When you have a dilemma, you are in a situation where you have to choose between two or more options. All options are difficult. You don't know what to do. For example, if you have to choose between two jobs, and both jobs are good, that can be a dilemma. It's a hard choice to make.
When you encounter a dilemma, it means you're in a tough spot, having to choose between two or more options that are equally difficult or undesirable. It's like being at a crossroads where every path has its challenges.
For instance, imagine you have two good friends, and both ask you to attend their birthday party on the same day. That's a dilemma!
§ Understanding 'dilemma' in Norwegian
The Norwegian word "dilemma" is a direct loanword from English, and it means exactly what you think it does: a situation requiring a difficult choice between two or more undesirable options. It's a B2-level word, meaning it's common enough that you'll hear and use it in everyday conversation once you're comfortable with intermediate Norwegian. Knowing this word is very practical because difficult choices come up in all languages!
- Word
- dilemma
- Definition
- A situation requiring a difficult choice.
- Part of Speech
- Noun
§ How to use 'dilemma' in a sentence
Because "dilemma" is a neuter noun in Norwegian, it follows the standard noun declension rules. Here's what you need to know:
- Singular indefinite: et dilemma (a dilemma)
- Singular definite: dilemmaet (the dilemma)
- Plural indefinite: dilemmaer (dilemmas)
- Plural definite: dilemmaene (the dilemmas)
When you talk about being *in* a dilemma, you'll often use the preposition "i" (in).
Jeg er i et skikkelig dilemma.
Translation hint: I am in a real dilemma.
De sto overfor et vanskelig dilemma.
Translation hint: They faced a difficult dilemma.
You can also describe the nature of the dilemma by adding adjectives before it, just like in English. For example, a "moralsk dilemma" (moral dilemma) or an "etisk dilemma" (ethical dilemma).
Det var et moralsk dilemma for ham.
Translation hint: It was a moral dilemma for him.
When you want to talk about *solving* or *resolving* a dilemma, you might use verbs like "løse" (to solve) or "håndtere" (to handle).
Hvordan skal vi løse dette dilemmaet?
Translation hint: How are we going to solve this dilemma?
Hun måtte håndtere dilemmaet alene.
Translation hint: She had to handle the dilemma alone.
You can also use "dilemma" in more complex sentences to express the specific nature of the difficult choice.
Valget mellom jobb og familie var et stort dilemma.
Translation hint: The choice between work and family was a big dilemma.
Wusstest du?
The 'di-' prefix means 'two', and '-lemma' relates to a premise or assumption. So, a 'dilemma' literally implies two difficult premises or choices.
Aussprachehilfe
- stressing the first syllable
Schwierigkeitsgrad
short
short
short
short
Wichtige Grammatik
Nouns in Norwegian have grammatical gender (masculine, feminine, neuter) and take different indefinite and definite articles. 'Dilemma' is a neuter noun, so its indefinite singular form is 'et dilemma' and its definite singular form is 'dilemmaet'.
Et dilemma (a dilemma) vs. dilemmaet (the dilemma).
Plural forms of neuter nouns ending in -a often do not change in the indefinite plural, but take '-ene' in the definite plural. However, 'dilemma' is an exception and takes '-er' in the indefinite plural and '-ene' in the definite plural.
Ett dilemma (one dilemma), flere dilemmaer (several dilemmas), dilemmaene (the dilemmas).
Adjectives agree with the noun's gender and number. For 'dilemma' (neuter), adjectives often take no ending in the indefinite singular (e.g., 'et vanskelig dilemma') and 't' in the definite singular if the adjective ends in a vowel (e.g., 'det vanskelige dilemmaet').
Et stort dilemma (a big dilemma) vs. det store dilemmaet (the big dilemma).
Prepositions are used to show relationships between words. Common prepositions used with 'dilemma' include 'stå overfor' (to face), 'i' (in), and 'om' (about).
Jeg står overfor et dilemma (I am facing a dilemma).
Verbs like 'ha' (to have), 'være' (to be), 'stå overfor' (to face), and 'diskutere' (to discuss) are commonly used in sentences involving 'dilemma'.
