Signification
Learning by doing is best.
Contexte culturel
Norwegians value 'dugnad' and practical contribution. This proverb supports the idea that everyone should contribute based on what they can do, often learned through life rather than just school. In Nordic companies, there is less hierarchy. A boss might value a worker's 'erfaring' from the factory floor as much as a consultant's report. Learning to survive in the Norwegian mountains is the ultimate 'erfaring'. You can't read about how to handle a blizzard; you have to experience it. The Norwegian school system (Enhetsskolen) has historically tried to balance academic and practical subjects, though the debate about 'too much theory' is constant.
Use it to sound humble
When someone praises your skill, saying 'Egen erfaring er den beste læremester' is a polite way to deflect the compliment while acknowledging your hard work.
Don't use it for everything
If you use this proverb to justify ignoring safety rules, people will think you are reckless, not wise.
Signification
Learning by doing is best.
Use it to sound humble
When someone praises your skill, saying 'Egen erfaring er den beste læremester' is a polite way to deflect the compliment while acknowledging your hard work.
Don't use it for everything
If you use this proverb to justify ignoring safety rules, people will think you are reckless, not wise.
The 'Læremester' vibe
Using 'læremester' instead of 'lærer' makes you sound more traditionally Norwegian and slightly more authoritative.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the proverb.
Egen erfaring er den beste __________.
While 'lærer' is used in variations, 'læremester' is the canonical form of this specific proverb.
Which situation best fits the proverb?
Lise vil lære å bake brød. Hva bør hun gjøre ifølge ordtaket?
The proverb emphasizes 'learning by doing' and personal experience.
Match the Norwegian words with their English equivalents.
Match the words:
These are the core components of the phrase.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Jeg er redd for å starte i den nye jobben uten kursing. B: Slapp av! ____________________.
This phrase is the most appropriate for encouraging someone starting a job where they will learn as they go.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEgen erfaring er den beste __________.
While 'lærer' is used in variations, 'læremester' is the canonical form of this specific proverb.
Lise vil lære å bake brød. Hva bør hun gjøre ifølge ordtaket?
The proverb emphasizes 'learning by doing' and personal experience.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are the core components of the phrase.
A: Jeg er redd for å starte i den nye jobben uten kursing. B: Slapp av! ____________________.
This phrase is the most appropriate for encouraging someone starting a job where they will learn as they go.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot in everyday speech to describe a person, but it is very common within this specific proverb.
Yes, but it sounds like you are talking only about yourself. The version without 'min' sounds like a universal truth.
No, it's perfectly fine. It's often used with a bit of a 'knowing' smile when a friend makes a predictable mistake.
'Øvelse gjør mester' is about practicing a skill you already know. 'Egen erfaring...' is about discovering knowledge through action.
Yes, especially when discussing project debriefs or 'lessons learned'.
Yes, in this context. It can also mean 'strange' in some dialects, but not here!
In Norwegian, when you have a definite noun (implied or explicit), the superlative adjective needs the definite article 'den/det/de' and the -e ending.
Sometimes people just say 'Erfaring er den beste lærer'.
Yes: 'Eiga erfaring er den beste læremeister'.
Absolutely. It's very common to use it after a failure to show that the failure wasn't a waste of time.
Expressions liées
Øvelse gjør mester
similarPractice makes perfect.
Man lærer så lenge man lever
builds onYou learn as long as you live.
Brent barn skyr ilden
specialized formA burnt child dreads the fire.
Å lære på den harde måten
similarTo learn the hard way.
