At the A1 level, you should learn 'følsom' as a basic word to describe people. Just like you learn 'glad' (happy) or 'trist' (sad), 'følsom' helps you describe a personality. Think of it as 'sensitive'. You can use it in simple sentences like 'Han er følsom' (He is sensitive). At this stage, don't worry too much about technical uses. Just remember that it describes someone who feels things strongly. You might also see it on soap or lotion bottles as 'følsom hud' (sensitive skin). Focus on the basic meaning: having a lot of feelings. It is a useful word to know when talking about friends, family, or how you feel after watching a sad movie. Remember the pronunciation: the 'ø' is like the 'u' in 'burn', and the 'l' is clear. Even at A1, try to remember that it changes to 'følsomt' if you talk about 'et barn' (a child). Keep it simple and use it to add more detail to your descriptions of people you know.
At the A2 level, you start to see 'følsom' in more varied contexts. You will learn that it's not just about people being 'emotional', but also about 'følsomme temaer' (sensitive topics). For example, if you are talking about politics or money, you might say 'Dette er et følsomt tema' (This is a sensitive topic). You should also practice the grammatical agreement more carefully now. Remember: 'en følsom mann' (masculine), 'ei følsom dame' (feminine), 'et følsomt barn' (neuter), and 'følsomme mennesker' (plural). At A2, you are expected to handle these basic changes. You might also encounter the word in simple news stories or health articles. If a doctor says you have 'følsomme øyne' (sensitive eyes), they are using the plural form. This level is about expanding the word's use from just 'personality' to 'situations' and 'body parts'. It is a key word for expressing empathy in basic conversations, which is very important in Norwegian social interaction.
By B1, you should be able to use 'følsom' to discuss nuances in character and social dynamics. You will distinguish between being 'følsom' (sensitive/empathetic) and 'overfølsom' (hypersensitive). You can use it to describe artistic works, like 'en følsom sang' (a sensitive song). You should also be comfortable using it in the definite form: 'den følsomme gutten' (the sensitive boy). At this level, you start to understand the cultural value of being 'følsom' in Norway—it's often seen as a sign of being a 'varm person' (a warm person). You will also encounter it in professional settings, particularly regarding 'følsom informasjon' (sensitive information/data). You should be able to explain *why* something is følsomt using more complex sentence structures, such as 'Jeg vil ikke snakke om det fordi det er et følsomt tema for meg' (I don't want to talk about it because it is a sensitive topic for me). Your vocabulary is growing to include related words like 'følelse' (feeling) and 'følsomhet' (sensitivity).
At the B2 level, 'følsom' becomes a tool for sophisticated discussion. You understand that the word can have both positive and negative connotations depending on the context and tone. You can use it to describe complex diplomatic or political situations where 'følsomme forhandlinger' (sensitive negotiations) are taking place. You should be able to use it as an adverbial phrase, like 'å reagere følsomt' (to react sensitively). You will also encounter it in literature and higher-level journalism, where it might describe a 'følsom tolkning' (sensitive interpretation) of a historical event or a piece of art. At B2, you should also be aware of synonyms like 'sensitiv', 'var', and 'mottakelig', and know when to choose 'følsom' over them to achieve a more natural or poetic tone. You can discuss the concept of 'høysensitivitet' (high sensitivity) and its role in modern society. Your mastery of the grammar should be perfect, including the double 'm' in 'følsomme' and the neuter '-t' in abstract constructions.
At the C1 level, you use 'følsom' with precision and stylistic flair. You recognize its use in academic or psychological texts where it might describe 'følsomme perioder' in child development (sensitive periods). You can navigate the subtle differences between 'følsom', 'sensibel' (a more formal/literary term), and 'lettrørt' (easily moved to tears). You understand how 'følsom' functions in idiomatic expressions and can use it to provide nuanced critiques of literature or film. For instance, you might discuss a director's 'følsomme blikk' (sensitive gaze) on a social issue. You are also aware of the word's historical development and how its usage has shifted in the Norwegian language. In professional legal or technical environments, you use 'følsom' correctly when discussing 'personvernerklæringer' (privacy policies) and 'behandling av følsomme data'. You can engage in deep cultural discussions about the 'følsomme nordmann' (the sensitive Norwegian) and how this trait interacts with the traditional Norwegian value of 'stoisisme' (stoicism).
At the C2 level, 'følsom' is part of a completely fluid and natural vocabulary. You use it with the same ease as a native speaker, catching all the subtle irony or deep sincerity it can convey. You can use it in high-level creative writing, perhaps personifying abstract concepts as 'følsomme'. You are comfortable with its most technical applications in fields like acoustics or advanced electronics ('følsomme sensorer'), as well as its most abstract philosophical applications. You can debate the ethics of 'følsom maktbruk' (sensitive use of power) or the 'følsomme balansegangen' (delicate balance) between security and freedom. You understand the etymological roots and how the suffix '-som' operates in other words like 'voldsom' or 'langsom' to contrast with 'følsom'. Your usage is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker, and you can use the word to navigate the most delicate social and professional situations in Norway with perfect linguistic tact.

