Signification
Checking the time.
Contexte culturel
Punctuality is sacred. Being 'presis' (on time) means arriving exactly at the agreed time, or even 2 minutes early. Asking 'Hva er klokka?' is a way to ensure you are meeting this social expectation. Traditionally, the Sami people divided the year into eight seasons based on reindeer migration. While they use modern clocks today, 'time' was historically more about nature's rhythm than minutes and hours. Younger Norwegians often use their smartphones as their primary 'klokke'. Asking 'Hva er klokka?' often prompts someone to pull out their phone rather than look at their wrist. In Norwegian business, 'time is money' is less about greed and more about respect for others' schedules. Meetings end exactly when they are supposed to.
Always add Unnskyld
When asking a stranger 'Hva er klokka?', always start with 'Unnskyld' (Excuse me) to be polite.
The 'Half' Trap
Remember that 'halv ti' is 9:30, not 10:30. Norwegians think of it as 'halfway to ten'.
Signification
Checking the time.
Always add Unnskyld
When asking a stranger 'Hva er klokka?', always start with 'Unnskyld' (Excuse me) to be polite.
The 'Half' Trap
Remember that 'halv ti' is 9:30, not 10:30. Norwegians think of it as 'halfway to ten'.
Dialect Awareness
In Oslo, you might hear 'klokken', but in most of Norway, 'klokka' is the king of the street.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to ask for the time.
Hva ___ klokka?
The verb 'å være' (to be) in the present tense 'er' is used to ask 'What IS the clock?'.
Which of these is a natural way to ask for the time in a casual setting?
Choose the best option:
'Hvor mye er klokka?' is a very common and natural variation of 'Hva er klokka?'.
Complete the dialogue between two friends.
A: Vi må dra nå! B: Hvorfor det? ___ ___ ___?
Friend B is asking for the time to understand why they need to leave.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are at a train station and your watch stopped.
You need to know the current time because your watch is broken.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Hva vs Hvor mye
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHva ___ klokka?
The verb 'å være' (to be) in the present tense 'er' is used to ask 'What IS the clock?'.
Choose the best option:
'Hvor mye er klokka?' is a very common and natural variation of 'Hva er klokka?'.
A: Vi må dra nå! B: Hvorfor det? ___ ___ ___?
Friend B is asking for the time to understand why they need to leave.
Situation: You are at a train station and your watch stopped.
You need to know the current time because your watch is broken.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsBoth are correct. 'Klokka' is more common in speech and informal writing, while 'klokken' is more formal.
No, that sounds like you are asking a deep philosophical question about the nature of time itself.
Start with 'Den er...' followed by the time, e.g., 'Den er fem over halv ti'.
Not at all! It's a very common and socially acceptable way to interact briefly.
It's just a variation meaning 'How much is the clock?'. It's equally common and interchangeable.
Yes, the verb 'er' (is) is necessary for the sentence to be grammatically correct.
Use 'Når begynner...?' instead of 'Hva er klokka?'.
Yes, it uses the feminine definite ending '-a'. In masculine, it would be 'klokken'.
Yes, in very casual settings with friends, that works perfectly.
'Klokke' is the everyday word. 'Ur' is more technical or formal, often used by watchmakers.
Expressions liées
Klokka går
similarThe clock is ticking / Time is passing
Å være etter klokka
specialized formTo be behind schedule
Døgnet rundt
builds onAround the clock / 24/7
I tide
contrastIn time
