Bedeutung
Asking for a word's translation.
Kultureller Hintergrund
Norwegians value clarity. If you don't understand a word, it's better to ask than to pretend. It shows you are 'lærevillig' (willing to learn). In Norwegian culture, the 'du' form is used for everyone, including teachers. You don't need to be overly formal when asking this question. Because of the many dialects, even Norwegians use this phrase with each other when they hear a regional word they don't know. In Norwegian gaming or tech circles, English loanwords are common. People might ask this to see if there is a Norwegian equivalent.
Point and Ask
If you are in a shop, you can just point at an item and say 'Hva betyr det ordet?' while looking at the label. It's very effective!
Betyr vs Mener
Never say 'Hva mener det ordet?'. This is the most common mistake for English speakers. Words don't have opinions, so they don't 'mene'!
Bedeutung
Asking for a word's translation.
Point and Ask
If you are in a shop, you can just point at an item and say 'Hva betyr det ordet?' while looking at the label. It's very effective!
Betyr vs Mener
Never say 'Hva mener det ordet?'. This is the most common mistake for English speakers. Words don't have opinions, so they don't 'mene'!
Don't be shy
Norwegians are used to people learning their language. They will be happy to explain a word to you.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the missing verb.
Hva ____ det ordet?
'Betyr' is the correct verb for 'means' when referring to a word.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct question:
'Ord' is neuter (det) and the verb must come second (V2).
Match the Norwegian word to its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the direct translations of the components.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Jeg liker 'friluftsliv'. B: Unnskyld, ____ ____ ____ ____?
B is asking for the meaning of the word 'friluftsliv'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenHva ____ det ordet?
'Betyr' is the correct verb for 'means' when referring to a word.
Choose the correct question:
'Ord' is neuter (det) and the verb must come second (V2).
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
These are the direct translations of the components.
A: Jeg liker 'friluftsliv'. B: Unnskyld, ____ ____ ____ ____?
B is asking for the meaning of the word 'friluftsliv'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
5 FragenYes, that is the most common short form and is perfectly natural.
Yes, 'betyr' is the standard verb for 'to mean' or 'to signify' in Norwegian.
Because 'ord' is a neuter noun (et ord), and 'det' is the neuter form of 'that'.
You can say 'Hva betyr denne setningen?'
Not at all! It shows you are an active learner.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Hva betyr det?
similarWhat does that mean?
Hvordan sier man...?
contrastHow do you say...?
Hva menes med det?
builds onWhat is meant by that?
Kan du gjenta det?
similarCan you repeat that?
