Signification
To exert energy to achieve.
Contexte culturel
The 'Dugnad' spirit is the ultimate expression of 'gjøre en innsats'. It's a social contract where everyone contributes to the common good. Norwegian bosses value 'selvstendighet' (independence). Making an effort without being told exactly what to do is highly prized. In Norwegian sports commentary, 'innsats' is often more praised than raw talent. A 'fighting spirit' is key. The Norwegian school system focuses on 'vurdering for læring', where the effort put into the process is discussed as much as the final grade.
Use Adjectives
To sound more native, always pair 'innsats' with an adjective like 'formidabel', 'skikkelig', or 'liten'.
Avoid 'Ta'
Never say 'ta en innsats'. It's a classic 'Anglicism' or 'Swedism' that sounds very unnatural to Norwegians.
Signification
To exert energy to achieve.
Use Adjectives
To sound more native, always pair 'innsats' with an adjective like 'formidabel', 'skikkelig', or 'liten'.
Avoid 'Ta'
Never say 'ta en innsats'. It's a classic 'Anglicism' or 'Swedism' that sounds very unnatural to Norwegians.
The Dugnad Connection
If you are invited to a 'dugnad', saying 'Jeg skal gjøre en innsats' is the perfect way to show you are a team player.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing verb in the correct form.
I fjor ______ de en stor innsats for å pusse opp huset.
The sentence refers to 'last year' (i fjor), so we need the past tense of 'gjøre'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct way to express effort.
You must use 'gjøre', include the article 'en', and use the preposition 'for å'.
Match the adjective to the situation.
Which adjective fits best? 'Vi må gjøre en ______ innsats for å redde firmaet fra konkurs.'
Saving a company from bankruptcy requires a 'huge' (enorm) effort.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hvorfor fikk du så god karakter? B: Fordi jeg ______ en innsats hele semesteret.
The person is explaining a past result using the present perfect tense.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesI fjor ______ de en stor innsats for å pusse opp huset.
The sentence refers to 'last year' (i fjor), so we need the past tense of 'gjøre'.
Choose the correct way to express effort.
You must use 'gjøre', include the article 'en', and use the preposition 'for å'.
Which adjective fits best? 'Vi må gjøre en ______ innsats for å redde firmaet fra konkurs.'
Saving a company from bankruptcy requires a 'huge' (enorm) effort.
A: Hvorfor fikk du så god karakter? B: Fordi jeg ______ en innsats hele semesteret.
The person is explaining a past result using the present perfect tense.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's better to use it for things that actually require some work. For very small things, 'å prøve' is more natural.
Yes, you can say 'mange innsatser', but it's much more common in the singular 'en innsats'.
'Innsats' is the energy you put in; 'bidrag' is the actual result or contribution you give.
Yes, 'gjøre mitt beste' is a perfect synonym in most cases, but 'gjøre en innsats' sounds slightly more active and professional.
Always 'for å' when followed by a verb. 'Til' is rarely used with this phrase.
You can say 'gjøre en enorm innsats' or 'gjøre en kjempeinnsats'.
Yes, all the time! Commentators will say 'For en innsats!' when a player works particularly hard.
Yes, to show you are working on the relationship: 'Jeg vil gjøre en innsats for oss'.
You could say 'å ikke løfte en finger' (not lift a finger) or 'å sluntre unna' (to shirk).
It is neutral. It works in both a business meeting and a chat with your mom.
Expressions liées
å stå på
similarTo work hard and persevere.
å yte sitt beste
synonymTo do one's best.
å legge ned arbeid
similarTo put in work.
å ta i et tak
specialized formTo lend a hand / pitch in.
