Setting healthier workload boundaries | Learn Danish in English

Danish lesson set in a contemporary Copenhagen everyday setting: At work, one adult talks about burnout and considers clearer workload boundaries and a real break away from the desk..

EN → DA / Level: B1

About This Lesson

Use Setting healthier workload boundaries to practice Danish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

A

Jeg tror, jeg er ved at blive udbrændt af den her arbejdsbyrde.

YAI trohr, yai air veh ah BLEE-vuh OOD-brent ahv den hair AR-bites-boo-uh. I think I am getting burned out from this workload.
B

Har du holdt rigtige pauser, eller har du bare skiftet mellem opgaver?

HAH doo holt RIG-tuh POW-suh, EL-uh hah doo BAH-uh SKEE-ftuhd MEL-um OH-pah-vuh? Have you been taking real breaks, or just switching between tasks?
A

Jeg har for det meste bare skiftet mellem opgaver, og det føles ikke rigtig som hvile.

YAI hah foh deh MAY-stuh BAH-uh SKEE-ftuhd MEL-um OH-pah-vuh, oh deh FUR-lus IK-uh RIG-dee som VEE-luh. Mostly switching tasks, which does not really feel like rest.
B

Det forklarer, hvorfor presset bliver ved med at stige.

Deh foh-KLAIR-uh, VOHR-foh PRES-ut BLEE-vuh veh meh ah STEE-uh. That would explain why the pressure keeps building.
A

Jeg får dårlig samvittighed over at stoppe, når deadline nærmer sig.

YAI fohr DOH-lee sahm-VIT-ee-hayd OH-vuh ah STOP-uh, nohr DEAD-line NAIR-muh sigh. I feel guilty stopping when the deadline is close.
B

En grænse er ikke dovenskab, hvis den hjælper dig med at komme dig.

En GRAIN-suh air IK-uh DOH-vun-skab, vis den YEL-puh dye meh ah KOM-uh dye. A boundary is not laziness if it helps you recover.
A

Måske burde jeg fortælle min leder, hvad der er realistisk, før deadline.

MOH-skay BOO-uh yai foh-TEL-uh min LEE-uh, vah dair air ray-ah-LIS-dig, fur DEAD-line. Maybe I should tell my manager what is realistic before the deadline.
B

Vær tydelig om, hvad du kan nå inden da, og hvad der kræver mere tid.

Vair TOO-uh-lee om, vah doo kan noh IN-den dah, oh vah dair KRAIR-vuh MAY-uh teed. Be clear about what you can finish by then, and what needs more time.
A

Jeg spiser frokost væk fra mit skrivebord i dag.

YAI SPEE-suh FROH-kost vek frah mit SGREE-vuh-bohrd ee dye. I will take lunch away from my desk today.
B

Det er et lille, men nyttigt skridt mod at få energien tilbage.

Deh air et LIL-uh, men NUHT-tee SGREDT mohd ah fohr eh-NAIR-gee-en beh-TEH-guh. That is a small but useful step toward getting your energy back.

