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A1 verb 10 min de leitura

fortælle

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas fortælle em 30 segundos

Explicação fortælle in your Level:

At the A1 level, fortælle is one of the most useful verbs you can learn because it allows you to start sharing basic information about yourself and your world. You use it in simple sentences like 'Jeg fortæller en historie' (I tell a story) or 'Fortæl mig om din hund' (Tell me about your dog). At this stage, you should focus on the present tense 'fortæller' and the basic structure of telling someone something. You will mostly use it to communicate simple facts or to ask others for information. It is a key building block for basic social interaction. You will encounter it in textbooks and simple dialogues where characters introduce themselves or their families. Understanding that 'fortælle' is the bridge between you and another person's knowledge is vital. You don't need to worry about complex tenses yet, just the idea of sharing information through speech. It's about the 'what' and the 'who'. For example, 'Hvem fortæller historien?' (Who is telling the story?). This simplicity helps you navigate early conversations with confidence. You will also see it used with 'om' (about) very frequently, which is a great way to expand your sentences without needing complex grammar. 'Jeg fortæller om min dag' is a perfect A1 sentence that shows you can communicate a narrative, however simple it may be.

At the A2 level, you begin to use fortælle to recount past events and more detailed personal experiences. This is where the past tense 'fortalte' becomes essential. You can now say things like 'I går fortalte min ven mig en sjov vittighed' (Yesterday my friend told me a funny joke). You are also expected to use the verb with 'at'-clauses, such as 'Han fortalte, at han var glad' (He told/said that he was happy). This allows you to report what others have said, which is a key skill for intermediate communication. You will also start to use it in more varied contexts, such as describing your routine or explaining simple problems. The focus shifts from just 'telling' to 'narrating' small sequences of events. You might tell a story about a trip you took or a movie you saw. You'll also encounter the perfect tense 'har fortalt', which is useful for talking about things that have happened recently or have relevance now, like 'Har du fortalt mor om gaven?' (Have you told mom about the gift?). Your sentences will become longer as you include more details using 'om' and 'da' (when) or 'fordi' (because). This level is about building the narrative flow of your Danish.

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At the B1 level, fortælle becomes a tool for more nuanced expression and more complex storytelling. You are now able to use the verb to describe feelings, opinions, and abstract concepts. Instead of just telling what happened, you might 'fortælle om dine følelser' (tell about your feelings) or 'fortælle om dine planer for fremtiden' (tell about your plans for the future). You will also start to encounter more idiomatic uses and common phrases. Your ability to distinguish between 'fortælle', 'forklare', and 'sige' should be much sharper now. You might use 'fortælle' to give a short presentation or to participate in a discussion where you need to provide background information. You'll also become more comfortable with the passive voice, such as 'Der blev fortalt mange historier' (Many stories were told). At this level, you are expected to handle more complex sentence structures, such as using 'fortælle' in subordinate clauses. For example, 'Hvis du fortæller mig sandheden, bliver jeg ikke vred' (If you tell me the truth, I won't be angry). This shows a higher level of grammatical control and the ability to use the verb to negotiate social situations and express conditions.

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At the B2 level, your use of fortælle should be fluent and natural, incorporating a wide range of synonyms and related terms to avoid repetition. You will use it to provide detailed reports, engage in complex debates, and narrate intricate stories with multiple subplots. You'll understand the subtle difference between 'at fortælle' and 'at berette' (to report/narrate formally) and choose the appropriate one for the context. You will also be able to use the verb in more sophisticated grammatical constructions, such as using it with various modal verbs to express nuances of possibility or necessity: 'Han burde have fortalt os det tidligere' (He should have told us that earlier). You'll also encounter 'fortælle' in more professional and academic settings, where it might be used to describe the methodology of a study or the findings of a report. Your vocabulary will expand to include words like 'fortællelyst' (the desire to tell stories) or 'fortælleteknik' (storytelling technique). You can now analyze how a story is told, not just the content of the story itself. This level marks the transition from being a competent speaker to being a sophisticated communicator who can use 'fortælle' to influence and engage an audience.

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At the C1 level, you have a masterly command of fortælle and its many layers of meaning. You can use it to convey subtle irony, deep emotion, or precise technical information. You are familiar with literary uses of the verb and can discuss 'den upålidelige fortæller' (the unreliable narrator) in a piece of fiction. Your use of the verb is idiomatic and reflects a deep understanding of Danish culture and communication styles. You might use 'fortælle' in complex rhetorical structures to build an argument or to create a specific atmosphere in your writing. You'll also be adept at using the verb in its various derived forms and compounds, such as 'fortælletræk' (narrative features) or 'genfortælle' (retell). At this level, you can appreciate the rhythmic and stylistic qualities of the verb in poetry or high-level prose. You are also able to navigate the most formal registers, using 'fortælle' (or its synonyms like 'redegøre') to provide exhaustive explanations of complex systems or philosophies. Your ability to 'fortælle' is no longer just about communication; it's about the art of expression itself. You can tailor your narrative style to suit any audience, from a group of experts to a casual social gathering, with effortless ease.

