Signification
Succeeding in a test.
Contexte culturel
The 'Førerprøve' (driving test) is a major cultural milestone. It is very expensive (often costing 30,000+ NOK total) and strict. Passing it on the first try is a point of pride. In Norwegian universities, many exams are graded only as 'Bestått' or 'Ikke bestått' to reduce competitive pressure and focus on learning. When someone passes a test, it is common to buy them a small treat or 'feire' (celebrate). It is considered polite to ask 'Hvordan gikk det?' (How did it go?) after a known test date. Professional certifications are highly valued in Norway's specialized workforce. 'Å bestå fagprøven' is the final step to becoming a certified craftsman (like a carpenter or electrician).
The 'Standing' Trick
If you can't remember the word, just think: 'Am I still standing?' If yes, you 'besto'.
No 'på' with 'bestå'
Never say 'bestå på'. It's a very common error. Just 'bestå' + the thing you passed.
Signification
Succeeding in a test.
The 'Standing' Trick
If you can't remember the word, just think: 'Am I still standing?' If yes, you 'besto'.
No 'på' with 'bestå'
Never say 'bestå på'. It's a very common error. Just 'bestå' + the thing you passed.
Use 'Bestått' for results
If you are making a CV, write 'Bestått' next to your courses.
The informal 'Stå'
If you want to sound like a local student, use 'Jeg sto!' instead of the full 'Jeg besto'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of 'å bestå'.
I går ______ jeg førerprøven!
The sentence refers to 'I går' (yesterday), so we need the past tense.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the right way to say 'I passed the exam'.
'Bestå' does not take a preposition. 'Passerte' is for physical movement.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Gruer du deg til prøven? B: Ja, men jeg håper jeg ______.
The speaker is talking about a future hope, so the present tense is used.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You just found out your friend passed their big university exam. What do you say?
'Gratulerer' (Congratulations) is the natural response to someone passing.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Bestå vs. Passere
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesI går ______ jeg førerprøven!
The sentence refers to 'I går' (yesterday), so we need the past tense.
Choose the right way to say 'I passed the exam'.
'Bestå' does not take a preposition. 'Passerte' is for physical movement.
A: Gruer du deg til prøven? B: Ja, men jeg håper jeg ______.
The speaker is talking about a future hope, so the present tense is used.
You just found out your friend passed their big university exam. What do you say?
'Gratulerer' (Congratulations) is the natural response to someone passing.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, if it's a test you can 'pass' or 'fail' (like a hearing test), but for a blood test result, you'd usually say 'Prøven var fin'.
A 'prøve' is usually a smaller, mid-term test. An 'eksamen' is a final, formal exam at the end of a semester.
It is neutral. It's used in both official documents and daily speech.
You say 'Jeg strøk' (from 'å stryke').
No, you can only 'bestå' a test or a challenge set by a person.
Yes, in the infinitive and present tense, it is a long vowel.
It means 'Passed'. You will see this on certificates.
It's better to say 'Jeg besto matteprøven' or 'Jeg sto i matte'.
No, it's an older, more formal version of 'besto'. Both are correct.
Use 'å kjøre forbi' or 'å passere'. Never 'bestå'.
Yes, 'Vennskapet besto prøven' means the friendship survived a difficult time.
Jeg fikk A på eksamen.
Expressions liées
Å stå på eksamen
similarTo pass the exam (informal)
Å stryke
contrastTo fail a test
Å klare
similarTo manage/succeed
Å bestå med glans
specialized formTo pass with flying colors
En prøvelse
builds onA trial or ordeal
