Lydhør

Lydhør is a Danish adjective used to describe a person or animal that is ready to listen to and follow guidance, instructions, or authority. It emphasizes attentiveness, willingness to heed advice, and responsiveness to cues or rules. The term is commonly applied to children, students, employees, or citizens, and can also describe animals trained to respond to cues. In everyday language, lydhør usually carries a positive connotation, signaling cooperation and reliability, though it can be used critically if the obedience is seen as excessive.

Etymology and form: The word is built from elements connected to listening and obedience. The lyd- component denotes compliance or heed, while -hør is related to høre, “to hear.” Together the term points to the idea of hearing instructions and acting on them. It is part of a family of Danish words linked to listening, compliance, and obedience.

Usage and nuance: Lydhør appears in educational, managerial, and sociological contexts, describing behavior patterns that are responsive and cooperative. It contrasts with ulydig (disobedient) and with lydighed (obedience). Depending on context and tone, lydhør can be neutral or mildly approving, and in some cases it may imply a degree of conformity to authority.

Examples: Et lydhørt barn følger altid lærerens anvisninger. En lydhør elev deltager aktivt i diskussionerne. Lydhøre borgere følger lovgivningen og respekterer reglerne.

See also: Ulydig, Lydighed, Høre.