing, you use 'temmelig' to balance your arguments, showing that you can evaluate degrees of intensity with precision. You also recognize 'temmelig' in various dialects and registers, understanding that while the meaning remains the same, the social weight might change depending on who is speaking and in what context. You are effectively 'taming' the language to express your exact intent.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'temmelig' is indistinguishable from that of a native speaker. You use it to navigate the finest nuances of Danish social interaction. You understand the historical development of the word and how its meaning has shifted from 'fitting' to 'rather'. You can use it in creative writing to establish a specific narrative voice—perhaps one that is cautious, observant, or quintessentially Danish in its avoidance of superlatives. You are also aware of how 'temmelig' interacts with prosody; the way you stress the word can change the perceived intensity of the following adjective. You can analyze its use in classical Danish literature versus modern media. For you, 'temmelig' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for precision, a cultural marker, and a way to signal your deep integration into the Danish linguistic and social landscape. You use it with total confidence, knowing exactly how it will be received by your audience.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

temmelig in 30 Seconds

Temmelig means 'rather' or 'quite'.
It is an adverb used to describe the degree of an adjective.
It never changes its form (it is invariable).
It is a key word for nuanced, polite, and moderate Danish speech.

The Danish word temmelig is a versatile adverb used to modify adjectives or other adverbs, indicating a degree that is significant but not extreme. In English, it is most frequently translated as rather, quite, or fairly. Understanding 'temmelig' is essential for reaching a B1 level of Danish because it allows speakers to express nuances that go beyond simple 'yes/no' or 'very/not' binaries. It occupies a middle ground on the intensity scale, sitting comfortably between lidt (a little) and meget (very).

Degree of Intensity: Temmelig indicates a level of approximately 60-75% intensity. If something is 'temmelig stort' (rather big), it is definitely big, but not necessarily 'enormt' (enormous).
Cultural Nuance: Danish culture often values modesty and understatement (underdrivelse). Using 'temmelig' allows a speaker to make an observation without sounding hyperbolic or overly dramatic, which fits the social code of Janteloven.
Syntactic Function: As an adverb of degree, it typically precedes the adjective it modifies. For example, in the phrase 'en temmelig svær opgave' (a rather difficult task), it provides immediate context for the adjective 'svær'.

Filmen var temmelig lang, men den var stadig spændende.

Translation: The movie was rather long, but it was still exciting.

Historically, 'temmelig' is derived from the word 'tæmme' (to tame) or 'temmelig' (fitting/seemly). In older Danish, it referred to something that was 'suitable' or 'proper'. Over centuries, the meaning shifted from a qualitative judgment of fitness to a quantitative measurement of degree. Today, you will hear it in almost every context, from a weather report stating that it will be 'temmelig blæsende' (rather windy) to a business meeting where a proposal is described as 'temmelig dyrt' (rather expensive).

Jeg er temmelig sikker på, at vi har mødt hinanden før.

Translation: I am quite sure that we have met before.

In professional settings, 'temmelig' is a useful tool for giving feedback. Saying a report is 'temmelig mangelfuld' (rather incomplete) is slightly softer than saying it is 'meget dårlig' (very bad), although the message remains clear. It provides a buffer that maintains politeness while still conveying a significant degree of a quality. In contrast, in informal settings, it can be used for emphasis through irony. If it is pouring rain and you are soaked, saying 'Jeg er temmelig våd' (I am rather wet) is a classic piece of Danish sarcasm.

Det er temmelig koldt udenfor i dag, så husk din jakke.

Translation: It is rather cold outside today, so remember your jacket.

Using temmelig correctly requires an understanding of Danish word order, particularly the placement of adverbs. Since 'temmelig' is an adverb of degree, its primary job is to modify an adjective. In a standard 'Subject + Verb + Adjective' sentence, 'temmelig' slides in right before the adjective. For example: 'Kaffen er temmelig varm' (The coffee is rather hot). If the sentence includes a central adverb like 'ikke' (not), 'temmelig' usually follows it: 'Det er ikke temmelig svært' (It is not rather difficult - though this specific construction is rare; usually, you'd say 'Det er ikke særlig svært').

