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B1 verb 11 Min. Lesezeit

klare

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Erklärung klare in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'klare' is one of the first 'power verbs' you should learn. It allows you to express your basic needs and capabilities. You will mostly use it in the present tense: 'Jeg klarer det' (I can do it) or 'Jeg klarer ikke det' (I can't do it). It is very useful when you are trying to do something new in Norway, like using a ticket machine or finding your way around. If someone asks if you need help, you can say 'Jeg klarer meg, takk' (I'm managing/I'm fine, thanks). This level focuses on simple subject-verb-object structures. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on the idea of 'managing' a single, concrete task. It is also helpful for expressing physical limits, such as 'Jeg klarer ikke å bære denne posen' (I cannot manage to carry this bag). Learning this word early helps you move beyond just saying 'ja' and 'nei' to expressing your actual level of ability in daily life.

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By the A2 level, you should start using 'klare' with the infinitive marker 'å'. This opens up many more possibilities. Instead of just 'managing it,' you can 'manage to do' things. For example, 'Jeg klarer å snakke litt norsk nå' (I manage to speak a little Norwegian now). You will also start using the past tense 'klarte' to describe things you did yesterday. 'I går klarte jeg å gå en lang tur' (Yesterday I managed to go for a long walk). At this level, the reflexive 'klare seg' becomes very important for social interactions. You can ask 'Hvordan klarer du deg i den nye jobben?' (How are you managing in the new job?). You are beginning to use the word to describe not just physical actions, but also your adjustment to new situations. You should also be able to distinguish 'klare' from 'kunne' in simple contexts, knowing that 'klare' implies a bit more effort or a specific success.

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At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'klare' in more varied and abstract contexts. You will use it to discuss work-life balance, academic challenges, and complex social situations. You should be comfortable with all tenses, including the present perfect: 'Har du klart å finne en leilighet?' (Have you managed to find an apartment?). You will also start encountering 'klare' in common idioms like 'klare biffen' (to handle the situation successfully). Your sentences will become longer and include more subordinate clauses. For instance, 'Selv om det var vanskelig, klarte vi å fullføre prosjektet i tide' (Even though it was difficult, we managed to complete the project on time). At B1, you are moving from simple survival to being able to describe the process of overcoming obstacles. You should also be aware of synonyms like 'greie' and 'få til' and start to notice the subtle differences in how they are used in different parts of Norway or in different levels of formality.

At the B2 level, 'klare' is used with precision to describe nuanced levels of success and management. you will use it in professional environments to discuss strategy and feasibility. 'Vi må vurdere om vi klarer å nå disse målene innen utgangen av året' (We must evaluate if we manage to reach these goals by the end of the year). You will also use it in more formal writing to describe societal or economic trends, such as how a population 'klarer seg' during an economic crisis. Your understanding of the word's reflexive uses will be deep, recognizing when it means 'to be sufficient' versus 'to survive.' You will also start to use 'klare' in its less common meaning of 'to clear' or 'to clarify,' such as in 'å klare opp i et problem.' At this stage, your vocabulary is rich enough to choose 'klare' over 'kunne' or 'mestre' based on the exact shade of meaning you want to convey, showing a high level of linguistic control.

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At the C1 level, you use 'klare' with a native-like intuition. You understand its role in complex idiomatic expressions and its stylistic impact in literature and high-level rhetoric. You can use it to describe subtle psychological states, such as 'å ikke klare å forsone seg med noe' (to not manage to reconcile oneself with something). You will also be aware of the etymological roots of the word and how it connects to other Germanic languages, which helps you understand its use in older texts or very formal legal language. In debates, you might use 'klare' to challenge an opponent's feasibility study: 'Hvordan i alle dager skal dere klare å finansiere dette?' (How on earth are you going to manage to finance this?). Your use of the word is no longer just about 'managing' but about expressing authority, doubt, or extreme effort. You are also able to use the word in its more obscure technical senses without hesitation.