Vi har et dilemma (We have a dilemma).
Beispiele nach Niveau
Jeg er i et dilemma.
I am in a dilemma.
Han har et stort dilemma.
He has a big dilemma.
Dette er et vanskelig dilemma.
This is a difficult dilemma.
Hva skal vi gjøre med dette dilemmaet?
What should we do with this dilemma?
De står overfor et moralsk dilemma.
They face a moral dilemma.
Det er et klassisk dilemma.
It's a classic dilemma.
Jeg forstår ditt dilemma.
I understand your dilemma.
Vi må finne en løsning på dilemmaet.
We must find a solution to the dilemma.
Han sto overfor et vanskelig dilemma: å enten gi opp drømmene sine eller svikte familien.
He faced a difficult dilemma: to either give up his dreams or fail his family.
Regjeringen er fanget i et økonomisk dilemma mellom å stimulere vekst og å kontrollere inflasjon.
The government is caught in an economic dilemma between stimulating growth and controlling inflation.
Hennes moralske dilemma var tydelig da hun måtte velge mellom ærlighet og lojalitet.
Her moral dilemma was clear when she had to choose between honesty and loyalty.
Selskapet står overfor et etisk dilemma angående bruken av ny teknologi.
The company faces an ethical dilemma regarding the use of new technology.
Dilemmaet var hvordan man kunne hjelpe flyktningene uten å overbelaste lokale ressurser.
The dilemma was how to help the refugees without overstretching local resources.
Jeg befinner meg i et konstant dilemma når det gjelder å balansere arbeid og privatliv.
I find myself in a constant dilemma when it comes to balancing work and private life.
Debatten avslørte et politisk dilemma som delte partiet i to.
The debate revealed a political dilemma that split the party in two.
Hun presenterte et juridisk dilemma som krevde nøye overveielse fra dommeren.
She presented a legal dilemma that required careful consideration from the judge.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Vi står overfor et vanskelig dilemma.
We face (are standing in front of) a difficult dilemma.
Dilemmaet var å velge mellom jobb og familie.
The dilemma was to choose between work and family.
Jeg er i et dilemma om hva jeg skal gjøre.
I am in a dilemma about what I should do.
Det er et moralsk dilemma uten en enkel løsning.
It is a moral dilemma without a simple solution.
Hvordan løser vi dette dilemmaet?
How do we solve this dilemma?
Regjeringen har et politisk dilemma å håndtere.
The government has a political dilemma to handle.
Han fant seg selv i et personlig dilemma.
He found himself in a personal dilemma.
Dette skapte et stort dilemma for dem.
This created a big dilemma for them.
Det var et klassisk dilemma mellom plikt og ønske.
It was a classic dilemma between duty and desire.
Vi må finne en vei ut av dette dilemmaet.
We must find a way out of this dilemma.
Tipps
Use with 'et dilemma'
Remember that 'dilemma' is a neuter noun in Norwegian. So, you'll say 'et dilemma' (a dilemma), not 'en dilemma' or 'ei dilemma'. This is a common point of confusion for English speakers, as English doesn't have grammatical gender.
Formal and informal contexts
The word 'dilemma' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, just like in English. You might hear it on the news discussing political choices or from a friend talking about what to eat for dinner. It implies a difficult choice no matter the situation.
Common phrases with 'dilemma'
You'll often hear phrases like 'stå i et dilemma' (to be in a dilemma) or 'et moralsk dilemma' (a moral dilemma). These are good phrases to practice to sound more natural. Think about how you would say 'I am in a dilemma' in English and then try to translate it directly.
Similar words to 'dilemma'
While 'dilemma' is a direct cognate, other words can express similar ideas, like 'vanskelig valg' (difficult choice) or 'problem'. 'Dilemma' specifically emphasizes the aspect of having two or more undesirable options.
Pronunciation practice
The pronunciation of 'dilemma' in Norwegian is quite similar to English. The stress is on the second syllable: di-LEM-ma. Pay attention to the 'e' sounds, which are generally more open in Norwegian than in English. Try saying it aloud: 'dee-LEM-mah'.
