Catching up after missed classes | Learn Danish in English

Danish lesson set in a contemporary Copenhagen everyday setting: After missed classes, two classmates decide which assignment to handle first and arrange focused practice after class..

EN → DA / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Catching up after missed classes to practice Danish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Jeg er gået glip af nogle undervisningstimer på det sidste og føler mig bagud.

yai air goh-eth gleb uh uh-nuh-VEES-ning-stee-muh poh deh LES-tuh oh FUR-luh my bah-GOOD I missed some classes recently and feel behind.
B

Du kan godt komme ajour.

doo ken goht KOH-muh eye-ORE You can catch up.
B

Men hvis du prøver at lære det hele på én gang, bliver det sværere.

men ves doo PRUR-vuh eh LAIR-uh deh HAY-luh poh ayn gong, BLEE-vuh deh SVAIR-uh But trying to learn everything at once will make it harder.
A

Kan du fortælle mig, hvilken opgave jeg skal tage mig af først?

ken doo foh-TEL-uh my, VEL-gen oh-PAIR-vuh yai skal TAIR-uh my uh FIRST Could you tell me which assignment I should handle first?
B

Den mundtlige opsummering skal snart afleveres, og arbejdsarket kan vente til senere.

den MOONT-lee-uh OP-suh-MAIR-ing skal snard ah-FLAY-vuhs, uh AR-bites-AR-keth ken VEN-tuh till SAY-nuh-ruh The speaking summary is due soon, and the worksheet can wait until later.
A

Så bør jeg begynde med den mundtlige opgave.

soh bur yai beh-YUR-nuh med den MOONT-lee-uh oh-PAIR-vuh Then I should start with the speaking task.
B

Begynd med den, og bed læreren om noter fra de undervisningstimer, du gik glip af.

beh-YOON med den, uh beth LAIR-uh-ren om NOH-duh fra dee oon-uh-VEES-ning-stee-muh, doo gee gleb uh Start there, and ask the teacher for notes from the classes you missed.
A

Jeg føler mig mindre sikker, fordi de andre øvede sig sammen.

yai FUR-luh my MEN-druh SEE-kur, fee-DEE dee AN-druh UR-vuh say suh-MEN I feel less confident because the others practiced together.
B

Vi kan gennemgå opgaven efter timen.

vee ken GUR-num-goh oh-PAIR-vn EF-tuh TEE-men We can run through the task after class.
B

Så ved du, hvad du kan forvente.

soh veth doo, vah doo ken foh-VENT-uh So you know what to expect.
A

Det ville gøre det næste skridt mere overskueligt.

deh VEL-uh GUR-uh deh NEST-uh skridt MAIR-uh oh-vuh-SKOO-uh-leth That would make the next step feel more manageable.
B

Det er bedre med en fokuseret øvesession end at undgå arbejdet.

deh air BEDH-ruh med en foh-koo-SAIR-uth UR-vuh-say-SHUN en eh uhng-GOH AR-bai-thuh One focused practice session is better than avoiding the work.