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At the C2 level, 'klare' is a tool for stylistic mastery. You can use it to create specific rhythms in your prose or to evoke specific cultural connotations. You might use it in a philosophical context to discuss the limits of human capability: 'Mennesket klarer aldri fullt ut å forstå universets uendelighet' (Humanity never manages to fully understand the infinity of the universe). You have a complete grasp of all its reflexive, idiomatic, and phrasal variations. You can switch between 'klare,' 'greie,' 'mestre,' and 'håndtere' to perfectly match the tone of any conversation or document, from a casual chat in a rural dialect to a formal academic dissertation. You also understand how the word has shifted in meaning over centuries and can interpret its use in 19th-century Norwegian literature, where it might have slightly different connotations of 'clearing' or 'purifying' than it does in modern Norwegian.

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klare in 30 Sekunden

To manage or succeed in a task.
Used for physical and mental capability.
Commonly used reflexively (klare seg) to mean 'to get by'.
Requires 'å' before a following infinitive.

The Norwegian verb klare is a cornerstone of the language, representing the concept of capability, success, and the act of managing a task or situation. At its most fundamental level, it translates to the English verbs 'to manage,' 'to succeed,' or 'to be able to.' However, its usage is far more nuanced and pervasive in daily Norwegian conversation than its English counterparts might suggest. When a Norwegian speaker says, 'Jeg klarer det,' they are not just saying they can do something; they are expressing that they have the necessary strength, skill, or resolve to see a task through to completion. This verb is often used when there is an implicit or explicit obstacle to overcome. It is the verb of triumph over difficulty, whether that difficulty is physical, like lifting a heavy box, or mental, like finishing a complex exam.

Physical Capability: Used when discussing the physical strength or endurance required for a task. For example, 'Klarer du å bære denne?' (Can you manage to carry this?).
Emotional Management: Used when discussing the ability to handle emotional stress or difficult life situations. Often used reflexively: 'Hun klarer seg bra etter skilsmissen.' (She is doing well/managing well after the divorce).

Selv om fjellet var bratt, klarte han å nå toppen før solnedgang.

Beyond simple capability, 'klare' is frequently employed in professional settings to discuss meeting deadlines or achieving targets. It carries a sense of reliability. If an employee says they 'klarer oppgaven,' the employer understands that the task will be finished. In the reflexive form, 'klare seg,' the meaning shifts slightly toward survival or sufficiency. If someone says, 'Jeg klarer meg med det jeg har,' they are saying they can get by or survive with what they have. This versatility makes it one of the most important verbs for a B1 learner to master. It bridges the gap between basic survival Norwegian and more expressive, nuanced communication. It is also important to distinguish 'klare' from its synonym 'greie.' While often interchangeable, 'klare' is slightly more common in formal writing and in certain idiomatic expressions. Furthermore, 'klare' can also mean 'to clear' in specific contexts, such as 'klare opp i en misforståelse' (to clear up a misunderstanding), which adds another layer of utility to the word. Understanding the context is key; are we talking about a physical feat, a cognitive challenge, or an emotional state? In each case, 'klare' provides the linguistic framework to describe the outcome of the effort.

Vi må klare å samarbeide hvis vi skal vinne denne konkurransen.

Cognitive Success: Relates to solving problems or understanding concepts. 'Jeg klarer ikke å løse denne gåten.' (I cannot manage to solve this riddle).

Using klare correctly involves understanding its grammatical patterns and its relationship with other verbs. As a weak verb, it follows a standard conjugation pattern: klare (infinitive) - klarer (present) - klarte (past) - har klart (present perfect). One of the most common structures is klare + å + infinitive. This is used when you manage to perform a specific action. For example, 'Jeg klarer å svømme over vannet' (I manage to swim across the water). Here, the 'å' is essential as it links the managing verb to the action being managed. However, 'klare' can also stand alone with a direct object, usually a pronoun like 'det' (it) or 'oppgaven' (the task). 'Jeg klarer det' (I can handle it/I'll manage it) is perhaps the most frequent sentence you will hear.

The Reflexive Form: Klare seg: When you add a reflexive pronoun (meg, deg, seg, oss, dere), the meaning changes to 'to get by' or 'to cope.' 'Hvordan klarer du deg?' (How are you managing/getting by?). This is a vital phrase for checking in on someone's well-being.

Hvis vi sparer penger nå, klarer vi oss gjennom vinteren.