Attributive Usage: When the adjective is part of a noun phrase, 'temmelig' comes after the article. Example: 'En temmelig god bog' (A rather good book). Note that 'temmelig' does not change form based on the gender or number of the noun.
With Adverbs: 'Temmelig' can also modify other adverbs to show the intensity of an action. Example: 'Han løber temmelig hurtigt' (He runs rather fast).

Vi kom temmelig sent hjem i går aftes.

Translation: We came home rather late last night.

One of the most interesting aspects of 'temmelig' is its interaction with negative concepts. When used with a negative adjective like 'dårlig' (bad) or 'dyr' (expensive), it amplifies the negativity in a polite way. 'Det er temmelig dyrt' suggests the price is a significant hurdle. However, when used with positive adjectives like 'god' (good) or 'smuk' (beautiful), it can sometimes feel like a 'faint praise' or a cautious compliment. If you tell a Danish chef their food is 'temmelig godt', they might wonder why it wasn't 'fantastisk', though in many contexts, it is still a solid compliment.

Opgaven viste sig at være temmelig kompliceret.

Translation: The task turned out to be rather complicated.

In complex sentences involving inversion (V2 rule), 'temmelig' stays glued to the adjective it modifies. For instance: 'I dag er det temmelig koldt' (Today it is rather cold). Here, 'I dag' takes the first position, the verb 'er' takes the second, and 'temmelig koldt' forms the predicate. It is incorrect to separate 'temmelig' from its adjective in these structures. Mastery of this placement is a hallmark of the B1 level, showing that the learner understands how to build descriptive predicates effectively.

Der var temmelig mange mennesker til koncerten.

Translation: There were quite a lot of people at the concert.

You will encounter temmelig in a wide variety of social and professional situations in Denmark. It is not a slang word, nor is it overly formal; it is a 'neutral-plus' word that fits almost anywhere. In daily life, you'll hear it at the supermarket ('Køen er temmelig lang'), at work ('Deadline er temmelig tæt på'), and in social gatherings ('Vinen er temmelig tør'). It is a staple of the Danish linguistic landscape because it facilitates the 'lagom' (just right) or moderate expression of opinion that is common in Scandinavia.

In News and Media: Journalists use 'temmelig' to provide objective-sounding reports on trends. 'Arbejdsløsheden er temmelig lav' (Unemployment is rather low) sounds more factual and measured than using 'ekstremt'.
In Weather Forecasts: Danish weather is notoriously changeable. Forecasters often use 'temmelig' to describe wind speeds or temperature drops that are noticeable but not catastrophic.

Han virkede temmelig irriteret over afbrydelsen.

Translation: He seemed rather annoyed by the interruption.

In Danish literature and cinema, 'temmelig' is used to build character voice. A character who uses 'temmelig' often might be seen as analytical, cautious, or emotionally reserved. It is the language of the 'middle class' and the 'sensible citizen'. If you watch Danish TV series like 'Borgen' or 'Broen' (The Bridge), listen for how politicians or detectives use 'temmelig' to qualify their statements during high-stakes negotiations or investigations. It allows them to commit to a direction without being 100% absolute.

Prisen på el er steget temmelig meget de sidste par måneder.

Translation: The price of electricity has risen quite a bit the last few months.

Furthermore, in the digital age, 'temmelig' is frequently found in online reviews. A reviewer might say a restaurant was 'temmelig dyrt, men maden var god' (rather expensive, but the food was good). This balanced approach is highly valued in Danish discourse. It shows that the speaker is considering multiple angles. In academic writing, 'temmelig' is sometimes replaced by more formal words like 'ganske' or 'i betydelig grad', but in undergraduate essays or general non-fiction, 'temmelig' remains perfectly acceptable for expressing a substantial degree.

