Danish swear words for frustration, anger and pain

Kraftedeme (Fucking, damn)

This strong expression is used to emphasize a point with intensity. It’s a combination of “kræft” (cancer) and “ædeme” (eating), though it’s best not to think too literally about the grim imagery.

Examples:

• “Det er kraftedeme for dårligt!” (“That’s fucking not good enough”)
• “Det mener du kraftedeme ikke” (“You don’t fucking mean that”)
• “Det er kraftedeme ulækkert” (“That’s fucking disgusting”)

For Helvede (For Hell’s sake / Goddamn it)

A go-to curse for expressing frustration or anger, akin to the English “For God’s sake.”

Examples:

• “For helvede, hvor er mine nøgler?” (“Goddamn it, where are my keys?”)
• “Av, for helvede! Det gjorde ondt” (“Outch, goddamn it. That hurt.”)
• “Kom nu for helvede!” (Come on, goddamn it”)

For Satan (For Satan’s sake / Damn it)

Similar to “for helvede,” but with a bit more diabolical flair. It’s often used when something goes wrong.

Examples:

• “For satan, det gør ondt!” (“Damn it, that hurts!”)
• “For satan, jeg glemte det igen!” (“Damn it, I forgot it again”)
• “Føj for satan, det lugter!” (Euw damn it, it smells”)

For Fanden (For the Devil / Damn it)

Another variation invoking the devil, used to express annoyance or anger.

Examples:

• “For fanden, hvorfor virker det ikke?” (“Damn it, why isn’t it working?”)
• “Hvorfor fanden har du ikke ringet til lægen endnu?” (“Why the hell haven’t you called the doctor yet?”)
• “Stop musikken for fanden” (“Stop the music goddamn it”)

Hold Kæft (Shut up)

A blunt way to tell someone to stop talking, often used in moments of frustration.

Examples:

• “Hold kæft og lad mig tænke!” (“Shut up and let me think!”)
• “Hold kæft, hvor er her flot!” (Shut up, how beautiful it is here”)
• “Han holder aldrig kæft” (“He never shuts up”)

Luk Røven (Shut your ass / Shut up)

Even more crude than “hold kæft,” this phrase is used to forcefully tell someone to be quiet.

Examples:

• “Luk røven, jeg gider ikke høre på dig mere!” (“Shut up, I don’t want to listen to you anymore!”)
• “Luk røven og lad os komme afsted” (“Shut up and let’s get going”)
• “Kan du ikke lukke røven med dine klager?” (“Can’t you shut up with your complaints?”)

Fuck Af (Fuck off)

Borrowed from English, this phrase is straightforward and typically used to tell someone to leave you alone.

Examples:

• “Fuck af med dig!” (“Fuck off!”)
• “Jeg sagde, at han skulle fucke af” (“I told him to fuck off”)
• “Fuck af med dine jokes” (“Fuck off with your jokes”)

Emphasizing in Danish with “Skide” and “Pisse”

In Danish, as in many languages, curse words and their milder cousins can be used not just to curse, but to add emphasis or intensity to a statement.

This is particularly common with words like “skide” (to shit),  “pisse” (to piss) and “fucking,” which can amplify the impact of what you’re saying, whether you’re describing something fantastically good or disastrously bad.

You can technically use these amplifies with all verbs, but here’s a list of the most common ones (Please note that you can use ‘fucking’ instead of ‘skide’ or ‘pisse’ on any of them):

Skidegod/Pissegod (Really good)

• “Den nye restaurant i byen er skidegod. Du skal virkelig prøve deres pizza!”
• (“The new restaurant in town is really good. You absolutely have to try their pizza!”)
  
  

Skidedårlig/Pissedårlig (Really bad)

• “Filmen vi så i går var skidedårlig. Jeg kunne næsten ikke holde ud at se den færdig.”
• (“The movie we watched yesterday was really bad. I could barely stand to watch it till the end.”)

Skideirriterende/Pisseirriterende (Really irritating)

• “Det er skideirriterende, når folk afbryder mig midt i en samtale.”
• (“It’s really annoying when people interrupt me in the middle of a conversation.”)

