Day 29: Circumlocution & Repair Strategies
What to do when you don't know a word
Keep speaking even when you lack specific vocabulary.
Objectives
- Explain around an unknown word
- Ask for the word you need
- Keep the conversation alive
Vocabulary
Tap play to hear pronunciation (browser speech engine).
Hvad hedder det når…?
What do you call it when…?
Det er sådan noget man…
It is something you use to…
Jeg husker ikke ordet
I don't remember the word
Hvordan siger man… på dansk?
How do you say… in Danish?
Kan du hjælpe mig med ordet?
Can you help me with the word?
| Target | Meaning | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hvad hedder det når…? | What do you call it when…? | ||
| Det er sådan noget man… | It is something you use to… | ||
| Jeg husker ikke ordet | I don't remember the word | ||
| Hvordan siger man… på dansk? | How do you say… in Danish? | ||
| Kan du hjælpe mig med ordet? | Can you help me with the word? |
Patterns
Circumlocution
Talking around unknown words
- Det er sådan noget man spiser til morgenmad.
- Hvad hedder det når man træner med vægte?
- Jeg husker ikke ordet. Hvordan siger man refrigerator på dansk?
Speaking Practice
Record yourself, listen back, and download anything worth keeping.
Explain without the word
Explain ‘refrigerator’ without saying the Danish word.
Explain ‘ticket machine’ without the exact word.
Ask how to say a word you pretend not to know.
Repair turn (record this)
Jeg husker ikke ordet. Det er sådan noget man bruger i køkkenet. Hvordan siger man det på dansk?
Writing Practice
- Write 4 circumlocution examples for common objects.
- Write a short dialogue where you ask for a missing word.
Scenario: You forgot a word
Keep the conversation alive.
You: Jeg husker ikke ordet. Det er sådan noget man…
Them: En køleskab?
You: Ja! Tak.
Immersion Tasks
- Practice explaining 5 common objects without using their names
- Use one repair phrase in a real or simulated chat
Self-Check
- Can you keep speaking when you lack a specific word?
- Can you ask how to say something in Danish?