The Dummy Subject "Det"
In English, when we talk about the weather, the time, or a general situation, we use the word "it" as a placeholder subject (for example, "It is raining" or "It is late"). Danish does exactly the same thing using the pronoun det. This is known as a dummy subject.
Talking About the Weather
When describing the weather or outdoor conditions, start your sentence with det as the subject.
| It is snowing a lot today, so we would rather stay at home. | Det sner meget i dag, så vi vil hellere blive hjemme. |
| It was overcast and cold three days ago. | Det var overskyet og koldt for tre dage siden. |
If you are asking a question about the weather, simply invert the subject and the verb, just like you would with any other subject (er det...?).
| Is it slippery outside when it snows? | Er det glat udenfor når det sner? |
Time
You will also use det as the subject to state the time or describe how late it is getting.
| It is late, and the small road is slippery. | Det er sent, og den lille vej er glat. |
Setting the Mood
Danish culture famously embraces staying warm and cozy indoors when the weather outside is harsh. When describing the general atmosphere, environment, or feeling of a situation, you also use det.
| It is cozy when you light the fireplace in the winter. | Det er hyggeligt når du tænder pejsen om vinteren. |
| It is always cozy to stay indoors in the autumn. | Det er altid hyggeligt at blive indendørs om efteråret. |
