§ What 'krem' means
- Norwegian Word
- krem (noun)
- Definition
- cream
Alright, let's talk about 'krem'. This is a super common word in Norwegian, and it means 'cream'. Just like in English, it can refer to dairy cream, but also to other creamy substances like hand cream or face cream. It's pronounced pretty much like the English word 'cream', but with a slightly rolled 'r' if you can manage it.
§ Using 'krem' in daily life
You'll hear 'krem' in all sorts of everyday situations. Think about food, beauty products, and even some idiomatic expressions. It's a versatile word that's good to have in your vocabulary early on.
- In the kitchen: When you're talking about cooking or baking, 'krem' is essential.
Jeg vil ha kake med krem.
I want cake with (whipped) cream.
Trenger vi mer krem til kaffen?
Do we need more cream for the coffee?
Notice how it can be both 'whipped cream' (when context implies it, like with cake) and liquid cream for coffee. Norwegians don't always specify 'whipped' unless it's truly ambiguous.
- Personal care: 'Krem' is also used for lotions and ointments.
Har du solkrem?
Do you have sun(cream)?
Jeg trenger en god håndkrem.
I need a good hand(cream).
- Figuratively: Sometimes 'krem' is used in a slightly more abstract way, similar to 'the cream of the crop'.
Dette er kremen av norsk film.
This is the cream of Norwegian film.
In this sense, it means the best, the top selection. You'll often hear this in reviews or discussions about quality. It's a nice way to praise something or someone.
§ Common phrases with 'krem'
Here are a few common phrases where 'krem' shows up:
- Fløtekrem: This specifically means 'whipped cream' (literally 'cream cream'). When you see this, you know for sure it's the dairy kind, usually whipped.
Vi serverer jordbær med fløtekrem.
We serve strawberries with whipped cream.
- Kremtopp: Literally 'cream top', but often used to mean the 'icing on the cake' or the 'pinnacle'.
En seier ville vært en kremtopp på sesongen.
A victory would be the cream top (pinnacle) of the season.
So, 'krem' is more than just dairy. Pay attention to the context, and you'll quickly get the hang of it. You'll hear it in grocery stores, pharmacies, and even on TV when discussing quality. It's a simple word with a broad reach.
§ Understanding 'Krem' in Norwegian
The Norwegian word for cream is 'krem'. It's a versatile word, much like its English counterpart, and you'll encounter it in many different contexts. We're going to break down how to use it correctly.
- DEFINITION
- Cream
§ Basic Use of 'Krem'
When talking about the dairy product, 'krem' is pretty straightforward. You'll use it just like you would 'cream' in English.
Jeg vil ha kaffe med krem.
English hint: I want coffee with (cream).
Kaken er toppet med pisket krem.
English hint: The cake is topped with whipped (cream).
§ 'Krem' in Cosmetics and Skincare
Just like in English, 'krem' also refers to cosmetic creams, lotions, and ointments. This is where the word's usage expands beyond just food.
Jeg trenger en god håndkrem.
English hint: I need a good hand (cream).
Solkrem er viktig om sommeren.
English hint: Sun (cream) is important in the summer.
§ Plural Form of 'Krem'
The plural of 'krem' can be a bit tricky because it often remains the same or takes an '-er' ending depending on the context and if you are referring to different types of cream.
- Ubestemt form entall (Indefinite singular): en krem (a cream)
- Bestemt form entall (Definite singular): kremen (the cream)
- Ubestemt form flertall (Indefinite plural): kremer (creams - often for different types) or krem (when uncountable)
- Bestemt form flertall (Definite plural): kremene (the creams - specific types)
Jeg har kjøpt mange forskjellige kremer.
English hint: I have bought many different (creams).
Jeg liker å ha krem i suppen min.
English hint: I like to have (cream) in my soup. (Here, 'krem' is uncountable, so it stays singular.)
§ 'Krem' vs. Other Related Words
While 'krem' covers a lot of ground, it's good to know some related terms that have slightly different meanings.
- Fløte: This word specifically refers to dairy cream. If you're in a grocery store and looking for cooking cream or whipping cream, 'fløte' is the word you'll see. While 'krem' can sometimes refer to dairy cream, 'fløte' is more precise in a culinary context.
- Salver/Oljer: For medicinal ointments or thicker, oil-based balms, you might hear 'salve' (ointment) or 'olje' (oil). 'Krem' tends to be lighter in texture.
Vi trenger fløte til sausen.
English hint: We need (cream - dairy) for the sauce.
Legen anbefalte en salve mot utslettet.
English hint: The doctor recommended an (ointment) for the rash.
