Discover Norway: 10 Idioms to Sound Like a Local

Idioms are an essential part of any language, and learning them can help you understand the culture and people better. Idioms are expressions or phrases that have a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words. They often reflect the history, traditions, and values of a particular culture. By learning idioms, you can gain insight into the mindset and worldview of the people who speak that language.

Norwegian idioms are unique and often have a fascinating history behind them. Norway has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from the Vikings, Sami people, and other Nordic traditions. The idioms in the Norwegian language reflect this diverse history and provide a glimpse into the country’s past. By learning Norwegian idioms, you can deepen your understanding of Norwegian culture and connect with its people on a deeper level.

In this blog post, we will explore ten popular Norwegian idioms and their meanings. Each idiom will be accompanied by its literal translation and an explanation of its origin and usage. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of Norwegian idioms and be able to use them in your own conversations.

Key Takeaways

• Learning Norwegian idioms can help you better understand the language and culture
• “Å ha bein i nesa” means to be strong-willed and determined
• “Å ha en høne å plukke” means to have an issue to resolve
• “Å ta en sjans” means to take a risk
• “Å falle mellom to stoler” means to be caught in between two options
• “Å ha en blåmandag” means to have a bad day
• “Å være på bærtur” means to be mistaken or misled
• “Å være på gli” means to be on the verge of something
• “Å ha en finger med i spillet” means to have a role in something
• “Å gå på en smell” means to make a mistake or fail
• “Å ha noe på gang” means to have something happening or in progress

Idiom #1: “Å ha bein i nesa” (To have bones in the nose)

This idiom means to be strong-willed and not easily intimidated. The literal translation is “to have bones in the nose.” The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but it is believed to have come from the Viking era when warriors would break their enemies’ noses to show their strength. Having bones in the nose became a symbol of bravery and resilience.

Today, this idiom is used to describe someone who is assertive, determined, and not afraid to stand up for themselves. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a person who refuses to back down in an argument or someone who takes charge in a difficult situation. By learning this idiom, you can better understand the Norwegian value of strength and resilience.

Idiom #2: “Å ha en høne å plukke” (To have a chicken to pick)

This idiom means to have an issue or problem that needs to be resolved. The literal translation is “to have a chicken to pick.” The origin of this phrase is from the old days when farmers would gather their chickens and pick the ones they wanted to keep. Picking a chicken was a task that required careful consideration and decision-making.

In modern usage, this idiom is used to describe a situation where someone has a problem or conflict that needs to be addressed. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a disagreement between two people or a difficult decision that needs to be made. By learning this idiom, you can better understand the Norwegian value of problem-solving and decision-making.

Idiom #3: “Å ta en sjans” (To take a chance)

This idiom means to take a risk or gamble. The literal translation is “to take a chance.” The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but it is believed to have come from the game of dice. In dice games, players would take chances by betting on certain outcomes and hoping for a favorable result.

In modern usage, this idiom is used to describe someone who is willing to take risks or try something new. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a person who starts a new business venture or someone who takes on a challenging task. By learning this idiom, you can better understand the Norwegian value of adventure and risk-taking.

Idiom #4: “Å falle mellom to stoler” (To fall between two chairs)

This idiom means to be caught in the middle of two conflicting situations. The literal translation is “to fall between two chairs.” The origin of this phrase is from the old days when chairs were placed close together, and people would sometimes fall in between them. Falling between two chairs was seen as an uncomfortable and awkward position to be in.

In modern usage, this idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is torn between two choices or unable to fully commit to either option. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a person who is undecided about which job offer to accept or someone who is torn between two romantic partners. By learning this idiom, you can better understand the Norwegian value of balance and decision-making.

Idiom #5: “Å ha en blåmandag” (To have a blue Monday)

This idiom means to have a bad day or be in a bad mood. The literal translation is “to have a blue Monday.” The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but it is believed to have come from the blue color being associated with sadness. Mondays are often seen as the start of the workweek and can be a challenging day for many people.

In modern usage, this idiom is used to describe a day when everything seems to go wrong or when someone is feeling down or unhappy. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a person who is having a series of unfortunate events or someone who is feeling sad for no apparent reason. By learning this idiom, you can better understand the Norwegian value of emotional expression and empathy.

Idiom #6: “Å være på bærtur” (To be on a berry trip)

This idiom means to be mistaken or wrong about something. The literal translation is “to be on a berry trip.” The origin of this phrase is from the old days when people would go on berry trips and come back with the wrong berries. Mistaking one type of berry for another was seen as a careless and foolish mistake.

In modern usage, this idiom is used to describe someone who is mistaken or has misunderstood something. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a person who misinterprets a conversation or someone who makes an incorrect assumption. By learning this idiom, you can better understand the Norwegian value of accuracy and attention to detail.

Idiom #7: “Å være på gli” (To be on the slide)

This idiom means to be in trouble or on the verge of getting caught. The literal translation is “to be on the slide.” The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but it is believed to have come from skiing, where being on the slide means losing control and potentially crashing.

In modern usage, this idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is in a precarious position or facing potential consequences for their actions. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a person who is involved in illegal activities or someone who is about to be discovered for their wrongdoing. By learning this idiom, you can better understand the Norwegian value of accountability and responsibility.

Idiom #8: “Å ha en finger med i spillet” (To have a finger in the game)

This idiom means to be involved in something or have a say in it. The literal translation is “to have a finger in the game.” The origin of this phrase is from card games, where having a finger in the game means being involved in the outcome.

In modern usage, this idiom is used to describe someone who has influence or control over a situation. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a person who has a role in decision-making or someone who has insider knowledge about a particular topic. By learning this idiom, you can better understand the Norwegian value of participation and engagement.

Idiom #9: “Å gå på en smell” (To go on a bang)

This idiom means to make a mistake or fail. The literal translation is “to go on a bang.” The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but it is believed to have come from the sound of something breaking. Going on a bang was seen as a sudden and unexpected failure.

In modern usage, this idiom is used to describe someone who makes a mistake or experiences a failure. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a person who fails an exam or someone who makes a costly error at work. By learning this idiom, you can better understand the Norwegian value of learning from mistakes and resilience.

Idiom #10: “Å ha noe på gang” (To have something going on)

This idiom means to have something planned or in progress. The literal translation is “to have something going on.” The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but it is believed to have come from the idea of having something cooking on the stove. Having something on the stove implies that there is an ongoing process or activity.

In modern usage, this idiom is used to describe someone who has plans or projects in progress. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a person who is working on a new business venture or someone who is preparing for an upcoming event. By learning this idiom, you can better understand the Norwegian value of productivity and ambition.

In conclusion, learning Norwegian idioms can be a fun and exciting way to improve your language skills and gain a deeper understanding of the culture. These ten idioms are just a few examples of the many unique and fascinating phrases that make up the Norwegian language. By exploring idioms, you can connect with the history and traditions of Norway and develop a deeper appreciation for the language. So, next time you’re learning Norwegian, don’t forget to dive into the world of idioms and discover the hidden meanings behind the words.