Skidesjov/Pissesjov (Really fun/funny)

• “Den komiker vi så til showet i går var skidesjov. Jeg grinede hele aftenen.”
• (“The comedian we saw at the show last night was really funny. I laughed the whole evening.”)

Skidevigtig/Pissevigtig (Really important)

• “Det er skidevigtigt, at vi møder op til mødet i morgen.”
• (“It’s really important that we show up for the meeting tomorrow.”)

Skidedyr/Pissedyr (Really expensive)

•  “Jeg købte en jakke, men den var skidedyr. Jeg er ikke sikker på, om det var det værd.”
• (“I bought a jacket, but it was really expensive. I’m not sure if it was worth it.”)

Skidelækker/Pisselækker (Really hot/delicious)

• “Maden på den nye restaurant var skidelækker, og tjeneren var også pisselækker”
• (“The food at the new restaurant was really delicious, and the waiter was also really hot!”)

Skidehyggelig/Pissehyggelig (Really good time)

• “Jeg havde en skidehyggelig fødselsdag med mine venner”
• (“I had a great birthday with my friends”)

Skidekedelig/Pissekedelig (Really boring)

•  “Mødet i morges var skidekedeligt. Jeg kunne næsten ikke holde mine øjne åbne.”
• (“The meeting this morning was really boring. I could barely keep my eyes open.”)

Skidesur/Pissesur (Really angry)

• “Hun blev skidesur, da hun fandt ud af, at vi havde glemt hendes fødselsdag.”
• (“She got really angry when she found out we had forgotten her birthday.”)

The Mysterious ‘sgu’

In Danish colloquial speech, the word “sgu” is one of the most prevalent and versatile expressions that can crop up in various conversations. It’s a term that informally reinforces or emphasizes a statement, often with a lightly humorous or relaxed tone. Although technically a swear word, it’s relatively mild and used in many contexts without being offensive.

“Sgu” originates from a contraction of “så Gud,” and while historically it may have carried a religious undertone, in modern usage, it has shed this connotation.

Here are some examples of how “sgu” is typically used in everyday Danish:

• “Han er sgu god til at spille guitar!” (“He’s really good at playing the guitar!”) 
• “Det var sgu da en overraskelse at se dig her!” (“It’s quite a surprise to see you here!”)
• “Jeg mener det sgu, vi skal nok klare det!” (“I really mean it, we’re going to make it!”)
• “Det er sgu en fantastisk idé!” (“That’s really a fantastic idea!”)

Check out what Danish lessons we offer!

Fem flade flødeboller på et fladt flødebollefad

Translated as “Five flat ‘cream buns’ on a flat ‘cream bun’ tray” it is a very famouse Danish tounge twister, which is very difficult to say quickly even for Danes!

We know that ‘cream bun’ isn’t exactly the right translation to ‘flødeboller’.

A “flødebolle” is a beloved Danish confectionery delight. It consists of a soft, pillowy marshmallow-like filling, typically flavored with vanilla or other sweet flavors, encased in a thin layer of chocolate and placed on a round biscuit base. 

Far, får får får? Nej, får får ikke får. Får får lam.

Translated as “Father, do sheep get (give birth to) sheep? No, sheep don’t get sheep. Sheep get lambs,” this tongue twister is all about the amusing confusion of words.

Får both translates to sheep and to get/recieve.

Ka’ køer li’ likør? Nej, køer ka’ ik’ li’ likør. Køer ka’ li køer

Translates to “Do cows like liqueur? No, cows don’t like liqueur. Cows like cows,” this tongue twister shows how we in Danish cut off parts of a word.

Can is ‘kan’, but is often pronounced ‘ka’.
Not is ‘ikke’, but is often pronounced ‘ik’.
Like is ‘lide’, but is always pronounces ‘li’.

Da de hvide kom til de vilde, ville de vilde vide, hvad de hvide ville vide

Translates to “When the white ones came to the wild ones, the wild ones wanted to know what the white ones wanted to know”. 