§ Common Phrases with 'Krem'
Here are a few common expressions and compound words that use 'krem' that you'll hear in Norway:
- Pisket krem: Whipped cream. This is very common, especially with desserts.
- Kremost: Cream cheese.
- Iskrem: Ice cream. This is a very frequent use!
Vil du ha jordbær med pisket krem?
English hint: Do you want strawberries with (whipped cream)?
Jeg spiste en stor bolle med iskrem.
English hint: I ate a large bowl of (ice cream).
By understanding these nuances, you'll be able to use 'krem' confidently and correctly in most situations. Remember to pay attention to the context, and you'll do fine!
How Formal Is It?
"Tilsett en skvett fløte for en rikere smak. (Add a splash of cream for a richer taste.)"
"Kaffen er best med litt krem i. (Coffee is best with a little cream in it.)"
"Gi meg litt krem til kaka! (Give me some cream for the cake!)"
"Vil du ha krem på isen din? (Do you want cream on your ice cream?)"
"Denne kaken er bare krem! (This cake is just cream! - meaning: This cake is awesome/the best!)"
Souvent confondu avec
Whipped cream, cream-based dessert, frosting.
Hand cream, face cream, sunscreen.
Used to describe something that is 'creamy' or 'cream-colored', e.g., 'kremfarget' (cream-colored).
Facile à confondre
'Fløte' is often confused with 'krem' because both can refer to dairy products that are rich and fatty. However, 'fløte' specifically means 'cream' in its liquid, pourable form, as in what you'd pour over berries or use in cooking.
'Fløte' is liquid cream, while 'krem' is typically a thicker, whipped cream or a cream-based dessert.
Jeg vil ha jordbær med **fløte**. (I want strawberries with **cream**.)
This compound word combines 'krem' and 'fløte', which can be confusing. 'Kremfløte' specifically refers to heavy cream or whipping cream, the type of liquid cream that can be whipped into a thick 'krem'.
'Kremfløte' is the *type* of liquid cream used to make 'krem' (whipped cream). 'Krem' is the end product when whipped.
Vi trenger **kremfløte** for å lage desserten. (We need **whipping cream** to make the dessert.)
'Smør' means 'butter'. It's confused with 'krem' because both are dairy fats and can be used in baking or as spreads. However, they have distinct textures and uses.
'Smør' is butter, a solid fat. 'Krem' is cream, usually whipped or as a dessert topping.
Jeg liker **smør** på brødskiven. (I like **butter** on my slice of bread.)
'Pålegg' refers to toppings or spreads for bread. While 'krem' can be a type of spread (like a chocolate spread), 'pålegg' is a broader category that also includes cheese, ham, jam, etc.
'Pålegg' is any kind of topping for bread. 'Krem' is a specific type of preparation, often sweet, that can sometimes be used as 'pålegg'.
Hva slags **pålegg** har du? (What kind of **spreads/toppings** do you have?)
'Salve' means 'ointment' or 'salve', typically a medicinal or cosmetic cream. It's confused with 'krem' because 'krem' can also refer to non-edible creams (like hand cream). The context is key here.
'Salve' is exclusively for medicinal or cosmetic creams. 'Krem' has a broader meaning, encompassing both edible and non-edible creams.
Legg på en **salve** på såret. (Put an **ointment/salve** on the wound.)
Astuces
Krem vs. fløte
In Norwegian, krem often refers to whipped cream or a thicker cream, while fløte is the general term for liquid cream. Think of 'krem' as something you might put on a cake.
Common Creamy Foods
You'll find krem in many desserts. For example, 'kake med krem' means 'cake with cream'.
Compound Nouns with Krem
Krem is often part of compound nouns. 'Solkrem' means 'sunscreen' (literally 'sun cream'). 'Ansiktskrem' means 'face cream'.
Not always dairy
While krem can be dairy, it's also used for non-dairy creams. For instance, 'sjokoladekrem' (chocolate cream) could be a frosting, not necessarily dairy cream.
Pronunciation practice
The 'e' in krem is short, like the 'e' in 'bed'. The 'r' is often rolled slightly. Try saying it: 'krem'.
Listen for 'krem'
Pay attention to menus or packaging in Norway. You'll often see krem listed as an ingredient, especially in pastries and desserts.
Grammar: definite form
The definite form of krem is 'kremen' (the cream). Remember to add '-en' for masculine nouns in the definite singular.
Grammar: plural form
The plural form of krem is 'kremer' (creams). The definite plural is 'kremene' (the creams).
Popular Norwegian Desserts with Krem
Many traditional Norwegian cakes like 'bløtkake' (layer cake) or 'pavlova' feature a lot of krem. It's a staple in Norwegian baking.