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At the C2 level, your proficiency with fortælle is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You use the verb with absolute precision and creativity, often employing it in ways that push the boundaries of standard usage for stylistic effect. You have a profound understanding of the etymological roots of the word and how its meaning has evolved over centuries of Danish literature and speech. You can engage in deep linguistic analysis of the verb's function in different dialects or historical periods. In your own speech and writing, 'fortælle' is used with a level of nuance that allows for the expression of the most delicate shades of meaning. You can use it to deconstruct complex narratives, critique the way information is shared in society, and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the Danish language. Whether you are writing a philosophical treatise, a complex novel, or delivering a keynote address, 'fortælle' is a versatile tool in your extensive linguistic repertoire. You are not just using the language; you are a master of it, and your use of 'fortælle' reflects a lifetime of deep engagement with Danish culture, history, and thought. You can discuss the very nature of 'fortællingen' (the narrative) as a human construct with total fluency and insight.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

fortælle em 30 segundos

Fortælle means 'to tell' or 'to narrate' in Danish, used for stories and information.
It is an irregular verb with the past tense 'fortalte' and perfect 'har fortalt'.
It often takes an indirect object (the listener) and a direct object (the story).
Commonly used with the preposition 'om' to mean 'tell about' a certain topic.

The Danish verb fortælle is a cornerstone of Danish communication, fundamentally meaning 'to tell' or 'to narrate'. While English speakers often distinguish between 'saying' something and 'telling' something, Danish makes a distinct leap with fortælle when the act involves sharing a narrative, a sequence of events, or a piece of information directed at another person. In its most basic sense, it is the act of verbalizing a story or a fact so that someone else becomes aware of it. It is not just the utterance of words, which would be sige, but the structured transmission of content. Whether you are recounting your day at the office, reading a fairy tale to a child, or explaining a complex situation to a friend, you are engaging in the act of fortælle.

The Narrative Aspect: When a Dane says 'Jeg vil fortælle en historie', they are promising a narrative arc. This word is deeply tied to the Danish tradition of storytelling, from the epic sagas of the Vikings to the world-renowned fairy tales of Hans Christian Andersen. It implies a beginning, a middle, and an end.

Bedstefar kan lide at fortælle om gamle dage.

Informational Use: Beyond stories, it is used for reporting facts. If a teacher explains a concept, or a witness describes an event to the police, the verb used is often fortælle. It suggests a level of detail that 'sige' (to say) lacks. While 'Han sagde hej' (He said hi) is a simple utterance, 'Han fortalte om sin rejse' (He told about his journey) implies a substantial transfer of information.

Kan du fortælle mig vejen til stationen?

Social Bonding: In Danish culture, sharing stories is a way of building 'hygge'. When friends gather, they 'fortæller historier' to bond. It is an active, social verb that invites the listener into the speaker's world. It is less about the technicality of speech and more about the connection established through shared information.

De sad hele aftenen og fortalte vittigheder.

Hun fortalte chefen om de nye resultater.

Læreren fortæller klassen om Danmarks historie.

This verb is essential because it bridges the gap between simple speech and meaningful communication. It is the vehicle for news, gossip, education, and entertainment. Understanding its nuances allows a learner to move from merely speaking Danish to truly communicating in Danish.

Using fortælle correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical patterns and its relationship with direct and indirect objects. In Danish, the structure usually follows: [Subject] + [Verb] + [Indirect Object (Recipient)] + [Direct Object (The Story/Information)]. For example, 'Jeg (Subject) fortæller (Verb) dig (Recipient) en hemmelighed (Information)'. Unlike some English constructions where 'to' is required (e.g., 'I tell a secret to you'), Danish often places the recipient directly after the verb without a preposition.

The 'Om' Construction: Very frequently, fortælle is paired with the preposition 'om' (about). This is used when you are describing a topic rather than giving a specific piece of data. 'Han fortæller om sin barndom' (He tells about his childhood). This is perhaps the most common way to use the verb in casual conversation.

Kan du fortælle mig om din ferie?

Tense Changes: As an irregular verb, its forms are crucial: Nutid (Present): fortæller; Datid (Past): fortalte; Førnutid (Present Perfect): har fortalt. Notice the vowel change from 'æ' to 'a' in the past tense. This is a common pattern in Danish 'weak' verbs of a specific class, but it still requires memorization for fluency.