Word by Word

Jeg “Jeg” means “I” and is the speaker referring to themself in “Jeg er gået glip af nogle undervisningstimer”. It is used as the subject before the verb. A reusable pattern is “Jeg føler ...” when describing your own state.
er In “Jeg er gået glip af ...”, “er” helps form the expression meaning that the speaker has missed classes. Here it works together with “gået” and does not mean “is” by itself. Use “er” with a following verb form in similar perfect-tense expressions.
gået glip af “gået glip af” means “missed” or “failed to attend” in “Jeg er gået glip af nogle undervisningstimer”. The whole expression consists of “gået” for the form of “gå”, “glip” for missing out, and “af” as the linking part of the expression. A reusable pattern is “gået glip af” followed by the class, event, or opportunity that was missed.
nogle “Nogle” means “some” in “nogle undervisningstimer”, referring to an unspecified number of classes. It comes before the plural noun it describes. Use “nogle” with a plural noun when the exact number is not important.
undervisningstimer “Undervisningstimer” means “class hours” or “lessons” in the context of missed classes. It names the lessons that the speaker did not attend. A reusable pattern is “gå glip af undervisningstimer” when talking about missing lessons.
på det sidste “På det sidste” means “recently” or “lately” in “på det sidste”. The whole time expression refers to the recent period: “på” introduces the time frame, while “det sidste” refers to what has just passed. Use it to place a situation in the recent past.
og “Og” means “and” and links the two parts “er gået glip af ...” and “føler mig bagud”. It shows that the two experiences belong together. Use “og” to join words, phrases, or complete statements.
føler “Føler” means “feel” in “føler mig bagud”. It introduces the speaker’s personal experience or state. A reusable pattern is “føler sig” or, for the speaker, “føler mig” followed by a description.
mig “Mig” means “me” in “føler mig bagud”. It refers back to the speaker and is used with the verb to describe how the speaker feels. Use “føler mig” when describing your own state.
bagud “Bagud” means “behind” in “føler mig bagud”, here meaning behind with schoolwork after missing classes. It describes the speaker’s progress rather than a physical position. Use it after a feeling expression when saying that you are behind schedule or work.
Du “Du” means “you” and refers to the classmate being addressed in “Du kan godt komme ajour”. It is the subject of the sentence. Use “du” when speaking directly to one person.
kan “Kan” means “can” or “be able to” in “Du kan godt komme ajour”. It expresses that the classmate is able to catch up. It is followed here by “komme” in the construction “kan ... komme”.
godt “Godt” adds reassurance to “Du kan godt komme ajour”, making the statement sound encouraging: “You can catch up”. Here it is not describing an object; it strengthens the supportive message. A reusable pattern is “Du kan godt ...” when reassuring someone that something is possible.
komme ajour “Komme ajour” means “catch up” in “Du kan godt komme ajour”. The whole expression combines “komme”, meaning come or get, with “ajour”, meaning up to date. Use it when someone needs to reach the current level of work, information, or progress.
Men “Men” means “but” and introduces a limitation to the encouragement in “Du kan godt komme ajour”. It contrasts the possibility of catching up with the warning about doing everything at once. Use it to connect two contrasting statements.
hvis “Hvis” means “if” and introduces the condition “hvis du prøver at lære det hele på én gang”. It shows that the result depends on the action that follows. Use “hvis” before a condition and then state its possible result.
prøver “Prøver” means “try” in “hvis du prøver at lære det hele”. It describes making an effort to learn everything. A reusable pattern is “prøver at” followed by an infinitive, as in “prøver at lære”.
at In “prøver at lære”, “at” introduces the infinitive “lære” and links it to “prøver”. It has the function of “to” in this verb construction. Use “at” before an infinitive after many verbs that describe an attempt or intention.
lære “Lære” means “learn” in “at lære det hele”. It names the learning activity the classmate is trying to complete. Here it follows “at”; a reusable pattern is “at lære” followed by the subject or material being learned.
det “Det” means “it” or “that” in “lære det hele”, referring to the learning material as a whole. In “Det ville gøre ...”, the capitalized form refers to the situation just discussed. Use “det” to refer to a thing, situation, or idea already understood from context.
hele “Hele” means “the whole” in “det hele”, which together means “everything” in this context. It emphasizes that all the material is being considered together. Use “det hele” when referring to an entire situation, task, or set of material.
på én gang “På én gang” means “all at once” in “lære det hele på én gang”. The whole expression presents one combined time: “på” forms the expression, “én” means one, and “gang” refers to one occasion or time. Use it when several actions or tasks happen together rather than in stages.
bliver “Bliver” means “becomes” in “bliver det sværere”, describing the result of trying to learn everything at once. It marks a change into a more difficult state. A reusable pattern is “bliver” followed by a description of how something changes.
sværere “Sværere” means “harder” or “more difficult” in “bliver det sværere”. It compares the resulting difficulty with a less difficult situation. Use it after “bliver” when describing something becoming more difficult.
