Homepage / Blog / Danish idioms and sayings

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.

Want to learn more Danish?

We offer Danish courses from beginner to advanced level. Located in the heart of Copenhagen and with more than 25 years of experience in teaching Danish, we are a popular choice among expats.

Learn More
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

Write comment

Related posts

Maybe you'll also like

Danish milk names and other funky dairy products

Danish milk names and other funky dairy products

18 Sep. 2018

The cartons all look the same and it raises the inevitable question, is it milk? … Or something else entirely? We’ll help you decipher that pesky Danish dairy jargon.
Danish words and phrases to talk about sleep

Danish vocabulary on sleep

18 Jul. 2018

Sleep, wonderful sleep ... Clever people say we spend one-third of our life in bed. Make sure you know the Danish vocabulary for those sleepy hours.
To give thanks in Danish

To give thanks in Danish

10 Jul. 2018

Danes have a special thank you for almost everything. Except for maybe actually saying 'thank you for everything' which is usually reserved for the final goodbye on the gravestone (rest in peace).