Hun fortalte en sjov historie til festen.

Indirect Speech: When reporting what someone else said, fortælle is often followed by a 'at'-clause (that-clause). 'Han fortalte, at han var træt' (He told/said that he was tired). In this context, it functions similarly to 'say', but implies that he was giving an update or explanation of his state.

De har fortalt os, at de flytter snart.

Hvem har fortalt dig det?

Jeg vil gerne fortælle sandheden.

In summary, sentence construction with fortælle is flexible but usually involves a recipient and a narrative or descriptive element, often linked by 'om' or 'at'.

You will hear fortælle in almost every corner of Danish life. It is omnipresent in media, literature, and daily interaction. In the news, anchors will say 'Vi kan nu fortælle mere om ulykken' (We can now tell more about the accident). This usage lends an air of authority and detailed reporting. In the domestic sphere, the phrase 'Vil du fortælle en godnathistorie?' (Will you tell a bedtime story?) is a nightly ritual in thousands of Danish homes.

In the Workplace: During meetings, a colleague might say, 'Jeg vil lige fortælle om mine fremskridt' (I just want to tell/update about my progress). Here, it is used as a professional way to share status updates. It is less formal than 'præsentere' (present) but more descriptive than 'sige' (say).

Direktøren fortalte om planerne for næste år.

Cultural Narratives: In Danish podcasts and radio shows, hosts frequently use 'fortæl os...' to prompt guests. 'Fortæl os om din nye bog' (Tell us about your new book). It is the standard way to invite someone to share their experiences or expertise. It is the language of interviews and public discourse.

Radioen fortæller om vejret i morgen.

Gossip and Secrets: Socially, fortælle is the verb for sharing secrets or rumors. 'Har du fortalt det til nogen?' (Have you told it to anyone?) is a common question when sharing sensitive information. It implies a breach of confidence if the answer is yes.

Hun fortalte mig en stor hemmelighed.

Bogen fortæller historien om en ung mand.

Kan du fortælle mig, hvad klokken er?

Whether in the hushed tones of a secret or the loud projection of a stage performer, fortælle is the engine of Danish narrative life. It is the word that opens the door to information and entertainment.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make with fortælle is using it where sige (to say) should be used. While English often allows 'tell' and 'say' to overlap, Danish is more specific. You 'siger' (say) a single word or a direct quote, but you 'fortæller' (tell) a story or a piece of information. For instance, you wouldn't say 'Han fortalte 'Hej''—you must say 'Han sagde 'Hej''.

The Preposition 'Til': Another common mistake is overusing 'til' (to). In English, we say 'Tell it to me'. In Danish, while 'fortælle det til mig' is grammatically possible, it is much more natural to say 'fortælle mig det'. Learners often insert 'til' where it isn't needed, making the sentence sound clunky and non-native.

Forkert: Han fortalte til mig en historie. (Wrong: He told to me a story.)

Confusing 'Fortælle' and 'Forklare': Learners often use fortælle when they mean 'explain'. If you are asking someone to clarify a difficult math problem, you should use 'forklare'. If you ask them to 'fortælle' the problem, they might just read the numbers to you rather than explaining the logic behind them.

Rigtigt: Han fortalte mig historien. (Correct: He told me the story.)

Omitting 'Om': When talking about a subject, the 'om' is vital. Saying 'Jeg fortæller min ferie' sounds like you are literally narrating the holiday as it happens, or that the holiday is the object being spoken. 'Jeg fortæller OM min ferie' (I am telling ABOUT my holiday) is the correct way to describe your trip.

Husk at fortælle om dine oplevelser.

Hun fortalte, hvordan man gør det.

De fortæller altid sandheden.

Avoiding these pitfalls will immediately make your Danish sound more natural and precise. Pay attention to the recipient, the preposition, and the irregular past tense form.

To truly enrich your vocabulary, you should know when to use fortælle and when to opt for a more specific alternative. While fortælle is the general 'workhorse' for telling, other verbs can add flavor and precision to your speech.

Berette: 'Berette' is a more formal version of 'fortælle'. It is often used in journalism or historical accounts. If someone 'beretter om en begivenhed', they are giving a formal report or an official account of an event. It has a weightier, more serious tone than the everyday 'fortælle'.

Avisen beretter om krigen.

Røbe: 'Røbe' means 'to reveal' or 'to blab'. While you can 'fortælle en hemmelighed' (tell a secret), if you 'røber' it, you are specifically highlighting the act of making something hidden known, often by accident or as a betrayal of trust.

Han røbede planen for tidligt.