Stativ, stakit, kasket

Translates to “Stand, fence, cap” in English and is a famous Danish tongue twister, which you are supposed to repeat again and again. 

After a few turns it starts messing with your mind and the letters start jumping around, making it really difficult to say. 

Do you also want to try practicing the most difficult Danish words to pronounce?

Structure of the PD3 Exam

1. Reading Comprehension

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Format: Two sections. The first part (Læseforståelse 1) takes 25 minutes and involves quickly finding factual information in texts. The second part (Læseforståelse 2) takes 65 minutes and includes 3 parts testing your comprehension.
  • Part 1 (Delprøve 1): Read a text and answer three questions with three possible answers.
  • Part 2 (Delprøve 2): Read a text missing 5 paragraphs and choose the 5 paragraphs from a list of 7 paragraphs.
  • Part 3 (Delprøve 3): Read a text missing 8 words/phrases. Fill in the missing words/phrases choosing from 4 options.

2. Writing

• Duration: 2.5 hours
• Format: Two tasks. The first task involves responding to an email. The second task requires writing an essay or report on a societal issue, either discussing a diagram or personal experiences and viewpoints.

3. Oral Examination

• Duration: Approximately 10 minutes
• Format: Two parts. The first part involves presenting a prepared topic. The second part is a spontaneous discussion on a topic drawn during the exam.

Exam Preparation Tips

1. Listening and Reading Skills:
   • Regularly listen to Danish radio, watch TV shows, and read various Danish texts to improve comprehension and vocabulary.
2. Writing Skills:
   • Practice writing essays and emails, focusing on clarity and coherence. Use feedback from instructors to improve.
3. Speaking Skills:
   • Engage in conversations with native speakers and practice presenting and discussing various topics to build fluency and confidence.

Where and When to Take the Exam

The PD3 is offered twice yearly, typically in May/June and November/December, at authorized language centers across Denmark. Registration details and dates can be found on the official websites of these centers.

Key Requirements for Passing

To pass the PD3, candidates must achieve an average score of at least 2.0, with the oral exam weighted doubly. Specific contexts might demand higher individual scores.

By preparing thoroughly and understanding the structure and requirements of the PD3, candidates can significantly enhance their chances of success and demonstrate the necessary proficiency in Danish for their goals.

Consider getting preparing for the exam with private 1-1 Danish lessons or in a small group of 4 at our PD3 Preparations Courses starting in April and September.

Basic Requirements

1. Legal Residency

To qualify for permanent residency, you must have resided legally in Denmark for at least 8 years. This period can be reduced to 4 years if you meet certain exceptional criteria, such as higher education, active employment, or significant contributions to Danish society.

2. Clean Criminal Record

You must not have any serious criminal convictions. Even minor offenses can affect your application, so maintaining a clean record is crucial.

3. Financial Independence

Applicants must not have any debt to public authorities and should not have received certain types of public assistance (like social benefits) within the last 4 years prior to applying.

4. Employment

You must have been employed or self-employed in Denmark for at least 3 years and 6 months within the last 4 years. This employment must be full-time (at least 30 hours per week) and regular.

5. Language Skills

Proficiency in Danish is required. You need to pass at least the Danish 2 Examination (Prøve i Dansk 2). Higher language proficiency, such as Danish 3 (Prøve i Dansk 3), may further strengthen your application.

Check out our blogpost about how to learn Danish.

Additional Requirements

1. Extended Work Experience

If you have been employed for 4 years within the last 4 years and 6 months, this can provide additional points towards your application.

2. Higher Income

A higher annual income can also be beneficial. Specifically, having an average annual income of at least 319,738.75 DKK (as of 2024) over the last two years can satisfy one of the supplementary conditions.

3. Education

Possessing a degree from a recognized Danish educational institution or equivalent can help meet the requirements. This is particularly valuable if it’s equivalent to a Danish vocational education or higher.

4. Civic Engagement

Active participation in Danish society, such as volunteering or involvement in community organizations, can demonstrate your commitment to integrating into Danish culture.

