You'll often use mens when two things are happening simultaneously. Think of it like saying 'while' or 'whereas' in English. It helps connect two clauses, showing that their actions occur at the same time or in contrast to each other. For example, 'Jeg leser en bok, mens han lager mat' means 'I am reading a book, while he is cooking food.' Pay attention to the context to understand if it's indicating simultaneity or a contrast.
When using "mens", the actions in both clauses happen simultaneously. Both actions are ongoing at the same time. This differs from "samtidig som" which can sometimes imply a more immediate, single point in time, even though it also means "at the same time as".
"Mens" connects two parallel actions or states. For instance, if one person is reading, another might be cooking "mens" the first person reads. Both activities are continuous and concurrent. It's about overlapping durations rather than a single moment.
When we use the word 'mens' as a conjunction, it's really useful for showing that two things are happening at the same time. Think of it like the English word 'while' or 'at the same time as'. You can use it to link two clauses together, illustrating parallel actions or contrasting situations.
For example, you might say: 'Jeg leser bok, mens han lager mat.' (I am reading a book, while he is making food.) Here, 'mens' connects the two actions that are occurring concurrently.
It can also introduce a contrast. Consider: 'Hun liker kaffe, mens jeg foretrekker te.' (She likes coffee, whereas I prefer tea.) In this case, 'mens' highlights the difference in preferences.
So, remember that 'mens' is a versatile word for combining sentences and expressing relationships in time or contrast.
§ Understanding 'mens'
The Norwegian word mens is a conjunction. This means it connects parts of a sentence. It's often used to show that two things are happening at the same time, or to introduce a contrast, similar to 'while' or 'whereas' in English. It's a very common word, so it's good to learn it early.
- DEFINITION
- at the same time as; while; whereas
§ Basic Sentence Structure with 'mens'
When you use mens, it typically introduces a subordinate clause. This means the clause following mens cannot stand alone as a complete sentence. Think of it as a connector that links a main idea to a secondary idea that happens at the same time or in contrast.
Jeg leser en bok mens du lager mat.
Here, 'Jeg leser en bok' (I am reading a book) is the main clause, and 'du lager mat' (you are cooking food) is the subordinate clause, connected by mens. It means 'I am reading a book while you are cooking food.'
Han sover, mens hun jobber.
This sentence translates to 'He is sleeping, while she is working.' Here, mens highlights a contrast between what he is doing and what she is doing.
§ 'Mens' at the Beginning of a Sentence
You can also start a sentence with mens. When you do this, the subordinate clause comes first, followed by the main clause. Remember to invert the subject and verb in the main clause after the comma.
Mens hun ser på TV, lager han middag.
This means 'While she watches TV, he makes dinner.' Notice the word order in the second part: 'lager han middag' instead of 'han lager middag'. This inversion is very important in Norwegian grammar when a subordinate clause starts the sentence.
Mens vi ventet, drakk vi kaffe.
Here, 'While we waited, we drank coffee.' Again, 'drakk vi' (drank we) is the inverted order.
§ Using 'mens' for Contrast
Mens can also be used to show a contrast, much like 'whereas' or 'while' in English, indicating two opposing facts or situations.
Jeg liker vinter, mens hun foretrekker sommer.
This translates to 'I like winter, whereas she prefers summer.' It's a straightforward way to express differing preferences.
Noen spiser mye, mens andre spiser lite.
Here, 'Some eat a lot, whereas others eat little.' The contrast is clear between the two groups.
§ Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake English speakers make is forgetting the inversion when the mens-clause comes first. Always double-check your word order in such cases.
- Incorrect: Mens jeg leste, jeg drakk kaffe.
- Correct: Mens jeg leste, drakk jeg kaffe. (While I read, I drank coffee.)
Another point is to not confuse mens with other time conjunctions like 'når' (when) or 'da' (when, for past events). While they all relate to time, mens specifically emphasizes simultaneity or contrast.
§ Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to get comfortable with mens is to use it. Try making your own sentences using the examples above as a guide. Think about things you do at the same time as someone else, or contrasting ideas.
- I often listen to music mens I clean. (Jeg lytter ofte på musikk mens jeg vasker.)
- She likes tea, mens he prefers coffee. (Hun liker te, mens han foretrekker kaffe.)
How Formal Is It?
"Vi diskuterte politikk, mens solen gikk ned. (We discussed politics, while the sun set.)"
"Hun leste en bok, mens han lagde middag. (She read a book, while he made dinner.)"
"Han spiste pizza, mens han så på TV. (He ate pizza, while he watched TV.)"
"Vi bygger legotårn, mens mamma lager mat. (We build a Lego tower, while mommy makes food.)"
"Jeg chiller, mens du stresser. (I'm chilling, while you're stressing.)"