Forklare: As mentioned before, 'forklare' (explain) is the go-to verb when the goal is understanding rather than just narration. If a student doesn't understand a rule, the teacher 'forklarer' it. If the student just wants to know what happened yesterday, the teacher 'fortæller' it.

Kan du forklare mig reglerne?

De meddelte, at de ville gå af.

Hun genfortalte hele filmen for os.

Knowing these synonyms allows you to tailor your Danish to the situation, whether you are telling a joke to a friend or delivering a formal report at a university.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word is related to 'tælle' (to count). Just as in English 'recount' can mean both to tell and to count again, the Danish word reflects the historical connection between numbers and narratives.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /fʌˈtɛlə/

US /fɔrˈtɛlə/

The stress is on the second syllable: for-TÆL-le.

Rima com

tælle fælde gælde vælde hælde mælde spælde trælle

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'r' too strongly like in English.
Missing the schwa sound at the end.
Using a hard 't' instead of the softer Danish 't'.
Confusing the 'æ' sound with 'e' or 'a'.
Putting stress on the first syllable.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it appears frequently and resembles English 'tell'.

Escrita 2/5

The irregular past tense 'fortalte' can be a small hurdle for beginners.

Expressão oral 2/5

The pronunciation of 'fortælle' requires getting the 'æ' and the soft 'l' sounds right.

Audição 1/5

Usually clear in speech, though the 'for-' prefix can be swallowed in fast conversation.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

sige tale historie mig om

Aprenda a seguir

forklare berette sandhed vittighed hemmelighed

Avançado

narrativ anekdote skildre redegøre formidle

Gramática essencial

Irregular Past Tense

Jeg fortæller (nu) -> Jeg fortalte (i går).

Indirect Object Placement

Fortæl *mig* en historie. (The recipient comes first).

Preposition 'om'

Jeg fortæller *om* min ferie. (Used for topics).

That-clauses (at-sætninger)

Han fortalte, *at* han kom senere.

Imperative Mood

*Fortæl*! (Remove the -le ending).

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Exemplos por nível

Jeg fortæller en historie.

I am telling a story.

Present tense: fortæller.

Kan du fortælle mig dit navn?

Can you tell me your name?

Indirect object 'mig' comes before the direct object 'dit navn'.

Han fortæller om sin kat.

He is telling about his cat.

Use of 'om' to indicate the subject.

Fortæl mig noget sjovt.

Tell me something funny.

Imperative form: Fortæl.

Hvem fortæller dig det?

Who is telling you that?

Question structure with 'hvem'.

Vi fortæller sandheden.

We are telling the truth.

Direct object: sandheden.

Hun fortæller en vittighed.

She is telling a joke.

Common collocation: fortælle en vittighed.

De fortæller om deres hus.

They are telling about their house.

Plural subject 'de'.

I går fortalte han mig alt.

Yesterday he told me everything.

Past tense: fortalte.

Har du fortalt hende nyheden?

Have you told her the news?

Present perfect: har fortalt.

Hun fortalte, at hun var træt.

She told/said that she was tired.

Use of 'at'-clause for indirect speech.

Læreren fortalte om vikingetiden.

The teacher told about the Viking Age.

Recounting historical facts.

De fortalte os vejen til byen.

They told us the way to the town.

Giving directions.

Han fortalte aldrig sin hemmelighed.

He never told his secret.

Use of 'aldrig' (never).

Vi har fortalt dem om vores planer.

We have told them about our plans.

Sharing intentions.

Hvad fortalte hun dig i telefonen?

What did she tell you on the phone?

Question about a past event.

Han fortalte levende om sin rejse til Japan.

He told vividly about his trip to Japan.

Adverbial use: levende (vividly).

Jeg vil gerne fortælle dig, hvorfor jeg er her.

I would like to tell you why I am here.

Expressing purpose and reason.

Kan du fortælle mig, hvordan man bruger denne maskine?

Can you tell me how to use this machine?

Asking for an explanation/procedure.

Hun fortalte historien med tårer i øjnene.

She told the story with tears in her eyes.

Describing the emotional state of the speaker.

De fortalte, at de havde vundet i lotto.

They told that they had won the lottery.

Reporting a past perfect event within a past tense narrative.

Min bedstemor plejede at fortælle os eventyr.

My grandmother used to tell us fairy tales.

Habitual past action with 'plejede at'.

Han fortalte om sine bekymringer for fremtiden.

He told about his worries for the future.

Discussing abstract feelings.

Det er svært at fortælle sandheden i denne situation.

It is difficult to tell the truth in this situation.

Using 'fortælle' as an infinitive subject phrase.

Forfatteren fortæller historien fra barnets perspektiv.

The author tells the story from the child's perspective.

Literary analysis of narrative voice.