Jeg har temmelig travlt i denne uge.

Translation: I am quite busy this week.

Even though temmelig seems straightforward, English speakers often make specific errors when integrating it into their Danish. The most common mistake is confusing 'temmelig' with 'meget' (very) or 'alt for' (too). While 'meget' expresses a high degree, 'temmelig' is more moderate. If you say 'Det er temmelig koldt' when it is actually -20 degrees Celsius, a Dane will think you are either making a joke or don't understand the severity of the cold. 'Temmelig' should not be used when the intensity is at its absolute peak.

The 'Temmeligt' Error: Many learners assume that because many adverbs end in '-t' (like 'hurtigt'), 'temmelig' should also have a '-t' when modifying a neuter noun. This is incorrect. 'Temmelig' is an invariable adverb. 'Et temmelig stort hus' is correct; 'Et temmeligt stort hus' is a common spelling error.
Word Order with 'Ikke': Learners often place 'temmelig' before 'ikke'. In Danish, the negation 'ikke' generally comes before the degree modifier in subordinate clauses or after the verb in main clauses. Saying 'Det er temmelig ikke godt' is grammatically broken.

✗ Det er en temmeligt svær opgave.
✓ Det er en temmelig svær opgave.

Explanation: Do not add a 't' to 'temmelig'.

Another nuance mistake involves the difference between 'temmelig' and 'ret'. While both can mean 'rather', 'ret' is often used for more positive or neutral surprises ('Den er ret god!'), whereas 'temmelig' is slightly more formal and can carry a weightier tone. Using 'temmelig' in a very casual text message might sound slightly stiff compared to 'ret'. Additionally, 'temmelig' cannot be used as a standalone answer in the same way 'meget' or 'lidt' can. If someone asks 'Er du træt?' (Are you tired?), you can answer 'Meget', but answering just 'Temmelig' sounds incomplete; you should say 'Ja, temmelig'.

Vi har ventet temmelig længe på bussen.

Translation: We have waited quite a long time for the bus.

Finally, be careful with the word 'ganske'. In modern Danish, 'ganske' often means 'quite' or 'entirely', but it is more formal than 'temmelig'. If you are at a party, 'temmelig' is your friend. If you are writing a legal brief, 'ganske' or 'i høj grad' might be more appropriate. Overusing 'temmelig' can also make your speech sound repetitive. Try to vary your degree modifiers to sound more natural. For instance, use 'nogenlunde' for 'reasonably' or 'en del' for 'a good deal'.

Han er temmelig god til at spille guitar.

Translation: He is quite good at playing the guitar.

To truly master Danish, you need to know the alternatives to temmelig and when to choose one over the other. Danish has a rich set of adverbs to describe 'how much' of a quality something possesses. While 'temmelig' is a great all-rounder, sometimes a more specific word will convey your meaning more accurately. The most common synonyms are ret, ganske, and nogenlunde.

Ret vs. Temmelig: 'Ret' is the most common synonym. It is slightly more informal and often used for positive surprises. 'Den er ret god!' (It's actually quite good!). 'Temmelig' is a bit more neutral and objective.
Ganske vs. Temmelig: 'Ganske' can mean 'quite' or 'fairly', but it often implies a higher degree than 'temmelig'. In some contexts, 'ganske' means 'completely' (e.g., 'ganske vist' - certainly). Use 'ganske' for a more formal or emphatic tone.
Nogenlunde vs. Temmelig: 'Nogenlunde' means 'reasonably' or 'fairly well'. It is lower on the intensity scale than 'temmelig'. If a task is 'nogenlunde færdig', it's almost done but needs work. If it's 'temmelig færdig', it's very close to completion.

Resultatet var ganske uventet for os alle.

Translation: The result was quite unexpected for all of us.