In more complex sentences, 'klare' can be used to describe a result. 'Han klarte prøven med glans' (He passed the test with flying colors). Notice that in English we use 'pass' for tests, but in Norwegian, 'klare' or 'bestå' are the standard choices. Using 'klare' implies that the test was a challenge that was successfully navigated. You can also use 'klare' in the passive sense, though it is less common, or in participial forms like 'en klaret situasjon' (a cleared/resolved situation), although this leans more toward the 'clear' definition. For learners, the focus should remain on the active voice. Another important pattern is the use of 'klare' with prepositional phrases. 'Å klare seg uten' means 'to manage without.' 'Jeg klarer meg ikke uten kaffe om morgenen' (I can't manage without coffee in the morning). This highlights the necessity of an item or person.

Hun klarte ikke å skjule sin skuffelse da hun hørte nyhetene.

Modal Comparison: Unlike 'kan' (can/could), 'klare' requires the infinitive marker 'å'. Compare: 'Jeg kan svømme' (I know how to swim) vs. 'Jeg klarer å svømme ti kilometer' (I am able to manage/complete a ten-kilometer swim).

You will hear klare everywhere in Norway, from the bustling streets of Oslo to the quiet fjords of the west. It is a word of everyday resilience. In a work environment, your boss might ask, 'Klarer du denne fristen?' (Can you manage this deadline?). It is a direct but polite way of gauging capability and workload. In schools, teachers encourage students by saying, 'Du klarer det!' (You can do it!), which is the standard Norwegian equivalent of 'You've got this!' It is deeply embedded in the Norwegian psyche of 'friluftsliv' (outdoor life). When hiking a steep mountain like Preikestolen, you might hear fellow hikers encourage each other with 'Vi klarer toppen snart!' (We'll manage/reach the top soon!). This usage emphasizes the physical grit required by the Norwegian landscape.

In the Media: News headlines often use 'klare' to describe political achievements or economic survival. 'Regjeringen klarte å bli enige om budsjettet' (The government managed to agree on the budget).
In Social Settings: At a dinner party, if someone offers you more food and you are full, you might say, 'Takk, men jeg klarer ikke mer' (Thanks, but I can't manage/eat any more).

Foreldrene lurte på om de ville klare de økte utgiftene med den nye renten.

On television, especially in reality shows like '71 grader nord', the word 'klare' is used constantly to describe the contestants' struggle against the elements. It carries a weight of perseverance. In sports commentary, when a skier is approaching the finish line, the commentator might scream, 'Han klarer det! Han tar gull!' (He manages it! He takes gold!). This demonstrates how the word is used for peak human performance. Even in technology, if a computer program can't handle a task, the error message might imply that the system 'klarte ikke å utføre handlingen' (managed not to/failed to perform the action). The word is truly universal, crossing all socioeconomic and professional boundaries. It is a word of action and result.

Ingen trodde at de skulle klare å redde skipet i den sterke stormen.

Daily Errands: Even simple tasks: 'Jeg klarer å hente barna i dag' (I can manage to pick up the kids today).

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when using klare is confusing it with the modal verb kunne (can). While both relate to ability, 'kunne' refers to a general skill or knowledge (e.g., 'Jeg kan snakke norsk'), whereas 'klare' refers to the successful execution of an action in a specific situation, often involving effort (e.g., 'Jeg klarte å bestille mat på norsk'). Using 'kunne' when you mean 'klare' can make you sound like you are talking about your theoretical potential rather than your actual achievement. Another common mistake is forgetting the infinitive marker 'å' when 'klare' is followed by another verb. In English, we say 'I managed to go,' and in Norwegian, you must say 'Jeg klarte å dra.' Omitting the 'å' is a tell-tale sign of a beginner.

Confusing Klare with Greie: While they are synonyms, 'greie' is often more informal. Using 'klare' in a very slangy context or 'greie' in a very formal legal document might feel slightly off-key, though usually, both are understood. However, 'klare' is the safer bet for learners.
Overusing the Reflexive: Learners sometimes say 'Jeg klarer meg å gjøre det' which is incorrect. If you are managing to do something, use 'klare å'. If you are simply 'getting by' in life, use 'klare seg'. Don't mix the two structures.

