Questions & Answers about Giv lyd, når du er hjemme igen.
What does giv lyd literally mean, and is it a fixed expression?
Yes. Giv lyd is an idiomatic expression.
- giv = give (imperative of at give)
- lyd = sound
So the literal meaning is something like give sound, but that is not how it works in natural English. In Danish, give lyd means let me hear from you, get in touch, or let me know.
It is a fairly common expression, though it can sound a little more idiomatic than something very neutral like giv besked.
Why is it giv and not du giver?
Because this is a command/request, so Danish uses the imperative.
- infinitive: at give
- imperative: giv
Just like in English:
- Give me a call
- Let me know
you do not normally include the subject you. Danish works the same way here.
So:
- Giv lyd = Get in touch / Let me know
not
- Du giver lyd = You make a sound / you get in touch (a statement, not a command)
Why is there no subject before ?