In conversational Danish, you might also hear lidt af en (a bit of a) or en del (a part/deal). For example, 'Det er en del sværere' (It is quite a bit harder). Using 'en del' with comparative adjectives is a very natural way to express a higher degree. Another alternative is relativt (relatively), which is used when comparing something to a standard or a previous state. 'Prisen er relativt høj' (The price is relatively high). This sounds more analytical and is common in news reports or academic contexts.

Vi har ret travlt i øjeblikket.

Translation: We are quite busy at the moment.

Lastly, consider the word rimelig. It means 'reasonable' as an adjective, but as an adverb, it functions similarly to 'fairly'. 'Det er rimelig billigt' (It is reasonably cheap). It suggests that the price is fair and expected. 'Temmelig billigt' would suggest it's even cheaper than expected. Understanding these minor differences in 'temperature' between the words will help you navigate Danish social situations more effectively, allowing you to express exactly how 'hot' or 'cold' you find a situation to be.

Det er rimelig let at lære at cykle.

Translation: It is reasonably easy to learn to ride a bike.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word's journey from meaning 'something that fits' to 'rather/quite' mirrors how we use the word 'fairly' in English, which also comes from 'fair' (beautiful/proper).

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈtɛməli/

US /ˈtɛməli/

The stress is on the first syllable: TEM-me-lig.

Rhymes With

nemlig temmelig (itself) uanselig væsentlig (approximate) egentlig (approximate) skammelig legemlig hemmelig

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'g' as a hard 'g' (like in 'dog'). It should be silent.
Stressing the second or third syllable.
Pronouncing the 'e' as a long 'ee' sound.
Confusing the 'm' sound with 'n'.
Making the 'i' too long; it should be short.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text once learned.

Writing 3/5

Requires remembering not to add a 't' in neuter cases.

Speaking 3/5

Silent 'g' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 3/5

Can be confused with 'nemlig' or other similar sounding words.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

meget lidt god stor svær

Learn Next

ganske nogenlunde forholdsvis rimelig ret

Advanced

overordentlig særdeles betydelig voldsom

Grammar to Know

Adverbs of degree never take the -t ending of neuter adjectives.

Et temmelig (not temmeligt) stort hus.

Adverbs of degree precede the adjective they modify.

En temmelig svær test.

In main clauses, the adverb follows the verb.

Han er temmelig høj.

In subordinate clauses, the adverb follows the subject and central adverb.

...fordi han er temmelig høj.

Temmelig can modify other adverbs.

Han løber temmelig stærkt.

Examples by Level

Det er temmelig koldt i dag.

It is rather cold today.

Simple Subject + Verb + Adverb + Adjective structure.

Min kaffe er temmelig varm.

My coffee is rather hot.

Temmelig modifies the adjective 'varm'.

Bussen er temmelig stor.

The bus is quite big.

Temmelig describes the size of the bus.

Jeg er temmelig træt nu.

I am rather tired now.

Temmelig modifies the state of being tired.

Huset er temmelig gammelt.

The house is rather old.

Temmelig precedes the adjective 'gammelt'.

Det er en temmelig god bog.

It is a rather good book.

Attributive use: Article + Adverb + Adjective + Noun.

Vejret er temmelig flot.

The weather is quite nice.

Temmelig modifies 'flot' (nice/beautiful).

Maden smager temmelig godt.

The food tastes quite good.

Temmelig modifies the adverbial use of 'godt'.

Vi bor i et temmelig lille hus.

We live in a rather small house.

Note that 'temmelig' does not get a 't' even though 'hus' is neuter.

Han løber temmelig hurtigt hver morgen.

He runs quite fast every morning.

Temmelig modifying the adverb 'hurtigt'.

Opgaven var temmelig svær for mig.

The task was rather difficult for me.

Temmelig used to express a personal difficulty.

Der er temmelig mange biler på vejen.

There are quite a lot of cars on the road.

Temmelig used with 'mange' (many).