Feil: Jeg klarer svømme. Riktig: Jeg klarer å svømme.

Another nuance is the difference between 'klare' and 'mestre.' 'Mestre' means to master a skill completely. If you say you 'klarer' a language, it means you can get by. If you 'mestre' it, you are fluent. Using 'klare' for something you are an expert at might sound overly humble. Conversely, using 'mestre' for a simple task like carrying groceries sounds hyperbolic. Finally, be careful with the past tense. English speakers often use 'kunne' for past ability ('I could do it'), but if you actually did it, Norwegian prefers 'klarte.' 'Jeg kunne ha gjort det' implies you didn't actually do it, while 'Jeg klarte det' confirms the success.

Selv om han var trøtt, klarte han å fullføre løpet.

Preposition Pitfalls: English speakers often try to use 'med' (with) after 'klare' when it isn't needed. 'Jeg klarer det' is sufficient; 'Jeg klarer med det' is usually incorrect unless you mean 'I manage using that'.

While klare is extremely versatile, knowing its synonyms and alternatives will significantly enrich your Norwegian. The most common synonym is greie. In many contexts, they are interchangeable: 'Jeg klarer det' and 'Jeg greier det' both mean 'I can manage it.' However, 'greie' can also be a noun meaning 'thing' or 'affair,' and as a verb, it sometimes feels more colloquial or physically oriented. Another important word is mestre. This goes beyond just 'managing' and implies a high level of proficiency or mastery. Use 'mestre' when you have conquered a difficult skill or emotional state with great competence.

Lykkes (To Succeed): This is more formal and focuses on the outcome of success. 'Han lyktes med prosjektet' (He succeeded with the project). While 'klare' is about the effort of managing, 'lykkes' is about the result of being successful.
Håndtere (To Handle): Often used in professional or technical contexts. 'Hvordan håndterer vi denne situasjonen?' (How do we handle this situation?). It implies a more calculated approach than the raw effort of 'klare'.

Vi må finne en måte å mestre denne teknologien på.

For more formal contexts, you might use gjennomføre (to carry out/complete). This is common in project management. If you 'gjennomfører' an interview, you have completed the whole process. 'Klare' might just mean you survived it! Then there is bestå, which is specifically for passing exams or requirements. If you 'klare' an exam, you managed to get through it, but 'bestå' is the official term for passing. For physical endurance, holde ut (to endure/hold out) is a strong alternative. It emphasizes the time element of managing.

De gjennomførte planen til tross for alle hindringene.

Orke (To have the energy for): This is a specific type of 'managing' related to energy or desire. 'Jeg orker ikke mer mat' (I don't have the energy/stomach for more food). 'Klare' is broader; 'orke' is about the internal battery.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The word originally meant 'to make something clear' (like water or a liquid). Over time, it evolved to mean 'to clear a path' or 'to solve a problem,' which led to the modern meaning of 'managing' or 'succeeding.'

Aussprachehilfe

UK /ˈklɑːrə/

US /ˈklɑrə/

First syllable: KLA-re.

Reimt sich auf

bare fare snare vare skare pare svare erklære

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing the 'k' as a 'kj' sound (like 'sh').
Making the 'r' too heavy like an American 'r'.
Forgetting to pronounce the final 'e'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 2/5

Easy to recognize in text due to frequent usage.

Schreiben 3/5

Requires remembering the 'å' before infinitives.

Sprechen 3/5

The 'r' and 'e' sounds need practice for perfect flow.

Hören 2/5

Distinct sound, usually easy to pick out in conversation.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

kan vil gjøre bra selv

Als Nächstes lernen

mestre lykkes greie håndtere gjennomføre

Fortgeschritten

fremgang mestring prestasjon dugelighet kapasitet

Wichtige Grammatik

The infinitive marker 'å' must be used between 'klare' and a following verb.

Jeg klarer å svømme.

The reflexive pronoun must match the subject when using 'klare seg'.

De klarer seg bra.

'Klare' is a weak verb, usually following the -te ending in past tense.

Jeg klarte det i går.

In questions, the verb 'klarer' comes before the subject.

Klarer du det?