Han fortalte vidt og bredt om sine bedrifter.

He told far and wide (extensively) about his achievements.

Idiom: vidt og bredt (extensively/at length).

Jeg må fortælle dig, at din opførsel er uacceptabel.

I must tell you that your behavior is unacceptable.

Using 'fortælle' to deliver a serious message.

De har fortalt os alt, hvad vi behøver at vide.

They have told us everything we need to know.

Using 'alt, hvad' (everything that).

Det fortælles, at slottet er hjemsøgt.

It is told (it is said) that the castle is haunted.

Passive form: fortælles.

Hun formåede at fortælle historien uden at røbe slutningen.

She managed to tell the story without revealing the ending.

Using 'fortælle' alongside 'røbe' (reveal).

Kan du fortælle mig mere om baggrunden for denne beslutning?

Can you tell me more about the background of this decision?

Requesting detailed contextual information.

Han fortalte os om de udfordringer, han mødte undervejs.

He told us about the challenges he met along the way.

Narrating a process with challenges.

Filmen fortæller en gribende historie om tab og genfinding.

The film tells a poignant story of loss and recovery.

Using 'fortælle' to describe artistic themes.

Han formåede at fortælle om de mest komplekse emner på en enkel måde.

He managed to tell about the most complex topics in a simple way.

Describing communicative skill and clarity.

Man kan fortælle meget om en person ved at se på deres bogreol.

One can tell a lot about a person by looking at their bookshelf.

Using 'fortælle' in the sense of 'revealing' or 'indicating'.

Hun fortalte om sine oplevelser med en sjælden intensitet.

She told about her experiences with a rare intensity.

Describing the quality and manner of narration.

Rapporten fortæller en dyster historie om klimaforandringerne.

The report tells a grim story about climate change.

Metaphorical use of 'fortælle' for data/reports.

Han yndede at fortælle anekdoter fra sin tid i diplomatiet.

He was fond of telling anecdotes from his time in the diplomacy.

Using 'ynde at' (to be fond of) with 'fortælle'.

Det er nødvendigt at fortælle historien igen og igen for ikke at glemme den.

It is necessary to tell the story again and again to not forget it.

Expressing the cultural importance of oral tradition.

Hun fortalte os alt uden omsvøb.

She told us everything without beating around the bush.

Idiom: uden omsvøb (directly/straightforwardly).

Værket fortæller en polyfonisk historie, hvor flere stemmer flettes sammen.

The work tells a polyphonic story where multiple voices are interwoven.

Advanced literary terminology: polyfonisk (polyphonic).

Han formidlede budskabet ved at fortælle en række allegoriske lignelser.

He conveyed the message by telling a series of allegorical parables.

Using 'fortælle' within a complex pedagogical strategy.

Det er en historie, der fortæller sig selv gennem de efterladte spor.

It is a story that tells itself through the left-behind traces.

Reflexive/Metaphorical use: fortæller sig selv (tells itself).

Hun formåede at fortælle det usigelige gennem sit tavse nærvær.

She managed to tell the unspeakable through her silent presence.

Paradoxical use of 'fortælle' for non-verbal communication.

Forfatterens evne til at fortælle mellem linjerne er uovertruffen.

The author's ability to tell between the lines is unsurpassed.

Idiom: fortælle mellem linjerne (to tell between the lines/imply).

Historien fortæller om menneskeåndens ukuelighed i tider med modgang.

The story tells about the indomitability of the human spirit in times of adversity.

High-level abstract theme description.

Han fortalte om begivenheden med en kølig distance, der virkede provokerende.

He told about the event with a cool distance that seemed provocative.

Describing the psychological stance of the narrator.

Det at fortælle er en grundlæggende menneskelig handling, der skaber mening.

The act of telling is a fundamental human act that creates meaning.

Philosophical reflection on the act of narration.

Sinônimos

berette meddele røbe forklare oplyse skildre genfortælle udtale

Antônimos

fortie skjule lytte tie

Colocações comuns

fortælle en historie

fortælle en vittighed

fortælle sandheden

fortælle en løgn

fortælle om sin dag

fortælle alt

fortælle videre

fortælle en hemmelighed

fortælle om fremtiden

fortælle en godnathistorie

Frases Comuns

Det må du fortælle mere om.

— Used to express interest in a topic and encourage the speaker to continue.

Det lyder spændende, det må du fortælle mere om!

Jeg har fået fortalt, at...

— A way to introduce hearsay or information received from others.

Jeg har fået fortalt, at de skal giftes.

Fortæl, fortæl!

— An enthusiastic way to urge someone to share news or a story.

Har du været på date? Fortæl, fortæl!

Som jeg før har fortalt...

