Signification
Sometimes it is best to be quiet.
Contexte culturel
In Norway, silence is not considered 'dead air' but a sign of respect and comfort. Using this proverb reinforces the cultural ideal of the 'stille vann har dypest grunn' (still waters run deep). In Sami culture, communication is often indirect and values observation. Silence is a key part of social interaction and showing respect to elders. With the rise of social media, this proverb is often used ironically or as a critique of 'over-sharing' (utlevering) culture. Norwegian business culture is egalitarian but concise. Rambling is seen as a lack of preparation. This proverb is a silent rule in many boardrooms.
Shorten it!
In 90% of cases, you can just say 'Taushet er gull'. Everyone will know the full proverb.
Don't be too quiet
In Norway, 'den tause majoritet' (the silent majority) can be a negative political term. Use the proverb for personal wisdom, not to avoid civic duty.
Signification
Sometimes it is best to be quiet.
Shorten it!
In 90% of cases, you can just say 'Taushet er gull'. Everyone will know the full proverb.
Don't be too quiet
In Norway, 'den tause majoritet' (the silent majority) can be a negative political term. Use the proverb for personal wisdom, not to avoid civic duty.
Use it for emphasis
If someone is talking too much, saying this proverb is a very 'Norwegian' way to tell them to be quiet without being directly rude.
Teste-toi
Fyll inn de manglende ordene i ordtaket.
Tale er ______, taushet er ______.
Ordtaket sammenligner tale med sølv og taushet med det mer verdifulle metallet gull.
I hvilken situasjon passer ordtaket best?
Vennen din vil fortelle en hemmelighet som ikke er hans.
Dette ordtaket handler om å være diskret og holde på hemmeligheter.
Hva betyr 'taushet' i dette ordtaket?
Velg den beste definisjonen.
'Taushet' er substantivet for å være taus (stille).
Fullfør dialogen.
A: 'Jeg er så sint på sjefen, jeg skal skrive en sint e-post nå!' B: 'Vent litt. Husk at...'
B gir råd om å vente og være stille i en emosjonell situasjon.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
The Value of Communication
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTale er ______, taushet er ______.
Ordtaket sammenligner tale med sølv og taushet med det mer verdifulle metallet gull.
Vennen din vil fortelle en hemmelighet som ikke er hans.
Dette ordtaket handler om å være diskret og holde på hemmeligheter.
Velg den beste definisjonen.
'Taushet' er substantivet for å være taus (stille).
A: 'Jeg er så sint på sjefen, jeg skal skrive en sint e-post nå!' B: 'Vent litt. Husk at...'
B gir råd om å vente og være stille i en emosjonell situasjon.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIn modern Norwegian, we usually use 'å snakke'. 'Tale' is mostly used for formal speeches or in proverbs like this one.
Yes, but it might sound a bit dramatic or like you are trying to be a philosopher. It's better when giving serious advice.
'Taushet' is the silence of a person (not speaking). 'Stillhet' is the silence of a place (no noise).
Yes, especially regarding confidentiality and strategic waiting.
They represent a hierarchy of value. Silver is good, but gold is the ultimate standard.
No, it means you should value your words and only speak when it adds value.
Not a direct one, but 'Hold kjeft' is the rude way to say it.
The standard proverb omits the 'å'.
No, that would confuse people as it flips the traditional value scale.
Yes, it is a national standard known from Oslo to Tromsø.
Expressions liées
Å tie i hjel noe
similarTo ignore a topic completely until people stop talking about it.
Stille vann har dypest grunn
similarQuiet people often have the most depth or secrets.
Å snakke rett fra leveren
contrastTo speak very directly and honestly without filtering.
Morgenstund har gull i munn
builds onThe morning time is the most productive.
