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Danish idioms and sayings

We have collected a few idioms and sayings used by the Danes. Some of the expressions are used a lot, while others are not heard that often. If you are not out getting ‘a stick in the ear’, you can check out our collection of idioms below.
to go cucumber - Danish idioms and sayings

'At gå agurk' - to go cucumber 

Danish language has many idioms and sayings and maybe you have heard some already.

We use idioms to add a bit of spice to our conversations. All languages in the world use idioms and proverbs.

Some idioms are even shared between several languages - perhaps with a small variation. For example the Danish idiom 'to go cucumber' means the same as the English 'to go bananas'.

Danish idiom - No cow on the ice

'Ingen ko på isen' - No cow on the ice 

'Ingen ko på isen' means there are no problems, complications or ill effects. 

You can also say 'There is no cow on the ice as long as it's backside is on land'. The idiom is originally from Sweden and is several hundred years old.

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Owls in the bog - Idioms in Danish

'Ugler i mosen' - Owls in the bog 

On the other hand, the idiom 'there are owls in the bog' means that something IS wrong. The expression is used when something strange or suspecious is afoot. 

Originally, the saying was 'The are wolves in the bog' the owls took over when wolves were no longer around. 

Check out a few more Danish idioms and sayings:

Any other expressions

Do you know any other idioms or sayings in Danish? Or how about in your native tongue? Leave a comment and tell us your favorite idioms.

Copenhagen Language Center

Comments

Join the discussion

  • Chloie

    My Danish host family once described an idiom for rain– and it was something to do with blue jeans– like clouds sewn into blue jeans or something. Any chance you know what this phrase is?

    Answer
  • Rachel Bernstein

    I have more of a question. My mother, who is danish, said there was an expression that means something like “waiting for insults”.
    Do you know of an idiom in danish like that?

    Answer

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