Special Considerations

Exceptional Cases

Certain applicants might be eligible for exemptions from some of these requirements. For instance, if you are a caregiver for a disabled child or a seriously ill family member, some of the employment requirements might be waived.

Documentation

Accurate and thorough documentation is essential. This includes employment contracts, pay slips, tax statements, proof of language proficiency, and evidence of civic engagement. All documents should be up-to-date and correctly translated if necessary.

Application Process

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Preparation: Gather all required documents, including proof of legal residency, employment records, financial statements, and language certificates.
2. Online Application: Submit your application through the NyiDanmark portal. You will need to create an account and fill out the necessary forms.
3. Biometric Data: Visit a designated location to provide your biometric data (photo, fingerprints).
4. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online. Ensure you keep the receipt as proof.
5. Follow-up: Monitor your application status through the online portal. Be prepared to provide additional documentation if requested.

Processing Time

The processing time for permanent residency applications can vary. It is advisable to apply well in advance of any critical deadlines or changes in your personal circumstances.

Conclusion

Obtaining permanent residency in Denmark requires careful planning and adherence to the stipulated criteria. By understanding the requirements and preparing your application thoroughly, you can increase your chances of success. For the most current information and detailed guidance, always refer to the official NyiDanmark website.

Navigating the path to permanent residency can be complex, but with the right preparation and resources, it is an achievable goal that brings you one step closer to becoming a permanent member of Danish society.

Use Language Learning Apps

Language learning apps offer convenient, interactive, and structured lessons that can be accessed anytime, anywhere. They provide feedback, track progress, and offer diverse content, making them ideal for beginners and those looking for flexible learning options.

However, these apps may lack depth for advanced proficiency, have limited interaction compared to real-life conversations, and could foster over-reliance on translation, hindering direct thinking in Danish.

Additionally, some apps may not adequately address pronunciation challenges. Despite these limitations, incorporating language apps into your Danish learning journey, alongside other resources, can enhance proficiency and confidence in Danish communication.

Recommended Language Learning Apps for Danish:

Duolingo

Known for its gamified approach, Duolingo offers bite-sized lessons covering vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

Babbel

Babbel provides interactive courses designed by language experts, focusing on practical language skills and cultural insights.

Quizlet

Quizlet is a great flashcard app, where you can find tons of decks created by regular people and schools, that you can add to your profile and practice. At Welcome to Danmark we create decks in different categories and share it with our students, so they can increase their vocabulary visually by reading the words, and auditory, by listening to the pronunciation of the words.

Enrolling in Language Courses

Enrolling in language courses offers a structured and guided approach to learning Danish, providing learners with access to experienced instructors, comprehensive curriculum, and opportunities for real-time interaction with peers.

One of the primary advantages is the accountability and motivation that comes with attending regular classes, as well as the ability to receive immediate feedback on language skills.

Additionally, language courses often incorporate a variety of teaching methods, including interactive activities, group discussions, and cultural immersion, which can enhance comprehension and retention.

However, enrolling in language courses may come with some drawbacks. These include the cost associated with tuition fees, transportation, and materials. Additionally, the pace of the course may not always align with individual learning preferences or schedules, making it challenging for some learners to keep up. Furthermore, classes may vary in size and composition, impacting the level of individual attention and interaction received from instructors.

Here’s a list of the biggest language schools in Denmark, that provide free Danish classes (for those who are eligable) and also organize the PD2, PD3 and Studieprøven exams:

1. Studieskolen
2. Speak
3. UCPlus
4. CLAVIS

Overall, while language courses offer a structured and supportive environment for learning Danish, it’s essential for learners to weigh the benefits against the potential limitations and consider their personal learning style and commitments before enrolling.

Immerse Yourself in Danish Culture

Understanding Danish culture offers insights into the social norms, customs, and values that shape Danish society, enriching your comprehension of the language in its cultural context. Experiencing Danish culture firsthand exposes you to authentic language use in real-life situations, helping you grasp nuances, idiomatic expressions, and colloquialisms.

