Setting a boundary around advice | Learn Danish in English

About This Lesson

Use Setting a boundary around advice to practice Danish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.

Dialogue

Jeg sætter pris på vores samtaler, men jeg har brug for at sætte en grænse.

yai SET-uh preess poh VOH-uhs SAM-tah-luh, men yai hah broo foh uh SET-uh en GREHN-suh. I value our conversations, but I need to set a boundary.

Jeg lytter. Jeg vil hellere forstå end gætte.

yai LUHD-uh. yai vel HEL-uh-ruh foh-STOH en GET-uh. I'm listening. I'd rather understand than guess.

Når der kommer råd med det samme, føler jeg, at der ikke rigtig er blevet lyttet til mig.

nohr dair KOM-uh rohdh meh deh SAM-uh, FUH-luh yai, uh dair IK-uh REK-dee air BLEH-vuhd LUHD til myai. When advice comes right away, I feel like I haven't really been heard.

Jeg mente det som hjælp, men jeg kan godt se, hvordan det blev modtaget.

yai MEN-tuh deh som YELP, men yai kan goh say, VOH-dan deh bleh-vuhd moh-TAH-dh. I meant to help, but I can see how it landed.

Nogle gange har jeg brug for spørgsmål, før du kommer med forslag.

NOH-luh GAN-guh hah yai broo foh SPEUR-smohl, FEUR doo KOM-uh mehdh foh-SLEH. Sometimes I need questions before suggestions.

Det er en rimelig anmodning, og det kan jeg respektere.

deh air en REH-muh-lee AN-moh-ning, oh deh kan yai reh-spehk-TEH-uh. That's a fair request, and I can respect it.

Jeg vil også sige det tydeligt til dig, når jeg faktisk gerne vil have råd.

yai vel OH-soh SEE-uh deh TEW-dhuh-lee til daai, nohr yai FEK-desk GER-nuh vel hah roh(dh). I'll also tell you clearly when I actually want advice.

Det vil hjælpe mig med at svare på den måde, du har brug for.

deh vel YEL-puh myai mehdh uh SVAH-uh poh den MOH-dhuh, doo hah broo foh. That will help me respond in the way you need.

Word by Word

Jeg “Jeg” means “I” and is the speaker referring to themself. It is used as the subject in “Jeg sætter pris på vores samtaler” and “Jeg lytter”. Use “Jeg” when you state what you do, feel, or need.

sætter pris på “sætter pris på” means “value” or “appreciate” in “Jeg sætter pris på vores samtaler”. The whole expression takes the thing that is appreciated after “på”, here “vores samtaler”. Use it to express appreciation for a person, thing, or action.

vores “vores” means “our” and identifies “samtaler” as belonging to or shared by the speaker and others. It comes directly before the noun in “vores samtaler”. Use “vores” before something shared by a group that includes the speaker.

samtaler “samtaler” means “conversations” in “vores samtaler”. The form refers to more than one conversation in this dialogue. Use it for conversations with another person or group.

men “men” means “but” and introduces a contrast between valuing the conversations and needing to set a boundary. It links the two parts of “Jeg sætter pris på vores samtaler, men jeg har brug for at sætte en grænse”. Use “men” when the second statement limits or contrasts with the first.

har brug for “har brug for” means “need” in “jeg har brug for at sætte en grænse”. The whole construction expresses a need and is followed here by “at sætte en grænse”; “har” contributes “have”, “brug” refers to need or use, and “for” completes the fixed expression. Use “har brug for” before a noun or before “at” plus an action.

at “at” marks the infinitive in “at sætte en grænse”. Here it connects “har brug for” with the action that is needed. Use “at” before an infinitive after many expressions such as “har brug for”.

sætte “sætte” means “set” in the expression “sætte en grænse”. It is the infinitive after “at” and describes establishing a limit. Use “sætte” in “sætte en grænse” when you want to establish a boundary.

en “en” is the indefinite article meaning “a” before “grænse” in “en grænse”. It presents one non-specific boundary. Use “en” before a noun when introducing one item of this type.