Adverbs of frequency usually come after 'klarer' in main clauses.

Jeg klarer alltid å vinne.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

Jeg klarer det.

I can manage it.

Simple present tense.

Klarer du å gå?

Can you manage to walk?

Verb + å + infinitive.

Jeg klarer ikke mer.

I can't manage any more (food/work).

Negation with 'ikke'.

Hun klarer seg selv.

She manages by herself.

Reflexive pronoun 'seg'.

Klarer vi dette?

Can we manage this?

Question form.

Han klarer oppgaven.

He manages the task.

Direct object 'oppgaven'.

Jeg klarer det ikke nå.

I can't manage it now.

Adverb 'nå' at the end.

Klarer du å se meg?

Can you manage to see me?

Infinitive 'se'.

Klarte du å sove i natt?

Did you manage to sleep last night?

Past tense 'klarte'.

Vi klarte ikke å finne veien.

We didn't manage to find the way.

Past tense negation.

Jeg klarer meg bra i Norge.

I'm doing well in Norway.

Reflexive 'meg' for personal well-being.

Klarer du å bære denne esken?

Can you manage to carry this box?

Physical capability.

De klarte å vinne kampen.

They managed to win the match.

Success in a specific event.

Jeg klarer ikke å vente på deg.

I can't manage to wait for you.

'Vente på' (wait for) + 'klare'.

Klarte hun eksamen?

Did she pass the exam?

'Klare' used for passing a test.

Vi må klare å samarbeide.

We must manage to cooperate.

Modal 'må' + 'klare'.

Hvordan klarer de å leve på så lite penger?

How do they manage to live on so little money?

Adverbial phrase 'på så lite penger'.

Jeg klarte endelig å slutte å røyke.

I finally managed to quit smoking.

Adverb 'endelig' (finally).

Klarer du å forklare dette for meg?

Can you manage to explain this to me?

'Forklare' (explain) as the infinitive.

De klarte seg gjennom den kalde vinteren.

They got through the cold winter.

Reflexive 'seg' + 'gjennom'.

Jeg klarer ikke å bestemme meg.

I can't manage to decide.

Reflexive 'bestemme meg' (decide).

Han klarte å lure alle sammen.

He managed to trick everyone.

'Lure' (trick/deceive).

Vi klarer forhåpentligvis å komme i tide.

We will hopefully manage to arrive on time.

Adverb 'forhåpentligvis' (hopefully).

Hun klarer alltid å overraske oss.

She always manages to surprise us.

Adverb 'alltid' (always).

Bedriften klarte å unngå konkurs.

The company managed to avoid bankruptcy.

Professional context.

Jeg klarer ikke å forsone meg med tanken.

I can't manage to reconcile myself with the thought.

Abstract emotional management.

Klarer vi å opprettholde denne standarden?

Can we manage to maintain this standard?

'Opprettholde' (maintain).

Han klarte å snu situasjonen til sin fordel.

He managed to turn the situation to his advantage.

Strategic success.

Hvordan klarer du å beholde roen?

How do you manage to stay calm?

'Beholde roen' (keep the peace/calm).

De klarte å forhandle frem en bedre avtale.

They managed to negotiate a better deal.

'Forhandle frem' (negotiate).

Jeg klarer ikke å se logikken i dette.

I can't manage to see the logic in this.

Cognitive processing.

Hun klarte å formidle budskapet på en god måte.

She managed to convey the message in a good way.

'Formidle' (convey/communicate).

Han klarte å navigere i det politiske landskapet.

He managed to navigate the political landscape.

Metaphorical usage.

Vi må klare å bygge bro mellom de to kulturene.

We must manage to bridge the gap between the two cultures.

Idiomatic 'bygge bro' (build a bridge).

Hun klarte kunststykket å glede alle.

She managed the feat of pleasing everyone.

Noun 'kunststykket' (the feat).

Jeg klarer ikke å riste av meg følelsen.

I can't manage to shake off the feeling.

'Riste av meg' (shake off).

De klarte å overvinne sin dypeste frykt.

They managed to overcome their deepest fear.

'Overvinne' (overcome).

Hvordan klarer man å balansere karriere og familieliv?

How does one manage to balance career and family life?