Plural form of 'dilemma'
The plural form of 'dilemma' is 'dilemmaer'. For example, 'flere dilemmaer' (several dilemmas). Notice the added 'er' at the end. This is a common plural ending for neuter nouns ending in -a.
Don't confuse with 'problem'
While a dilemma is a type of problem, not all problems are dilemmas. A dilemma specifically involves a choice between difficult options. A 'problem' (et problem) can be a general difficulty without a forced choice.
Usage in Norwegian media
You'll frequently encounter 'dilemma' in Norwegian news articles, debates, and discussions, particularly when talking about ethical or political challenges. It's a common word for describing situations where there are no easy answers.
Exploring philosophical dilemmas
For more advanced learners, consider exploring philosophical or ethical discussions in Norwegian that involve dilemmas. This will expose you to richer vocabulary and complex sentence structures related to decision-making under pressure.
Practice with personal examples
Think of some personal dilemmas you've faced or heard about and try to describe them in Norwegian. For instance, 'Jeg sto i et dilemma om jeg skulle jobbe eller studere.' (I was in a dilemma about whether I should work or study.) This helps solidify the meaning and usage.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Imagine two 'lemmas' (like problems or choices) creating a 'dilemma' for you.
Visuelle Assoziation
Picture a seesaw with two equally heavy, but undesirable, options balanced on either side, representing a difficult choice.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Describe a personal 'dilemma' you've faced or could face, using the word in a Norwegian sentence.
Wortherkunft
Greek
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: double proposition
Indo-EuropeanKultureller Kontext
The word "dilemma" is used in Norwegian much like it is in English, referring to a challenging choice between two undesirable options. It's a common term in everyday conversation and media when discussing difficult situations, reflecting a direct and pragmatic approach to problem-solving in Norwegian culture.
Teste dich selbst 66 Fragen
Hva betyr 'dilemma'?
'Dilemma' betyr en situasjon hvor du må velge mellom to eller flere vanskelige alternativer.
Hvilken setning passer best med 'dilemma'?
Et dilemma handler om et vanskelig valg. Å velge mellom et eple eller en pære kan være et lite dilemma.
Hvis du står mellom to ting du ikke vil, hva har du da?
Å stå mellom to ting du ikke vil, er definisjonen på et dilemma.
Et dilemma er alltid lett å løse.
Et dilemma er en vanskelig situasjon som krever et vanskelig valg, så det er ikke alltid lett å løse.
Å velge mellom å spise brokkoli eller gulrot kan være et lite dilemma for noen.
Selv om det er en enkel matvare, kan valget mellom to sunne ting oppleves som et lite dilemma for noen som foretrekker én over den andre.
Hvis du har et dilemma, er du glad.
Et dilemma er en vanskelig situasjon, og man er vanligvis ikke glad når man står overfor et vanskelig valg.
What is this?
I am here.
You are kind.
Read this aloud:
Hei, hvordan går det?
Focus: hvordan
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Takk for maten.
Focus: maten
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Jeg heter Ola.
Focus: heter
Du hast gesagt:
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This means 'I have a dilemma'.
This means 'This is a difficult dilemma'.
This means 'Do you have a dilemma now?'.
Jeg har et stort ___: Skal jeg studere eller jobbe?
Here, 'dilemma' fits best as it describes a difficult choice between two options. (Here: problem, dilemma, question, choice)
Det er et ekte ___ å velge mellom kake og is.
'Dilemma' is used here to humorously describe a difficult choice. (Here: difficult, dilemma, easy, fun)
Hun sto overfor et moralsk ___ da hun måtte lyve.
'Dilemma' is appropriate here to describe a moral conflict. (Here: situation, dilemma, solution, mistake)
Vi diskuterte ___et i klassen i dag.
'Dilemma' is the correct choice to refer to a difficult situation being discussed. (Here: topic, problem, dilemma, answer)
Hva er ditt største ___ akkurat nå?
'Dilemma' asks about the most difficult choice or situation. (Here: joy, dilemma, wish, plan)
Å velge den rette veien var et vanskelig ___.