Min søster er temmelig høj.

My sister is rather tall.

Simple descriptive use.

Det tager temmelig lang tid at gå derhen.

It takes quite a long time to walk there.

Temmelig modifying the adjective 'lang' in a time expression.

Filmen var temmelig kedelig, synes jeg.

The movie was rather boring, I think.

Expressing a subjective opinion.

Jeg har temmelig travlt i denne uge.

I am quite busy this week.

Common expression for being busy.

Prisen på benzin er temmelig høj i øjeblikket.

The price of gasoline is rather high at the moment.

Economic context, neutral observation.

Jeg er temmelig sikker på, at vi har en aftale.

I am quite sure that we have an agreement.

Expressing a high degree of certainty.

Det var en temmelig ubehagelig oplevelse.

It was a rather unpleasant experience.

Using temmelig to soften a negative adjective.

Han virkede temmelig overrasket over nyheden.

He seemed rather surprised by the news.

Describing someone's reaction.

De har boet i København i temmelig mange år.

They have lived in Copenhagen for quite many years.

Indicates a significant but unspecified duration.

Vandingen i haven er temmelig vigtig om sommeren.

Watering the garden is rather important in the summer.

Expressing necessity/importance.

Det er temmelig sandsynligt, at det vil regne.

It is quite likely that it will rain.

Expressing probability.

Vi fik en temmelig stor bøde for at parkere ulovligt.

We got a rather large fine for parking illegally.

Quantifying a negative outcome.

Analysen er temmelig omfattende og kræver tid.

The analysis is rather extensive and requires time.

Formal/Professional context.

Det er temmelig kontroversielt at foreslå nye skatter.

It is rather controversial to suggest new taxes.

Discussing social/political issues.

Han har en temmelig aggressiv spillestil på banen.

He has a rather aggressive playing style on the court.

Describing behavior or style.

Resultatet af valget var temmelig uforudsigeligt.

The result of the election was rather unpredictable.

Complex adjective 'uforudsigeligt'.

Jeg finder hans opførsel temmelig mærkværdig.

I find his behavior rather peculiar.

Using 'finde' + object + adverb + adjective.

Der er en temmelig stor forskel på de to modeller.

There is a rather big difference between the two models.

Comparative context.

Det var temmelig naivt at tro, det ville gå let.

It was rather naive to think it would go easily.

Reflective/Critical tone.

Bogen giver et temmelig detaljeret indblik i historien.

The book gives a rather detailed insight into history.

Academic/Literary description.

Diskussionen blev efterhånden temmelig ophedet.

The discussion eventually became rather heated.

Describing a developing situation.

Han besidder en temmelig unik evne til at løse konflikter.

He possesses a rather unique ability to resolve conflicts.

Modifying 'unik' (though unique is absolute, 'temmelig' softens it).

Det er temmelig problematisk, hvis vi ikke overholder tidsplanen.

It is rather problematic if we do not stick to the schedule.

Expressing concern in a formal way.

Udstillingen var temmelig provokerende for sin tid.

The exhibition was rather provocative for its time.

Historical/Artistic context.

Sagen har udviklet sig i en temmelig uheldig retning.

The case has developed in a rather unfortunate direction.

Abstract usage in professional reporting.

Jeg er temmelig skeptisk over for det nye forslag.

I am quite skeptical about the new proposal.

Expressing nuanced disagreement.

Det kræver en temmelig stor indsats at gennemføre projektet.

It requires a rather large effort to complete the project.

Quantifying effort.

Hendes fortolkning af rollen var temmelig nyskabende.

Her interpretation of the role was rather innovative.

Critique of artistic performance.

Forfatterens stil er præget af en temmelig subtil humor.

The author's style is characterized by a rather subtle humor.

High-level literary analysis.

Det er temmelig indlysende, at strategien må revurderes.

It is rather obvious that the strategy must be reassessed.

