Bedeutung
Final success matters most.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Norway, this proverb is often linked to the national character of 'tålmodighet' (patience). Norwegians pride themselves on being steady and reliable rather than flashy. In Norwegian workplaces, using this phrase can be a way to signal that you are focusing on long-term sustainability rather than quarterly profits. It is a favorite headline for Norwegian tabloids like VG and Dagbladet when a Norwegian athlete wins a gold medal after a period of poor form. Modern Norwegians use this as a hashtag (#densomlersist) when posting about personal achievements that were hard-won.
Use it for encouragement
If a friend is feeling down about a minor failure, use this to remind them that the final goal is still achievable.
Don't be too smug
Using this after you win can make you sound arrogant. It's often better used by a third party or as a self-motivation tool.
Bedeutung
Final success matters most.
Use it for encouragement
If a friend is feeling down about a minor failure, use this to remind them that the final goal is still achievable.
Don't be too smug
Using this after you win can make you sound arrogant. It's often better used by a third party or as a self-motivation tool.
The 'Den som' pattern
Master this pattern! You can create many sentences like 'Den som sover, synder ikke' (The one who sleeps does not sin).
Sports context
This is the #1 phrase used in Norwegian sports news when an underdog wins.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
Den som ___ sist, ler ___.
The standard form is 'ler' (laughs) and 'best' (best).
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Situation: Per loses the first three rounds of a game but wins the final championship round.
This proverb is specifically about winning at the end after initial losses.
Choose the correct grammatical structure.
___ som ler sist, ler best.
We use 'Den' as a singular demonstrative pronoun to start the relative clause.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Jeg leder konkurransen! B: Ikke vær så sikker. _______.
B is warning A not to be too confident about an early lead.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenDen som ___ sist, ler ___.
The standard form is 'ler' (laughs) and 'best' (best).
Situation: Per loses the first three rounds of a game but wins the final championship round.
This proverb is specifically about winning at the end after initial losses.
___ som ler sist, ler best.
We use 'Den' as a singular demonstrative pronoun to start the relative clause.
A: Jeg leder konkurransen! B: Ikke vær så sikker. _______.
B is warning A not to be too confident about an early lead.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenIt is neutral. You can use it with friends, but also in a professional speech or a newspaper article.
While people will understand you, the standard proverb uses 'best'. 'Mest' (most) sounds slightly off to a native ear.
It literally means 'The one who'. It is a common way to start a general statement in Norwegian.
It can be perceived as a bit 'salty' or bitter if you just lost. Use it with a smile to keep it friendly.
In Norwegian, we often use a comma to separate a long subject (the relative clause) from the rest of the sentence for clarity.
Only if you are talking about a past challenge where you overcame difficulties to succeed. Don't use it to threaten the interviewer!
It rhymes with the English word 'bare' but with a more rolled or tapped 'r' at the end.
Yes, you can just say 'Den siste latteren' (The last laugh).
Yes, it is often used in stories where someone gets revenge on their bullies or rivals.
Yes, this is a universal proverb used across all of Norway.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Å selge skinnet før bjørnen er skutt
similarTo celebrate a victory before it is actually achieved.
Sist, men ikke minst
builds onLast, but not least.
Å få det siste ordet
similarTo have the final say in an argument.
Bedre sent enn aldri
similarBetter late than never.