Wusstest du?
The English word 'while' shares a common Germanic root with 'mens'.
Aussprachehilfe
- pronouncing the 'e' too open (like in 'men')
- over-emphasizing the 's' sound
Beispiele nach Niveau
Jeg leser en bok, mens barna leker ute.
I am reading a book, at the same time as the children are playing outside.
Hun lager middag, mens han ser på TV.
She is making dinner, at the same time as he is watching TV.
Vi spiser frokost, mens solen står opp.
We are eating breakfast, at the same time as the sun is rising.
De snakket om ferien sin, mens de drakk kaffe.
They talked about their vacation, at the same time as they drank coffee.
Jeg jobber hjemmefra, mens kontoret er stengt.
I am working from home, at the same time as the office is closed.
Han hørte på musikk, mens han trente.
He listened to music, at the same time as he exercised.
Vi venter på bussen, mens det regner.
We are waiting for the bus, at the same time as it is raining.
Du kan skrive e-posten, mens jeg ringer kunden.
You can write the email, at the same time as I call the customer.
Jeg leser en bok, mens barna leker ute.
I am reading a book, at the same time as the children are playing outside.
Here 'mens' introduces a subordinate clause describing a simultaneous action.
Han spiste middag mens han så på nyhetene.
He ate dinner at the same time as he watched the news.
'Mens' connects two parallel actions performed by the same subject.
Vi snakket sammen mens vi gikk tur i skogen.
We talked to each other while we walked in the forest.
The actions of talking and walking happen concurrently, linked by 'mens'.
Hun lyttet til musikk mens hun studerte til eksamen.
She listened to music at the same time as she studied for the exam.
Two simultaneous activities, where one might be background to the other.
De ventet tålmodig mens legen undersøkte barnet.
They waited patiently at the same time as the doctor examined the child.
'Mens' indicates that the waiting period coincided with the examination.
Jeg kan jobbe hjemmefra, mens barna er på skolen.
I can work from home at the same time as the children are at school.
This sentence shows two ongoing states happening simultaneously.
Han lagde mat mens hun dekket bordet.
He cooked food at the same time as she set the table.
Two different subjects performing simultaneous actions.
Vi koste oss på hytta mens det snødde ute.
We enjoyed ourselves at the cabin at the same time as it was snowing outside.
'Mens' describes a pleasant indoor activity occurring during an outdoor weather event.
Han leste avisen, mens hun drakk kaffe.
He read the newspaper, while she drank coffee.
Mens vi ventet, diskuterte vi planene for dagen.
While we waited, we discussed the day's plans.
Jeg kan lage middag, mens du dekker bordet.
I can make dinner, while you set the table.
Mens barna lekte ute, tok foreldrene seg en kopp te.
While the children played outside, the parents had a cup of tea.
Hun lyttet oppmerksomt, mens han fortalte historien.
She listened attentively, while he told the story.
Mens solen skinte, dro vi på stranden.
While the sun shone, we went to the beach.
Han reparerte bilen, mens hun leste en bok.
He repaired the car, while she read a book.
Mens vi spiste lunsj, planla vi helgeturen.
While we ate lunch, we planned the weekend trip.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
"i mellomtiden"
in the meantime
Jeg venter på bussen, i mellomtiden kan jeg lese litt. (I am waiting for the bus, in the meantime I can read a little.)
neutral"samtidig som"
at the same time as
Han spiste lunsj samtidig som han leste avisen. (He ate lunch at the same time as he read the newspaper.)
neutral"mens det varer"
while it lasts
Nyt sommeren mens det varer! (Enjoy the summer while it lasts!)
neutral"mens du er i gang"
while you're at it
Kan du ta ut søppelet mens du er i gang? (Can you take out the trash while you're at it?)
informal"mens han levde"
while he was alive
Han skrev mange bøker mens han levde. (He wrote many books while he was alive.)
neutral"det er lenge siden"
it's been a long time
Det er lenge siden jeg har sett deg! (It's been a long time since I've seen you!)
neutral"fra tid til annen"
from time to time
Jeg besøker dem fra tid til annen. (I visit them from time to time.)
neutral"i løpet av"
during, in the course of
I løpet av dagen vil vi diskutere dette. (During the day we will discuss this.)
neutral"i samme åndedrag"
in the same breath
Han kritiserte og roste i samme åndedrag. (He criticized and praised in the same breath.)
neutral"først og fremst"
first and foremost
Han er først og fremst en god venn. (He is first and foremost a good friend.)
neutralTipps
Basic use of 'mens'
The most common use of 'mens' is to indicate that two actions are happening simultaneously. Think of it like 'while' or 'as' in English.
Connecting clauses with 'mens'
'Mens' is a conjunction, meaning it connects two clauses. The clause introduced by 'mens' often describes an ongoing action.
