Questions & Answers about Jeg kigger bare, tak.
Why does the sentence use the simple present tense Jeg kigger for I am looking?
Danish doesn't have a continuous tense like the English am looking. You always use the simple present tense kigger to mean both I look and I am looking.
Why use kigger instead of ser here?
Both words involve seeing, but at kigge implies an active, intentional action like browsing. At se is more about the passive ability to see. When browsing in a shop, you are actively looking around, so kigger is the proper choice.
Could I use kun instead of bare to mean just in this sentence?
You should stick with bare here. While both words mean just or only, kun is used to limit amounts, like having only two apples. Bare is used to soften a statement, which is exactly what you want when politely declining help in a shop.
Is this the standard phrase to use when a shop assistant asks if I need help?
Yes! Jeg kigger bare, tak is the most common and polite way to tell a store employee that you are just browsing and do not need assistance right now.
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