Moreover, cultural immersion fosters integration and connection with the local community, facilitating meaningful interactions and relationships.

Let’s look at some things you can do in order to immerse yourself in Danish culture:

Watch Danish Movies and TV Shows

Dive into Danish films and television series with Danish subtitles to familiarize yourself with the language’s rhythm, intonation, and colloquial expressions.

Listen to Danish Music and Podcasts

Explore Danish music, podcasts, and radio stations to expose yourself to authentic Danish speech and cultural references. Pay attention to lyrics and try to decipher their meaning. Check out Welcome to Danmark’s Spotify Playlist with some of the most famous Danish songs:

Read Danish Literature and Media

Engage with Danish books, newspapers, magazines, and online articles to expand your vocabulary and comprehension skills. Start with simpler texts such as children’s books and gradually progress to more complex material.

Engage with Danish Social Media

 Follow Danish influencers, celebrities, and news outlets on social media platforms to stay updated on current events, trends, and cultural topics. Participate in discussions and comment in Danish when possible.

Attend Cultural Events and Festivals

Immerse yourself in Danish cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions to experience the local culture, traditions, and celebrations. Look for language exchange meetups or conversation clubs where you can practice speaking Danish with native speakers.

Finding a Native Danish Speaker for Practice

Practicing with a native Danish speaker is invaluable for improving your language skills, gaining confidence, and immersing yourself in the culture. Whether it’s a friend, language exchange partner, or private tutor, having someone to motivate, challenge, and support you can greatly enhance your learning experience. Here’s how to find the right person to practice with:

Social Circles 

Reach out to Danish friends, colleagues, or acquaintances and express your interest in practicing Danish with them. Many Danes are eager to help others learn their language and may appreciate the opportunity to share their culture.

Language Exchange

 Offer to exchange language lessons with a Danish-speaking friend who wants to improve their skills in your native language. This mutually beneficial arrangement allows both parties to practice and learn from each other.

Language Schools

Many language schools and tutoring services, such as Welcome to Danmark, offer private Danish lessons with native-speaking instructors. Look for experienced tutors who can tailor their teaching approach to your learning style, interests, and goals.

Here are a couple of things to consider when looking for a native Danish speaker who can help you with your Danish:

• Compatibility: Look for a practice partner or tutor whose personality, teaching style, and interests align with yours. A good match can make the learning experience more enjoyable and effective.
• Communication Goals: Clearly communicate your language learning goals, preferences, and areas of focus to your practice partner or tutor. Whether you want to improve conversational skills, work on pronunciation, or learn specific vocabulary related to your interests or profession, tailor the conversations to meet your needs.
• Feedback and Patience: Seek constructive feedback from your practice partner or tutor and be receptive to corrections and suggestions for improvement. Likewise, be patient with yourself and your conversation partner as you navigate language barriers and learning curves together.

Finding a native Danish speaker to practice with can significantly accelerate your language learning journey, providing personalized support, encouragement, and cultural insights along the way.

Whether through friendship, language exchange, or private tutoring, embracing opportunities for conversation and connection with native speakers is key to achieving fluency in Danish.

Stay Consistent and Motivated

Learning Danish is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and a positive mindset. Here’s how to stay consistent and motivated throughout your language learning journey:

Patience is Key

Learning a new language takes time, so be patient with yourself. Understand that progress may not always be linear, and there will be ups and downs along the way. Celebrate small victories and milestones, no matter how minor they may seem. Every step forward is a step closer to fluency.

Consistency is Crucial

Consistency is key to language acquisition. Make Danish a part of your daily routine, whether it’s practicing vocabulary flashcards, listening to Danish music, or reading Danish news articles. Set aside dedicated time for language learning and stick to it, even on days when motivation is lacking.

Celebrate Small Wins:

Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Whether you successfully hold a conversation in Danish, understand a new grammar concept, or learn a handful of new words, take a moment to pat yourself on the back. Recognize the effort you’re putting in and the improvements you’re making.