fortælle “Fortælle” means “tell” in “Kan du fortælle mig ...?”, where the speaker asks for information. It is used after “kan” in the infinitive form. A reusable pattern is “fortælle mig” followed by the information someone wants to know.
hvilken “Hvilken” means “which” in “hvilken opgave”, asking the listener to identify one assignment from the available choices. It comes directly before the noun “opgave”. Use “hvilken” before a singular choice when asking which one.
opgave “Opgave” means “assignment” or “task” in “hvilken opgave”. It refers to schoolwork that the speaker needs to handle. A reusable pattern is “tage sig af en opgave” when talking about handling an assignment.
skal “Skal” means “should” or “be supposed to” in “jeg skal tage mig af først”. It presents the assignment as the one the speaker is expected to handle. Use “skal” before an infinitive to express an obligation, expectation, or planned action.
tage mig af “Tage mig af” means “handle” or “take care of” in “jeg skal tage mig af først”. The whole expression combines “tage” meaning take, “mig” meaning me, and “af” as the linking part of the expression. A reusable pattern is “tage sig af” followed by the task or matter being handled.
først “Først” means “first” in “hvilken opgave jeg skal tage mig af først”. It marks the assignment that should be handled before the others. Use it to set the order of actions or priorities.
Den “Den” means “the” in “Den mundtlige opsummering”, identifying a specific summary. In “Begynd med den”, the same form refers back to that specific task. Use “den” to point to a known singular item or to refer back to one already mentioned.
mundtlige “Mundtlige” means “spoken” or “oral” in “den mundtlige opsummering” and “den mundtlige opgave”. It specifies that the summary or assignment involves speaking. It is placed before the noun it describes.
opsummering “Opsummering” means “summary” in “Den mundtlige opsummering”. It refers to a task that presents the main points in a condensed form. A reusable pattern is an adjective plus “opsummering” to specify what kind of summary it is.
snart “Snart” means “soon” in “skal snart afleveres”. It places the deadline or expected hand-in time in the near future. Use it with an action or event that is expected shortly.
afleveres “Afleveres” means “is due” or “must be handed in” in “opsummeringen skal snart afleveres”. It describes the submission of the assignment rather than the person submitting it. A reusable pattern is “skal afleveres” for schoolwork that has to be handed in.
arbejdsarket “Arbejdsarket” means “the worksheet” in “arbejdsarket kan vente”. It refers to a specific worksheet known in the conversation. The ending makes it definite, so it is presented as “the” worksheet rather than a worksheet in general.
vente “Vente” means “wait” in “arbejdsarket kan vente til senere”. It says that the worksheet does not need attention immediately. It follows “kan” here; a reusable pattern is “kan vente” followed by a time expression.
til “Til” means “until” in “vente til senere”, marking the point or period up to which the worksheet can wait. It connects “vente” with the later time. Use “til” before a time, point, or event that sets an endpoint.
senere “Senere” means “later” in “vente til senere”. It refers to a time after the current priority without specifying exactly when. Use it when postponing an action to a later point.
“Så” means “then” in “Så bør jeg begynde ...”, linking the advice to the speaker’s conclusion. It shows that the next action follows from what was just said. Use it to introduce a consequence or next step.
bør “Bør” means “should” or “ought to” in “bør jeg begynde”. It expresses a sensible recommendation or expected action. Use “bør” before an infinitive when giving or considering advice.
begynde “Begynde” means “begin” or “start” in “bør jeg begynde med ...”. It names the first action the speaker decides to take. A reusable pattern is “begynde med” followed by the first task or activity.
med “Med” means “with” in “begynde med den mundtlige opgave”. It identifies what the speaker will start with. Use “begynde med” to name the first item in an ordered set of tasks.
Begynd “Begynd” means “start” or “begin” in the instruction “Begynd med den”. It tells the listener to start with the task just mentioned. A reusable pattern is “Begynd med” followed by the first activity or item.
bed “Bed” means “ask” or “request” in “bed læreren om noter”. It introduces a request directed to the teacher. A reusable pattern is “bede nogen om” followed by the thing being requested.
læreren “Læreren” means “the teacher” in “bed læreren om noter”. It identifies the person from whom the speaker should request the notes. The definite form refers to a particular teacher known in this class context.
om “Om” means “for” in the request “bed læreren om noter”. It links the person being asked with the thing requested. Use “bede nogen om” when asking someone for something.
noter “Noter” means “notes” in “bed læreren om noter”. It refers to written information from the missed classes. A reusable pattern is “bede ... om noter” when requesting notes from another person.
fra “Fra” means “from” in “noter fra de undervisningstimer”. It identifies the lessons that the notes come from. Use it before the source of information, material, or an event.
de “De” points to plural items or people in the dialogue: “de undervisningstimer” means “the classes”, while “de andre” means “the others”. It identifies a known plural group in each phrase. Use “de” before a known plural noun or before a plural group referred to as people.
gik glip af “Gik glip af” means “missed” or “failed to attend” in “de undervisningstimer, du gik glip af”. The whole expression combines “gik” for the past form of “gå”, “glip” for missing out, and “af” as the linking part. A reusable pattern is “gik glip af” followed by the class, event, or opportunity someone missed.