grænse “grænse” means “boundary” in “sætte en grænse”. It refers here to a personal limit about how advice should be given. Use “sætte en grænse” when clearly establishing a limit in a relationship or situation.

lytter “lytter” means “listen” or “am listening” in “Jeg lytter”. The form describes the speaker’s current attentive action. Use “lytter” when telling someone that you are paying attention to what they are saying.

vil “vil” expresses willingness or preference in “Jeg vil hellere forstå end gætte”. Together with “hellere”, it means “would rather”. It is followed by the infinitives “forstå” and “gætte”, so use this pattern to state which action you prefer.

hellere “hellere” means “rather” in “vil hellere forstå end gætte”. It marks the preferred option in the comparison, while “end” introduces the option that is not preferred. Use “vil hellere ... end ...” to say that you would prefer one action to another.

forstå “forstå” means “understand” in “vil hellere forstå end gætte”. It is an infinitive after “vil” and names the preferred action. Use “forstå” when referring to grasping what someone means or what is happening.

end “end” means “than” in “vil hellere forstå end gætte”. It introduces the action being compared with the preferred action. Use “end” after “hellere” when contrasting two actions or options.

gætte “gætte” means “guess” in “vil hellere forstå end gætte”. It is the second infinitive in the comparison and names the option the speaker prefers not to rely on. Use “gætte” when reaching an answer without enough direct information.

Når “Når” means “when” in “Når der kommer råd med det samme”. It introduces the situation in which the speaker has a particular feeling. Use “Når” to introduce a recurring or expected situation and its result.

der “der” is the introductory subject in “der kommer råd med det samme”; it allows the sentence to present what comes. It does not refer to a specific place here. Use “der” in this kind of construction when introducing something that appears, happens, or exists.

kommer “kommer” means “comes” in “der kommer råd med det samme”. It describes advice arriving immediately in the situation. Use “kommer” with something that arrives or is introduced, including “der kommer ...” when presenting what appears.

råd “råd” means “advice” in “der kommer råd med det samme”. Here it refers to advice offered immediately during a conversation. Use “råd” when discussing guidance or suggestions intended to help someone decide or act.

med det samme “med det samme” means “right away” or “immediately” in “kommer råd med det samme”. The complete expression gives the timing: “med” links the phrase, “det” refers to “the”, and “samme” gives the sense of the same moment. Use “med det samme” when something happens without delay.

føler “føler” means “feel” in “føler jeg, at der ikke rigtig er blevet lyttet til mig”. It introduces the speaker’s personal experience or impression. Use “føler” before a clause with “at” when explaining how a situation affects you.

ikke “ikke” means “not” and negates the listening experience in “der ikke rigtig er blevet lyttet til mig”. It appears before the rest of the verb phrase in this clause. Use “ikke” to state that an action or situation does not occur or is not the case.

rigtig “rigtig” means “really” in “ikke rigtig er blevet lyttet til mig”. It softens or qualifies the negative statement, meaning that the speaker does not feel they have truly been heard. Use “ikke rigtig” when saying that something has not fully happened or is not quite true.

er “er” helps form the expression “er blevet lyttet til mig”, meaning that the speaker has been listened to. Here it works with “blevet” and “lyttet” in a passive construction. Use “er” in this pattern when describing a completed experience in the present context.

blevet “blevet” is the form used with “er” in “er blevet lyttet til mig” to show that the listening has taken place. Together with “lyttet til”, it describes the speaker as the person listened to. Use “blevet” in similar completed constructions with “er” when describing what has happened to someone.

lyttet “lyttet” means “listened” in “er blevet lyttet til mig”. With “til” and “mig”, it describes listening directed toward the speaker. Use “lyttet til” when saying that attention has been given to what someone says.

til “til” is the preposition required in “lyttet til mig”, directing the listening toward the person. It connects the listening action with “mig”. Use “lytte til” when referring to the person or thing being listened to.

mig “mig” means “me” in “lyttet til mig”. It is the person receiving the listening in that expression. Use “mig” after a preposition such as “til” when referring to yourself as the object.

