Signification
Asking about someone's profession
Contexte culturel
Norwegians often identify strongly with their profession, but they value modesty. Don't be surprised if a high-ranking official gives a very simple answer. In Norwegian business, titles are rarely used in speech. You ask 'Hva jobber du med?' rather than 'What is your title?'. Asking this question is not seen as 'classist' in Norway. It's a way to find common interests. After asking this, it's very common to follow up with questions about hobbies to show you value them as a whole person.
The 'Med' Rule
Always remember the 'med' at the end. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Be Ready to Answer
When you ask this, be ready to answer it yourself! Use 'Jeg jobber med...' or 'Jeg jobber som...'.
Signification
Asking about someone's profession
The 'Med' Rule
Always remember the 'med' at the end. It's the most common mistake for English speakers.
Be Ready to Answer
When you ask this, be ready to answer it yourself! Use 'Jeg jobber med...' or 'Jeg jobber som...'.
Add 'for tiden'
Adding 'for tiden' (lately) makes the question sound more natural and less like an interrogation.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing preposition.
Hva jobber du ___?
In Norwegian, you always work 'med' (with) something when asking about a profession.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask someone about their job?
Choose the best option:
'Hva jobber du med?' is the standard, most natural expression.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hei! Jeg heter Thomas. ___? B: Jeg jobber som lege.
The answer 'Jeg jobber som lege' (I work as a doctor) directly answers a question about profession.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are at a networking event and want to know someone's field.
This is the perfect professional icebreaker.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Hva gjør du? vs. Hva jobber du med?
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesHva jobber du ___?
In Norwegian, you always work 'med' (with) something when asking about a profession.
Choose the best option:
'Hva jobber du med?' is the standard, most natural expression.
A: Hei! Jeg heter Thomas. ___? B: Jeg jobber som lege.
The answer 'Jeg jobber som lege' (I work as a doctor) directly answers a question about profession.
Situation: You are at a networking event and want to know someone's field.
This is the perfect professional icebreaker.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsNo, it's one of the most common small talk questions. It's considered friendly and interested.
Yes, but it sounds a bit more direct and less 'flowy' than 'Hva jobber du med?'.
You can say 'Jeg er student' (I am a student) or 'Jeg er mellom jobber' (I am between jobs).
Norwegian often places prepositions at the end of questions. It's just the way the grammar works!
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
You can ask 'Hva er stillingstittelen din?', but it's very formal.
Usually, you'd ask 'Hva studerer du?', but 'Hva driver du med?' also works.
In most dialects, yes, especially in fast conversation. In very formal reading, it might be heard.
'Jobbe' is more common for daily employment; 'arbeide' is more formal or refers to physical labor/effort.
Yes, but you might ask 'Hva jobbet du med?' (What did you work with?) if they are retired.
'Hvor lenge har du jobbet med det?' (How long have you worked with that?) is a great follow-up.
Not necessarily. It covers any kind of professional activity.
Expressions liées
Hva driver du med?
similarWhat are you doing/up to?
Jeg jobber som...
builds onI work as a...
Hva er yrket ditt?
specialized formWhat is your occupation?
Hvor jobber du?
similarWhere do you work?
