Signification
Getting someone's attention or apologizing.
Contexte culturel
Norwegians value 'negative politeness,' which means not bothering others. Using 'Unnskyld meg' is seen as a respectful acknowledgment that you are interrupting their peace. In Norwegian business culture, 'Unnskyld meg' is used to interrupt meetings politely, reflecting the flat hierarchy where anyone can speak up.
The Silent D
Never pronounce the 'd' at the end of Unnskyld. It makes you sound like a textbook rather than a local.
Don't Over-apologize
Norwegians are practical. Say 'Unnskyld meg' once and move on. Over-apologizing can make people feel uncomfortable.
Signification
Getting someone's attention or apologizing.
The Silent D
Never pronounce the 'd' at the end of Unnskyld. It makes you sound like a textbook rather than a local.
Don't Over-apologize
Norwegians are practical. Say 'Unnskyld meg' once and move on. Over-apologizing can make people feel uncomfortable.
Eye Contact
When saying 'Unnskyld meg' to a stranger, a brief moment of eye contact is polite, but don't linger too long.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the polite request.
Unnskyld ______, hvor er togstasjonen?
The standard phrase is 'Unnskyld meg' (Excuse me).
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You accidentally bump into someone at the grocery store.
'Unnskyld meg' is the appropriate response for a minor physical bump.
Which word is the most formal for a serious apology?
Jeg ______ at jeg glemte møtet.
'Beklager' is used for more serious mistakes like missing a meeting.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Unnskyld meg, har du en penn? B: ______.
The person is responding to a request for a pen.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say Unnskyld meg
Attention
- • Waiters
- • Strangers
- • Teachers
Movement
- • On the bus
- • In a crowd
- • Passing by
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesUnnskyld ______, hvor er togstasjonen?
The standard phrase is 'Unnskyld meg' (Excuse me).
You accidentally bump into someone at the grocery store.
'Unnskyld meg' is the appropriate response for a minor physical bump.
Jeg ______ at jeg glemte møtet.
'Beklager' is used for more serious mistakes like missing a meeting.
A: Unnskyld meg, har du en penn? B: ______.
The person is responding to a request for a pen.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
6 questionsYes, 'Unnskyld' on its own is very common and slightly more casual than 'Unnskyld meg'.
Not at all. It is perfectly polite and neutral for all ages.
Unnskyld is for 'Excuse me' (attention/minor). Beklager is for 'I'm sorry' (regret/mistake).
You can say 'Det går bra' (It's okay) or 'Helt i orden' (Quite alright).
Yes, it is common to say 'Unnskyld' or 'Unnskyld meg' after sneezing in a quiet room.
No, 'meg' adds a bit of weight and formality. For a quick 'sorry' as you pass someone, 'Unnskyld' is enough.
Expressions liées
Beklager
similarI'm sorry / I regret
Vær så snill
builds onPlease
Ingen årsak
contrastNo problem / Don't mention it
