Vi tager metroen, så slipper vi for den lange kø ved broen.

Breakdown of Vi tager metroen, så slipper vi for den lange kø ved broen.

vi
we
ved
by
lang
long
so
tage
to take
den
the
metroen
the metro
broen
the bridge
køen
the queue
slippe for
to avoid

Questions & Answers about Vi tager metroen, så slipper vi for den lange kø ved broen.

Why is it tager metroen? Why not just tager metro?

Because metroen is the definite form of en metro.

  • en metro = a metro
  • metroen = the metro

In Danish, with transport, it is very common to say tage + definite form:

  • tage bussen = take the bus
  • tage toget = take the train
  • tage metroen = take the metro

So Vi tager metroen sounds natural in the same way We’re taking the metro does in English.

Why are tager and slipper in the present tense if the sentence can talk about the future?

Danish often uses the present tense for planned or expected future actions.

So Vi tager metroen can mean:

  • We take the metro
  • We’re taking the metro
  • We’ll take the metro

The time is understood from the situation, not only from the verb form. English does this too sometimes: Tomorrow we take the train is possible, though Danish does it even more naturally.

Why is the word order så slipper vi instead of så vi slipper?

Because Danish main clauses follow the V2 rule: the finite verb usually comes in the second position.

Here, takes the first position in the second clause, so the verb comes next:

  • så slipper vi ...

Not:

  • så vi slipper ...

In this sentence, means something like so / then / as a result, and it starts a new main clause. That causes the inversion.

What does slippe for mean here?

Slippe for is a fixed expression meaning:

  • avoid
  • be spared
  • not have to deal with

So slipper vi for den lange kø means we avoid the long queue or we don’t have to deal with the long queue.

This is different from plain slippe, which can mean things like get away, escape, or be released depending on context.

Why is it den lange kø and not den lange køen?

When Danish has a definite noun with an adjective, the pattern is:

den/det/de + adjective + noun

So:

  • en lang kø = a long queue
  • køen = the queue
  • den lange kø = the long queue

That is why you do not say den lange køen here.

Also notice the adjective changes:

  • langlange

That -e form is normal in this kind of definite phrase.

What exactly does ved broen mean?

Ved usually means by, near, or at.

So ved broen means by the bridge or near the bridge. It does not necessarily mean on the bridge.

  • bro = bridge
  • broen = the bridge
Why is there a comma before ?

Because the sentence contains two main clauses:

  • Vi tager metroen
  • så slipper vi for den lange kø ved broen

A comma is commonly used in Danish to separate main clauses like this, especially when the second clause gives a result or consequence.

Do you have to repeat vi in the second clause?

Yes. The second part is a new main clause, so it needs its own subject.

That is why you say:

  • Vi tager metroen, så slipper vi ...

and not:

  • Vi tager metroen, så slipper ...

In Danish, you normally cannot leave the subject out in a clause like this.

Is best understood as so or then?

Here it can feel like both.

It links the first idea to the result:

  • We take the metro, so we avoid...
  • We take the metro; then/as a result we avoid...

In natural English, so is usually the best translation here, but the Danish often carries that extra sense of then / as a result.

How is pronounced?

is tricky for English speakers because of ø.

A rough guide:

  • k is like an English k
  • ø is a rounded front vowel, something like the vowel in French peu or German schön
  • the word is very short

A rough IPA pronunciation is [kʰøˀ].

A practical tip: make an eh sound, but round your lips as if you were saying o.

There is no exact English equivalent, so it usually takes a bit of practice.

AI Language TutorTry it ↗
Your avatar
What's the best way to learn Danish grammar?
Danish grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.

Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor

Start learning Danish

Master Danish — from Vi tager metroen, så slipper vi for den lange kø ved broen to fluency

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
  • Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
  • Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
  • AI tutor to answer your grammar questions