— Used to refer back to information previously shared.

Som jeg før har fortalt, så kan jeg ikke komme på lørdag.

Det fortæller en hel del.

— Used when an action or fact reveals a lot about a person or situation.

Hans reaktion fortæller en hel del om hans karakter.

Man skal ikke fortælle alt til alle.

— A piece of advice suggesting caution with personal information.

Husk, man skal ikke fortælle alt til alle.

Jeg kan ikke fortælle dig, hvor glad jeg er.

— Used to emphasize a strong emotion that is hard to put into words.

Jeg kan slet ikke fortælle dig, hvor glad jeg er for gaven.

Fortæl mig sandheden.

— A direct demand for honesty.

Se på mig og fortæl mig sandheden.

Nu skal jeg fortælle dig noget.

— A phrase used to grab attention before sharing important information.

Nu skal jeg fortælle dig noget, som du ikke vil tro på.

Det fortæller historien intet om.

— Used when a source or story lacks specific information about a detail.

Hvad der skete bagefter, det fortæller historien intet om.

Frequentemente confundido com

fortælle vs sige

Sige is for short utterances or quotes; fortælle is for longer information or stories.

fortælle vs forklare

Forklare means 'to explain' the logic or 'how-to'; fortælle is just sharing the content.

fortælle vs tale

Tale means 'to speak' or 'to talk' in general; fortælle requires specific content being told.

Expressões idiomáticas

"fortælle vidt og bredt"

— To talk extensively about something to many people.

Han fortalte vidt og bredt om sin nye bil.

informal/neutral

"fortælle stolpe op og stolpe ned"

— To tell everything in great, often tedious detail.

Hun fortalte stolpe op og stolpe ned om sin sygdom.

informal

"hvis jeg skal fortælle det, som det er"

— To speak frankly and honestly without sugarcoating.

Hvis jeg skal fortælle det, som det er, så kan jeg ikke lide din nye hat.

neutral

"fortælle en historie fra de varme lande"

— To tell a tall tale or a highly unlikely story.

Det der lyder som en historie fra de varme lande.

informal

"det fortæller sig selv"

— Something that is obvious and doesn't need explanation.

Hvorfor han er sur? Det fortæller vel sig selv efter det nederlag.

neutral

"fortælle Gud og hver mand"

— To tell absolutely everyone about something.

Hun har fortalt Gud og hver mand om sin forlovelse.

informal

"lad mig fortælle dig en ting"

— Used to introduce a firm opinion or warning.

Lad mig fortælle dig en ting: Det her kommer ikke til at gå godt.

neutral

"fortælle mellem linjerne"

— To imply something without saying it directly.

Han sagde det ikke direkte, men han fortalte det mellem linjerne.

literary/neutral

"fortælle videnskabeligt"

— To explain something in a scientific or highly technical manner.

Han forsøgte at fortælle videnskabeligt om processen.

formal

"fortælle en røverhistorie"

— To tell a made-up, exaggerated, or exciting story.

Bedstefar fortalte altid røverhistorier fra sin ungdom.

informal

Fácil de confundir

fortælle vs tælle

It sounds very similar and is the root of 'fortælle'.

Tælle means to count (1, 2, 3), while fortælle means to tell a story. They are related but used for completely different tasks.

Jeg tæller mine penge, mens jeg fortæller en historie.

fortælle vs udtale

Both involve speaking and have the 'tale' root.

Udtale means to pronounce a word or to make an official statement. Fortælle is about narration and sharing info.

Han udtaler ordet forkert, når han fortæller historien.

fortælle vs genfortælle

It contains the word 'fortælle'.

Genfortælle specifically means to retell something you've heard before, whereas fortælle can be original information.

Kan du genfortælle, hvad han fortalte dig?

fortælle vs meddele

Both mean to give information.

Meddele is more formal and often used for brief, official announcements. Fortælle is more personal and descriptive.

De meddelte resultatet, men de fortalte ikke om detaljerne.

fortælle vs berette

Both mean to narrate.

Berette is formal and often used in written reports or history. Fortælle is the standard word for speech.

Han beretter om krigen i sin bog, men han fortæller historier til sine børn.

Padrões de frases

Jeg fortæller en [noun].

Jeg fortæller en historie.

Fortæl mig om [noun].

Fortæl mig om din hund.

Han fortalte, at [sentence].

Han fortalte, at han var glad.

Har du fortalt [person] om [noun]?

Har du fortalt mor om gaven?

Det er svært at fortælle [noun].

Det er svært at fortælle sandheden.

Hun fortalte levende om [noun].

Hun fortalte levende om sin rejse.

Det fortælles, at [sentence].

Det fortælles, at han er rejst.

