A Quick Shortcut to Learning Danish 9 Danish Proverbs and Sayings

Have you ever wondered about Danish proverbs and sayings that make no sense? You're not alone. We've gathered a collection of amusing proverbs and sayings that you've likely encountered – and if not, it won't be long before you're introduced to the first ones.

Først til mølle (First to the mill)

This is a reference to "He who comes first to the mill grinds first." For example, the person who queues first gets the best offers or can choose the best spot.

Mange bække små (Many small streams) 

Refers to "Many small streams make a large river." For instance, a 1-pound coin doesn't amount to much on its own. But if large parts of the population each contribute 1-pound to a collection, it collectively makes a huge sum.

Når katten er ude, spiller musene på bordet (When the cat is out, the mice play on the table)

Without supervision, it can lead to disorder and more relaxed behavior. For example, when parents leave their children alone at home, they might end up eating ice cream and candy, playing video games, and doing things they normally wouldn't.

Det regner skomagerdrenge (It’s raining shoemaker boys)

A reference to raining large raindrops. The expression dates back to 1758 and has a sad story behind it. The story tells of a strict shoemaker who punished his apprentices for even the smallest mistakes. When one of the apprentices accidentally made a bigger mistake, he was thrown out from the second floor. The other apprentices protested and unfortunately suffered the same fate.

Man skal ikke kaste med sten, når man selv bor i et glashus (One should not throw stones when one lives in a glass house)

You shouldn't say or do things to others that you can't handle yourself – otherwise, you are being hypocritical. In this case, you shouldn't throw stones when you live in a house full of glass windows.

Én fugl i hånden er bedre end ti på taget (One bird in the hand is better than ten on the roof)

Refers to the idea that what you possess is more valuable than all the things you merely dream about and may never achieve. Therefore, you should appreciate what you have already achieved.

Tyv tror hver mand stjæler (A thief thinks everyone steals)

If you have certain weaknesses or faults, you tend to attribute the same weaknesses and faults to other people. For example, if you are suspicious of others, you also believe they are suspicious of everyone else.

Uden mad og drikke duer helten ikke (Without food and drink, the hero is no good) 

The saying hints that no one, regardless of strength, can perform satisfactorily without their physical needs being met. For a person to function, their basic needs for food and drink must first be satisfied.

Man kan ikke både blæse og have mel i munden (You cannot both blow and have flour in your mouth) 

You cannot do or achieve two contradictory things at the same time. In other words, you can't always have everything you want.