“Gider ikke”

“Gider ikke” – This is a new expression for my students. When we sit and go through the verb list, they stop at the verb “gider” and then they ask;  “What does that mean?”.

 I explain that this verb is typically used with the adverb “ikke”;  “gider ikke” and that it is a whole new expression for them.


The closest translation of this term is; “Don’t want to”, “don’t feel like”, “can’t be bottered”, “isn’t keen on”, but these are not comprehensive translations.

The Danes say it when they feel a clear demotivation towards a given task. Something expected of them, something that would be the right thing to do. A clear lack of physical or mental energy is revealed here.

It is an expression that Danes use a lot in their daily lives, and now we have to take a closer look at when.

When do the Danes say “gider ikke”?

It is in close relationships that it is used; among children, in families, friendships, with couples, etc.

You may hear children say;

“Jeg gider ikke i skole” = I don’t want to go to school

“Jeg gider ikke lave lektier” = I don’t want to do my homework

Or with couples;

 “Jeg gider ikke tage opvasken i aften, skat!” = I don’t want to do the dishes tonight babe!’

“Jeg gider bare ikke på arbejde i morgen” = I just don’t want to go to work tomorrow

A bit about Danish culture.

The use of this term says something about the Danish culture.  The Danes can be direct and trusting and they can allow expressions like these.

It is different from e.g. an English and American culture marked by far more courtesy.