Signification
To start something new.
Contexte culturel
Taking initiative is a core part of 'dugnadsånden' (the spirit of community work). It is expected that someone steps up to lead these voluntary efforts. Because of low power distance, employees are often criticized if they *don't* take initiative. Waiting for a boss to give every instruction is seen as a negative trait. Gender roles in Norwegian dating are quite egalitarian. It is perfectly normal and encouraged for anyone, regardless of gender, to 'ta et initiativ' for a first date. Norwegian schools focus on 'ansvar for egen læring' (responsibility for own learning). Students are encouraged to take initiative in their own study plans.
CV Power Word
Use 'tok initiativ til' on your Norwegian CV to sound proactive and professional.
The 'Et' Matters
Don't forget the 'et'. Saying 'jeg tok initiativ' sounds slightly incomplete in many contexts.
Signification
To start something new.
CV Power Word
Use 'tok initiativ til' on your Norwegian CV to sound proactive and professional.
The 'Et' Matters
Don't forget the 'et'. Saying 'jeg tok initiativ' sounds slightly incomplete in many contexts.
Dugnad Context
If you are at a community 'dugnad', wait 5 minutes to see if a leader emerges. If not, 'ta et initiativ' and you will be highly respected.
Preposition Rule
Always use 'til' if you are taking initiative *to do* something.
Teste-toi
Fyll inn riktig form av verbet 'å ta'.
I går ___ han et initiativ til å rydde på kontoret.
The sentence starts with 'I går' (yesterday), so we need the past tense 'tok'.
Hvilken setning er riktig?
Velg den grammatisk korrekte setningen:
We use 'ta' (not gjøre), 'et' (not en), and 'til' (not for).
Fullfør dialogen.
A: Vi trenger en ny leder for prosjektet. B: Ja, kanskje du burde ___?
In this context, B is suggesting that A should step up and start leading.
Match situasjonen med riktig bruk.
Du ser at naboen trenger hjelp med snømåking, og du begynner å hjelpe.
All these forms are correct depending on whether you focus on the act, the specific lead, or the character trait.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesI går ___ han et initiativ til å rydde på kontoret.
The sentence starts with 'I går' (yesterday), so we need the past tense 'tok'.
Velg den grammatisk korrekte setningen:
We use 'ta' (not gjøre), 'et' (not en), and 'til' (not for).
A: Vi trenger en ny leder for prosjektet. B: Ja, kanskje du burde ___?
In this context, B is suggesting that A should step up and start leading.
Du ser at naboen trenger hjelp med snømåking, og du begynner å hjelpe.
All these forms are correct depending on whether you focus on the act, the specific lead, or the character trait.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, this is a common mistake. In Norwegian, you always 'take' (ta) an initiative.
'Et initiativ' is 'an initiative' (general), while 'initiativet' is 'the initiative' (specific to a situation).
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Use 'tok'. For example: 'Jeg tok et initiativ i går.'
Neither, it is neuter (et initiativ).
Technically yes, but it sounds a bit 'heavy'. Use it for things that require a bit of planning or social effort.
To be 'passiv' (passive) or 'å sitte på gjerdet' (to sit on the fence).
Yes, it often implies that you are leading the way for others.
Yes, very! 'Hvem tok initiativet til den første daten?' is a common question.
Yes, that means 'to show initiative' as a general personality trait.
Expressions liées
å ta ledelsen
similarTo take the lead
å sette i gang
synonymTo start/kick off
å vise handlekraft
builds onTo show decisiveness
å sitte på gjerdet
contrastTo sit on the fence
å være en selvgående person
specialized formTo be a self-starter
