Signification
To have a good relationship with someone.
Contexte culturel
Norwegians often use 'på talefot' to avoid saying something negative directly. Instead of saying 'We hate each other,' they might say 'Vi er ikke helt på talefot,' which is a polite understatement. In Norwegian flat-hierarchy workplaces, being on 'talefot' with your boss is expected. It doesn't mean you are friends, but that you can discuss tasks openly. In small villages, not being on 'talefot' with a neighbor can be a major piece of local gossip that lasts for generations. The phrase is a staple in Norwegian diplomatic language, reflecting Norway's role as a mediator in international conflicts (like the Oslo Accords).
Use 'igjen'
Adding 'igjen' (again) is very common because the phrase often implies a restored relationship.
Not for best friends
Don't use it for your best friend unless you just had a fight. It sounds too distant.
Signification
To have a good relationship with someone.
Use 'igjen'
Adding 'igjen' (again) is very common because the phrase often implies a restored relationship.
Not for best friends
Don't use it for your best friend unless you just had a fight. It sounds too distant.
The 'Silent Treatment'
In Norway, 'ikke være på talefot' is the standard way to describe the silent treatment.
Teste-toi
Fyll inn riktig preposisjon.
De har endelig kommet ___ talefot igjen.
The idiom is always 'på talefot'.
Hva betyr det å være på talefot?
Hvis to personer er på talefot, betyr det at:
It refers to the ability to communicate civilly.
Fullfør dialogen.
A: Skal du invitere Per i bursdagen din? B: Nei, vi er dessverre ikke ___ ___.
This is the most natural way to say they aren't talking due to a conflict.
Hvilken situasjon passer best til uttrykket?
Situasjon: To land har hatt en konflikt, men nå har de begynt å forhandle igjen.
Starting negotiations is a classic 'på talefot' scenario.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Relationship Levels in Norwegian
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDe har endelig kommet ___ talefot igjen.
The idiom is always 'på talefot'.
Hvis to personer er på talefot, betyr det at:
It refers to the ability to communicate civilly.
A: Skal du invitere Per i bursdagen din? B: Nei, vi er dessverre ikke ___ ___.
This is the most natural way to say they aren't talking due to a conflict.
Situasjon: To land har hatt en konflikt, men nå har de begynt å forhandle igjen.
Starting negotiations is a classic 'på talefot' scenario.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it is very common in business to describe whether two companies or departments are communicating effectively.
It is always 'på'. Using 'i' is a common mistake for learners.
Not necessarily. It just means you are able to talk to each other civilly. You can be on speaking terms with an enemy.
The opposite is 'å ikke være på talefot' or 'å være i tottene på hverandre' (to be at each other's throats).
Only as a joke. It is almost exclusively used for human-to-human relationships.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends, but you will also see it in newspapers.
Use the verb 'å komme': 'Vi kom på talefot.'
No, 'på godfot' means you are in someone's favor or very friendly. 'Talefot' is just about communication.
Yes, 'Han er på talefot med henne.' The phrase itself doesn't change.
Yes, it is used all over Norway, though the pronunciation of 'fot' might change.
Expressions liées
å være på godfot med noen
similarTo be in someone's good graces.
å være på hils med noen
similarTo be on greeting terms.
å komme overens
synonymTo get along.
å skvære opp
builds onTo clear the air / settle a dispute.
