When you've done something you wish you hadn't, or not done something you wish you had, that feeling is angre. It's more than just being sorry; it's a deeper sense of regret about past actions or inactions. You might angre a decision, words said, or even opportunities missed. It implies a recognition that things could have been different, and perhaps better, if another path had been taken. This verb captures the weight of looking back and wishing for an alternative.
§ What 'angre' means
The Norwegian verb angre means 'to regret' or 'to feel remorse'. It's about looking back at something you've done or said (or haven't done) and wishing it had been different. You'll use this verb when you want to express that feeling of wishing you could undo a past action or decision.
- DEFINITION
- To feel regret or remorse about something that has happened or been done.
Think of it like this: if you ate too much chocolate and now have a stomach ache, you might angre eating all that chocolate. Or, if you said something mean to a friend, you might angre your words.
§ When do people use 'angre'?
Norwegians use 'angre' in many situations where an English speaker would use 'regret'. It's very common. Here are some key scenarios:
- Regretting an action: This is perhaps the most direct use. You did something, and now you wish you hadn't.
- Regretting a decision: You made a choice, and later realize it was the wrong one.
- Regretting not doing something: This is about missed opportunities or things you failed to do.
- Expressing general remorse: Sometimes it's less about a specific action and more about a feeling of sadness or disappointment over a past event.
Jeg angrer det jeg sa. (I regret what I said.)
Hun angret at hun ikke reiste. (She regretted that she didn't travel.)
You'll often see 'angre' followed by 'at' (that) and a clause, or directly by a noun phrase indicating what is regretted. For example, 'Jeg angrer mitt valg' (I regret my choice).
§ Common mistakes to avoid
A common mistake for English speakers is to overthink the exact translation. While 'regret' is a good direct equivalent, sometimes people try to use other verbs that don't quite fit. Stick with 'angre' for the core meaning of regretting something.
Jeg angrer på at jeg var så sint. (I regret being so angry.)
Notice the 'på' in the example above. 'Angre på' is very common when regretting an action or state. While 'angre' alone can work, 'angre på' often sounds more natural in many contexts, especially when it's about regretting 'being' a certain way or 'doing' something specific.
In summary, 'angre' is your go-to verb for expressing regret or remorse in Norwegian. It's direct, widely understood, and crucial for discussing past actions and their emotional impact. Don't be afraid to use it!
§ Basic Usage of angre
- Verb Conjugation
-
- Present: angrer
- Past: angret
- Present Perfect: har angret
- Future: vil angre
Jeg angrer beslutningen. (I regret the decision.)
Han angret at han ikke kom. (He regretted that he didn't come.)
§ angre + på
Jeg angrer på det jeg sa. (I regret what I said.)
Hun angrer på reisen. (She regrets the trip.)
§ angre + seg
Han angret seg dypt. (He deeply regretted his actions / repented.)
Hun ville angre seg senere. (She would regret it later / repent later.)
§ angre + at-clause
Vi angrer at vi dro så tidlig. (We regret that we left so early.)
De angret at de ikke sa noe. (They regretted that they didn't say anything.)
§ Summary of usage
- Key Combinations
-
- angre + direct object: Jeg angrer kjøpet. (I regret the purchase.)
- angre + på + noun/pronoun: Jeg angrer på valget. (I regret the choice.)
- angre + seg: Han angrer seg for sine feil. (He regrets his mistakes.)
- angre + at-clause: Hun angrer at hun løy. (She regrets that she lied.)
§ 'Angre' is for deep regret, not minor issues
Many learners use 'angre' for small, everyday things they wish they hadn't done. But 'angre' carries a stronger meaning. It's for significant regret, remorse, or repentance. If you just forgot your keys, you wouldn't use 'angre'.
Jeg angrer på at jeg ikke dro til New York da jeg hadde sjansen. (I regret that I didn't go to New York when I had the chance.)
This sentence uses 'angre' correctly because not going to New York was a significant missed opportunity. Now, look at this common mistake:
Jeg angrer på at jeg glemte paraplyen. (I regret that I forgot my umbrella.)
While you might feel a little annoyed you forgot your umbrella, it's not a deep regret. A native speaker would likely say something like:
Jeg skulle ønske jeg hadde tatt med paraplyen. (I wish I had brought my umbrella.)
§ Incorrect prepositions with 'angre'
Another common error is using the wrong preposition. 'Angre' almost always takes 'på' when followed by what you regret. You regret *on* something. Don't use 'for' or 'over'.
Hun angret på sine valg. (She regretted her choices.)
Here, 'på' is correct. An incorrect example would be:
Han angrer for at han løy. (He regrets for that he lied. - INCORRECT)
The correct way to say this is:
Han angrer på at han løy. (He regrets that he lied.)