Uden at fortælle for meget, kan jeg sige [sentence].

Uden at fortælle for meget, kan jeg sige, at det bliver vildt.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

fortælling (story/narrative)

fortæller (narrator)

fortælleglæde (joy of storytelling)

fortællekunst (art of storytelling)

Verbos

genfortælle (retell)

viderefortælle (pass on a story)

Adjetivos

fortællende (narrative/descriptive)

fortalt (told - past participle)

Relacionado

historie

beretning

eventyr

anekdote

narrativ

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Como usar

frequency

Very high; it is one of the top 500 most used words in Danish.

Erros comuns

Using 'fortælle' instead of 'sige' for short quotes. → Han sagde: 'Jeg kommer nu'.
You cannot 'fortælle' a single quote or word. 'Fortælle' requires a narrative or information content.
Using 'fortællede' as the past tense. → Han fortalte mig en historie.
The past tense of 'fortælle' is irregular: 'fortalte'. There is no such word as 'fortællede'.
Omitting 'om' when talking about a topic. → Jeg fortæller om min ferie.
Without 'om', it sounds like you are narrating the holiday itself as an object, which is usually not what is intended.
Using 'til' unnecessarily with 'mig/dig/os'. → Han fortalte mig det.
While 'fortalte det til mig' is okay, 'fortalte mig det' is much more natural and common in Danish.
Confusing 'fortælle' with 'forklare' in technical contexts. → Kan du forklare, hvordan computeren virker?
If you want someone to help you understand a process, use 'forklare'. 'Fortælle' is for sharing facts or stories.

Dicas

Master the Past Tense

The jump from 'fortælle' to 'fortalte' is one of the first irregular patterns you should learn. Practice saying 'Jeg fortæller i dag, jeg fortalte i går' until it feels automatic. This vowel shift (æ to a) is a classic feature of several important Danish verbs.

Use 'Om' for Topics

If you are unsure how to finish a sentence with 'fortælle', just add 'om' and a noun. 'Jeg fortæller om min hund', 'Han fortæller om filmen'. It's the easiest way to build correct, meaningful sentences at an early stage.

The Power of 'Fortæl!'

In a conversation, saying 'Fortæl!' or 'Fortæl mig mere!' is a great way to show you are listening and interested. It encourages the other person to keep talking and makes you a better conversationalist in Danish.

Don't Overuse 'Til'

Avoid saying 'fortælle til mig' too often. While not wrong, 'fortælle mig' is much more common. Danish prefers placing the recipient directly after the verb. 'Han fortalte mig en hemmelighed' sounds much more native than 'Han fortalte en hemmelighed til mig'.

Listen for the Schwa

The final 'e' in 'fortælle' is a very soft sound. It's almost like a tiny breath at the end of the word. Don't over-pronounce it as a hard 'ay' or 'ee'. Keep it neutral and relaxed.

Vary Your Verbs

Once you reach a B1 level, try to use synonyms like 'berette' or 'skildre' in your writing. This will prevent your text from sounding repetitive and show that you have a more sophisticated command of the language.

Cultural Storytelling

Remember that 'fortælle' is central to Danish 'hygge'. Sharing stories is a way of building community. When you 'fortæller' something, you aren't just giving data; you are sharing a part of your world with someone else.

Fortælle vs. Sige

Never use 'fortælle' for a single word or a direct quote. If someone said 'No', you say 'Han sagde nej', not 'Han fortalte nej'. If they told you why they said no, then you can use 'fortalte'.

Use with 'at'

Practice the pattern 'fortalte, at...'. It's essential for reporting what people said. 'Min ven fortalte, at han kommer i morgen'. This is one of the most useful structures for intermediate Danish learners.

Learn 'Vidt og Bredt'

Using the idiom 'fortælle vidt og bredt' will make you sound very advanced. It perfectly describes someone who can't stop talking about their experiences to everyone they meet.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'for-TELL-e'. The 'tell' part is right in the middle, just like the English word 'tell'. The 'for-' is a common prefix, and the '-e' is the standard infinitive ending.

Associação visual

Imagine a person sitting by a campfire (for-) telling (-tælle) a story to others. The 'æ' in the middle looks like an open mouth sharing words.

Word Web

historie mund lytte sandhed vittighed hemmelighed nyhed stemme

Desafio

Try to tell a 3-sentence story in Danish using 'fortæller' in the first, 'fortalte' in the second, and 'har fortalt' in the third.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Middle Low German 'vortellen'. It shares roots with the German 'erzählen' and the Dutch 'vertellen'. The 'for-' prefix often indicates a process or an intensification.

Significado original: Originally meant to count up or enumerate, which evolved into 'recounting' events or telling a story.