'Dilemma' describes a situation where choosing the right path is difficult. (Here: decision, dilemma, opportunity, challenge)
The speaker is deciding between two desserts.
Someone is asking about a problem and offering help.
The speaker finds the situation challenging.
Read this aloud:
Jeg har et dilemma.
Focus: dilemma
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Hva er ditt dilemma?
Focus: ditt dilemma
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Dette er et stort dilemma.
Focus: stort dilemma
Du hast gesagt:
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Han sto overfor et vanskelig ______.
Here, 'dilemma' (dilemma) fits best to describe a difficult situation requiring a choice. 'Valg' (choice) is too general, and 'problem' (problem) or 'spørsmål' (question) don't capture the essence of a difficult choice.
Hun var i et ______ om hun skulle reise eller bli hjemme.
The sentence describes a situation where she has to make a difficult choice between traveling or staying home. 'Dilemma' (dilemma) is the most appropriate word. 'Vanskelighet' (difficulty), 'krise' (crisis), or 'utfordring' (challenge) do not specifically imply a choice.
Regjeringen sto overfor et stort ______ angående økonomien.
Governments often face situations with difficult choices, especially concerning the economy. 'Dilemma' (dilemma) accurately conveys this. 'Avgjørelse' (decision) is the outcome, 'vanskelighet' (difficulty) is too general, and 'sak' (case/matter) doesn't imply a difficult choice.
Mitt ______ var å velge mellom to gode jobbtilbud.
Having to choose between two good job offers is a classic example of a dilemma, where both options have their merits, making the choice difficult. 'Dilemma' (dilemma) is the perfect fit. The other options don't fully capture this nuance.
De befant seg i et moralsk ______.
'Moralsk dilemma' (moral dilemma) is a common collocation for a situation where one has to make a difficult choice based on moral principles. 'Spørsmål' (question), 'situasjon' (situation), or 'tilstand' (state) are not as precise.
Et vanlig ______ for studenter er å balansere studier og jobb.
Balancing studies and work often presents students with a difficult choice about how to prioritize their time and energy, making 'dilemma' (dilemma) the best choice. 'Oppgave' (task), 'plan' (plan), or 'problem' (problem) are not as accurate for this specific context.
This sentence talks about a big problem or difficult choice.
The speaker is saying they faced a tough situation.
Someone is asking for advice in a tricky situation.
Read this aloud:
Jeg er i et dilemma.
Focus: dilemma
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Det er et moralsk dilemma.
Focus: moralsk dilemma
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Hvordan løser vi dette dilemmaet?
Focus: løser vi dette dilemmaet
Du hast gesagt:
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Han sto overfor et vanskelig ___ da han måtte velge mellom jobb og familie.
In this context, 'dilemma' accurately describes a situation with two difficult choices, which 'valg' (choice), 'problem' (problem), and 'utfordring' (challenge) don't fully capture.
Regjeringen står overfor et etisk ___ angående personvern og nasjonal sikkerhet.
An 'etisk dilemma' specifically refers to a situation where moral principles conflict, which is more precise than 'spørsmål' (question), 'situasjon' (situation), or 'sak' (case).
Mitt største ___ akkurat nå er om jeg skal studere i utlandet eller bli hjemme.
A 'dilemma' perfectly describes the difficult choice between two appealing but conflicting options, unlike 'ønske' (wish), 'problem' (problem), or 'beslutning' (decision).
Bedriften befant seg i et økonomisk ___ etter de uventede tapene.
An 'økonomisk dilemma' implies a difficult choice regarding financial matters, which fits the context better than 'krisen' (the crisis), 'situasjon' (situation), or 'vansker' (difficulties).
Hun måtte ta et vanskelig ___ da hun ble tilbudt to drømmejobber samtidig.
While 'valg' (choice), 'beslutning' (decision), and 'avgjørelse' (decision) are related, 'dilemma' best captures the essence of a situation with two equally attractive yet mutually exclusive options.
Legen sto overfor et medisinsk ___ da han måtte velge mellom to risikofylte behandlinger.