- Remember
- Always use 'på' after 'angre' when specifying what is regretted. If 'angre' is used reflexively (to regret oneself), it would be 'angre seg'.
§ Using 'angre' in the passive voice
While technically possible, 'angre' is very rarely used in the passive voice. It's an active verb where someone actively feels regret. If you find yourself trying to construct a passive sentence with 'angre', rethink it. You're likely trying to say something else.
Det ble angret på beslutningen. (The decision was regretted. - VERY UNCOMMON/AWKWARD)
Instead, stick to active constructions:
Mange angret på beslutningen. (Many regretted the decision.)
§ Confusing 'angre' with 'beklage'
'Angre' means to regret, while 'beklage' means to apologize or to regret in the sense of being sorry for an inconvenience. These are not interchangeable.
- Angre: You feel remorse for something you did or didn't do.
- Beklage: You are sorry about a situation or action, often to someone else.
Jeg beklager forsinkelsen. (I apologize for the delay.)
Here, 'beklager' is used to express an apology. If you said 'Jeg angrer forsinkelsen', it would imply you deeply regret the actual act of causing the delay, which isn't the primary meaning you want to convey in an apology.
Hun angret sin manglende innsats. (She regretted her lack of effort.)
This sentence correctly uses 'angre' because it's about her internal feeling of remorse for her own actions.
حقيقة ممتعة
The English word 'anger' shares a common Germanic root, though their meanings have diverged significantly over time. 'Angre' in Norwegian retains more of the original sense of distress or sorrow.
قواعد يجب معرفتها
When expressing regret about a past action, use 'å angre på noe'. The 'på' preposition is key here.
Jeg angrer på at jeg ikke reiste mer da jeg var ung. (I regret that I didn't travel more when I was young.)
'Angre' can be used reflexively with 'seg' to emphasize personal regret. This is common.
Han angrer seg for det han sa. (He regrets what he said. / He is remorseful for what he said.)
The verb 'angre' is a regular verb in Norwegian, following the pattern: angre - angrer - angret - har angret (infinitive - present - past - perfect participle).
Jeg angrer, jeg angret, jeg har angret. (I regret, I regretted, I have regretted.)
When linking 'angre' to a following verb, use 'å' (to) or 'at' (that). 'At' is for full clauses, 'å' for infinitives.
Hun angrer å ha spist så mye. (She regrets having eaten so much.) / Jeg angrer at jeg lyttet til ham. (I regret that I listened to him.)
It's common to use 'angre' in conditional sentences to express hypothetical regret.
Hvis jeg gjorde det igjen, ville jeg angre. (If I did it again, I would regret it.)
أمثلة حسب المستوى
Jeg angrer på at jeg spiste så mye sjokolade.
I regret eating so much chocolate.
The preposition 'på' often follows 'angre' when expressing regret about an action.
Hun angrer ikke på avgjørelsen sin.
She doesn't regret her decision.
'ikke' is used for negation before the verb 'angrer'.
Vi angrer på at vi ikke dro på ferie.
We regret that we didn't go on holiday.
The conjunction 'at' introduces a subordinate clause.
Angrer du på noe?
Do you regret anything?
A common way to ask if someone has regrets.
De angrer alltid på kranglene sine.
They always regret their arguments.
The reflexive possessive pronoun 'sine' refers back to 'de'.
Han angrer på ordene han sa.
He regrets the words he said.
The definite form 'ordene' (the words).
Jeg vil ikke angre på dette senere.
I don't want to regret this later.
Modal verb 'vil' (want) followed by the infinitive 'angre'.
Du kommer til å angre hvis du ikke studerer.
You will regret it if you don't study.
'kommer til å' is a common way to express future tense.
Jeg angrer på at jeg ikke reiste til Norge da jeg hadde sjansen.
I regret that I didn't travel to Norway when I had the chance.
Regret is often followed by 'på at' (that) and a subordinate clause.
Hun angret bittert på ordene hun hadde sagt i sinne.
She bitterly regretted the words she had said in anger.
'Bittert' (bitterly) emphasizes the strength of the regret.
Du kommer til å angre hvis du ikke studerer til eksamen.
You will regret it if you don't study for the exam.
Future tense with 'kommer til å angre'.
Vi angrer ikke på avgjørelsen vi tok.
We don't regret the decision we made.
Negative form 'angrer ikke'.
Etterpå angret han på sin impulsivitet.
Afterward, he regretted his impulsiveness.
Preposition 'på' is common after 'angre'.
Det er aldri for sent å angre og gjøre ting annerledes.
It's never too late to regret and do things differently.
Infinitive form of 'angre'.
Han angret seg med en gang han forstod konsekvensene.
He immediately regretted it once he understood the consequences.
