Idiomatic Expressions in Danish

Overview

Idiomatic Expressions (Idiomatiske Udtryk) is an important grammar concept at the C2 level in Danish. Danish idioms and fixed expressions: slå to fluer med ét smæk, lægge låg på, have en ræv bag øret.

At the mastery level, understanding this concept allows you to express yourself with greater accuracy and nuance. This grammar point builds on foundations you have established at earlier levels and connects to several related areas of Danish grammar.

As you work through this topic, pay attention to how it functions in authentic Danish texts and conversations. The patterns you learn here will become more natural with regular practice and exposure to the language.

How It Works

Core rules

Danish idioms and fixed expressions: slå to fluer med ét smæk, lægge låg på, have en ræv bag øret.

Key patterns

Danish	English
slå to fluer med ét smæk	kill two birds with one stone
have en ræv bag øret	be cunning/crafty
lægge låg på	hush up/cover up
at være ude at køre	to be in trouble

Animal idioms

Danish	Literal	Meaning
sla to fluer med et smaek	hit two flies with one smack	kill two birds with one stone
have en raev bag oret	have a fox behind the ear	be cunning
der er ugler i mosen	there are owls in the bog	something is fishy
vaere en born i Herrens kirke	be a child in the Lord's church	be naive

Everyday idioms

Danish	Meaning
laegge lag pa	hush up, cover up
at vaere ude at kore	to be in trouble
fa kolde fodder	get cold feet
ramme plet	hit the mark
ga i hundene	go to the dogs
smide med mudder	throw mud (slander)
taelle pa knapperne	count the buttons (hesitate)

Examples in Context

Danish	English	Note
slå to fluer med ét smæk	kill two birds with one stone
have en ræv bag øret	be cunning/crafty
lægge låg på	hush up/cover up
at være ude at køre	to be in trouble

Common Mistakes

Transferring English patterns directly

• Wrong: Using English word order or structure when expressing idiomatic expressions in Danish.
• Right: Follow Danish-specific rules for this grammar point.
• Why: Danish and English handle idiomatic expressions differently. Learning the Danish pattern as its own system prevents interference from English.

Neglecting subordinate clause word order

• Wrong: Keeping main clause word order when idiomatic expressions appears in a subordinate clause.
• Right: Remember that adverbs like ikke move before the verb in subordinate clauses.
• Why: The main clause/subordinate clause word order distinction is fundamental in Danish and affects how all grammar structures are used.

Overgeneralizing rules

• Wrong: Applying one pattern to all cases of idiomatic expressions without considering exceptions.
• Right: Learn both the regular patterns and the common exceptions.
• Why: Danish grammar has regular patterns but also important exceptions, particularly with frequently used words.

Practice Tips

• Immerse in Danish literature. Read classic and contemporary Danish authors, paying attention to how they manipulate idiomatic expressions for stylistic effect.
• Listen to varied Danish speech. Expose yourself to different dialects, registers, and speaking styles to understand how idiomatic expressions varies across contexts.
• Teach the concept. Explaining idiomatic expressions to another learner is one of the most effective ways to deepen your own understanding and identify any remaining gaps.