Word by Word

Jeg "Jeg" means “I” here, the speaker referring to themself. It is commonly used as the subject before a verb, as in "Jeg tror". Use it when stating your own thoughts, feelings, or actions.
tror "tror" means “think” in "Jeg tror". It is the present-tense form used to introduce an opinion or belief, and it commonly comes before a clause. Use "Jeg tror" when giving your view rather than stating something as certain.
er "er" means “am” here and links the speaker to the ongoing expression "ved at blive udbrændt". It is the form used with "Jeg" in this sentence. Use "er" to describe a current state or situation.
ved In "er ved at blive udbrændt", "ved" helps show that the change is currently in progress. The construction "være ved at" is used before an infinitive for something that is happening or about to happen. Use it when describing an ongoing development.
at "at" marks the infinitive "blive" in "ved at blive udbrændt". It connects the preceding construction to the verb in its base form. Use "at" before an infinitive in many verb constructions.
blive "blive" means “become” or “get” in "ved at blive udbrændt". It describes a change into the state named by "udbrændt". Use "blive" before an adjective when someone or something changes state.
udbrændt "udbrændt" means “burned out” in this dialogue, describing a person whose energy has been exhausted by the workload. It appears after "blive" to name the state the speaker is moving into. Use it when discussing serious exhaustion, especially in a work context.
af "af" means “from” or “because of” in "udbrændt af den her arbejdsbyrde". It connects the burned-out state to its source, the workload. Use "af" to identify what causes or produces a result.
den "den" is part of "den her arbejdsbyrde", meaning “this” specific workload. Together with "her", it points to something particular in the current situation. Use "den her" before a common-gender noun when referring to a specific nearby or current thing.
her "her" contributes the meaning “this” in "den her arbejdsbyrde". With "den", it makes the reference specific and connected to the situation being discussed. Use "den her" to identify a particular thing in the current context.
arbejdsbyrde "arbejdsbyrde" means “workload” in this sentence. It is the noun named as the source of the speaker’s exhaustion in "af den her arbejdsbyrde". Use it when discussing the amount or weight of work someone has.
Har "Har" is the auxiliary “have” at the beginning of the question "Har du holdt rigtige pauser". Its initial capital reflects the start of the sentence. Use "har" with a past participle to ask about a completed or experienced action.
du "du" means “you” and addresses the other person directly. In "Har du holdt", it is the subject of the question. Use it when speaking to one person in ordinary direct conversation.
holdt "holdt" means “taken” in "holdt rigtige pauser", referring to taking breaks. It is used with "har" to ask whether the action has happened. Use "holde pauser" as a common expression for taking breaks.
rigtige "rigtige" means “real” or “genuine” in "rigtige pauser". It emphasizes breaks that genuinely provide rest rather than merely changing tasks. Use it before "pauser" when distinguishing proper breaks from something that only resembles a break.
pauser "pauser" means “breaks” in the question about taking time away from work. The plural form refers to more than one break. Use it with "holde", as in "holde pauser", to talk about taking breaks.
eller "eller" means “or” and introduces the alternative "bare skiftet mellem opgaver". It connects two possible descriptions of what the person has been doing. Use it to offer a choice or contrast between alternatives.
bare "bare" means “just” in "bare skiftet mellem opgaver". It limits the description by saying that the person has only been switching tasks. Use "bare" before an action when you want to express “only” or “simply”.
skiftet "skiftet" means “switched” in "har bare skiftet mellem opgaver". It appears with "har" to describe the action of moving from one task to another. Use "skifte mellem" followed by the things or tasks being alternated.
mellem "mellem" means “between” in "mellem opgaver". It introduces the two or more tasks between which the person is switching. Use "mellem" before the items or groups being compared or alternated.
opgaver "opgaver" means “tasks” in "mellem opgaver". The plural refers to the different pieces of work being switched between. Use it after "mellem" when describing movement or choices among tasks.
for In "for det meste", "for" is part of the fixed expression meaning “mostly” or “for the most part”. Its meaning depends on the whole expression rather than standing alone here. Use "for det meste" to describe what happens most of the time.
det In "for det meste", "det" is part of the expression meaning “the most” or “the greater part”. It does not refer to a separate object in this sentence. Use the complete pattern "for det meste" when saying “mostly”.
meste "meste" contributes “most” in the expression "for det meste". Together, the phrase means that something happens in the majority of cases. Use "for det meste" before or around the action being described.
og "og" means “and” and links the speaker’s switching between tasks with how that experience feels. It joins two related statements. Use it to add another connected action, fact, or result.
føles "føles" means “feels” in "det føles ikke rigtig som hvile". It describes how the situation is experienced rather than what it objectively is. Use "det føles" to introduce a personal impression or sensation.
ikke "ikke" means “not” and negates the claim that the experience feels like rest. It appears before the rest of the description in "føles ikke rigtig som hvile". Use it to make a statement negative.
rigtig "rigtig" means “really” in "ikke rigtig som hvile". It softens the negative statement, saying that the experience does not truly feel like rest. Use "ikke rigtig" when expressing a mild or qualified disagreement.
som "som" means “like” in "føles ... som hvile". It compares the experience with the idea of rest. Use "som" after verbs such as "føles" when describing what something seems or feels like.