følsom في 30 ثانية

  • Følsom describes emotional or physical sensitivity, similar to the English word 'sensitive' in both personality and technical contexts.
  • The word changes based on gender and number: følsom (m/f), følsomt (neuter), and følsomme (plural/definite).
  • It is a 'false friend' to the English word 'sensible'; the Norwegian word for practical/sensible is 'fornuftig'.
  • It can be used positively to mean empathetic or negatively to mean touchy, depending on the context and tone.

The Norwegian adjective følsom is a foundational word for describing emotional depth, sensitivity, and the capacity to be easily affected by internal or external stimuli. At its core, it stems from the verb å føle (to feel) combined with the suffix -som, which denotes a characteristic or tendency. To be følsom is to possess a high degree of emotional resonance. In Norwegian culture, this word carries a nuanced weight; it can be a profound compliment describing an empathetic soul, or a neutral observation of someone who reacts strongly to their environment.

Emotional Sensitivity
This refers to a person's internal landscape. A følsom person might cry easily at movies, feel deep empathy for others, or have a rich, complex inner life. It is the Norwegian equivalent of being 'sensitive' in a psychological sense.

Han er en veldig følsom gutt som bryr seg om alle rundt seg.

Beyond personality traits, følsom is frequently used to describe topics or situations that require delicate handling. When a subject is 'følsomt', it means it is touchy, controversial, or likely to provoke strong emotional reactions. This is crucial in professional and diplomatic contexts where one must navigate 'følsomme temaer' (sensitive topics) like politics, religion, or personal loss. The word implies that one must proceed with caution and respect.

Physical Sensitivity
In technical or medical contexts, the word can describe physical reactions. For instance, 'følsom hud' (sensitive skin) or 'følsomme instrumenter' (sensitive instruments). In these cases, it indicates a low threshold for reaction to external stimuli.

Saken er politisk følsom og krever forsiktig behandling.

Historically, being called 'følsom' in Norway has evolved. In the Romantic era, it was the ultimate virtue of the poet. In the mid-20th century, it was sometimes used dismissively to suggest weakness. Today, in the era of 'høysensitivitet' (high sensitivity/HSP), it is increasingly viewed as a neutral or positive trait associated with emotional intelligence and artistic capability. Understanding this word is key to understanding the Norwegian emphasis on 'medfølelse' (compassion) and 'hensyn' (consideration).

Artistic and Aesthetic Context
Artists, musicians, and writers are often described as 'følsomme'. Here, it suggests an ability to capture subtle nuances of human experience that others might miss. It is the bridge between perception and expression.

Using følsom correctly in Norwegian requires an understanding of adjective agreement. Like most Norwegian adjectives, it changes its ending based on the gender and number of the noun it describes. For masculine and feminine nouns, we use følsom. For neuter nouns, it becomes følsomt. For plural nouns and in the definite form, it becomes følsomme. Mastering these transitions is the first step toward fluency.

Masculine/Feminine Usage
When describing a man (en mann) or a woman (ei/en kvinne), the form remains 'følsom'. This applies to both attributive usage (before the noun) and predicative usage (after a verb like 'å være').

Hun er en følsom sjel som skriver vakre dikt.

When the noun is neuter, such as et tema (a topic) or et hjerte (a heart), the adjective takes a '-t' at the end. This is a common stumbling block for English speakers, as English adjectives do not change. Remember: 'Et følsomt tema' is the correct way to describe a sensitive subject.

Neuter Usage
The neuter form 'følsomt' is also used when the adjective describes an action or an abstract concept represented by 'det'. For example: 'Det var følsomt gjort' (It was sensitively done).

Dette er et følsomt instrument som må behandles med forsiktighet.

In the plural, or when the noun is definite (e.g., 'the sensitive person'), the adjective changes to følsomme. This involves doubling the 'm' and adding an 'e'. This phonetic and orthographic change is vital for natural-sounding Norwegian. 'De følsomme barna' (The sensitive children) demonstrates this plural agreement clearly.