mindre “Mindre” means “less” in “føler mig mindre sikker”. It reduces the degree of confidence being described. Use it before a quality or description when comparing a lower degree.
sikker “Sikker” means “confident” or “sure” in “mindre sikker”. It describes how confident the speaker feels about the work. A reusable pattern is “føle sig sikker” or “føle sig mindre sikker” when describing confidence.
fordi “Fordi” means “because” and introduces the reason in “fordi de andre øvede sig sammen”. It connects the speaker’s lower confidence with the reason for it. Use “fordi” before an explanation of why something is the case.
andre “Andre” means “others” in “de andre”, referring to the other classmates rather than the speaker. It identifies people as different from the person already being discussed. Use “de andre” when referring to the rest of a known group.
øvede “Øvede” means “practiced” in “de andre øvede sig sammen”. It describes the classmates’ earlier practice activity. A reusable pattern is “øve sig” when referring to practicing an ability or task.
sig “Sig” is the reflexive part of “øvede sig sammen”, referring back to the people who practiced. It shows that the classmates practiced themselves or their skills. Use “øve sig” as the common pattern for practicing.
sammen “Sammen” means “together” in “øvede sig sammen”. It shows that the classmates practiced with one another rather than separately. Use it to describe an activity shared by two or more people.
Vi “Vi” means “we” in “Vi kan gennemgå opgaven”. It refers to the speaker and the classmate acting together. Use “vi” as the subject when including yourself and at least one other person.
gennemgå “Gennemgå” means “go through” or “review” in “gennemgå opgaven”. It describes examining the assignment together in an organized way. A reusable pattern is “gennemgå” followed by the task, material, or topic being reviewed.
opgaven “Opgaven” means “the assignment” or “the task” in “gennemgå opgaven”. It refers to the specific assignment already being discussed. The definite form identifies it as that known task.
efter “Efter” means “after” in “efter timen”. It places the review later than the class. Use it before an event or time period that comes first.
timen “Timen” means “the class” or “the lesson” in “efter timen”. It refers to the particular class that is currently part of the plan. The definite form identifies a known lesson.
ved “Ved” means “know” in “Så ved du, hvad du kan forvente”. It describes the learner having information about what will happen. A reusable pattern is “ved” followed by a question word clause such as “hvad ...”.
hvad “Hvad” means “what” in “hvad du kan forvente”. It introduces the information the learner will know. Use it to introduce a question or embedded clause about a thing, action, or situation.
forvente “Forvente” means “expect” in “hvad du kan forvente”. It refers to what the learner can anticipate from the next step. A reusable pattern is “kan forvente” followed by the event or result that is anticipated.
ville “Ville” means “would” in “Det ville gøre ...”. It presents the result as a possible or imagined consequence of the proposed review. Use it before an infinitive when describing what something would cause or achieve.
gøre “Gøre” means “make” in “ville gøre det næste skridt mere overskueligt”. It describes causing the next step to feel easier to manage. A reusable pattern is “gøre” followed by something and a description of the resulting state.
næste “Næste” means “next” in “det næste skridt”. It identifies the step that follows the current one. Use it before a noun when referring to the following item in an order or process.
skridt “Skridt” means “step” in “det næste skridt”. Here it refers to the next stage in catching up with the work. A reusable pattern is “det næste skridt” when planning what to do next.
mere “Mere” means “more” in “mere overskueligt”. It increases the degree of the description that follows. Use it before a description when comparing something with its previous or expected state.
overskueligt “Overskueligt” means “manageable” or “easy to take in” in “gøre det næste skridt mere overskueligt”. It describes the next step as easier to understand and handle. A reusable pattern is “gøre noget mere overskueligt” when an explanation or plan reduces difficulty.
bedre “Bedre” means “better” in “Det er bedre med ... end ...”. It evaluates one option as preferable to another. Use it in the comparison pattern “bedre ... end ...”.
en “En” means “a” in “en fokuseret øvesession”, introducing one practice session as an example of a useful amount of practice. It comes before the singular noun “øvesession”. Use “en” before a singular noun in this type of indefinite phrase.
fokuseret “Fokuseret” means “focused” in “en fokuseret øvesession”. It describes the practice session as concentrated on a clear task or purpose. It is placed before the noun it describes.
øvesession “Øvesession” means “practice session” in “en fokuseret øvesession”. It refers to one planned period of practice. A reusable pattern is an adjective plus “øvesession” to describe the kind of practice period.
end “End” means “than” in “bedre med en fokuseret øvesession end at undgå arbejdet”. It introduces the option used for comparison. Use “bedre ... end ...” to compare two choices or actions.
undgå “Undgå” means “avoid” in “at undgå arbejdet”. It describes choosing not to face or do the work. Here it follows “at”; a reusable pattern is “undgå” followed by the thing or activity someone stays away from.
arbejdet “Arbejdet” means “the work” in “undgå arbejdet”. It refers to the specific schoolwork that needs attention in this situation. The definite form presents it as known work rather than work in general.