hvile "hvile" means “rest” in "som hvile". It names the state that switching tasks does not feel like. Use it when talking about rest as an activity or condition, including after "som" in a comparison.
forklarer "forklarer" means “explains” in "Det forklarer". The sentence uses it to say that the previous information accounts for the rising pressure. Use it with a fact or situation as the subject when giving a reason for something.
hvorfor "hvorfor" means “why” and introduces the explanation "presset bliver ved med at stige". It connects a reason with the result being explained. Use it to introduce a clause that answers a question about cause.
presset "presset" means “the pressure” in this dialogue, referring to the growing work-related strain. The form identifies a specific pressure already understood from the context. Use it when discussing pressure as something that can rise or decrease.
bliver In "bliver ved med at stige", "bliver" helps express that the pressure continues to rise. The full pattern "blive ved med at" is used for an action or process that keeps continuing. Use it before an infinitive when emphasizing continuation.
med In "bliver ved med at stige", "med" is part of the continuation pattern "blive ved med at". It helps connect the continuing state to the following action "stige". Use the whole pattern when saying that something keeps happening.
stige "stige" means “rise” or “increase” in "presset ... stige". It names the continuing change in the level of pressure. Use it with things such as pressure when describing an upward increase.
får "får" means “get” in "får dårlig samvittighed". The full expression means that the speaker feels guilty about stopping. Use "få" or a conjugated form with feelings or reactions that someone experiences.
dårlig "dårlig" means “bad” in "dårlig samvittighed". Together with "samvittighed", it forms the expression for feeling guilty or having a bad conscience. Use it as part of this expression when describing guilt.
samvittighed "samvittighed" means “conscience” in "får dårlig samvittighed". The complete expression describes the guilty feeling caused by stopping near a deadline. Use "dårlig samvittighed" when saying that you feel guilty about something.
over "over" means “about” in "dårlig samvittighed over at stoppe". It introduces the action that causes the guilty feeling. Use "samvittighed over" before an activity or situation you feel guilty about.
stoppe "stoppe" means “stop” in "over at stoppe". It is the infinitive used to name the action that makes the speaker feel guilty. Use "at stoppe" when referring to stopping an activity.
når "når" means “when” and introduces the time condition "deadline nærmer sig". It connects the speaker’s feeling with the approaching deadline. Use it to introduce a situation or time that regularly or currently triggers something.
deadline "deadline" means “deadline” and refers to the time limit that is getting close. It is the subject of "nærmer sig" in the dialogue. Use it when talking about the fixed latest time for finishing work.
nærmer In "deadline nærmer sig", "nærmer" means “gets closer” or “approaches”. It is used with "sig" as part of the expression for something approaching. Use "nærme sig" when a date, event, or deadline is coming closer.
sig "sig" is the reflexive element in "nærmer sig", meaning that the deadline itself is approaching. It belongs with the verb phrase rather than representing a separate object here. Use the complete pattern "nærme sig" for something that gets closer.
En "En" means “a” in "En grænse". Its capital letter reflects the beginning of the sentence. Use "en" before a common-gender singular noun when introducing one non-specific thing.
grænse "grænse" means “boundary” in the discussion of setting a limit around work. It refers to a limit that can protect recovery and rest. Use it when talking about a personal, practical, or social limit.
dovenskab "dovenskab" means “laziness” in the statement that a boundary is not laziness. It names the negative judgment being rejected. Use it when discussing a lack of willingness to work or make an effort.
hvis "hvis" means “if” and introduces the condition "den hjælper dig med at komme dig". It explains when the boundary should not be considered laziness. Use it to introduce a condition or circumstance.
hjælper "hjælper" means “helps” in "hjælper dig med at komme dig". It describes the boundary as supporting the other person’s recovery. Use "hjælpe" with a person or thing that benefits from the help, often followed by "med" and an activity.
dig "dig" means “you” as the person who benefits from the help. In "hjælper dig", it is the object of "hjælper". Use it when addressing one person as the receiver of an action.
komme "komme" means “get” in "komme dig", where the full expression means “recover”. It is introduced by "at" after "med". Use "komme sig" when talking about recovering from exhaustion or another difficult condition.
Måske "Måske" means “maybe” and introduces a tentative suggestion about what the speaker should do. Its capital letter reflects the beginning of the sentence. Use it to express uncertainty or a possible course of action.
burde "burde" means “should” or “ought to” in "Måske burde jeg fortælle". It presents the action as advisable while leaving room for uncertainty. Use it before an infinitive when making a recommendation about what someone ought to do.
fortælle "fortælle" means “tell” in "fortælle min leder, hvad der er realistisk". It introduces information that the speaker wants to communicate to the manager. Use "fortælle" with the person receiving the information and the information being told.
min "min" means “my” in "min leder". It shows that the manager is connected to or responsible for the speaker. Use it before a common-gender singular noun to indicate possession.
leder "leder" means “manager” in this workplace context. It is the person the speaker plans to tell about what is realistic. Use it for someone who leads or manages a workplace or team.