Using 'indlysende' (obvious) with 'temmelig' for emphasis/irony.

Vi befinder os i en temmelig prekær situation lige nu.

We find ourselves in a rather precarious situation right now.

Advanced vocabulary 'prekær'.

Hendes argumenter var temmelig stringente og velunderbyggede.

Her arguments were rather stringent and well-supported.

Formal academic/legal praise.

Det er temmelig tvivlsomt, om projektet overhovedet er rentabelt.

It is rather doubtful whether the project is even profitable.

Economic skepticism.

Han har en temmelig tilbagetrukket personlighed.

He has a rather withdrawn personality.

Psychological description.

Denne antagelse er temmelig problematisk i lyset af de nye data.

This assumption is rather problematic in light of the new data.

Scientific/Analytical discourse.

Det var en temmelig dristig beslutning at satse alt på ét kort.

It was a rather bold decision to bet everything on one card.

Idiomatic/Metaphorical context.

Common Collocations

temmelig sikker

temmelig meget

temmelig svært

temmelig god

temmelig træt

temmelig dyrt

temmelig koldt

temmelig hurtigt

temmelig mange

temmelig længe

Common Phrases

Det er temmelig sikkert.

— It is quite certain. Used when you are almost 100% sure.

Det er temmelig sikkert, at de vinder.

Jeg har temmelig travlt.

— I am quite busy. A polite way to decline an invitation.

Jeg kan ikke i dag, jeg har temmelig travlt.

Det er temmelig dyrt.

— It is rather expensive. Often used as a mild complaint about prices.

Fem hundrede kroner? Det er temmelig dyrt!

Vi er temmelig tæt på.

— We are quite close. Can refer to distance or time.

Vi er temmelig tæt på målet.

Det var temmelig uventet.

— It was quite unexpected. Used for surprises.

Hendes besøg var temmelig uventet.

Han er temmelig dygtig.

— He is quite skilled. A solid compliment.

Han er temmelig dygtig til sit arbejde.

Det smager temmelig godt.

— It tastes quite good. A common reaction to food.

Denne kage smager temmelig godt.

Der er temmelig langt.

— It is quite far. Used for distance.

Der er temmelig langt til stationen.

Det er temmelig svært.

— It is rather difficult. Used for tasks or concepts.

Dansk udtale er temmelig svær.

Jeg er temmelig sulten.

— I am quite hungry. Expressing a strong need for food.

Lad os spise, jeg er temmelig sulten.

Often Confused With

temmelig vs nemlig

Sounds similar but means 'exactly' or 'namely'.

temmelig vs rimelig

Means 'reasonably' or 'fairly'. Often used for prices.

temmelig vs tålmodig

Means 'patient'. Starts with 't' and is a long word, but unrelated.

Idioms & Expressions

"temmelig og tilpas"

— An older, rarer expression meaning 'suitable and fitting'.

Alt var temmelig og tilpas.

archaic

"være temmelig høj i hatten"

— To be quite arrogant or full of oneself (literally: high in the hat).

Han var temmelig høj i hatten efter sejren.

informal

"det er temmelig meget op ad bakke"

— It is quite an uphill struggle.

Projektet er temmelig meget op ad bakke lige nu.

metaphorical

"temmelig på herrens mark"

— To be quite lost or in a difficult situation (literally: on the Lord's field).

Uden hjælp er vi temmelig på herrens mark.

idiomatic

"være temmelig grøn"

— To be quite inexperienced (green).

Hun er temmelig grøn i dette fag.

informal

"temmelig ude i hampen"

— To be quite crazy or far-fetched (literally: out in the hemp).

Hans idé er temmelig ude i hampen.

informal

"være temmelig flad"

— To be quite broke (no money) or quite tired.

Jeg er temmelig flad efter ferien.

slang

"temmelig meget kød på benet"

— Quite a lot of substance (literally: meat on the bone).