mente “mente” means “meant” in “Jeg mente det som hjælp”. It explains the speaker’s intended purpose for what they did. Use “mente” when describing what you intended something to mean or achieve.

det “det” refers to what the speaker did or said in “Jeg mente det som hjælp”, while initial-capital “Det” in “Det er en rimelig anmodning” refers to the request just mentioned. In “mente det som hjælp”, it is followed by “som” to describe the intended role or purpose. Use “det” to refer back to a situation, action, or thing already understood from context.

som “som” means “as” in “mente det som hjælp”. The construction presents “hjælp” as the intended purpose or interpretation of “det”. Use “som” in “mene det som ...” when describing what you intended something as.

hjælp “hjælp” means “help” in “mente det som hjælp”. It names the intended purpose of the speaker’s action, not a separate action being performed. Use “hjælp” when referring to assistance or support offered to someone.

kan “kan” means “can” in “jeg kan godt se, hvordan det blev modtaget”. It expresses the speaker’s ability to recognize or understand the result. Use “kan” before an infinitive such as “se” to state ability or possibility.

godt “godt” contributes an affirming, accepting tone in “kan godt se”. Together, “kan godt se” means that the speaker can indeed recognize or understand something. Use “kan godt” when confirming that you are able or willing to do something.

se “se” means “see” in “kan godt se, hvordan det blev modtaget”. Here it means recognizing or understanding how the action affected the other person. It is the infinitive after “kan”; use “se, hvordan ...” to introduce what you recognize about a situation.

hvordan “hvordan” means “how” in “hvordan det blev modtaget”. It introduces the manner or way in which something was received. Use “hvordan” before a clause when explaining how an event happened or was experienced.

blev “blev” helps form the past passive expression “blev modtaget”, meaning “was received” or “was taken”. It places the receiving event in the past. Use “blev” with a participle when describing what happened to something or how it was received.

modtaget “modtaget” means “received” in “hvordan det blev modtaget”. It describes how the other person took or experienced the speaker’s help. Use “blive modtaget” or “blev modtaget” when discussing how a message, action, or offer is received.

Nogle “Nogle” means “some” in “Nogle gange”. Together with “gange”, it forms the time expression “sometimes”. Use “Nogle” before “gange” when referring to occasions that occur from time to time.

gange “gange” means “times” in “Nogle gange”. With “Nogle”, the phrase means “sometimes” rather than referring to a precise number. Use “Nogle gange” to introduce something that happens on some occasions.

spørgsmål “spørgsmål” means “questions” in “Jeg har brug for spørgsmål”. It refers to questions asked before suggestions are offered. Use “spørgsmål” when referring to things someone asks in order to understand a situation.

før “før” means “before” in “før du kommer med forslag”. It places the questions earlier than the suggestions. Use “før” before a clause or expression to state that one action should happen first.

du “du” means “you” in “før du kommer med forslag”. It is the person expected to ask questions before offering suggestions. Use “du” as the subject when addressing one person directly.

med “med” means “with” in “kommer med forslag”. In this expression, it connects the person’s coming to the suggestions they bring forward. Use “komme med” before a noun when someone presents or offers something.

forslag “forslag” means “suggestions” in “du kommer med forslag”. It refers to ideas or possible actions offered to someone. Use “komme med forslag” when presenting suggestions in a discussion.

rimelig “rimelig” means “fair” or “reasonable” in “en rimelig anmodning”. It shows that the request is considered justified and acceptable. Use “rimelig” before a noun when evaluating a request, expectation, or decision as fair.

anmodning “anmodning” means “request” in “Det er en rimelig anmodning”. It refers to the boundary or condition that the other person has asked for. Use “anmodning” for a clearly stated request, especially in a more formal or careful context.

og “og” means “and” and connects “Det er en rimelig anmodning” with “det kan jeg respektere”. It adds a second related statement. Use “og” to join words, phrases, or complete statements.

respektere “respektere” means “respect” in “det kan jeg respektere”. It is the infinitive after “kan” and describes accepting the other person’s request or boundary. Use “respektere” with a person, decision, request, or boundary that you agree to honor.