hvad "hvad" means “what” and introduces the information the speaker wants to tell the manager. In "hvad der er realistisk", it asks which workload or plan is realistic. Use it to introduce an embedded question or clause about information.
der In "hvad der er realistisk", "der" helps form the clause describing what is realistic. It follows "hvad" and connects that topic to "er realistisk". Use the pattern "hvad der ..." when introducing information about what something is or does.
realistisk "realistisk" means “realistic” in "hvad der er realistisk". It describes what can reasonably be completed before the deadline. Use it when evaluating whether a plan, expectation, or amount of work is practical.
før "før" means “before” in "før deadline". It sets the time by which the speaker wants to communicate with the manager. Use it before a time, event, or clause to indicate that something happens earlier.
Vær "Vær" means “be” in the instruction "Vær tydelig". It is the imperative form used to give direct advice. Use it before an adjective when telling someone how to act or communicate.
tydelig "tydelig" means “clear” in the advice "Vær tydelig om". It describes communication that makes the limits and expectations understandable. Use "være tydelig om" when advising someone to state a matter clearly.
om "om" means “about” in "tydelig om, hvad du kan nå". It introduces the subject that the person should communicate clearly. Use "tydelig om" before the matter being explained or specified.
kan "kan" means “can” or “be able to” in "du kan nå". It expresses what the person is able to complete by the relevant time. Use it before an infinitive to describe ability or possibility.
nå "nå" means “manage to finish” in "hvad du kan nå inden da". It focuses on completing something within a time limit rather than merely reaching a place. Use "nå" with an object or task when discussing what can be completed by a deadline.
inden "inden" means “by” or “before” in "inden da". It sets the latest time for completing the work. Use it before a time expression or clause when an action must happen no later than that point.
da "da" means “then” in "inden da", giving the phrase the meaning “by then”. It refers back to the deadline already mentioned. Use "inden da" when the relevant time has already been established in the conversation.
kræver "kræver" means “requires” in "hvad der kræver mere tid". It identifies work that cannot be completed without additional time. Use it with a task, condition, or activity that needs a particular resource.
mere "mere" means “more” in "mere tid". It indicates that the required amount of time is greater than what is currently available. Use it before an uncountable noun when asking for or describing an additional amount.
tid "tid" means “time” in "kræver mere tid". It is the resource that some tasks need before they can be completed. Use it with "mere" when explaining that an activity needs additional time.
spiser "spiser" means “eats” or “has a meal” in "Jeg spiser frokost". Here it describes the speaker’s plan to have lunch away from the desk. Use it with a meal such as "frokost" when saying that you are eating it.
frokost "frokost" means “lunch” in "spiser frokost". It names the meal the speaker will take away from the desk. Use it after "spise" when talking about having lunch.
væk "væk" means “away” in "væk fra mit skrivebord". It shows that the lunch will happen at a place separate from the desk. Use "væk fra" to describe being or moving away from a person, place, or object.
fra "fra" means “from” in "væk fra mit skrivebord". It identifies the desk as the place the speaker will be away from. Use it after "væk" when specifying what someone or something is away from.
mit "mit" means “my” in "mit skrivebord". It shows that the desk belongs to or is assigned to the speaker. Use it before a neuter singular noun such as "skrivebord".
skrivebord "skrivebord" means “desk” in "væk fra mit skrivebord". It is the workplace surface from which the speaker plans to take lunch away. Use it when referring to a desk used for writing or office work.
i "i" means “in” or “on” in the time expression "i dag". Together with "dag", it means “today”. Use "i dag" to state that something happens on the current day.
dag "dag" means “day” in "i dag", which means “today”. The expression refers to the current day rather than any particular day in general. Use it with "i" when talking about something happening today.
et "et" means “a” or “an” in "et lille ... skridt". It is the indefinite article used with the neuter noun "skridt". Use "et" before a neuter singular noun when introducing one non-specific thing.
lille "lille" means “small” in "et lille ... skridt". It describes the step as limited in size or scope. Use it before a singular noun when describing something small.
men "men" means “but” and contrasts the step being small with its usefulness. It connects two descriptions that might seem opposed. Use it to introduce a contrasting point.
nyttigt "nyttigt" means “useful” in "et lille, men nyttigt skridt". Its form describes the neuter noun "skridt". Use it before a neuter singular noun when saying that something provides practical benefit.
skridt "skridt" means “step” in the expression "et lille, men nyttigt skridt". Here it refers to a practical action toward restoring energy, not necessarily a physical step. Use it when describing one action or stage in progress toward a goal.
mod "mod" means “toward” in "mod at få energien tilbage". It introduces the goal or direction of the step. Use "mod" before a noun or the pattern "at" plus an action when describing progress toward an outcome.
få "få" means “get” in "at få energien tilbage". It describes recovering or regaining energy, with "energien" as what is regained. Use "få ... tilbage" when saying that something returns to you or is restored.
energien "energien" means “the energy” in "få energien tilbage". It refers to the speaker’s personal energy that has been reduced by overwork. Use the definite form when referring to a specific person’s energy in the situation.
tilbage "tilbage" means “back” in "få energien tilbage". It shows that the energy is being regained after having been lost or reduced. Use it after "få" and the object when describing something being restored.