A 'medisinsk dilemma' is a specific term for a difficult choice in medical treatment, where 'tilfelle' (case), 'scenario' (scenario), or 'utfordring' (challenge) are not as precise.
Imagine you are facing a significant ethical dilemma at work. Describe the situation and the difficult choices you need to make, explaining the potential consequences of each option.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Jeg står overfor et vanskelig etisk dilemma på jobben. Min sjef har bedt meg om å forfalske noen tall i en rapport for å få selskapet til å se bedre ut økonomisk. Hvis jeg gjør det, risikerer jeg å miste jobben hvis det blir oppdaget, og det strider mot mine verdier. Hvis jeg nekter, risikerer jeg å bli sparket, noe som vil gjøre det vanskelig å betale regningene mine. Jeg må velge mellom min integritet og min økonomiske stabilitet, og konsekvensene er alvorlige uansett hva jeg velger.
Write a short story (3-4 sentences) about a character who finds themselves in a personal dilemma. Focus on their internal conflict and the factors making the decision difficult.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Anna var i et personlig dilemma. Hun måtte velge mellom å flytte til en annen by for drømmejobben sin, eller å bli i hjembyen for å ta vare på sin syke mor. Hennes hjerte var delt mellom ambisjoner og familieansvar. Hver natt veide hun fordeler og ulemper, men svaret var aldri klart. Følelsen av skyld, uansett valg, var overveldende.
Discuss a hypothetical societal dilemma that Norway might face in the future, such as resource management or technological ethics. Explain the core conflict and the different perspectives involved.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Norge kan stå overfor et samfunnsmessig dilemma angående bruken av arktiske ressurser. På den ene siden er det et ønske om økonomisk vekst og jobbskaping gjennom utvinning av olje og gass. På den andre siden er det et sterkt miljøhensyn og et ønske om å beskytte den sårbare arktiske naturen og klimaet. Konflikten står mellom kortsiktig økonomisk gevinst og langsiktig miljømessig bærekraft, med ulike perspektiver fra industri, miljøorganisasjoner og urbefolkning.
Hva er hovedkonflikten forskeren står overfor?
Read this passage:
En ung forsker sto overfor et dypt moralsk dilemma. Hen hadde oppdaget en kur mot en sjelden sykdom, men behandlingen var ekstremt dyr og ville bare være tilgjengelig for de rikeste. Skulle hen publisere funnene og potensielt redde noen få liv, men eksponere ulikhetene, eller vente med å publisere til en rimeligere løsning kunne finnes, noe som ville koste mange liv i mellomtiden?
Hva er hovedkonflikten forskeren står overfor?
Teksten beskriver at forskeren må velge mellom å publisere en dyr kur nå, som bare rike har råd til, eller å vente på en billigere løsning, noe som vil koste liv i mellomtiden. Dette er den sentrale konflikten.
Teksten beskriver at forskeren må velge mellom å publisere en dyr kur nå, som bare rike har råd til, eller å vente på en billigere løsning, noe som vil koste liv i mellomtiden. Dette er den sentrale konflikten.
Hvilke to interesser står i konflikt med hverandre i dette samfunnet?
Read this passage:
Et lite samfunn i Nord-Norge sto overfor et økologisk dilemma. Et populært turistmål, en vakker fjord, ble truet av forurensning fra en nærliggende fabrikk som var byens største arbeidsgiver. Å stenge fabrikken ville redde fjorden, men ville føre til massiv arbeidsledighet. Å la den fortsette, ville ødelegge naturen og turismen på lang sikt.
Hvilke to interesser står i konflikt med hverandre i dette samfunnet?
Teksten klart beskriver konflikten mellom å opprettholde fabrikken for arbeidsplasser (økonomisk vekst) og å beskytte fjorden mot forurensning (miljøvern).
Teksten klart beskriver konflikten mellom å opprettholde fabrikken for arbeidsplasser (økonomisk vekst) og å beskytte fjorden mot forurensning (miljøvern).
Hva er den vanskelige avgjørelsen Hanne må ta?
