Signification
Small contributions matter.
Contexte culturel
The phrase is inextricably linked to 'dugnad'. In Norwegian culture, participating in community work is a social obligation, and this phrase is used to lower the barrier for entry, making everyone feel their small part is valued. Similar versions exist in Swedish ('Många bäckar små...') and Danish. It reflects a shared Nordic value of pragmatism and collective responsibility. In modern Norway, this phrase is the primary slogan for individual climate action, used by NGOs and the government to encourage recycling and energy saving. In the old farming society, resources were scarce. This proverb reminded people that even a small amount of leftover grain or wool was useful and should not be wasted.
Use it for gratitude
It's the perfect way to thank someone for a small favor without making it awkward.
Don't say 'munner'
Remember it's 'monner' (amounts), not 'munner' (mouths). 'All mouths pull' sounds like a weird horror movie!
Signification
Small contributions matter.
Use it for gratitude
It's the perfect way to thank someone for a small favor without making it awkward.
Don't say 'munner'
Remember it's 'monner' (amounts), not 'munner' (mouths). 'All mouths pull' sounds like a weird horror movie!
The 'Mouse' joke
If you want to sound like a native, you can add '...sa musa' (said the mouse) at the end for a humorous touch.
Teste-toi
Fyll inn det manglende ordet i ordtaket.
Alle ______ drar.
Ordtaket er 'Alle monner drar'. 'Monner' er det riktige ordet her.
Hvilken situasjon passer best for ordtaket 'Alle monner drar'?
Du ser en venn som plukker opp én plastpose fra gata.
Ordtaket brukes for å oppmuntre små, positive handlinger.
Fullfør dialogen.
A: Jeg kan bare gi 20 kroner til Redd Barna. B: Tusen takk! ________.
Dette er en høflig og vanlig måte å takke for et lite bidrag på.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesAlle ______ drar.
Ordtaket er 'Alle monner drar'. 'Monner' er det riktige ordet her.
Du ser en venn som plukker opp én plastpose fra gata.
Ordtaket brukes for å oppmuntre små, positive handlinger.
A: Jeg kan bare gi 20 kroner til Redd Barna. B: Tusen takk! ________.
Dette er en høflig og vanlig måte å takke for et lite bidrag på.
🎉 Score : /3
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot really. It's mostly found in this proverb or the expression 'i rikt monn' (in abundance).
Yes, it's very common in professional settings to encourage teamwork on small tasks.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, it is almost exclusively used in a positive, encouraging way.
'Alle monner drar' is more about the act of helping, while 'Mange bekker små' is about the result of accumulation.
Yes! If you are learning Norwegian and feel slow, you can say 'Alle monner drar' to yourself.
The words are old, but the phrase is used every single day in modern Norway.
It sounds like 'MON-ner' with a short 'o' as in 'hot'.
Yes, several Norwegian children's songs and folk songs use this proverb.
Yes, people will understand you, but 'drar' is the traditional and most common version.
Expressions liées
Mange bekker små gjør en stor å
synonymMany small streams make a large river.
Å dra lasset
similarTo pull the load (to do the heavy lifting).
Hver krone teller
specialized formEvery krone counts.
Å monne
builds onTo make a difference / to suffice.