Grammar Points

ved at + infinitiv

Jeg er ved at blive udbrændt.

YAI air veh ah BLEE-vuh OOD-brent.

I am getting burned out.

ved at + infinitive shows that an action or change is currently in progress.

blive ved med at + infinitiv

Presset bliver ved med at stige.

PRES-ut BLEE-vuh veh meh ah STEE-uh.

The pressure keeps rising.

blive ved med at + infinitive means that an action continues.

Danish Vocabulary

arbejdsbyrde noun
AR-bites-boo-uh workload
for det meste adv
foh deh MAY-stuh mostly; for the most part
forklare verb
foh-KLAIR-uh to explain forklarer
holde verb
HOL-uh to take; to have holdt
hvile noun
VEE-luh rest
opgave noun
OH-pah-vuh task opgaver
pause noun
POW-suh break pauser
pres noun
PRES pressure presset
skifte verb
SKEEF-tuh to switch; to change skiftet
tro verb
TROHR to think; to believe tror
udbrændt adj
OOD-brent burned out
ved at blive udbrændt phrase
veh ah BLEE-vuh OOD-brent getting burned out

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

workload

Show Answerarbejdsbyrde

to think; to believe

Show Answertror

to take; to have

Show Answerholdt

to switch; to change

Show Answerskiftet