'Angre seg' can be used reflexively, meaning to regret for oneself.
De angret på at de ikke lyttet til rådene vi ga dem.
They regretted that they didn't listen to the advice we gave them.
Another example with 'på at' followed by a subordinate clause.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
Jeg angrer på det jeg sa.
I regret what I said.
Du vil angre dette.
You will regret this.
Han angrer at han ikke kom.
He regrets that he didn't come.
Angrer du på noe?
Do you regret anything?
Det er ingen grunn til å angre.
There is no reason to regret.
Jeg kommer aldri til å angre.
I will never regret.
Hun angret seg umiddelbart.
She regretted it immediately (herself).
Man angrer ofte i ettertid.
One often regrets in hindsight.
Ikke angre på dine valg.
Don't regret your choices.
Jeg angrer ingenting.
I regret nothing.
أصل الكلمة
Old Norse 'angra'
المعنى الأصلي: to grieve, to distress, to cause sorrow
Germanicالسياق الثقافي
In Norwegian culture, expressing 'angre' (regret) is seen as a sign of humility and self-reflection. It's often used in situations where one has made a mistake or caused harm, and it carries a weight of personal accountability. The sentiment is valued, as it suggests an ability to learn and grow from past actions.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلة'Angre' means to feel regret or remorse for something you've done. It's about your internal feeling. For example, 'Jeg angrer at jeg spiste så mye' (I regret that I ate so much).
'Beklage' means to apologize or express sorrow for something, often to someone else. It's about expressing that feeling outwardly. For example, 'Jeg beklager forsinkelsen' (I apologize for the delay).
Yes, 'angre' can be used for both. You can regret spilling your coffee ('Jeg angrer at jeg sølte kaffen') or regret a major life choice ('Jeg angrer at jeg ikke studerte medisin').
Generally, yes. When you 'angre' something, it's usually because you wish you had acted differently, or you're experiencing a negative consequence from your actions or inactions.
No, 'angre' is not typically used reflexively in Norwegian. You don't say 'jeg angrer meg.' You simply say 'jeg angrer.' For example, 'Jeg angrer på det jeg sa.' (I regret what I said.)
The most common preposition used with 'angre' is 'på' (on/for). For example, 'Jeg angrer på at jeg var så frekk.' (I regret that I was so rude.) You can also use it with a 'at'-clause, as in 'Jeg angrer at jeg ikke kom.' (I regret that I didn't come.)
No, 'angre' is used for past actions or decisions. You can't regret something that hasn't happened. For future situations, you might say 'Jeg kommer til å angre hvis jeg ikke gjør det' (I will regret it if I don't do it), which still refers to a potential future regret of a past inaction.
You can use 'angre at jeg ikke...' For example, 'Jeg angrer at jeg ikke reiste mer da jeg var ung.' (I regret that I didn't travel more when I was young.)
A common expression is 'å angre bittert' (to bitterly regret). For example, 'Han angrer bittert på sine valg.' (He bitterly regrets his choices.)
Yes, 'angre' conveys a strong feeling of regret or remorse. It's more intense than simply wishing something hadn't happened. It implies a sense of personal responsibility and often a desire to undo what was done.
No, 'angre' is a verb that requires a subject, as it describes a personal feeling. You can't say 'Det angrer.' You must specify who is regretting. For example, 'Jeg angrer.' (I regret.)
اختبر نفسك 24 أسئلة
Write a short sentence about something you regret doing yesterday.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Jeg angrer på at jeg spiste for mye sjokolade i går kveld. (I regret that I ate too much chocolate last night.)
Imagine you said something mean to a friend. Write a sentence expressing your regret.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Jeg angrer på det jeg sa, og jeg er veldig lei meg. (I regret what I said, and I am very sorry.)
You forgot an important appointment. Write a sentence explaining your regret.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Jeg angrer på at jeg glemte den viktige avtalen. (I regret that I forgot the important appointment.)
Hva angrer Lise på?
Read this passage:
Lise angrer på at hun ikke studerte mer til eksamen. Nå er hun redd for å stryke. Hun ønsker hun kunne gjøre det om igjen. (Lise regrets that she didn't study more for the exam. Now she is afraid of failing. She wishes she could do it over again.)
Hva angrer Lise på?
Lise regrets not studying more for her exam.
Lise regrets not studying more for her exam.
Hvorfor angrer Per?
Read this passage:
Per angrer på at han ikke kjøpte billettene da de var billigere. Nå er de mye dyrere, og han har ikke nok penger. (Per regrets that he didn't buy the tickets when they were cheaper. Now they are much more expensive, and he doesn't have enough money.)
Hvorfor angrer Per?
Per regrets not buying tickets when they were cheaper, implying he bought them too late.
Per regrets not buying tickets when they were cheaper, implying he bought them too late.