Plural and Definite Usage
The form 'følsomme' is used for all genders in the plural. Example: 'De er følsomme' (They are sensitive). It is also used after definite articles: 'Den følsomme filmen' (The sensitive movie).

Vi må ta hensyn til de følsomme opplysningene i rapporten.

In Norway, you will encounter følsom across a wide spectrum of daily life, from intimate conversations to formal news broadcasts. It is a word that bridges the gap between the clinical and the poetic. In social settings, Norwegians value 'emosjonell intelligens' (emotional intelligence), and 'følsom' is the primary adjective used to discuss how people relate to one another's feelings. You might hear a friend say, 'Jeg er litt følsom i dag' (I'm a bit sensitive today), indicating they are more prone to emotional reactions than usual.

In the Media and News
News anchors often use the term when discussing 'personopplysninger' (personal data) or 'statshemmeligheter' (state secrets). Here, it translates more as 'confidential' or 'delicate'. You will hear phrases like 'følsom informasjon' (sensitive information) constantly in reports about cybersecurity or privacy laws.

Regjeringen behandler nå følsomme dokumenter angående nasjonal sikkerhet.

In the workplace, particularly in Norway's egalitarian and consensus-based work culture, 'følsomhet' (sensitivity) is often discussed in leadership training. A 'følsom leder' is someone who is attuned to the well-being of their employees. However, if a project is described as 'følsomt', it means it is at a critical stage where any mistake could lead to failure. This dual use—personality vs. situational criticality—is something learners must listen for carefully.

In Healthcare and Wellness
Norway has a strong focus on mental health. In therapy or medical consultations, 'følsom' is used to describe temperament. You might hear about 'særlig følsomme barn' (highly sensitive children), a term used to describe children who process sensory data and emotions more deeply than average.

Mange kunstnere er naturlig følsomme for inntrykk fra omverdenen.

Finally, in the arts—music, literature, and film—critics use 'følsom' to describe a performance that is nuanced and touching. A 'følsom tolkning' (sensitive interpretation) of a piece of music suggests the performer has deeply understood the emotional core of the work. This is considered high praise in the Norwegian cultural landscape.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using følsom is confusing it with the English word 'sensible'. This is a classic 'false friend'. While 'sensible' in English means having good judgment or being practical, the Norwegian word for that is fornuftig. Using 'følsom' when you mean 'practical' will lead to significant confusion, as you will be telling someone they are 'emotional' or 'delicate' instead of 'level-headed'.

The 'Sensible' Trap
English: 'She is a sensible woman' (Practical). Norwegian: 'Hun er en fornuftig kvinne'. WRONG: 'Hun er en følsom kvinne' (She is a sensitive/emotional woman).

Ikke vær så følsom! (Don't be so sensitive! - often used when someone takes offense too easily.)

Another mistake involves the over-application of 'følsom' to technical contexts where sensitiv might be more appropriate. While 'følsom' can be used for instruments, 'sensitiv' is often the preferred term in modern technical Norwegian, especially for digital sensors or scientific measurements. Using 'følsom' for a smoke detector might sound slightly poetic or old-fashioned compared to 'sensitiv'.

Misusing the Neuter Form
Learners often forget to add the '-t' when describing neuter nouns. Saying 'et følsom tema' instead of 'et følsomt tema' is a hallmark of an intermediate learner. Always check the gender of the noun.

Det var et følsomt øyeblikk for oss alle.

Lastly, be careful with the word 'overfølsom'. While it literally means 'oversensitive', it is often used in a medical sense for allergies (e.g., 'overfølsomhet for pollen'). If you call a person 'overfølsom' in a social setting, it is significantly more critical than just calling them 'følsom'. It implies that their reaction is disproportionate or annoying to others.

To truly enrich your Norwegian vocabulary, you should understand how følsom compares to its synonyms. The Norwegian language has several words for sensitivity, each with a specific flavor. Sensitiv is the most direct synonym, often used interchangeably in psychological contexts (e.g., 'sensitiv informasjon' or 'et sensitivt barn'). However, sensitiv often feels more clinical or modern, whereas følsom feels more organic and traditional.

Følsom vs. Sensitiv
'Følsom' is deeply tied to the act of feeling (føle). 'Sensitiv' is a loanword from Latin and is often preferred in technical, medical, or administrative contexts.

Han er en var og følsom person som merker stemninger raskt.

Another beautiful alternative is var. This word describes a gentle, cautious sensitivity. A 'var' person is someone who is perceptive and perhaps a bit shy or easily startled. It is often used to describe animals or people who are very attuned to their surroundings. Sårbar (vulnerable) is another related term, but it focuses specifically on the capacity to be hurt or wounded, whereas følsom is broader.

Følsom vs. Emosjonell
'Emosjonell' is the direct translation of 'emotional'. While 'følsom' describes a trait (sensitivity), 'emosjonell' often describes a state or a reaction (e.g., 'hun ble veldig emosjonell under talen').

Det er viktig å være mottakelig for andres følelser.

Finally, consider mottakelig (receptive). While 'følsom' is about the internal reaction, 'mottakelig' is about the openness to external influence. If you are 'mottakelig' for criticism, you are open to it. If you are 'følsom' for criticism, you are likely to be hurt by it. Choosing between these words depends entirely on whether you want to emphasize the quality of the person or the nature of the reaction.

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

Han er en følsom mann.

He is a sensitive man.

Basic adjective-noun agreement (masculine).

2

Jeg har følsom hud.

I have sensitive skin.

'Hud' is feminine/masculine, so 'følsom' is used.

3

Er du følsom?

Are you sensitive?

Question form with 'å være'.

4

Filmen var veldig følsom.

The movie was very sensitive/touching.

Predicative use of the adjective.

5

Hun gråter fordi hun er følsom.

She cries because she is sensitive.

Using 'fordi' (because) in a sub-clause.

6

Det er en følsom sang.

It is a sensitive/touching song.

'Sang' is masculine.

7

Katten er følsom for lyder.

The cat is sensitive to sounds.

Using 'for' as a preposition after 'følsom'.

8

De er følsomme barn.

They are sensitive children.

Plural form: 'følsomme'.

1

Dette er et følsomt tema.

This is a sensitive topic.

Neuter agreement: 'et tema' -> 'følsomt'.

2

Vi må være følsomme overfor hverandre.

We must be sensitive toward each other.

Plural agreement with the subject 'vi'.

3

Barnet har et følsomt hjerte.

The child has a sensitive heart.

Neuter agreement: 'et hjerte' -> 'følsomt'.

4

Det var et følsomt øyeblikk.

It was a sensitive/touching moment.

Neuter agreement: 'et øyeblikk' -> 'følsomt'.

5

Hun er følsom for kaldt vær.

She is sensitive to cold weather.

Physical sensitivity context.

6

Ikke vær så følsom!

Don't be so sensitive!

Imperative mood with 'være'.

7

De følsomme ordene hjalp meg.

The sensitive words helped me.

Definite plural form: 'de følsomme'.

8

Er dette følsom informasjon?

Is this sensitive information?

'Informasjon' is masculine.

1

Læreren håndterte den følsomme situasjonen godt.

The teacher handled the sensitive situation well.

Definite form: 'den følsomme situasjonen'.

2

Mange kunstnere er naturlig følsomme.

Many artists are naturally sensitive.

Adverb 'naturlig' modifying the adjective.

3

Det er viktig å vise følsomhet i slike saker.

It is important to show sensitivity in such cases.

Using the noun 'følsomhet' (sensitivity).

4

Instrumentet er følsomt for vibrasjoner.

The instrument is sensitive to vibrations.

Technical usage of the neuter form.

5

Hun ga en følsom tolkning av diktet.

She gave a sensitive interpretation of the poem.

Attributive adjective describing 'tolkning' (feminine).

6

De følsomme opplysningene må slettes.

The sensitive information must be deleted.

Definite plural: 'de følsomme'.

7

Han er følsom for kritikk fra sjefen.

He is sensitive to criticism from the boss.

Prepositional phrase 'for kritikk'.

8

Det var et uvanlig følsomt brev.

It was an unusually sensitive letter.

Adverb 'uvanlig' modifying 'følsomt'.

1

Forhandlingene er i en følsom fase nå.

The negotiations are in a sensitive phase now.

Professional context, masculine noun 'fase'.

2

Han reagerte følsomt på den dårlige nyheten.

He reacted sensitively to the bad news.

Using 'følsomt' as an adverb here (reacting in a sensitive way).

3

Det er en følsom balansegang mellom frihet og sikkerhet.

It is a delicate/sensitive balance between freedom and security.

Metaphorical usage of 'følsom'.

4

Hun har en følsom nese for gode viner.

She has a sensitive nose for good wines.

Idiomatic use describing sensory perception.

5

Saken er politisk følsom for regjeringen.

The case is politically sensitive for the government.

Compound meaning: 'politisk følsom'.

6

Vi må ta hensyn til de følsomme økosystemene.

We must take consideration of the sensitive ecosystems.

Definite plural describing environmental sensitivity.

7

Han er kanskje litt for følsom for sitt eget beste.

He is perhaps a bit too sensitive for his own good.

Common expression 'for sitt eget beste'.

8

Dette er følsomme data som krever kryptering.

These are sensitive data that require encryption.

Plural noun 'data' with 'følsomme'.

1

Forfatteren har et følsomt blikk for hverdagens detaljer.

The author has a sensitive gaze for the details of everyday life.

Literary usage of 'følsomt blikk'.

2

Det kreves en følsom tilnærming for å løse konflikten.

A sensitive approach is required to resolve the conflict.

Noun 'tilnærming' (feminine/masculine).

3

Huden blir mer følsom for sollys etter behandlingen.

The skin becomes more sensitive to sunlight after the treatment.

Comparative 'mer følsom'.

4

Han skildret krigens redsler på en følsom måte.

He depicted the horrors of war in a sensitive way.

Prepositional phrase 'på en følsom måte'.

5

Spørsmålet om arv er ofte følsomt i familier.

The question of inheritance is often sensitive in families.

Neuter predicative agreement with 'spørsmålet'.

6

Musikkstykket ble fremført med følsom presisjon.

The piece of music was performed with sensitive precision.

Combining 'følsom' with a technical noun like 'presisjon'.

7

Det er en følsom sak som må behandles konfidensielt.

It is a sensitive case that must be treated confidentially.

Legal/administrative context.

8

Hun er følsom overfor stemningsskifter i rommet.

She is sensitive to changes in atmosphere in the room.

Using 'overfor' to indicate the object of sensitivity.

1

Hans følsomme natur gjorde ham sårbar i politikken.

His sensitive nature made him vulnerable in politics.

Definite adjective with 'hans'.

2

Filosofen utforsker det følsomme forholdet mellom subjekt og objekt.

The philosopher explores the sensitive relationship between subject and object.

Highly abstract/academic usage.

3

Vi opererer i et følsomt geopolitisk landskap.

We are operating in a sensitive geopolitical landscape.

Complex compound adjective 'geopolitisk'.

4

Hennes følsomme penn fanget tidsånden perfekt.

Her sensitive pen (writing style) captured the zeitgeist perfectly.

Metonymy: 'penn' used for writing style.

5

Det er en følsom distinksjon mellom empati og sympati.

There is a sensitive/subtle distinction between empathy and sympathy.

'Følsom' meaning 'subtle' or 'delicate'.

6

Reaktoren er utstyrt med ekstremt følsomme sensorer.

The reactor is equipped with extremely sensitive sensors.

Scientific/engineering context.

7

Han navigerte følsomt gjennom de etiske dilemmaene.

He navigated sensitively through the ethical dilemmas.

Adverbial use in a complex abstract context.

8

Den følsomme balansen i naturen er truet av klimaendringer.

The delicate balance in nature is threatened by climate change.

Ecological sensitivity context.

تلازمات شائعة

følsom informasjon
et følsomt tema
følsom hud
en følsom sjel
følsomme data
et følsomt øyeblikk
politisk følsom
følsomme instrumenter
være følsom for
en følsom tolkning

العبارات الشائعة

å være følsom av natur

— To be sensitive by nature/character. Describes a fundamental personality trait.

Hun er følsom av natur og tar ting lett til seg.

et følsomt punkt

— A sore spot or a touchy subject. Something that triggers a strong reaction.

Du traff et følsomt punkt da du nevnte jobben hans.

følsomme personopplysninger

— Sensitive personal data. A legal term regarding privacy.

Vi må beskytte følsomme personopplysninger.

en følsom sak

— A sensitive case or matter. Requires careful handling.

Dette er en følsom sak for politiet.

å ha en følsom side

— To have a sensitive side. Implies the person might seem tough but has feelings.

Han har en følsom side som han sjelden viser.

følsomme nerver

— Sensitive nerves. Can be physical or metaphorical (anxiety).

Han har følsomme nerver og blir fort stresset.

i en følsom fase

— In a sensitive phase. A critical time where things are delicate.

Prosjektet er i en følsom fase.

følsom for inntrykk

— Sensitive to impressions. Easily influenced by the environment.

Barn er veldig følsomme for inntrykk.

en følsom gutt/jente

— A sensitive boy/girl. Often used in education or parenting.

Han er en følsom gutt som trenger støtte.

følsom overfor kritikk

— Sensitive to criticism. Easily hurt by negative feedback.

Hun er litt for følsom overfor kritikk.

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