Read this passage:
Studenten Hanne hadde et personlig dilemma. Hun hadde blitt tilbudt en plass ved to prestisjetunge universiteter samtidig. Det ene lå i utlandet og ga en unik mulighet til internasjonal erfaring, men ville bety at hun måtte forlate kjæresten sin. Det andre var lokalt, og tillot henne å bli med ham, men programmet var mindre spesialistert. Hun grublet over fremtiden, kjærligheten, og hva som var viktigst for henne i det lange løp.
Hva er den vanskelige avgjørelsen Hanne må ta?
Hanne har fått tilbud fra to universiteter; et i utlandet som betyr å forlate kjæresten, og et lokalt som lar henne bli med ham. Dette er kjernen i hennes dilemma.
Hanne har fått tilbud fra to universiteter; et i utlandet som betyr å forlate kjæresten, og et lokalt som lar henne bli med ham. Dette er kjernen i hennes dilemma.
Hva er den beste definisjonen av et 'dilemma'?
Et dilemma innebærer alltid vanskelige valg, ikke enkle eller hyggelige situasjoner. Alternativ A beskriver et spesifikt type dilemma, men ikke den mest generelle definisjonen.
Hvilken setning bruker ordet 'dilemma' korrekt?
Et dilemma handler om vanskelige, ofte moralske, valg med betydelige konsekvenser. Å velge mellom et eple og en banan, eller husfarge, er ikke et dilemma. Den siste setningen indikerer fravær av dilemmaer.
Hva er synonymt med 'dilemma' i konteksten av et vanskelig valg?
En problemstilling kan ofte innebære et vanskelig valg eller en utfordring som ligner på et dilemma. De andre alternativene beskriver aspekter rundt valg, men ikke selve vanskeligheten.
Et dilemma betyr alltid at du har minst tre dårlige valg.
Et dilemma innebærer ofte to vanskelige valg, men det kan også være flere. Det er ikke et krav at det er minst tre dårlige valg.
Å være i et dilemma betyr at man er i en fordelaktig situasjon.
Et dilemma er per definisjon en vanskelig situasjon som krever et tøft valg, og er derfor ikke en fordelaktig situasjon.
Et etisk dilemma omhandler ofte moralsk vanskelige valg.
Et etisk dilemma er spesifikt knyttet til moralske spørsmål og vanskelige valg med etisk implikasjon.
This sentence means 'A moral dilemma is difficult to solve.'
This sentence translates to 'He had a choice between two difficult alternatives, a classic dilemma.'
This sentence means 'The politicians debated the economic dilemma for hours.'
/ 66 correct
Perfect score!
Use with 'et dilemma'
Remember that 'dilemma' is a neuter noun in Norwegian. So, you'll say 'et dilemma' (a dilemma), not 'en dilemma' or 'ei dilemma'. This is a common point of confusion for English speakers, as English doesn't have grammatical gender.
Formal and informal contexts
The word 'dilemma' can be used in both formal and informal contexts, just like in English. You might hear it on the news discussing political choices or from a friend talking about what to eat for dinner. It implies a difficult choice no matter the situation.
Common phrases with 'dilemma'
You'll often hear phrases like 'stå i et dilemma' (to be in a dilemma) or 'et moralsk dilemma' (a moral dilemma). These are good phrases to practice to sound more natural. Think about how you would say 'I am in a dilemma' in English and then try to translate it directly.
Similar words to 'dilemma'
While 'dilemma' is a direct cognate, other words can express similar ideas, like 'vanskelig valg' (difficult choice) or 'problem'. 'Dilemma' specifically emphasizes the aspect of having two or more undesirable options.
Verwandte Inhalte
Dieses Wort in anderen Sprachen
Mehr general Wörter
advare
B1To warn someone about a danger or risk
akseptabel
B2acceptable or satisfactory
aktiv
B1engaged in physical or mental activity
aktsom
C1careful or cautious in one's actions
aktuell
B1Current or relevant to the present time
allikevel
B2nevertheless; anyway
alt
A1everything
altfor
B1Too much or excessively
alvorlig
B1Serious or severe.
anbefale
B1To recommend something to someone