Hva angrer Anna på?
Read this passage:
Anna dro ikke på festen i går. I dag angrer hun litt, for alle vennene hennes forteller at det var veldig gøy. (Anna didn't go to the party yesterday. Today she regrets it a little, because all her friends say it was a lot of fun.)
Hva angrer Anna på?
Anna regrets not attending the party because her friends said it was fun.
Anna regrets not attending the party because her friends said it was fun.
Hvilken setning bruker 'angre' korrekt?
'Angrer' is the correct present tense form for 'jeg'.
Hva betyr 'å angre' i denne konteksten: 'Jeg angrer på at jeg spiste så mye sjokolade.'
The sentence expresses regret over an action.
Hvilket ord er et synonym for 'angre'?
'Beklage' (to be sorry/regret) is the closest synonym among the options.
Man kan kun angre på ting man har gjort, ikke ting man ikke har gjort.
You can regret both actions you took and actions you didn't take.
Verbet 'angre' er alltid refleksivt.
'Angre' can be used reflexively ('angre seg') or non-reflexively, depending on the context.
Hvis noen sier 'Du kommer til å angre på dette', betyr det at de forventer at du vil føle remorse i fremtiden.
The phrase implies a future negative consequence leading to regret.
The correct order is 'Jeg angrer på det,' meaning 'I regret that.'
The correct order is 'Jeg angrer ikke valget mitt,' meaning 'I don't regret my choice.'
The correct order is 'Angrer du på det?', meaning 'Do you regret that?'
Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) about a time you regretted something, using 'angre' at least once. Explain what happened and why you regretted it.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Jeg angrer på at jeg ikke studerte hardere til den siste eksamen. Jeg følte meg uforberedt, og resultatet var ikke bra. Hvis jeg kunne gjort det om igjen, ville jeg ha planlagt tiden min bedre.
Imagine you gave someone advice that turned out to be bad. Write an apology email to them, using 'angre' to express your regret. Keep it to 3-4 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Hei [Navn], jeg skriver fordi jeg angrer på rådet jeg ga deg angående prosjektet. Det ble ikke slik vi håpet, og jeg beklager virkelig. Jeg burde ha tenkt meg bedre om før jeg uttalte meg.
Complete the following sentence with a clause that shows regret: 'Hun begynte å angre på ...'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Hun begynte å angre på at hun hadde solgt huset så raskt uten å vurdere alle alternativene.
Hvorfor angret Per på å ha sagt opp jobben?
Read this passage:
Etter å ha sagt opp jobben, begynte Per å angre på sin impulsive beslutning. Han innså at han ikke hadde en klar plan for fremtiden, og frykten for det ukjente begynte å gnage. Han lurte på om han burde ha ventet til han hadde en ny stilling i sikte.
Hvorfor angret Per på å ha sagt opp jobben?
Teksten sier at 'Han innså at han ikke hadde en klar plan for fremtiden'.
Teksten sier at 'Han innså at han ikke hadde en klar plan for fremtiden'.
Hva var Annas hovedfølelse etter å ha sagt sårende ord?
Read this passage:
Anna angret dypt på ordene hun hadde sagt i sinne. Hun visste at de hadde såret vennen hennes, og hun ønsket at hun kunne ta dem tilbake. Nå var det opp til henne å reparere skaden og be om unnskyldning for sin oppførsel.
Hva var Annas hovedfølelse etter å ha sagt sårende ord?
Teksten begynner med 'Anna angret dypt på ordene hun hadde sagt i sinne', som viser hennes anger.
Teksten begynner med 'Anna angret dypt på ordene hun hadde sagt i sinne', som viser hennes anger.
Hva er en vanlig årsak til anger ifølge teksten?
Read this passage:
Mange mennesker angre på ting de ikke gjorde, mer enn ting de faktisk gjorde. Det er ofte en følelse av tapte muligheter som tynger. Derfor oppfordrer eksperter til å ta sjanser, selv om det er en risiko involvert, for å unngå fremtidig anger.
Hva er en vanlig årsak til anger ifølge teksten?
Teksten sier 'Det er ofte en følelse av tapte muligheter som tynger' som en årsak til anger.
Teksten sier 'Det er ofte en følelse av tapte muligheter som tynger' som en årsak til anger.
/ 24 correct
Perfect score!
محتوى ذو صلة
مزيد من كلمات emotions
ambivalent
C1having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas
avsky
B2A feeling of strong dislike or disgust
bebreide
C1to reproach or blame someone
begeistring
C1enthusiasm
bekymre
A2to worry about something
bekymret
B1Worried
bekymring
B1Worry or concern
betryggende
C1reassuring
beundre
B1To regard with respect or warm approval
bevisst
B1Knowing and perceiving
