"How Are You?" in Danish and Swedish: Phrases and Pronunciation

Simple, essential phrases for travelers or language learners:

Danish

• Standard: Hvordan har du det? [ˈvɒːˀðɒn hɑːˀ tu ˈde̝ˀð]
• Casual: Hvordan går det? ("How's it going?")
• Reply: Godt, tak. Og du? (Good, thanks. And you?)

Swedish

• Standard: Hur mår du? [hʉːr ˈmoːr dʉː]
• Casual: Hur står det till? / Läget? (Slang: "What's up?")
• Reply: Bra, tack. Och du? (Good, thanks. And you?)

Key Differences

• Danish uses har ... det (have it); Swedish uses mår (feel/be well).
• Danish pronunciation is notoriously vowel-rich and "swallowed"; Swedish is more sing-song, pitched.
• Mutual intelligibility: moderate written, low spoken.

Both appreciate any attempt — smile, say tak / tack!