Wistful daydreams with "hvem der bare"
To sigh and say "If only..." or "Oh, to...", Danish uses the exclamatory phrase hvem der bare (literally: "who there just"). It is perfect for expressing a wistful desire for an easier life.
| If only one had a maid to do the laundry. | Hvem der bare havde en hushjælp til at ordne tøjvasken. |
Using the past tense for unreal wishes
Even though you are wishing for something right now, the verb following hvem der bare must be in the past tense. Just like in English ("If only I had..."), this signals that the situation is hypothetical.
| If only one lived in a palace with unlimited wealth. | Hvem der bare boede i et palads med ubegrænset rigdom. |
| If only one could take an eternal holiday away from the office. | Hvem der bare kunne tage på en evig ferie væk fra kontoret. |
| If only one had a massage therapist and a totally carefree life. | Hvem der bare havde en massør og et helt bekymringsfrit liv. |
Because this structure is an exclamation rather than a question, it does not take a question mark. It is often used to express what a character is thinking or sighing to themselves.
| While the man spoke, the woman thought: "If only one had a private chauffeur." | Mens manden talte, tænkte kvinden: ”Hvem der bare havde en privatchauffør.” |
| The boy sighed: "If only one could ask the private chauffeur to drive to the palace." | Drengen sukkede: ”Hvem der bare kunne bede privatchaufføren om at køre til paladset.” |
| If only one were sailing on the yacht instead of doing the laundry. | Hvem der bare sejlede på yachten i stedet for at klare tøjvasken. |
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