Be Kind to Yourself

Learning a new language is challenging, and it’s natural to encounter setbacks and frustrations along the way. Be kind to yourself and don’t be too hard on yourself for making mistakes. Embrace the learning process as a journey of growth and self-discovery. Treat yourself with the same compassion and encouragement you would offer to a friend.

Find Your Motivation

Identify your reasons for learning Danish and keep them in mind when motivation wanes. Whether you’re learning for professional opportunities, personal enrichment, or to connect with Danish-speaking loved ones, remind yourself of your goals and the rewards that await you. Visualize yourself speaking fluent Danish and let that vision drive you forward.

Take Pride in Your Efforts

Learning a new language is no small task, so take pride in your efforts and achievements. Recognize the courage it takes to step out of your comfort zone and embark on the journey of language learning. Be proud of yourself for making the effort to learn a whole new language and for the progress you’re making every day, no matter how incremental it may seem.

By staying patient, consistent, and motivated, and by being kind to yourself along the way, you’ll not only make steady progress in learning Danish but also cultivate resilience, determination, and a sense of accomplishment that will serve you well in all areas of life.

 

Thank you for reading and do leave a comment below to let us know what you think!

Cities, areas and streetnames

Rødovre & Hvidovre

Of the many many MANY difficult Danish words to pronounce that were mentioned, Rødovre get’s the first prize as being the most mentioned and Hvidovre as the runner up.
One suggested that pronouncing Rødovre as ‘Rollover’ did the trick sometimes!

Oehlenschlægersgade

This word could easily be the final word in a spelling bee competition. A piece of advice: Don’t move here, unless you have mastered the Danish language to perfection. It would be a nightmare to say this streetname to taxidrivers or when friends ask you where you live. 

Gråbrødretorv

The ‘GreyBrothersSquare’ is a great place for drinks or just to hang out in Nørrebro, but a real challenge to pronounce.

Strøget

It’s quite ironic that the most touristic shopping street in Copenhagen, which is mostly visited by foreigners has a name that no one but the Danes can pronounce. 

Amager

Amager is the island where the Copenhagen Airport is and is pronounced nothing like it’s written. Forget the ‘g’ and ‘e’, and you will get ‘Amar’, which is how it is actually pronounced.

Dragør

At the very tip of Amager (Amar) you will find a beautiful idyllic fairytale-like fishing village with a view over Sweden with the challenging name Dragør (Drau-ør).

Foods that are difficult to pronounce in Danish

Brød & Rugbrød

So simple, yet so challenging. Bread and ryebread requires a minor throat exercise to pronounce correctly.

Krydderier 

The Danish word for spices is tricky and maybe this is why we don’t really use that many spices in danish cooking. Try saying this: ‘Krydreurtedressing’ (Herb Dressing). 

Ørred 

A dish you sadly have to wave goodbye to ordering in restaurants is smoked trout, which is ‘Røget ørred’ or ‘Røgede ørreder’ (in plural) in Danish. Yeah, I needed a glass of water after saying that too.

Kødpålæg

You will see this word in most bigger supermarkets with signs for the different food categories, such as cheese, dairy and….cold cuts, which is ‘kødpålæg’.

Chokolade

At a first glance, this word doesn’t seem that bad. But let’s be honest. Nothing is easy with the Danish soft D’s. 

Eddike

The double D’s can trick you into thinking that this word, meaning ‘vinegar’, is supposed to be pronounced with a hard D, but nope. We are still dealing with a soft D here.

A list of other difficult words to pronounce

Erhverv (profession)
Udledninger (emissions)
Brødre (brothers)
Kurv (basket)
Opholdstilladelse (residence permit)
Udfordring (challenge)
Udlændinge (foreigners)
Ledelseserfaring (management/leadership experience)
Overraskelse (surprise)
Ydeevne (performance)
Nederdel (skirt)
Sugerør (straw)
Spørgsmål (question)
Bugspytkirtel (pancreas)
Selvfølgelig (of course)
Tvivl (doubt)
Yderligere (further)
Meget (very)
Imidlertid (however/in the meantime)
Ydmyghed (humility)

 

Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments!