At the A1 level, you can think of 'vedlikeholde' as a word for taking care of things you own. Imagine you have a bicycle or a favorite toy. To make sure it stays nice and doesn't break, you have to 'vedlikeholde' it. This might mean cleaning it or putting oil on the chain. Even though A1 learners usually use simpler words like 'vaske' (wash) or 'rydde' (tidy), understanding 'vedlikeholde' helps you talk about the future of your things. You use it when you want to say you are being responsible. For example, 'Jeg må vedlikeholde sykkelen min' (I must maintain my bike). It is a long word, but it is built from 'ved', 'like', and 'holde', which are all simple words you will learn early on. At this stage, focus on physical objects you can touch and see. If you take care of your room, you are 'maintaining' its condition. It is about keeping things 'like' (the same) as they were when they were new.
At the A2 level, you start to use 'vedlikeholde' for more practical tasks around the house and for your hobbies. You might talk about maintaining a garden (hage) or a car (bil). You understand that 'vedlikeholde' is a process that happens regularly. You can use it in sentences with modal verbs like 'må' (must) or 'bør' (should). For example, 'Vi bør vedlikeholde huset før vinteren' (We should maintain the house before winter). You also begin to see the word in advertisements or instructions, such as 'Slik vedlikeholder du dine skinnsko' (How to maintain your leather shoes). At this level, you should also be able to use the past tense 'vedlikeholdt' to describe what you have already done. If you say 'Jeg har vedlikeholdt hagen i hele sommer,' it shows you have been working consistently. You are moving beyond simple cleaning to the concept of preservation and preventing things from getting old or broken.
At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'vedlikeholde' for both physical objects and abstract concepts like skills and relationships. This is where the word becomes very useful for your personal development. You might say, 'Jeg må se på norske filmer for å vedlikeholde norsken min' (I must watch Norwegian films to maintain my Norwegian). This shows you understand that language is a skill that can fade if not 'maintained.' You can also use it in a professional context, such as 'Å vedlikeholde gode relasjoner til kolleger' (Maintaining good relations with colleagues). You understand the difference between 'vedlikeholde' (to keep in good condition) and 'reparere' (to fix). At B1, you are expected to participate in discussions about responsibilities, and this word is key for talking about home ownership, car care, and professional duties. You can also use the noun 'vedlikehold' (maintenance) in compound words like 'vedlikeholdsutgifter' (maintenance expenses).
At the B2 level, you use 'vedlikeholde' with precision and nuance. You can distinguish it from synonyms like 'opprettholde' (to uphold/maintain a level) or 'bevare' (to preserve). You use 'vedlikeholde' when discussing technical systems, infrastructure, and complex social structures. For example, 'Det er krevende for kommunen å vedlikeholde alle de kommunale veiene' (It is demanding for the municipality to maintain all the municipal roads). You can also use it in more formal writing, such as reports or academic essays, to describe the necessity of continuous effort to keep a system functional. You understand that 'vedlikeholde' implies a proactive strategy. In a debate about the environment, you might talk about the need to 'vedlikeholde det biologiske mangfoldet' (maintain biodiversity), though 'bevare' might also be used there. Your sentences are more complex, often using the passive voice: 'Bygningen må vedlikeholdes i samsvar med gjeldende regler' (The building must be maintained in accordance with current regulations).
At the C1 level, 'vedlikeholde' is used fluently in highly abstract and specialized contexts. You might discuss 'å vedlikeholde et narrativ' (maintaining a narrative) in media studies or 'å vedlikeholde hegemoniet' (maintaining hegemony) in political science. You understand the subtle connotations the word carries—responsibility, continuity, and perhaps even the burden of upkeep. You can use it in idiomatic ways and recognize when it is being used metaphorically. For instance, in a corporate strategy meeting, you might argue for 'å vedlikeholde vår markedsposisjon' (maintaining our market position) through constant innovation. You are also aware of the technical jargon surrounding the word, such as 'forebyggende vedlikehold' (preventative maintenance) vs. 'korrektivt vedlikehold' (corrective maintenance). Your use of the word reflects a deep understanding of Norwegian social values, where the upkeep of communal property and social 'tillit' (trust) is seen as a vital, ongoing task for every citizen.
At the C2 level, your command of 'vedlikeholde' is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker. You use the word effortlessly in all registers, from casual conversation about 'å vedlikeholde skjegget' (maintaining the beard) to high-level legal or technical discourse about 'vedlikeholdsplikt' (maintenance obligation) in lease agreements. You can play with the word's components, perhaps using it in creative writing to describe the 'vedlikehold' of a memory or a dream. You are sensitive to the rhythm of the sentence and might choose 'vedlikeholde' over a synonym purely for stylistic reasons. You can interpret and use the word in complex legal statutes or engineering manuals where the precise definition of 'vedlikehold' determines liability or safety standards. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a versatile tool for expressing the human effort required to resist entropy in all its forms—physical, intellectual, and social.

vedlikeholde في 30 ثانية

  • Vedlikeholde means to maintain or keep something in good condition through regular care.
  • It is used for physical objects like houses and cars, as well as abstract things like skills and friendships.
  • It is a compound verb from 'ved' (by) and 'likeholde' (keep the same).
  • It differs from 'reparere' (to fix) because it focuses on prevention rather than fixing what is already broken.
The Norwegian verb vedlikeholde is a compound word derived from 'ved' (by), 'like' (equally/similarly), and 'holde' (to hold). This etymological structure perfectly describes its primary meaning: to hold something in a state of equality or consistency. In English, we most commonly translate this as 'to maintain,' 'to service,' or 'to keep up.' It is a word that bridges the gap between physical labor and abstract preservation. Whether you are talking about the mechanical upkeep of a car, the structural integrity of a building, or the emotional labor required to keep a friendship thriving, vedlikeholde is the essential verb.
Physical Upkeep
This refers to the act of preventing decay or failure in objects. If you have a house in Norway, you must vedlikeholde the wood siding to protect it from the harsh winter elements. This involves painting, cleaning, and repairing before damage occurs.

Det er mye billigere å vedlikeholde bilen regelmessig enn å reparere den når den bryter sammen.

In a more abstract sense, the word is used for skills and relationships. If you learn Norwegian but never speak it, you are failing to vedlikeholde your language skills. Similarly, a healthy marriage requires that both partners actively vedlikeholde the relationship through communication and shared time.
Skills and Knowledge
To keep a skill at its current level. For example, a pianist must practice daily to vedlikeholde their technique.

Jeg prøver å vedlikeholde fransken min ved å se på nyheter fra Frankrike.

In the workplace, this word is extremely common in technical fields, property management, and HR. You will see it in contracts (vedlikeholdsansvar - maintenance responsibility) and in job descriptions for technicians. It implies a sense of responsibility and foresight. To vedlikeholde something is to respect its value enough to ensure it lasts. It is a very positive, constructive verb in Norwegian culture, which values sustainability and long-term care over disposable consumption.
Social Context
In social circles, it means to nurture. To vedlikeholde contacts (kontakter) is the Norwegian way of saying 'networking' or 'staying in touch.'

Vi må bli flinkere til å vedlikeholde vennskapene våre i en travel hverdag.

Kommunen har ikke nok penger til å vedlikeholde de lokale veiene.

Det krever disiplin å vedlikeholde en sunn livsstil over tid.

Using vedlikeholde correctly involves understanding its object. Since it is a transitive verb, it almost always requires a direct object—the thing being maintained. In Norwegian sentence structure, the verb typically occupies the second position (V2 rule). When using it in the infinitive form, it often follows modal verbs like 'må' (must), 'bør' (should), or 'vil' (want to/will).
Modal Constructions
'Du bør vedlikeholde gjerdet hvert år.' (You should maintain the fence every year.) Here, 'vedlikeholde' is the secondary verb providing the specific action required by the recommendation.

Hvem har ansvaret for å vedlikeholde denne programvaren?

When discussing habits, the present tense vedlikeholder is used. For example, 'Han vedlikeholder hagen sin med stor flid' (He maintains his garden with great diligence). The focus here is on the ongoing nature of the task. In Norwegian, the present tense often covers both the simple present and the present continuous in English.
Past Tense Usage
When talking about past actions, use 'vedlikeholdt'. 'De vedlikeholdt ikke bygningen, så den forfalt.' (They did not maintain the building, so it decayed.) This highlights the consequence of neglecting maintenance.

Vi har vedlikeholdt tradisjonen i over hundre år.

In professional contexts, you might encounter the passive form or the noun 'vedlikehold'. However, sticking to the verb form is crucial for active descriptions of work. 'Maskinen må vedlikeholdes' (The machine must be maintained). The suffix '-es' turns the active verb into a passive requirement.
Abstract Objects
When the object is 'kunnskap' (knowledge) or 'ferdigheter' (skills), the verb takes on a cognitive meaning. 'For å vedlikeholde flyten i språket, må du snakke hver dag.'

Det er viktig å vedlikeholde god kontakt med kundene våre.

Hun jobber hardt for å vedlikeholde muskelmassen sin.

Eieren glemte å vedlikeholde taket før vinteren kom.

You will encounter vedlikeholde in several distinct environments in Norway. The first is in real estate and housing. Norway has a high rate of home ownership, and the weather is notoriously tough on buildings. Therefore, conversations about 'vedlikehold' are constant among neighbors and in 'borettslag' (housing cooperatives). You will hear people say, 'Vi må vedlikeholde fasaden i år' (We must maintain the facade this year).
The Workplace
In industrial or office settings, it refers to IT systems, machinery, and infrastructure. An IT manager might say, 'Vi må vedlikeholde serverne våre i helgen' (We need to maintain our servers this weekend).

Statens vegvesen må vedlikeholde tunnelene for å sikre trygg ferdsel.

Another common area is fitness and health. Personal trainers often use the word when discussing long-term goals. It's not just about losing weight or gaining muscle; it's about the ability to vedlikeholde that physical state. You might hear, 'Når du har nådd målet ditt, handler alt om å vedlikeholde formen' (Once you've reached your goal, it's all about maintaining your fitness).
Education and Language
Teachers use it to encourage students to keep practicing during holidays. 'Husk å vedlikeholde lesingen i sommerferien!' (Remember to keep up your reading during the summer break!)

Det er vanskelig å vedlikeholde motivasjonen når man studerer alene.

In politics and news, you will hear it regarding national infrastructure. 'Regjeringen vil bruke mer penger på å vedlikeholde jernbanen.' This is a frequent topic of debate in Norway, as the mountainous terrain makes maintenance both expensive and necessary.
Relationships
In self-help or psychological contexts, it's about emotional connection. 'Hvordan vedlikeholde gnisten i et langt forhold?' (How to maintain the spark in a long relationship?)

Vi har en fast dag i måneden for å vedlikeholde båten sammen.

Det er viktig å vedlikeholde et godt arbeidsmiljø på kontoret.

Mange glemmer å vedlikeholde varmepumpen sin regelmessig.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is confusing vedlikeholde with 'opprettholde'. While both can translate to 'maintain,' their usage is quite different. Opprettholde is used for maintaining a status, a level, a law, or a pressure (e.g., maintaining law and order, or maintaining speed). Vedlikeholde is specifically for the care and upkeep of physical objects or skills to prevent them from deteriorating.
Vedlikeholde vs. Opprettholde
Use vedlikeholde for a house, a car, or a language. Use opprettholde for order, a standard, or a certain speed.

FEIL: Politiet må vedlikeholde ro og orden. (Wrong: Police don't 'service' peace and order like a car.)
RIKTIG: Politiet må opprettholde ro og orden.

Another mistake is using 'reparere' when you mean 'vedlikeholde'. Remember, reparere is what you do after something is broken. Vedlikeholde is what you do to ensure it doesn't break. If you say 'Jeg må reparere gressklipperen' every week, people will think your mower is poor quality. If you say 'Jeg må vedlikeholde gressklipperen,' it sounds like you are a responsible owner doing oil changes and sharpening blades. Learners also struggle with the conjugation because 'holde' is an irregular verb. Do not say 'vedlikeholdte' (with a double -te like a weak verb) unless you are using the specific weak conjugation variant, though 'vedlikeholdt' is the standard past participle.
Conjugation Errors
Avoid 'Jeg har vedlikeholdet'. The correct past participle is vedlikeholdt.

Han har vedlikeholdt hytta si i alle år.

Ikke glem å vedlikeholde dine sosiale relasjoner.

Huset ble ikke vedlikeholdt ordentlig av de forrige eierne.

Det er krevende å vedlikeholde en stor hage alene.

While vedlikeholde is the standard term for maintenance, several other verbs offer more specific nuances. Understanding these will help you sound more like a native speaker.
Pleie
This means 'to nurse' or 'to tend to'. It is used for people (nursing the sick), animals, or gardens. It implies a more gentle, caring form of maintenance than the technical 'vedlikeholde'. You 'pleier' a friendship or a flowerbed.

Han pleier sine interesser for historie.

Bevare
This means 'to preserve'. It is used when the goal is to keep something exactly as it is, often for historical or environmental reasons. You 'bevarer' old buildings or nature reserves.

Vi må bevare de gamle tømmerhusene for ettertiden.

Drifte
This means 'to operate' or 'to run' (a business or a technical system). While maintenance is part of 'drift', 'drifte' focuses more on the daily operation. 'Å drifte en nettside' (To run a website) includes keeping it online, not just fixing bugs.

IT-avdelingen har ansvaret for å drifte systemene.

Opprettholde
As mentioned before, this is for levels or standards. 'Å opprettholde en viss standard' (To maintain a certain standard).

Det er viktig å opprettholde god hygiene.

Vi må vedlikeholde utstyret slik at det varer lenger.

Kan du hjelpe meg med å vedlikeholde denne listen over medlemmer?

أمثلة حسب المستوى

1

Jeg må vedlikeholde sykkelen min.

I must maintain my bicycle.

'Må' is a modal verb followed by the infinitive 'vedlikeholde'.

2

Han vil vedlikeholde huset.

He wants to maintain the house.

Simple SVO structure with a modal verb.

3

Vi må vedlikeholde hagen.

We must maintain the garden.

'Hagen' is the definite object.

4

Husk å vedlikeholde skoene dine.

Remember to maintain your shoes.

Imperative 'Husk' followed by 'å' + infinitive.

5

Hun liker å vedlikeholde bilen.

She likes to maintain the car.

'Liker å' is a common construction for hobbies.

6

Det er viktig å vedlikeholde leker.

It is important to maintain toys.

'Det er viktig å' is a common introductory phrase.

7

Pappa skal vedlikeholde gjerdet.

Dad is going to maintain the fence.

'Skal' indicates a future intention.

8

Kan du vedlikeholde denne?

Can you maintain this one?

Question form using the modal 'kan'.

1

Du bør vedlikeholde verktøyet ditt etter bruk.

You should maintain your tools after use.

'Bør' expresses a recommendation.

2

De vedlikeholdt hytta hver sommer.

They maintained the cabin every summer.

Past tense 'vedlikeholdt' for habitual past actions.

3

Det koster penger å vedlikeholde en gammel bil.

It costs money to maintain an old car.

'Det koster penger å' is a useful phrase for expenses.

4

Hvordan vedlikeholder man en vaskemaskin?

How does one maintain a washing machine?

'Man' is the impersonal pronoun 'one/you'.

5

Jeg har vedlikeholdt båten min i ti år.

I have maintained my boat for ten years.

Present perfect 'har vedlikeholdt' for duration.

6

Vi må vedlikeholde stiene i skogen.

We must maintain the paths in the forest.

Plural object 'stiene'.

7

Han glemte å vedlikeholde taket på huset.

He forgot to maintain the roof of the house.

'Glemte å' followed by the infinitive.

8

Vedlikeholder du utstyret ditt regelmessig?

Do you maintain your equipment regularly?

Question using the present tense 'vedlikeholder'.

1

Det er viktig å vedlikeholde språket når man flytter.

It is important to maintain the language when one moves.

Abstract use of the verb for skills.

2

Bedriften må vedlikeholde maskinene for å unngå stopp.

The company must maintain the machines to avoid stops.

Professional context.

3

Vi må jobbe for å vedlikeholde vennskapet vårt.

We must work to maintain our friendship.

Abstract use for social relationships.

4

Han vedlikeholder en sunn livsstil ved å trene ofte.

He maintains a healthy lifestyle by exercising often.

'Ved å' + infinitive describes the method.

5

Hvem har ansvaret for å vedlikeholde nettsiden?

Who is responsible for maintaining the website?

'Ansvaret for å' is a common collocation.

6

De har vedlikeholdt denne tradisjonen i generasjoner.

They have maintained this tradition for generations.

Use of the verb for cultural practices.

7

Det er dyrt å vedlikeholde store eiendommer.

It is expensive to maintain large properties.

General statement about costs.

8

Jeg prøver å vedlikeholde kontakten med mine gamle venner.

I am trying to maintain contact with my old friends.

'Vedlikeholde kontakten' is a standard phrase.

1

Kommunen har en plan for å vedlikeholde alle skolebyggene.

The municipality has a plan to maintain all the school buildings.

Institutional usage.

2

For å vedlikeholde muskelmassen må man spise nok proteiner.

To maintain muscle mass, one must eat enough protein.

Biological/fitness context.

3

Det er krevende å vedlikeholde et høyt tempo gjennom hele dagen.

It is demanding to maintain a high pace throughout the day.

Abstract use for performance levels.

4

Bygningen må vedlikeholdes i henhold til sikkerhetsforskriftene.

The building must be maintained in accordance with safety regulations.

Passive form 'vedlikeholdes'.

5

Vi må vedlikeholde den gode dialogen mellom partene.

We must maintain the good dialogue between the parties.

Diplomatic/professional usage.

6

Han klarte ikke å vedlikeholde motivasjonen etter nederlaget.

He managed not to maintain motivation after the defeat.

Psychological context.

7

Vedlikeholdt utstyr varer betydelig lenger enn neglisjert utstyr.

Maintained equipment lasts significantly longer than neglected equipment.

'Vedlikeholdt' used as a past participle adjective.

8

Det kreves disiplin for å vedlikeholde gode vaner over tid.

Discipline is required to maintain good habits over time.

Impersonal 'Det kreves' construction.

1

Å vedlikeholde en demokratisk kultur krever aktiv deltakelse.

Maintaining a democratic culture requires active participation.

High-level political/societal abstraction.

2

Selskapet slet med å vedlikeholde sin dominerende markedsposisjon.

The company struggled to maintain its dominant market position.

Business/strategic context.

3

Det er essensielt å vedlikeholde det biologiske mangfoldet i våre skoger.

It is essential to maintain the biodiversity in our forests.

Scientific/environmental context.

4

Hvordan kan man vedlikeholde troverdighheten i en tid med falske nyheter?

How can one maintain credibility in an age of fake news?

Complex question about abstract values.

5

Vedlikeholde avanserte IT-systemer krever spesialisert kompetanse.

Maintaining advanced IT systems requires specialized expertise.

Gerund-like use of the infinitive as a subject.

6

Forfatteren klarer å vedlikeholde spenningen gjennom hele romanen.

The author manages to maintain the tension throughout the novel.

Literary criticism context.

7

Det er viktig å vedlikeholde skillet mellom jobb og privatliv.

It is important to maintain the distinction between work and private life.

Conceptual boundary maintenance.

8

Vi må vedlikeholde infrastrukturen for å sikre landets beredskap.

We must maintain the infrastructure to ensure the country's preparedness.

National security/infrastructure context.

1

Vedlikeholde av det eksisterende veinettet er ofte mer kostbart enn nybygging.

The maintenance of the existing road network is often more costly than new construction.

Substantival use of the infinitive.

2

Å vedlikeholde en fasade kan være utmattende i det lange løp.

Maintaining a facade (metaphorical) can be exhausting in the long run.

Metaphorical/psychological nuance.

3

Lovverket pålegger eieren å vedlikeholde eiendommen forsvarlig.

The law requires the owner to maintain the property responsibly.

Legal/statutory register.

4

Han evnet å vedlikeholde sin integritet til tross for det enorme presset.

He was able to maintain his integrity despite the enormous pressure.

High-level character description.

5

Vedlikeholde av disse eldgamle manuskriptene krever ekstrem varsomhet.

Maintaining these ancient manuscripts requires extreme caution.

Niche technical/preservation context.

6

Det er en hårfin balanse å vedlikeholde maktbalansen i regionen.

It is a delicate balance to maintain the balance of power in the region.

Geopolitical idiom.

7

Systemet er designet for å vedlikeholde seg selv via automatiske oppdateringer.

The system is designed to maintain itself via automatic updates.

Reflexive 'vedlikeholde seg selv'.

8

Hun har viet sitt liv til å vedlikeholde minnet om krigens ofre.

She has dedicated her life to maintaining the memory of the war's victims.

Poetic/commemorative usage.

تلازمات شائعة

vedlikeholde et hus
vedlikeholde en bil
vedlikeholde et vennskap
vedlikeholde ferdigheter
vedlikeholde utstyr
vedlikeholde veier
vedlikeholde kontakten
vedlikeholde en tradisjon
vedlikeholde formen
vedlikeholde programvare

العبارات الشائعة

Hvor ofte må det vedlikeholdes?

— Asking about the frequency of maintenance.

Hvor ofte må dette ventilasjonsanlegget vedlikeholdes?

Etterlate i godt vedlikeholdt stand.

— A common clause in rental contracts meaning to leave the property in good condition.

Leiligheten skal etterlates i godt vedlikeholdt stand.

Mangel på vedlikehold.

— Lack of maintenance, often cited as a cause for damage.

Taket lakk på grunn av mangel på vedlikehold.

Løpende vedlikehold.

— Ongoing or routine maintenance.

Vi har en avtale om løpende vedlikehold av heisen.

Vedlikeholde fasaden.

— To maintain the exterior (can also be metaphorical).

De jobber hardt for å vedlikeholde fasaden utad.

Forebyggende vedlikehold.

— Preventative maintenance to stop issues before they start.

Forebyggende vedlikehold sparer oss for store utgifter.

Vedlikeholde gnisten.

— To keep the passion alive in a relationship.

Hvordan kan man vedlikeholde gnisten etter ti år?

Vedlikeholde et nettverk.

— To keep professional contacts active.

Det er viktig å vedlikeholde et profesjonelt nettverk.

Vedlikeholde balansen.

— To keep something stable.

Han måtte kjempe for å vedlikeholde balansen på isen.

Vedlikeholde standarden.

— To keep things at a certain quality level.

Vi må vedlikeholde den høye standarden på tjenestene våre.

تعبيرات اصطلاحية

"å vedlikeholde fasaden"

— To keep up appearances, often when things are actually going poorly.

Selv om de skulle skilles, prøvde de å vedlikeholde fasaden for naboene.

Common
"å vedlikeholde kontakten"

— To stay in touch with someone.

Det er vanskelig å vedlikeholde kontakten med folk fra barneskolen.

Common
"å vedlikeholde et forsprang"

— To keep a lead in a race or competition.

Løperen kjempet for å vedlikeholde forspranget sitt.

Competitive
"å vedlikeholde trykket"

— To keep the pressure or momentum going.

Vi må vedlikeholde trykket i kampanjen helt til valgdagen.

Political/Business
"å vedlikeholde gløden"

— To keep the enthusiasm or 'glow' for something.

Hun har klart å vedlikeholde gløden for læreryrke

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