Significado
To be humorous and friendly.
Contexto cultural
In Norway, 'glimt i øyet' is often seen as the perfect antidote to 'Janteloven' (the law of Jante), which discourages boasting. It allows people to be clever and funny without appearing arrogant. Norwegian job ads frequently use this phrase. It signals that the company values a 'flat structure' and a social environment where humor is allowed. It is perhaps the most overused phrase on Norwegian dating apps like Tinder or Sukker.no, signifying a universal desire for a partner who is fun but kind. Talk show hosts in Norway (like Fredrik Skavlan) are often praised for having 'glimt i øyet', which helps guests feel comfortable sharing personal stories.
The 'Job Ad' Secret
If you see 'glimt i øyet' in a Norwegian job ad, it's code for 'we want someone who is easy to talk to and doesn't complain much.'
Singular vs Plural
Always use 'øyet' (singular). Using 'øynene' (plural) makes it sound like you are talking about a physical reflection of light, not a personality trait.
Significado
To be humorous and friendly.
The 'Job Ad' Secret
If you see 'glimt i øyet' in a Norwegian job ad, it's code for 'we want someone who is easy to talk to and doesn't complain much.'
Singular vs Plural
Always use 'øyet' (singular). Using 'øynene' (plural) makes it sound like you are talking about a physical reflection of light, not a personality trait.
Irony Alert
In Norway, this phrase is the 'get out of jail free' card for irony. If you say something slightly mean but with a 'glimt i øyet', it's usually okay.
Dating Profiles
If you are writing a dating profile in Norway, using this phrase is a safe bet, but it's so common that adding an example of your humor is even better!
Ponte a prueba
Fyll inn det manglende ordet i uttrykket.
Han fortalte vitsen med et glimt i ___.
Uttrykket er fast: 'i øyet' (bestemt form, entall).
Hva betyr det hvis noen har 'glimt i øyet'?
Velg den beste definisjonen:
Uttrykket beskriver en person med en sjarmerende og humoristisk personlighet.
I hvilken situasjon passer det best å bruke uttrykket?
Match situasjonen med bruken:
Uttrykket brukes for å beskrive positive, humoristiske personlighetstrekk.
Fullfør dialogen.
A: Liker du den nye læreren? B: Ja, han er flink, og så har han alltid ___.
'Et glimt i øyet' passer som en positiv beskrivelse av lærerens personlighet.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Ayudas visuales
Glimt i øyet vs. Selvhøytidelig
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosHan fortalte vitsen med et glimt i ___.
Uttrykket er fast: 'i øyet' (bestemt form, entall).
Velg den beste definisjonen:
Uttrykket beskriver en person med en sjarmerende og humoristisk personlighet.
Match situasjonen med bruken:
Uttrykket brukes for å beskrive positive, humoristiske personlighetstrekk.
A: Liker du den nye læreren? B: Ja, han er flink, og så har han alltid ___.
'Et glimt i øyet' passer som en positiv beskrivelse av lærerens personlighet.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
12 preguntasYes, it is completely gender-neutral. You can use it for anyone.
Yes, it's very common in CVs and job applications to describe social competence.
Not necessarily. It usually just means they are humorous and friendly. Context determines if there is flirting involved.
The opposite would be 'selvhøytidelig' (self-important) or 'tørr' (dry/boring).
It's an idiomatic convention. Many Norwegian idioms use singular body parts (e.g., 'på strak arm', 'med hard hånd').
It's grammatically possible but sounds unnatural. Stick to 'i øyet'.
Yes, it is always a very positive thing to say about someone.
Yes, this is a universal expression across all of Norway.
Yes! You can say a story is written 'med et glimt i øyet' if it is humorous and light-hearted.
Often, yes. It suggests a 'lurt' (sly) or playful kind of humor.
Usually, yes, but it's very short. In 'øyet', the 't' is silent.
Absolutely. It's a very common way to describe a playful child.
Frases relacionadas
å ha humoristisk sans
synonymTo have a sense of humor
å være en skøyer
similarTo be a prankster/joker
å ha et godt øye til noen
confusingTo have a crush on someone
å se saken med nye øyne
builds onTo see the matter with new eyes
å være tørr
contrastTo be dry/boring