Der er temmelig meget kød på benet i denne rapport.

professional

"være temmelig varm på en"

— To be quite into someone (romantically).

Han er temmelig varm på sin kollega.

informal

"temmelig meget vind i sejlene"

— To have quite a lot of momentum (literally: wind in the sails).

Firmaet har temmelig meget vind i sejlene.

metaphorical

Easily Confused

temmelig vs ret

Both mean 'rather'.

'Ret' is more informal and often positive. 'Temmelig' is more neutral and can be slightly more formal.

Det er ret sjovt! vs. Det er temmelig svært.

temmelig vs ganske

Both mean 'quite'.

'Ganske' is more formal and can mean 'entirely'. 'Temmelig' is more everyday.

Det er ganske vist. vs. Det er temmelig sikkert.

temmelig vs meget

Both describe degree.

'Meget' is 90-100% intensity. 'Temmelig' is 60-70% intensity.

Det er meget koldt (-20) vs. Det er temmelig koldt (0).

temmelig vs nogenlunde

Both mean 'fairly'.

'Nogenlunde' is lower intensity (40-50%) and often means 'okay but not great'.

Det går nogenlunde. vs. Det går temmelig godt.

temmelig vs lidt

Both describe degree.

'Lidt' is small (10-20%). 'Temmelig' is significant (60-70%).

Jeg er lidt træt. vs. Jeg er temmelig træt.

Sentence Patterns

Det er temmelig [adjective].

Det er temmelig koldt.

Jeg er temmelig [adjective].

Jeg er temmelig træt.

En temmelig [adjective] [noun].

En temmelig stor bil.

Det tager temmelig [tid].

Det tager temmelig lang tid.

Jeg er temmelig sikker på, at...

Jeg er temmelig sikker på, at han kommer.

Være temmelig [adjective] over for [noget].

Jeg er temmelig skeptisk over for planen.

Det er temmelig [adjective] i lyset af...

Det er temmelig mærkeligt i lyset af nyheden.

En temmelig [adjective] tilgang til...

En temmelig konservativ tilgang til problemet.

Word Family

Verbs

tæmme (to tame - historical root)

ret

ganske

nogenlunde

rimelig

forholdsvis

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written Danish.

Common Mistakes

Det er temmeligt koldt. → Det er temmelig koldt.
Adding a 't' is a common error because many other adverbs end in 't'. 'Temmelig' is an exception.
Jeg er meget temmelig træt. → Jeg er temmelig træt.
You cannot stack 'meget' and 'temmelig'. Choose one degree modifier.
En bil temmelig stor. → En temmelig stor bil.
The degree modifier must come before the adjective in a noun phrase.
Det er temmelig ikke godt. → Det er ikke temmelig godt. (Or better: Det er ikke særlig godt.)
Word order with negation is tricky. 'Ikke' usually precedes the degree modifier.
Pronouncing the 'g' at the end. → Pronouncing it as 'temme-li'.
The final 'g' is silent in standard Danish pronunciation.

Tips

Invariable Form

Never add a 't' to 'temmelig'. It is always 'temmelig', regardless of the gender or number of the noun it eventually refers to.

The Art of Understatement

Danes love to understate things. Using 'temmelig' instead of 'meget' makes you sound more culturally integrated.

Silent G

Forget the 'g' at the end! Pronounce it as 'temme-li'. This is one of the keys to a natural Danish accent.

Temmelig vs. Ret

Use 'ret' for positive surprises ('Den er ret god!') and 'temmelig' for neutral or slightly negative observations.

Variety is Key

Don't over-use 'temmelig'. Try synonyms like 'ganske' or 'forholdsvis' to make your writing more professional.

Listen for the Intensity

The way a Dane stresses 'temmelig' can tell you if they mean 'a little bit quite' or 'really quite'!

B1 Milestone

Mastering 'temmelig' is a sign that you are moving into the B1 level. It shows you can express nuance.

