Signification
Asking for a seat.
Contexte culturel
The 'Bus Stop Rule': Norwegians value personal space highly. Only sit next to someone if there are no other empty rows available. Americans are generally more talkative. Asking 'Can I sit here?' might lead to a full conversation, which is less likely in Norway. In Japan, people might leave a seat empty between them even more strictly than in Norway, but they rarely ask verbally, relying on non-verbal cues. Germans are very direct about 'Besetzt' (occupied). If you ask, expect a very clear 'Yes' or 'No'.
The Eye Contact Rule
Make brief eye contact when asking, then look away once you sit to respect their privacy.
The Bag Trap
If a bag is on the seat, always ask 'Er det ledig?' instead of just pointing at the bag.
Signification
Asking for a seat.
The Eye Contact Rule
Make brief eye contact when asking, then look away once you sit to respect their privacy.
The Bag Trap
If a bag is on the seat, always ask 'Er det ledig?' instead of just pointing at the bag.
Add 'kanskje'
Saying 'Kan jeg kanskje sitte her?' makes you sound 200% more Norwegian and polite.
Silence is Golden
Don't feel obligated to talk after they say yes. Silence is the default social mode.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the question.
Kan jeg ___ her?
After the modal verb 'kan', we must use the infinitive form 'sitte'.
Which of these is the most polite way to ask a stranger for a seat?
You are on a bus and want to sit next to someone.
'Unnskyld' adds a layer of politeness necessary for strangers.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
1. Kan jeg sitte her? | 2. Er det ledig her? | 3. Sitter det noen her?
Each phrase has a subtle nuance based on the physical state of the seat.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Unnskyld, kan jeg sitte her? B: Ja, ___.
'Vær så god' is the standard way to say 'You're welcome' or 'Go ahead'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Where to use this phrase
Transport
- • Bus
- • Train
- • Tram
- • Ferry
Social
- • Cafe
- • Pub
- • Canteen
- • Park bench
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKan jeg ___ her?
After the modal verb 'kan', we must use the infinitive form 'sitte'.
You are on a bus and want to sit next to someone.
'Unnskyld' adds a layer of politeness necessary for strangers.
1. Kan jeg sitte her? | 2. Er det ledig her? | 3. Sitter det noen her?
Each phrase has a subtle nuance based on the physical state of the seat.
A: Unnskyld, kan jeg sitte her? B: Ja, ___.
'Vær så god' is the standard way to say 'You're welcome' or 'Go ahead'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsOnly if there are other completely empty rows. If the bus is full, it's perfectly fine and expected.
'Sitte' is the state of being seated. 'Sette' is the action of placing something (or yourself, 'sette meg').
No, that means 'Must I sit here?', which sounds like you are being punished!
Simply say 'Ja', 'Ja, vær så god', or 'Bare sitt'.
No, it's neutral. But you can add 'Unnskyld' to be extra respectful.
They will say 'Beklager, den er reservert'. You should say 'Å, beklager' and move on.
Almost never. Modern Norwegian uses 'du' for everyone, including the King (mostly).
Usually, yes. 'Kan jeg sitte her?' is the standard word order.
Say 'Kan jeg sitte her med dere?' (Can I sit here with you all?).
They prefer to give the seats to those who need them more, or they just value the extra personal space.
Expressions liées
Er det ledig?
synonymIs it free?
Vær så god
builds onYou're welcome / Go ahead
Sett deg ned
similarSit down
Jeg vil gjerne sitte
similarI would like to sit