Generic pronoun 'man'.

Han klarte å sette ord på det ingen andre turte.

He managed to put into words what no one else dared.

'Sette ord på' (put into words).

Klarer vi å se konsekvensene av våre handlinger?

Do we manage to see the consequences of our actions?

Philosophical inquiry.

Forfatteren klarer å fange tidsånden perfekt.

The author manages to capture the zeitgeist perfectly.

Literary criticism context.

De klarte å dekonstruere myten om den ensomme ulven.

They managed to deconstruct the myth of the lone wolf.

Academic terminology.

Han klarer å mane frem bilder av fortiden.

He manages to conjure up images of the past.

'Mane frem' (conjure up).

Klarer vi å transcendere våre biologiske begrensninger?

Can we manage to transcend our biological limitations?

High-level vocabulary.

Hun klarte å artikulere en kompleks filosofisk teori.

She managed to articulate a complex philosophical theory.

Professional articulation.

Hvordan klarer samfunnet å absorbere slike sjokk?

How does society manage to absorb such shocks?

Sociological context.

Han klarte å nyansere debatten på en nødvendig måte.

He managed to nuance the debate in a necessary way.

'Nyansere' (to nuance).

Jeg klarer ikke å fatte rekkevidden av denne oppdagelsen.

I cannot manage to grasp the scope of this discovery.

'Fatte' (grasp/understand).

Häufige Kollokationen

klare seg bra

klare en prøve

klare biffen

klare fristen

klare seg selv

klare opp i

ikke klare mer

klare brasene

klare seg uten

klare å se

Häufige Phrasen

Jeg klarer det.

— I can do it / I'll manage it.

Ikke hjelp meg, jeg klarer det.

Hvordan klarer du deg?

— How are you managing / How are you doing?

Jeg har ikke sett deg på lenge, hvordan klarer du deg?

Det klarer seg.

— That's enough / That will do.

Takk, det klarer seg med to poteter.

Klarer du å komme?

— Can you manage to come?

Vi har fest på lørdag, klarer du å komme?

Jeg klarer ikke å vente.

— I can't wait.

Det er så spennende, jeg klarer ikke å vente!

Vi klarte det!

— We made it! / We succeeded!

Etter ti timer på tur, klarte vi det!

Han klarer seg ikke alene.

— He can't manage on his own.

Han er for syk, han klarer seg ikke alene.

Klarer du oppgaven?

— Are you managing the task?

Det er mye å gjøre, klarer du oppgaven?

Jeg klarer ikke tanken på det.

— I can't stand the thought of it.

Jeg klarer ikke tanken på å flytte.

Klarer du å holde munn?

— Can you manage to keep quiet?

Dette er en hemmelighet, klarer du å holde munn?

Wird oft verwechselt mit

klare vs klar

'Klar' is an adjective meaning 'ready' or 'clear'. 'Klare' is the verb meaning 'to manage'.

klare vs kunne

'Kunne' is general ability; 'klare' is specific success/management.

klare vs orke

'Orke' is about having the energy; 'klare' is about the overall ability to succeed.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"klare biffen"

— To successfully handle a difficult situation or bring something to a conclusion.

Det var en vanskelig kunde, men han klarte biffen.

Informal

"klare seg på en fjøl"

— To manage with very little or in very difficult circumstances.

De hadde nesten ingen penger, men de klarte seg på en fjøl.

Colloquial

"klare seg med et nødskrik"

— To barely manage or pass by the skin of one's teeth.

Han klarte eksamen med et nødskrik.

Neutral

"klare brasene"

— To manage a difficult task, often physical or related to weather/sailing.

Mannskapet klarte brasene i stormen.

Old-fashioned

"ikke klare å dy seg"

— To not be able to help oneself from doing or saying something.

Hun klarte ikke å dy seg og fortalte vitsen.

Neutral

"klare opp i rekkene"

— To organize or clear up a messy situation or group.

Nå må vi klare opp i rekkene her.

Neutral

"klare seg selv"

— To be independent and self-sufficient.

Hun har flyttet ut og klarer seg selv nå.

Neutral

"klare seg godt"

— To do well or be successful in a certain area.

Han klarer seg godt i den nye jobben.

