Norway is a beautiful country with a rich culture. One of the ways that Norway has become so culturally ingrained in our minds is through proverbs, sayings and idioms.
In this article, we will take a look at 20 Norwegian sayings and their meanings!
Table of Contents
1. Ut på tur, aldri sur
Translation: Out on a trip, never sulky!
Meaning: When you are out on a trip do not be grumpy!
2. Det er bedre å gå på isen enn i vannet
Translation: It’s better to walk in the ice than in the water.
Meaning: If it doesn’t kill you, it will make you stronger.
3. Den som ikke tar prøven, kommer til å feile
Translation : He who does not take the test will fail (the subject).
Meaning: Take your opportunities when they come or lose them forever !
4. Det verste trollet sitter inni hodet ditt eller nede bakkenivå
Translation: The worst troll sits inside your head and down at ground level.
Meaning: Fear is the worst evil.
5. Han har fått en pakke med seg i livet
Translation: He has gotten a package with him in life (the past).
Meaning: A person’s fate is predetermined by their name or background/upbringing, that they were born into .
6. En skal bare skyte én gang…
Translation One should only shoot once…
Meaning: Once you’ve started something it must be finished even if your attempts fail.
7. Det er bedre å være den katten som går for seg sjøl enn den som stoler blindt på andre
Translation It’s better to be the cat that walks on its own than the one who trusts blindly on others.
Meaning: Trust no one but yourself.
8. Lykke til er en daglig bøn
Translation: Luck is a daily prayer.
Meaning: You must keep up your hourly prayers for luck to keep coming your way.
9. Aldri har man bare én ulykke etter andre
Translation: Never does one have just one misfortune after another.
Meaning: It’s not uncommon for people to face different kinds of misfortunes in their lifetime.
10. En liten venninne kan bære mye avstand, men ingen kan bære alt!
Translation: A little friend can carry a lot of distance but no one can carry it all!
Meaning: A strong friendship can last a long time.
11. Den som har gitt, kan ta igjen!
Translation: He who has given can take again (the past).
Meaning: Don’t forget those who do you favours and return the favour when they need it themselves. You will be rewarded for your kindness in due course of time.
12. Den som bor i huset, bor godt med husvasken
Translation: He who lives under the roof, enjoys doing household chores.
Meaning: Housework is never pleasant but someone has to do it!
13. Det er bedre å være hjemme enn å ligge på sykehus
Translation: It’s better to be at home than to be in hospital.
Meaning: Being at home is healthier than being in the hospital.
14. Det er bedre å sykle i kjøretøyet enn å gå på ski
Translation: It’s better to cycle in the vehicle than to walk on skis.
Meaning: Sometimes it is quicker and more efficient, for example, if you have a lot of things to carry, to cycle rather than walk.
15. Rusen sitter lenge etter at man har drukket seg full
Translation: The hangover stays long after you have been drunk.
Meaning: It’s not a good idea to drink too much because it can lead to bad consequences.
16. Det er godt å være mann i kjerka, men det er bedre med en bok på lur
Translation: It is nice to be in church, but it’s better with a book on your lap.
Meaning: Sometimes you have to go through the motions of things that don’t really interest you.
17. En liten venninne kan bære mye avstand, men ingen kan bære alt!
Translation: A little friend can carry a lot of distance but no one can carry it all!
Meaning: A strong friendship can last a long time.
18. Lykke til er en daglig bøn
Translation: Luck is a daily prayer.
Meaning: You must keep up your hourly prayers for luck to keep coming your way.
19. Aldri har man bare én ulykke etter andre
Translation: Never does one have just one misfortune after another.
Meaning: It’s not uncommon for people to face different kinds of misfortunes in their lifetime.
20. Den som har gitt, kan ta igjen!
Translation: He who has given can take again (the past).
Meaning: Don’t forget those who do you favours and return the favour when they need it themselves. You will be rewarded for your kindness in due course of time.
