Signification
Creating written text.
Contexte culturel
The 'Takkebrev' is a serious social obligation. If you receive a gift for a major event, you must write a letter or card of thanks. Julebrev (Christmas letters) are often long, printed updates sent to friends and family once a year. The postal service (Posten) is highly efficient but expensive, making letter writing a deliberate and valued act. In many cultures, writing a letter is now seen as 'vintage' or 'romantic', a trend also seen among young Norwegians.
The Neuter Rule
Always remember 'et brev'. Neuter nouns in Norwegian often don't change in the plural indefinite (ett brev, to brev).
Handwritten is King
In Norway, a handwritten letter is seen as much more sincere than a printed one for personal occasions.
Signification
Creating written text.
The Neuter Rule
Always remember 'et brev'. Neuter nouns in Norwegian often don't change in the plural indefinite (ett brev, to brev).
Handwritten is King
In Norway, a handwritten letter is seen as much more sincere than a printed one for personal occasions.
Don't use for SMS
If you tell a Norwegian you are 'writing a letter' when you are just texting, they will be very confused.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'å skrive'.
I går ______ jeg et brev til bestemor.
The sentence starts with 'I går' (yesterday), so we need the past tense 'skrev'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct article for 'brev'.
'Brev' is a neuter noun and takes the article 'et'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hva gjør du? B: Jeg ______ et brev.
You 'write' (skriver) a letter.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are applying for a job. What do you do?
A job application requires a cover letter.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Types of Letters
Personal
- • Kjærlighetsbrev
- • Takkebrev
- • Julebrev
Formal
- • Søknadsbrev
- • Klagebrev
- • Formelt brev
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesI går ______ jeg et brev til bestemor.
The sentence starts with 'I går' (yesterday), so we need the past tense 'skrev'.
Choose the correct article for 'brev'.
'Brev' is a neuter noun and takes the article 'et'.
A: Hva gjør du? B: Jeg ______ et brev.
You 'write' (skriver) a letter.
You are applying for a job. What do you do?
A job application requires a cover letter.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
5 questionsTechnically no. Use 'skrive en e-post'. However, in very formal settings, an email might be referred to as a 'brev' if it's an official document attached as a PDF.
The plural indefinite is 'brev' (e.g., to brev). The plural definite is 'brevene'.
It is less common for daily chat, but remains the standard for formal and traditional communication in Norway.
Usually with 'Kjære...' (Dear...) for personal letters, or just the person's name for formal ones.
'Brev' is a formal/long letter; 'melding' is a short message or text.
Expressions liées
å sende en e-post
similarTo send an email
å skrive en melding
similarTo write a message
å poste et brev
builds onTo post/mail a letter
et kjærlighetsbrev
specialized formA love letter
et takkebrev
specialized formA thank-you letter
