Hvil dig lidt, før du spadserer en tur!

Rest a bit before you take a stroll!

Breakdown of Hvil dig lidt, før du spadserer en tur!

• en: a
• før: before
• dig: yourself
• du: you
• hvile: to rest
• lidt: a bit
• spadsere: to stroll
• turen: the stroll

Questions & Answers about Hvil dig lidt, før du spadserer en tur!

What does Hvil dig lidt mean in this sentence?

Hvil dig lidt translates to “rest a little” or “take a moment to relax.” It’s an imperative command, instructing someone to pause and rest briefly.

Why is the reflexive pronoun dig used after hvil?

In Danish, the verb at hvile sig (“to rest oneself”) requires the reflexive pronoun. Thus, hvil dig literally means “rest yourself,” which is the standard way to form a command for taking a rest in Danish.

What does spadserer en tur mean, and how does it work in this context?

Spadserer en tur means “take a walk” or “go for a stroll.” The verb spadserer is used along with en tur (literally “a walk” or “an outing”) to describe the action of walking leisurely. This idiomatic expression is common in Danish when referring to going for a simple stroll.

What is the purpose of the comma between lidt and før in the sentence?

The comma separates the main command from the subsequent clause. It delineates the instruction to rest (Hvil dig lidt) from the timing or condition (før du spadserer en tur), indicating that the walk should follow the period of rest.

Why is an exclamation mark used at the end of the sentence?

The exclamation mark conveys emphasis and urgency. It adds a tone of insistence or strong recommendation, suggesting that the speaker considers taking a pause before walking to be important.

How does this sentence’s structure compare with typical English imperatives?

The structure is quite similar to English commands. It starts with an imperative form (Hvil dig lidt = “rest a little”), followed by a clause that provides additional timing or condition (før du spadserer en tur = “before you take a walk”). However, the use of the reflexive pronoun dig and expressions like en tur are specific to Danish idiomatic usage, which might require extra attention for learners.