Neutral

"klare å holde hodet over vannet"

— To manage to survive financially or emotionally (keep one's head above water).

Med de høye prisene er det vanskelig å klare å holde hodet over vannet.

Metaphorical

"klare å lande på begge føttene"

— To manage to come out of a bad situation well (land on both feet).

Han mistet jobben, men klarte å lande på begge føttene.

Metaphorical

Leicht verwechselbar

klare vs greie

They mean the same thing.

'Greie' is slightly more informal and can also be a noun. 'Klare' is more standard and versatile.

Jeg greier det / Jeg klarer det.

klare vs mestre

Both involve doing something well.

'Mestre' implies mastery or expert skill. 'Klare' just implies getting it done.

Hun mestrer piano / Hun klarte å spille sangen.

klare vs bestå

Both are used for tests.

'Bestå' is the formal term for passing. 'Klare' is the act of managing the test.

Jeg besto eksamen / Jeg klarte eksamen.

klare vs forklare

They look similar.

'Forklare' means 'to explain'. 'Klare' means 'to manage'.

Kan du forklare dette? / Klarer du dette?

klare vs klargjøre

Contains the root 'klar'.

'Klargjøre' means 'to prepare' or 'to make ready'.

Vi må klargjøre rommet.

Satzmuster

Subject + klarer + det.

Jeg klarer det.

Subject + klarer + å + infinitive.

Hun klarer å lese.

Subject + klarer + seg + adverb.

Vi klarer oss fint.

Subject + klarte + å + infinitive + i går.

Jeg klarte å trene i går.

Selv om... klarer + subject + å...

Selv om det regner, klarer vi å gå tur.

Subject + har + klart + å + infinitive.

De har klart å vinne.

Hvordan + klarer + man + å + infinitive?

Hvordan klarer man å forstå dette?

Det + er + vanskelig + å + klare + å + infinitive.

Det er vanskelig å klare å uttrykke seg.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

klarhet (clarity)

klaring (clearance)

forklaring (explanation)

Verben

forklare (to explain)

erklære (to declare)

oppklare (to clear up)

Adjektive

klar (clear/ready)

klarsynt (clear-sighted)

forklarlig (explainable)

Verwandt

klargjøre

klarne

klaresen

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So verwendest du es

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written Norwegian.

Häufige Fehler

Jeg klarer svømme. → Jeg klarer å svømme.
You must use the infinitive marker 'å' between 'klare' and another verb.
Jeg kan å gjøre det. → Jeg klarer å gjøre det.
'Kunne' does not take 'å'. If you want to say you manage to do it, use 'klare å'.
Hvordan klarer du? → Hvordan klarer du deg?
To ask how someone is doing, you must use the reflexive pronoun 'deg'.
Han klarte eksamen med glans. → Han besto eksamen med glans.
While 'klarte' is okay, 'besto' is more accurate for exams, though 'klarte' is widely used in speech.
Jeg klarer meg ikke det. → Jeg klarer ikke det.
Don't use the reflexive 'meg' if you are managing a specific object ('det'). Only use it for 'getting by'.

Tipps

The 'å' Rule

Always remember to include 'å' when 'klare' is followed by an action. 'Jeg klarer å danse' is correct; 'Jeg klarer danse' is not.

Reflexive Power

Learn 'klare seg' early. It is the most natural way to answer 'How are you?' in a way that means 'I'm getting by.'

Soft 'e'

The final 'e' in 'klare' is a schwa sound, like the 'a' in 'sofa'. Don't over-pronounce it as an 'ay' or 'ee'.

Encouragement

Use 'Du klarer det!' to encourage your Norwegian friends. It's the perfect equivalent to 'You can do it!'

Biffen

Don't be confused if someone mentions 'biff' (steak) when you succeed. 'Klare biffen' is just a fun way to say you did well.

Klare vs Kunne

Use 'kunne' for what you know how to do, and 'klare' for what you actually manage to do in the moment.

Formal Writing

In formal reports, prefer 'gjennomføre' or 'lykkes' for a more professional tone than 'klare'.

Dialect Watch

Some dialects might use 'greie' almost exclusively. If you hear 'greier du det?', just know it means the same as 'klarer du det?'.