Germanic

Contexto cultural

Be careful when 'fortæller' secrets; Danish culture values privacy, and sharing something told in confidence can be a social faux pas.

English speakers often use 'say' and 'tell' interchangeably in some contexts, but in Danish, 'fortælle' is almost always reserved for longer narratives or specific information transfer.

H.C. Andersen's 'Eventyr fortalte for Børn' (Fairy Tales Told for Children). The Danish Radio (DR) program 'Fortællinger fra Danmark'. Karen Blixen's 'Syv fantastiske Fortællinger' (Seven Gothic Tales).

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

At home with family

Fortæl om din dag.
Kan du fortælle en historie?
Jeg har noget at fortælle jer.
Far fortalte en vittighed.

At work or school

Jeg vil fortælle om projektet.
Kan du fortælle mig mere?
Han fortalte om resultaterne.
Hun fortalte, hvordan det virker.

Socializing with friends

Fortæl mig alt!
Har han fortalt dig det?
Vi sad bare og fortalte historier.
Du må ikke fortælle det videre.

Reading or watching news

Avisen fortæller om krisen.
De fortæller om vejret.
Nyhederne fortalte om ulykken.
Journalisten fortæller sandheden.

In a library or bookstore

Hvad fortæller bogen om?
Det er en velfortalt historie.
Forfatteren fortæller levende.
Kan du fortælle mig, hvor bogen er?

Iniciadores de conversa

"Kan du fortælle mig lidt om dig selv?"

"Hvad kan du fortælle om din hjemby?"

"Vil du fortælle mig om din yndlingsfilm?"

"Kan du fortælle en sjov historie fra din barndom?"

"Hvad fortalte din lærer dig i dag?"

Temas para diário

Fortæl om en dag, du aldrig vil glemme.

Hvis du kunne fortælle noget til dit yngre selv, hvad ville det være?

Fortæl om en person, der har betydet meget for dig.

Fortæl om dine drømme for fremtiden.

Fortæl om en gang, hvor det var svært at fortælle sandheden.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

No, it is not always followed by 'om'. You can use it with a direct object, like 'fortælle en historie' (tell a story) or 'fortælle sandheden' (tell the truth). 'Om' is used when you are talking about a general topic, like 'fortælle om sin dag' (tell about one's day). Understanding the difference between telling a specific thing and telling about a topic is key.

'Sige' is used for short statements, direct quotes, or simply the act of speaking. For example, 'Han sagde hej' (He said hi). 'Fortælle' is used for sharing information, stories, or detailed accounts. You would never say 'Han fortalte hej'. Think of 'fortælle' as providing a narrative and 'sige' as providing an utterance.

While you can say 'Jeg blev fortalt', it is much more common and idiomatic to say 'Jeg fik at vide' (I was given to know). Another option is 'Jeg har hørt' (I have heard). 'Jeg blev fortalt' sounds a bit like a direct translation from English and is less frequent in natural Danish conversation.

Yes, metaphorically. You can say 'Bogen fortæller om...' (The book tells about...) or 'Hans ansigt fortæller alt' (His face tells everything). This is a common way to describe how objects or expressions convey meaning or information to an observer.

Yes, it is considered irregular because the vowel changes from 'æ' in 'fortælle' to 'a' in 'fortalte', and it doesn't follow the standard '-ede' or '-te' ending rules perfectly. It is a 'weak' verb but with a specific vowel shift that you need to memorize, similar to 'sælge/solgte' (sell/sold).

Use 'berette' when you are in a formal setting, such as writing a journalistic article, a historical account, or an official report. It sounds more professional and serious. For everyday conversations with friends, family, or colleagues, 'fortælle' is almost always the better choice.

Sometimes, but 'forklare' is usually better. If you say 'Fortæl mig, hvordan man gør', it works. But if you want someone to explain the logic of a math problem, 'Forklar mig det her' is more precise. 'Fortælle' is about the content, while 'forklare' is about the understanding of the process or reason.

Grammatically, it usually implies a recipient, even if not explicitly stated. You are telling *to* someone. If you are just talking to yourself, you would likely use 'tale' or 'snakke'. 'Fortælle' is inherently a communicative act directed at an audience, whether that audience is one person or a thousand.

'Fortælle videre' means to pass on information or a story that you have heard from someone else. It's often used in the context of secrets or gossip, like 'Lov mig ikke at fortælle det videre' (Promise me not to tell it further/pass it on).

No, 'historie' is the most common word for 'story' in Danish. 'Fortælling' is often used for a more literary or structured narrative. You can also use 'beretning' for a report-like story or 'eventyr' for a fairy tale. 'Historie' is the most versatile and can mean both a story and history as a subject.

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