Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Danish grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Er du single?
Wait, do Danes really just use the English word single here?
Yes! Single is the most common and natural way to ask if someone is unattached or dating in modern Danish. While there are Danish words like ugift (unmarried) or enlig (solitary or single parent), they sound very formal or refer to official marital status rather than dating.
How is the word single pronounced in Danish?
It is pronounced very similarly to English, but typically with a slight Danish accent. The 'i' might be slightly more closed and the 'l' is a 'clear L' rather than the English 'dark L', but if you say it the English way, everyone will understand you perfectly.
Does single change its ending if I am asking multiple people?
No, when used as an adjective to describe relationship status, single does not take a plural ending. You would still say Er I single? (Are you guys single?). However, if you use it as a noun, the plural is singler (singles).
Is the word order here just because it is a yes/no question?
Exactly. Just like in English, Danish forms yes/no questions by putting the verb first, which is called inversion. The statement Du er (You are) simply flips to become Er du? (Are you?).