Clear the Hurdle

Visualize yourself clearing a hurdle every time you use 'klare'. It helps cement the meaning of overcoming an obstacle.

No More Food

Use 'Jeg klarer ikke mer' at the end of a meal to politely say you are full.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Think of 'clearing' an obstacle. If you 'klare' something, you have 'cleared' the hurdle and succeeded.

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a high jumper 'clearing' the bar. As they land, they shout 'Jeg klarte det!'

Word Web

mestre greie lykkes klare oppgave eksamen styrke vilje

Herausforderung

Try to use 'klare' in three different ways today: once for a physical task, once for a mental task, and once reflexively to describe how you are doing.

Wortherkunft

From Middle Low German 'klaren', derived from the adjective 'klar' (clear).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To make clear, to purify, or to settle accounts.

Germanic

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities, but avoid using 'klare' in a way that sounds dismissive of someone's genuine struggle.

English speakers often use 'can' for everything. In Norway, using 'klare' shows you recognize the effort involved.

'Vi klarer det!' is often used in Norwegian dubs of children's shows (like Bob the Builder's 'Can we fix it? Yes we can!'). The song 'Vi skal klare det' is a common theme in motivational Norwegian music.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

At School

Jeg klarte testen.
Klarer du leksene?
Han klarer ikke å sitte stille.
Vi klarte oppgaven sammen.

At Work

Vi må klare fristen.
Klarer du dette alene?
Jeg klarte å fikse feilen.
Hvordan klarte de det?

Physical Activity

Jeg klarer ikke å løpe lenger.
Klarer du å løfte denne?
Vi klarte toppen!
Hun klarer ti push-ups.

Daily Life

Jeg klarer meg, takk.
Klarer du å vente litt?
Jeg klarer ikke å sove.
Vi klarer oss uten kaffe.

Emotions

Jeg klarer ikke tanken på det.
Hun klarer seg bra etter bruddet.
Klarer du å tilgi ham?
Jeg klarer ikke å slutte å le.

Gesprächseinstiege

"Klarer du å snakke norsk hele dagen i dag?"

"Tror du vi klarer å nå målene våre i år?"

"Hvordan klarer du å holde deg så rolig i stressende situasjoner?"

"Klarte du å se den nye filmen som kom ut i går?"

"Hva er det vanskeligste du har klart å gjøre i livet ditt?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Skriv om en gang du klarte noe du trodde var umulig.

Hvordan klarer du deg i hverdagen når du er sliten?

Hva vil du gjerne klare å lære deg i løpet av det neste året?

Beskriv en person som alltid klarer å spre glede rundt seg.

Hva klarer du deg absolutt ikke uten i løpet av en vanlig dag?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

In most cases, they are interchangeable and both mean 'to manage'. 'Klare' is slightly more formal and more common in written Norwegian, while 'greie' is very common in spoken dialects. You can use either in daily conversation without being misunderstood.

You need 'å' if 'klare' is followed by another verb (e.g., 'Jeg klarer å løpe'). You do not need 'å' if it is followed by a noun or pronoun (e.g., 'Jeg klarer det').

Yes, but usually in specific phrasal verbs like 'klare opp i' (to clear up a misunderstanding) or 'klare en himmel' (to clear a sky, though 'klarne' is more common for weather).

You use the reflexive form: 'Jeg klarer meg bra' or 'Jeg klarer meg fint'.

It is a weak verb. Its forms are: klare, klarer, klarte, har klart.

Use 'mestre' when you want to say someone is very skilled at something, like 'Han mestrer fransk'. Use 'klare' for specific tasks, like 'Han klarte å bestille kaffe på fransk'.

It is an idiom meaning to successfully handle a situation or complete a task, similar to 'bringing home the bacon' or 'getting the job done'.

Yes, 'Jeg klarte eksamen' is very common, although 'Jeg besto eksamen' is the more official way to say it.

The most direct opposites are 'mislykkes' (to fail) or 'ikke klare' (to not manage).

Yes, etymologically they are related. To 'klare' something originally meant to 'make it clear' or 'settle' it, which evolved into the modern meaning of managing or succeeding.

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