Signification
Questioning the purpose of an action.
Contexte culturel
Norwegians value 'fornuft' (reason). If you ask 'Hva er meningen med det?', you are often inviting a practical explanation. It is not necessarily seen as rude, but as a request for efficiency. The concept of 'mening' is often tied to the collective good. If an action doesn't benefit the group (the 'fellesskap'), its 'mening' is questioned. In the flat hierarchy of Norwegian offices, even junior employees use this phrase with senior management to ensure they understand the 'why' behind their tasks. Using this phrase can be a subtle way of enforcing 'Janteloven'—questioning why someone is doing something that seems 'extra' or 'unnecessary'.
The 'Med' Rule
Always remember the preposition 'med'. If you say 'meningen av', you sound like a translation app.
Watch your tone
If you say this too loudly or sharply, it sounds like you are picking a fight. Use a rising intonation at the end to sound more curious.
Signification
Questioning the purpose of an action.
The 'Med' Rule
Always remember the preposition 'med'. If you say 'meningen av', you sound like a translation app.
Watch your tone
If you say this too loudly or sharply, it sounds like you are picking a fight. Use a rising intonation at the end to sound more curious.
Add 'egentlig'
Adding 'egentlig' (actually/really) makes you sound like a native speaker: 'Hva er egentlig meningen med det?'
The 'Why' Culture
Don't be afraid to use this at work. Norwegians appreciate clarity over blind obedience.
Teste-toi
Which phrase would you use to ask why a new office rule was created?
Sjefen sier vi ikke kan drikke kaffe ved pulten lenger.
You are questioning the purpose/logic of a rule, so 'meningen med det' is correct.
Fill in the missing preposition.
Hva er meningen ____ denne oppgaven?
In Norwegian, 'meningen' is followed by the preposition 'med' when asking about purpose.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: Someone is throwing away a perfectly good umbrella.
You are questioning a confusing or wasteful action.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Vi skal flytte alle møblene til kjelleren. B: ________? Vi skal jo flytte ut i morgen!
B is questioning the logic of moving furniture to the basement right before moving out.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Hva er meningen med det?'
Confusion
- • Strange rules
- • Odd behavior
- • New software
Frustration
- • Delays
- • Waste of money
- • Bad logic
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSjefen sier vi ikke kan drikke kaffe ved pulten lenger.
You are questioning the purpose/logic of a rule, so 'meningen med det' is correct.
Hva er meningen ____ denne oppgaven?
In Norwegian, 'meningen' is followed by the preposition 'med' when asking about purpose.
Situation: Someone is throwing away a perfectly good umbrella.
You are questioning a confusing or wasteful action.
A: Vi skal flytte alle møblene til kjelleren. B: ________? Vi skal jo flytte ut i morgen!
B is questioning the logic of moving furniture to the basement right before moving out.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes! 'Hva er meningen med livet?' is the standard way to ask that philosophical question.
Usually no, as long as your tone is respectful. It shows you want to understand the goal of your work.
'Mening' is more general (meaning/purpose), while 'hensikt' specifically means 'intention' or 'deliberate aim'.
Only if you are asking for the definition of a word or a symbol. Not for the reason behind an action.
It's similar, but 'vitsen' is more informal and often implies that the action is a waste of time.
You say 'Hva er meningen med å gjøre det?'. Note the use of 'å' before the verb.
Because you are asking about the specific purpose of the specific thing you just saw or heard.
Yes, it is universal, though the pronunciation of 'hva' and 'med' will vary (e.g., 'ka' or 'kva').
Absolutely. 'Jeg forstod ikke meningen med slutten' (I didn't understand the point of the ending).
Usually 'Meningen er at...' (The point is that...) or 'Jeg vet ikke helt selv' (I don't really know myself).
Expressions liées
Hva er vitsen?
similarWhat's the point? (More informal)
Hva betyr det?
contrastWhat does that mean?
Hva er formålet?
specialized formWhat is the objective?
Hva skal det bety?
similarWhat is that supposed to mean?
Meningsløst
builds onMeaningless / Pointless