Placement of 'mens' in a sentence
'Mens' can appear at the beginning of a sentence or between two clauses. The meaning usually remains the same.
Actions by the same person
Often, both actions connected by 'mens' are performed by the same subject. This makes it easy to understand who is doing what.
Actions by different people
'Mens' can also connect actions performed by different subjects. Just make sure the subjects are clear in each clause.
Present tense with 'mens'
When talking about ongoing actions in the present, use the present tense in both clauses connected by 'mens'.
Past tense with 'mens'
For ongoing actions in the past, use the past tense in both clauses. This maintains consistency in time.
Don't confuse with 'fordi'
Be careful not to confuse 'mens' (while) with 'fordi' (because). They have different meanings and uses.
'Mens' for contrast
In some contexts, 'mens' can also imply a contrast or 'whereas'. This is a more advanced usage you'll pick up with practice.
Practice with simple sentences
Start by forming simple sentences using 'mens' to describe two simultaneous actions. This builds a strong foundation.
Wortherkunft
Old Norse
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: while, during
Indo-European (Germanic)Kultureller Kontext
When Norwegians use 'mens', they are often highlighting a simultaneous action or a contrast between two ongoing events. It's a very common word, similar to how English speakers use 'while' or 'whereas'.
Teste dich selbst 66 Fragen
Write a short sentence about something you do while listening to music. Use 'mens'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Jeg leser en bok mens jeg hører på musikk.
Complete the sentence: Jeg spiser frokost mens...
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Jeg spiser frokost mens jeg ser på nyheter.
Write a sentence describing two things happening at the same time. Use 'mens'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Hun drikker kaffe mens hun venter på bussen.
Hva gjør jeg mens jeg lager mat?
Read this passage:
Jeg lager mat. Mens jeg lager mat, hører jeg på radio. Det er hyggelig.
Hva gjør jeg mens jeg lager mat?
Passasjen sier 'Mens jeg lager mat, hører jeg på radio.' (While I cook, I listen to the radio.)
Passasjen sier 'Mens jeg lager mat, hører jeg på radio.' (While I cook, I listen to the radio.)
Hva gjør han samtidig som han snakker i telefonen?
Read this passage:
Han snakker i telefonen mens han går. Han er alltid travel.
Hva gjør han samtidig som han snakker i telefonen?
Passasjen sier 'mens han går' (while he walks).
Passasjen sier 'mens han går' (while he walks).
Hva gjør mor mens barna leker?
Read this passage:
Barna leker ute. Mens de leker, lager mor middag. Alle er glade.
Hva gjør mor mens barna leker?
Passasjen sier 'Mens de leker, lager mor middag.' (While they play, mom makes dinner.)
Passasjen sier 'Mens de leker, lager mor middag.' (While they play, mom makes dinner.)
This sentence means 'I read while you sleep.' The word 'mens' connects the two actions happening simultaneously.
This means 'She eats dinner while he watches TV.' 'Mens' links the two concurrent activities.
This translates to 'We walk while it rains.' 'Mens' shows that the walking and raining are happening at the same time.
Which sentence correctly uses 'mens'?
'Mens' connects two clauses, and the second clause follows the normal word order.
Choose the best translation for: 'She listens to music, while she studies.'
'Mens' introduces a subordinate clause, maintaining the natural flow of the sentence.
Complete the sentence: 'Vi venter på bussen, ___ det regner.'
'Mens' is used here to indicate two actions happening simultaneously: waiting and raining.
The sentence 'Jeg ser på TV, mens jeg spiser.' means 'I watch TV, while I eat.'
This is a correct use of 'mens' to show simultaneous actions.
'Mens' can always be replaced by 'og' (and) without changing the meaning.
'Mens' implies simultaneity, while 'og' simply connects two ideas or actions without necessarily implying they happen at the same time.
In the sentence 'Han leser avisen, mens hun drikker kaffe.', both actions are happening at the same time.
'Mens' explicitly indicates that the reading and coffee drinking are occurring concurrently.
This sentence structure correctly places 'mens' to connect the two simultaneous actions: speaking on the phone and making food.
The order shows two people doing different things concurrently, using 'mens' to link the actions.
This demonstrates a person listening to music at the same time as jogging.
Han leste en bok, ___ hun lagde middag.
'mens' betyr 'at the same time as' og passer best her for å vise at lesingen og matlagingen skjer samtidig.
Vi ventet på bussen ___ det regnet kraftig.
'mens' indikerer at regnet pågikk i perioden de ventet.
De snakket om fremtiden ___ de spiste frokost.
'mens' viser at samtalen skjedde parallelt med frokosten.
Barnet sov søtt ___ foreldrene så på TV.
