Signification
Asking for information.
Contexte culturel
Norwegians value directness. This phrase is a perfect example of how they get straight to the point without being rude. In the capital, you will hear the shortened 'Hva skjer'a?' much more often than in rural areas. Even in the workplace, Norwegians maintain a flat hierarchy. Using this phrase with a manager is often acceptable if you have a good relationship. In smaller communities, people might prefer a slightly longer greeting before asking what is happening.
Listen for the 'sh' sound
The 'skj' in 'skjer' is a soft 'sh' sound, not 'sk'. Practice saying 'sh' to get it right.
Don't use it in formal meetings
It is too casual for business or official settings. Use 'Hva er situasjonen?' instead.
Signification
Asking for information.
Listen for the 'sh' sound
The 'skj' in 'skjer' is a soft 'sh' sound, not 'sk'. Practice saying 'sh' to get it right.
Don't use it in formal meetings
It is too casual for business or official settings. Use 'Hva er situasjonen?' instead.
Shorten it for friends
Once you are comfortable, use 'Hva skjer?' to sound more like a native speaker.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing part of the phrase.
Hva er det som _____?
The verb 'skjer' is the present tense of 'å skje'.
Which of these is the most natural way to greet a friend?
Choose the best option.
This is the standard, grammatically correct, and natural way to phrase the question.
Match the situation to the appropriate response.
You see a crowd of people. What do you ask?
This is the correct phrase to ask for information about an event.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hei! ________? B: Ikke så mye, bare jobber.
The response 'Ikke så mye' (Not much) fits perfectly with 'Hva er det som skjer?'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHva er det som _____?
The verb 'skjer' is the present tense of 'å skje'.
Choose the best option.
This is the standard, grammatically correct, and natural way to phrase the question.
You see a crowd of people. What do you ask?
This is the correct phrase to ask for information about an event.
A: Hei! ________? B: Ikke så mye, bare jobber.
The response 'Ikke så mye' (Not much) fits perfectly with 'Hva er det som skjer?'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsOnly if you have a very informal relationship. Otherwise, stick to formal language.
No, it is a very common and friendly question.
It is a historical feature of Norwegian pronunciation.
Yes, it is perfect for texting.
The latter is slightly more emphatic and complete.
You can say 'Ikke så mye' (Not much) or explain what you are doing.
Yes, it is understood everywhere.
No, it is too vague for technical topics.
No, it is a fixed expression.
Yes, it serves almost the exact same function.
Only if you are asking about an event, not as a greeting.
Like the English 'sh' followed by 'air'.
Expressions liées
Hva skjer?
synonymWhat's up?
Hva foregår?
similarWhat is going on?
Hvordan går det?
similarHow is it going?
Hva er situasjonen?
contrastWhat is the situation?
