I'm learning dansk

dårlig — meaning in English: poor

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for poor
sublimering
epifani
ironisk
dårlig
besøge
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Danish for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
Native speakers use the word 'dårlig' in various contexts, particularly when discussing quality or satisfaction. For example, you might hear it when describing a meal that didn’t meet expectations, such as saying, 'Maden var dårlig' (The food was poor), or in reference to someone's performance in a sports game, like 'Han spillede dårligt' (He played poorly).
Synonyms & nuances
'Dårlig' is often used interchangeably with 'miserabel' (miserable), but 'miserabel' carries a stronger emotional weight, often implying a deeper level of despair. You might choose 'dårlig' for more casual or everyday situations, while 'miserabel' might fit better in serious discussions about well-being.
Culture
'Dårlig' has its roots in Old Norse, with connections to words that denote deficiency or inferiority. Interestingly, in Danish culture, the concept of 'dårlig' can extend to a light-hearted way of acknowledging a shared failure, often used among friends to ease disappointment, like joking about a bad movie experience.
FAQ
Q.What does the Danish word 'dårlig' mean?
'Dårlig' means 'poor' in English, and it can refer to anything that is of low quality or unsatisfactory in performance.
Q.Can 'dårlig' be used in a positive context?
'Dårlig' has a negative connotation and is typically not used in positive contexts. It's reserved for situations where something is deemed unsatisfactory or of low quality.
Q.Are there any common phrases with 'dårlig'?
Yes, a common phrase is 'dårlig tid,' which means 'poor time' or 'to be short on time.' This phrase is often used when someone is in a rush.
Learn danish with Maspeak →
Danish Vocabulary