Signification
Time is a valuable resource.
Contexte culturel
Norwegians are very punctual. Being 5 minutes late to a meeting is often seen as 'stealing' someone else's money because 'tid er penger'. The phrase is the bedrock of American corporate culture, often used to justify high-stress environments and rapid growth. In countries like Italy or Greece, time is often viewed more fluidly. While the phrase exists, the cultural application is much less strict than in Norway. In Japan, 'Toki wa kane nari' is taken very seriously in the manufacturing sector (Lean/Kaizen), where every second of waste is calculated as a loss.
The Silent D
Don't pronounce the 'd' in 'Tid'. If you do, you'll sound like a textbook. Say 'tee' for a more native flow.
Don't be a robot
Using this phrase too much in social settings can make you seem obsessed with money. Use it sparingly outside of work.
Signification
Time is a valuable resource.
The Silent D
Don't pronounce the 'd' in 'Tid'. If you do, you'll sound like a textbook. Say 'tee' for a more native flow.
Don't be a robot
Using this phrase too much in social settings can make you seem obsessed with money. Use it sparingly outside of work.
Punctuality is Key
In Norway, 'tid er penger' is why being late is considered a character flaw. Always aim to be 2 minutes early.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the proverb.
Tid er ______.
The standard proverb is 'Tid er penger'. While 'Tid er gull' exists, 'penger' is the most common form for business contexts.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a business context?
A: Tid er penger, så la oss ta en lang lunsj. B: Tid er penger, så vi må jobbe effektivt. C: Tid er penger, så jeg vil sove mer.
The phrase is used to encourage efficiency and productivity, not long lunches or sleeping.
Match the Norwegian word to its English equivalent in the phrase.
1. Tid, 2. Er, 3. Penger
Tid = Time, Er = Is, Penger = Money.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Kunde: 'Hvorfor må jeg betale for denne timen?' Konsulent: 'Fordi jeg har brukt min tid på deg, og ______.'
The consultant is justifying their fee by explaining that their time has financial value.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTid er ______.
The standard proverb is 'Tid er penger'. While 'Tid er gull' exists, 'penger' is the most common form for business contexts.
A: Tid er penger, så la oss ta en lang lunsj. B: Tid er penger, så vi må jobbe effektivt. C: Tid er penger, så jeg vil sove mer.
The phrase is used to encourage efficiency and productivity, not long lunches or sleeping.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Tid = Time, Er = Is, Penger = Money.
Kunde: 'Hvorfor må jeg betale for denne timen?' Konsulent: 'Fordi jeg har brukt min tid på deg, og ______.'
The consultant is justifying their fee by explaining that their time has financial value.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but often with a hint of irony or when someone is genuinely stressed about a deadline.
In Norwegian, 'penger' is the plural of 'penge' (coin). Historically, money was counted in individual coins, and the plural form stuck as the collective noun.
Yes, 'Tid er gull' is common and sounds a bit more positive/precious, whereas 'penger' is more business-like.
It can be. If a friend is telling a long story and you say 'tid er penger', it's very rude. If you're both rushing to a movie, it's fine.
No, it is a loan-translation (calque) from English, but it is fully integrated into Norwegian culture.
You would say 'Tid er en kritisk faktor' or 'Det haster'. 'Tid er penger' is specifically about value/cost.
There isn't a direct proverb, but the concept of 'å ta livet med ro' (to take life calmly) is the cultural opposite.
Yes, it is acceptable in business or economic writing as a rhetorical device.
Yes, Norwegian requires the verb 'er' in this equative sentence structure.
Yes, though they might use it more jokingly or use the English version 'Time is money'.
Expressions liées
Tid koster penger
similarTime costs money
Å sløse bort tid
builds onTo waste time
Tid er gull
similarTime is gold
Den som sover, synder ikke
contrastHe who sleeps does not sin