'mens' kobler sammen to handlinger som foregår samtidig.
Jeg hørte musikk ___ jeg ryddet leiligheten.
Her brukes 'mens' for å uttrykke at musikklytting og rydding skjedde samtidig.
Hun studerte norsk ___ han jobbet hjemmefra.
'mens' er den korrekte konjunksjonen for å vise samtidige handlinger.
Choose the best translation for the Norwegian word 'mens' in the following sentence: 'Jeg leste en bok, mens hun lagde middag.'
'Mens' translates to 'while' when it means 'at the same time as'.
Which sentence correctly uses 'mens' to indicate simultaneous actions?
'Mens' connects two actions happening concurrently.
In which sentence can 'mens' be replaced by 'samtidig som' without changing the meaning?
'Mens' and 'samtidig som' both convey the idea of simultaneous actions.
The sentence 'Jeg drikker kaffe, mens du spiser frokost' implies that both actions are happening at the same time.
'Mens' indicates that the two clauses describe concurrent events.
In the sentence 'Han er glad, mens hun er trist', 'mens' is used to show a contrast between two different states.
While 'mens' primarily means 'while', it can also be used to show contrast, similar to 'whereas'.
You can always replace 'mens' with 'etter at' (after) without changing the meaning of a sentence.
'Mens' indicates simultaneous action, whereas 'etter at' indicates a sequential action (one after the other). They have different meanings.
This sentence connects two simultaneous actions: 'snakket på telefonen' (talked on the phone) and 'lagde mat' (made food) using 'mens'.
Here, 'mens' links 'hørte på musikk' (listened to music) and 'studerte' (studied), indicating they happened concurrently.
The conjunction 'mens' shows that watching the news and eating breakfast occurred at the same time.
What was the person doing while studying?
What were the children doing at the same time?
What were they discussing during their walk?
Read this aloud:
Kan du si 'Jeg leste en bok, mens jeg ventet på bussen.'
Focus: mens
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Si 'Mens det regnet, drakk vi kaffe inne.'
Focus: regnet
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Prøv å si 'Hun sang mens hun vasket opp.'
Focus: vasket opp
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Han nynnet muntert ___ han vasket opp.
'Mens' is the correct conjunction to indicate two actions happening simultaneously.
Jeg leser ofte en bok ___ jeg venter på bussen.
'Mens' correctly links the two concurrent actions: reading and waiting.
De diskuterte prosjektet intensivt ___ de spiste lunsj.
'Mens' is used here to show that the discussion and lunch were happening at the same time.
Han lyttet til musikk ___ han arbeidet med rapporten.
'Mens' is the appropriate conjunction for describing concurrent activities.
Barna lekte ute ___ solen skinte, uten en bekymring i verden.
'Mens' clearly indicates that the children were playing at the same time the sun was shining.
Vannet begynte å koke ___ jeg forberedte grønnsakene.
'Mens' correctly shows that the water boiling and the vegetable preparation were simultaneous actions.
The government is discussing, and the economy is struggling.
Preparing for a greener future, investing in sustainable solutions.
Global political situation is tense, diplomacy's role is crucial.
Read this aloud:
Mens vitenskapen stadig utvikler seg, møter vi nye etiske dilemmaer som krever dyp refleksjon og offentlig debatt.
Focus: vitenskapen, etiske, refleksjon
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Mens vi ser tilbake på historien, kan vi identifisere mønstre som informerer våre beslutninger for fremtiden.
Focus: historien, identifisere, beslutninger
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Mens samfunnet strever med å oppnå likeverd, er det essensielt å adressere systemiske ulikheter og fremme inkludering.
Focus: samfunnet, likeverd, systemiske, inkludering
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence demonstrates the common use of 'mens' to connect two simultaneous actions. The structure 'Subject + Verb + Object mens Subject + Verb + Object' is typical.
Another example of 'mens' joining two concurrent activities. The phrase 'slappet av' (relaxed) and 'lekte ute' (played outside) are parallel in their ongoing nature.
Here, 'mens' connects listening to music with cleaning the apartment, both happening simultaneously by the same person.
/ 66 correct
Perfect score!
Basic use of 'mens'
The most common use of 'mens' is to indicate that two actions are happening simultaneously. Think of it like 'while' or 'as' in English.
Connecting clauses with 'mens'
'Mens' is a conjunction, meaning it connects two clauses. The clause introduced by 'mens' often describes an ongoing action.
Placement of 'mens' in a sentence
'Mens' can appear at the beginning of a sentence or between two clauses. The meaning usually remains the same.
Actions by the same person
Often, both actions connected by 'mens' are performed by the same subject. This makes it easy to understand who is doing what.
Verwandte Inhalte
Im Kontext lernen
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