Word Order

Always keep 'temmelig' right in front of the adjective it is describing.

Tame the Adjective

Think of 'temmelig' as 'taming' the adjective so it's not too extreme.

Professional Feedback

In a work setting, use 'temmelig' to soften criticism. 'Det er temmelig svært' sounds better than 'Det er umuligt'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Taming' (tæmme). If you 'tame' an extreme emotion, it becomes 'temmelig' (rather) moderate.

Visual Association

Imagine a thermometer where 'meget' is boiling and 'lidt' is freezing. 'Temmelig' is the comfortable middle zone.

Word Web

ret ganske rimelig meget lidt nogenlunde grad moderat

Challenge

Try to replace 'meget' with 'temmelig' in five sentences today to see how it changes the tone.

Word Origin

From Middle Danish 'tæmmeligh', related to the verb 'tæmme' (to tame) or 'temme'. It originally meant 'fitting', 'proper', or 'tame'.

Original meaning: Suitable or fitting.

Germanic (Danish)

Cultural Context

There are no major sensitivities, but be aware that using it for something tragic can sound cold or sarcastic.

English speakers often over-use 'very'. Danes use 'temmelig' where an English speaker might say 'pretty' or 'quite'.

Danish literature often uses 'temmelig' to create a realistic, grounded atmosphere. In the movie 'Blinkende Lygter', characters use moderate language to describe extreme situations. Danish news broadcasts (DR Nyheder) use it constantly for objective reporting.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather

Det er temmelig koldt.
Det blæser temmelig meget.
Det er temmelig gråt i dag.
Det er temmelig varmt for årstiden.

Price and Value

Det er temmelig dyrt.
Det er temmelig billigt.
Prisen er temmelig høj.
Det er temmelig god værdi.

Time and Speed

Det tager temmelig lang tid.
Vi kom temmelig sent.
Han kører temmelig hurtigt.
Det er temmelig tidligt.

Feelings and States

Jeg er temmelig træt.
Jeg er temmelig sulten.
Han virker temmelig glad.
Hun er temmelig vred.

Opinion on Quality

Det er temmelig godt.
Det var temmelig kedeligt.
Filmen er temmelig lang.
Bogen er temmelig spændende.

Conversation Starters

"Det er temmelig koldt i dag, ikke?"

"Hvad synes du om den nye film? Jeg synes, den var temmelig lang."

"Har du haft en temmelig travl uge?"

"Det er temmelig dyrt at bo i København, synes du ikke?"

"Er du temmelig sikker på, at vi går den rigtige vej?"

Journal Prompts

Skriv om en dag, hvor du havde temmelig travlt. Hvad lavede du?

Beskriv dit hjem. Er det temmelig stort eller temmelig lille?

Tænk på en svær opgave, du har løst. Hvorfor var den temmelig svær?

Hvordan er vejret i dit land i dag? Er det temmelig varmt eller koldt?

Skriv om en film, du har set for nylig, som var temmelig god.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is neutral. You can use it with friends, but it is also perfectly acceptable in a business meeting or a newspaper article.

No. As an adverb, it is invariable. It always stays 'temmelig', even when describing a neuter noun like 'et hus'.

Not directly. You use it to modify the adverb that describes the verb. E.g., 'Han løber temmelig hurtigt'.

'Ret' is a bit more casual and often has a positive tone. 'Temmelig' is more objective and neutral.

In standard Danish, no. It is silent. It sounds like 'temme-li'.

It is close, but 'meget' is stronger. 'Temmelig' is more like 'quite' or 'rather'.

You would usually say 'helst ikke' rather than using 'temmelig'.

It sounds a bit short. It is better to say 'Ja, temmelig' or 'Temmelig meget'.

Yes, historically it meant 'tame' or 'fitting'. It shifted meaning over hundreds of years.

Avoid it if something is at an extreme (use 'ekstremt') or if you want to be very precise with a percentage.