Signification
Describing a large distance
Contexte culturel
The phrase is often linked to 'friluftsliv'. Norwegians value the journey as much as the destination, so 'en lang vei' isn't always a complaint. In Norwegian workplaces, using this phrase shows realism and honesty. It is better to admit 'det er en lang vei' than to overpromise. Many Norwegian folk songs use the 'long road' as a metaphor for the hardships of rural life in the 19th century. Politicians often use this phrase to discuss 'likestilling' (equality), acknowledging that while progress has been made, the journey continues.
The 't' rule
Remember: 'lang' for 'vei' (masculine), 'langt' for 'sted' (neuter) or when used alone.
Don't say 'lenge vei'
Even if the road takes a long time, it is still a 'lang' road.
Signification
Describing a large distance
The 't' rule
Remember: 'lang' for 'vei' (masculine), 'langt' for 'sted' (neuter) or when used alone.
Don't say 'lenge vei'
Even if the road takes a long time, it is still a 'lang' road.
Add 'å gå'
Adding 'å gå' (to walk/go) at the end makes you sound much more like a native speaker when using it metaphorically.
Dialect awareness
If you are in Bergen or Stavanger, you will hear 'veg'. Don't be confused; it's the same word!
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Det er en ____ vei til Oslo.
We use 'lang' because 'vei' is a masculine noun.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
'Vei' is masculine (en) and the adjective must match (lang).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Er vi fremme snart? B: Nei, det er ____ ____ ____ å gå.
This is the standard way to say 'a long way' in this context.
Match the phrase to the situation.
When would you say 'Det er en lang vei å gå'?
The phrase implies a long process or distance ahead.
Match the Norwegian to the English.
Match the following:
These are direct translations.
🎉 Score : /5
Aides visuelles
Lang vs. Langt
Banque d exercices
5 exercicesDet er en ____ vei til Oslo.
We use 'lang' because 'vei' is a masculine noun.
Choose the grammatically correct sentence:
'Vei' is masculine (en) and the adjective must match (lang).
A: Er vi fremme snart? B: Nei, det er ____ ____ ____ å gå.
This is the standard way to say 'a long way' in this context.
When would you say 'Det er en lang vei å gå'?
The phrase implies a long process or distance ahead.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are direct translations.
🎉 Score : /5
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsIndirectly, yes. It describes a process that takes time, but you are using the metaphor of a road.
'Vei' is more common in Bokmål (Oslo area), while 'veg' is standard in Nynorsk and many dialects.
You can, but that literally means a long city street. It doesn't have the same idiomatic meaning of a 'journey'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Add 'veldig' or 'kjempe-'. Example: 'Det er en kjempelang vei.'
The opposite is 'en kort vei' (a short way).
Usually, we use 'en lang flyreise' for flights, but 'en lang vei' can be used if you are looking at a map.
Because 'vei' is a masculine noun. Adjectives must agree with the noun's gender.
Not necessarily. It just acknowledges the distance or effort required.
Yes, to describe your career path or a long-term goal.
You might hear 'et drøyt stykke', which implies the distance is surprisingly long.
Yes, very frequently! It's a staple of Norwegian pop and folk lyrics.
Expressions liées
Det er langt
similarIt is far
En lang reise
similarA long journey
Veien blir til mens du går
builds onThe road is made as you walk
Kort vei
contrastShort way
Å være på vei
relatedTo be on the way