også “også” means “also” in “Jeg vil også sige det tydeligt til dig”. It adds this promise to what has already been said. Use “også” when adding another action, fact, or intention.

sige “sige” means “say” or “tell” in “vil også sige det tydeligt til dig”. It is the infinitive after “vil” and describes communicating the speaker’s wishes clearly. Use “sige” with what is said and, when needed, the person addressed, as in “sige det til dig”.

tydeligt “tydeligt” means “clearly” in “sige det tydeligt til dig”. It describes the manner of speaking, emphasizing that the message should be easy to understand. Use “tydeligt” with communication verbs when you want to stress clarity.

dig “dig” means “you” in “sige det tydeligt til dig”. It is the person who will receive the information. Use “dig” after “til” when directing something to one person.

faktisk “faktisk” means “actually” in “når jeg faktisk gerne vil have råd”. It emphasizes that the speaker genuinely wants advice at that point. Use “faktisk” to clarify that a statement reflects the real situation or intention.

gerne “gerne” contributes the meaning “gladly” or “willingly” in “gerne vil have råd”. With “vil”, it expresses that the speaker is positively willing to receive advice. Use “gerne vil” when stating that you would like or are willing to do something.

have “have” means “have” in “vil have råd”. It is the infinitive after “vil” and combines with “råd” to express wanting advice. Use “vil have” before a noun when stating that you want or would like something.

hjælpe “hjælpe” means “help” in “Det vil hjælpe mig med at svare”. It is the infinitive after “vil” and describes the effect of the agreed boundary on the speaker’s ability to respond. Use “hjælpe nogen med at” before an action that someone is enabled or supported in doing.

svare “svare” means “respond” or “answer” in “med at svare”. It is the infinitive after “at” and names the action the speaker will be helped to perform. Use “svare på” when referring to what you respond to, or “svare” when the context already makes that clear.

på “på” means “in” in “på den måde, du har brug for”. It introduces the manner in which the response will be given. Use “på den måde” to describe doing something in a particular way.

den “den” means “the” in “den måde”. It identifies a particular way of responding, namely the way the other person needs. Use “den” before a noun when referring to a specific item or manner.

måde “måde” means “way” in “på den måde, du har brug for”. It refers to the manner of responding that meets the other person’s need. Use “på den måde” when describing how an action should be carried out.

Grammar Points

have brug for + substantiv

har brug for råd

hah broo foh rohdh

need advice

På dansk bruger man have brug for for at udtrykke behov; brug for følges af et substantiv.

blive + kort tillægsform

blev modtaget

bleh-vuhd moh-TAH-dh

was received

Denne konstruktion danner passiv i datid: blive bøjes i datid, og hovedverbet står i kort tillægsform.

Danish Vocabulary

forstå verb

foh-STOH to understand

Jeg vil hellere forstå end gætte.

føle verb

FUH-luh to feel føler

Jeg føler, at der ikke rigtig er blevet lyttet til mig.

grænse noun

GREHN-suh boundary

Gender: common

at sætte en grænse

gætte verb

GET-uh to guess

Jeg vil hellere forstå end gætte.

have brug for phrase

HEH-vuh BROO foh to need har brug for

Jeg har brug for at sætte en grænse.

hellere adv

HEL-uh-ruh rather

Jeg vil hellere forstå end gætte.

lytte verb

LUHD-uh to listen lytter

Jeg lytter.

med det samme phrase

mehdh deh SAM-uh right away, immediately

Når der kommer råd med det samme.

råd noun

rohdh advice

Gender: neuter

Når der kommer råd med det samme.

samtale noun

SAM-tah-luh conversation samtaler

Gender: common

Jeg sætter pris på vores samtaler.

sætte verb

SET-uh to set, to put

at sætte en grænse

sætte pris på phrase

SET-uh preess poh to value, to appreciate sætter pris på

Jeg sætter pris på vores samtaler.

Quiz

Spelling

Tap the letters to spell the word.

to listen

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lytter

to guess

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gætte

conversation

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samtaler

rather

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hellere