Grammar Points

Passiv med -s: afleveres

Arbejdsarket afleveres senere.

AR-bites-AR-keth ah-FLAY-vuhs SAY-nuh-ruh

The worksheet is handed in later.

Verbet får endelsen -s for at vise, at noget bliver gjort, uden at nævne hvem der gør det.

Refleksivt udtryk: tage sig af

Jeg tager mig af opgaven.

yai TAIR-uh my uh oh-PAIR-vuhn

I will handle the assignment.

Det refleksive pronomen ændres efter personen: mig, dig, sig, os eller jer.

Danish Vocabulary

bagud adv
bah-GOOD behind
fortælle verb
foh-TEL-uh to tell
gå glip af phrase
goh gleb uh to miss gået glip af
komme ajour phrase
KOH-muh eye-ORE to catch up
lære verb
LAIR-uh to learn
opgave noun
OH-PAIR-vuh assignment; task
prøve verb
PRUR-vuh to try prøver
på det sidste phrase
poh deh LES-tuh recently; lately
på én gang phrase
poh ayn gong at once
svær adj
SVAIR hard; difficult sværere
tage sig af phrase
TAIR-uh say uh to handle; to deal with tage mig af
undervisningstime noun
oon-uh-VEES-ning-stee-muh class; lesson undervisningstimer

Quiz

Word Order

Arrange the words in the correct order.

You can catch up.

Show AnswerDu kan godt komme ajour.

We can run through the task after class.

Show AnswerVi kan gennemgå opgaven efter timen.

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

behind

Show Answerbagud

hard; difficult

Show Answersværere

to learn

Show Answerlære

to try

Show Answerprøver