Figurative use of 'krem'
Sometimes krem can be used figuratively to mean 'the best part' or 'the elite'. For example, 'kremen av det hele' means 'the cream of the crop'.
Teste-toi 54 questions
Write a short sentence using 'krem' to describe a food item.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Jeg liker jordbær med krem. (I like strawberries with cream.)
Use 'krem' in a sentence about skin care.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Jeg bruker solkrem om sommeren. (I use sunscreen in the summer.)
Form a simple question using 'krem'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Har du krem til kaken? (Do you have cream for the cake?)
Hva var det mye av på kaken?
Read this passage:
På restauranten bestilte hun kake. Kaken var deilig og hadde mye krem på toppen. Hun spiste alt.
Hva var det mye av på kaken?
Passasjen sier 'Kaken var deilig og hadde mye krem på toppen.' (The cake was delicious and had a lot of cream on top.)
Passasjen sier 'Kaken var deilig og hadde mye krem på toppen.' (The cake was delicious and had a lot of cream on top.)
Hvorfor bruker mange krem om vinteren?
Read this passage:
Om vinteren blir huden ofte tørr. Mange bruker en god krem for å holde huden myk. Det er viktig å smøre seg hver dag.
Hvorfor bruker mange krem om vinteren?
Teksten sier 'Om vinteren blir huden ofte tørr. Mange bruker en god krem for å holde huden myk.' (In winter, the skin often gets dry. Many use a good cream to keep the skin soft.)
Teksten sier 'Om vinteren blir huden ofte tørr. Mange bruker en god krem for å holde huden myk.' (In winter, the skin often gets dry. Many use a good cream to keep the skin soft.)
Hva er riskrem?
Read this passage:
Etter middag spiste vi dessert. Det var riskrem med rød saus. Riskrem er en populær norsk dessert, ofte servert med en søt saus.
Hva er riskrem?
Passasjen sier 'Riskrem er en populær norsk dessert'. (Riskrem is a popular Norwegian dessert.)
Passasjen sier 'Riskrem er en populær norsk dessert'. (Riskrem is a popular Norwegian dessert.)
Jeg vil gjerne ha litt ___ i kaffen, takk.
The sentence asks for something to add to coffee, and 'krem' (cream) is a common addition.
Til desserten serverte de frisk frukt med pisket ___.
Pisket krem (whipped cream) is a classic accompaniment to fresh fruit for dessert.
Kaken var dekket med et tykt lag vanilje___.
Cakes are often covered with 'krem' (cream) as a frosting or topping.
Han brukte en spesiell ___ for å lindre smerten i musklene.
In this context, 'krem' refers to a topical cream used for pain relief.
For å få en jevnere hudtone, anbefalte hudlegen en fuktighets___.
A 'fuktighetskrem' is a moisturizing cream for the skin.
De serverte ferske vafler med rømme og syltetøy, men jeg foretrekker ___.
Cream is a common and delicious topping for waffles.
This sentence translates to 'I need cream for the cake.' The order follows a standard subject-verb-object structure in Norwegian, with the prepositional phrase 'til kaken' ('for the cake') at the end.
This sentence translates to 'Can you give me the cream on the table?' 'Kan du gi meg' is a common polite request. 'Kremen' is the definite form of cream, and 'på bordet' specifies its location.
This sentence means 'He doesn't like coffee with cream.' The negative 'ikke' comes after the verb 'liker'. 'Med krem' indicates 'with cream'.
Which of these dishes would typically NOT use 'krem' as an ingredient?
While some fish soups might contain a touch of cream, 'krem' is a primary and defining ingredient in bløtkake, creamy pasta sauce, and riskrem. Traditional fish soup would not typically highlight 'cream' as a main component.
If someone says 'Jeg trenger en god håndkrem,' what are they most likely looking for?
'Håndkrem' is a compound word meaning 'hand cream,' which is a lotion or moisturizer for the hands.
What is the most accurate English translation for 'pisket krem'?
'Pisket' comes from the verb 'å piske,' meaning to whip or whisk. Therefore, 'pisket krem' means whipped cream.
You can use 'krem' to refer to a cleaning product for surfaces.
Yes, 'vaskekrem' (washing cream) or similar compounds can refer to cleaning products, especially those with a creamy consistency.
The word 'krem' can only be used in a culinary context in Norwegian.
No, 'krem' is also used for cosmetic products (e.g., 'ansiktskrem' - face cream, 'solkrem' - sunscreen) and sometimes for cleaning products.
If a Norwegian friend asks if you want 'litt krem' with your coffee, they are offering you milk.
No, if they offer 'litt krem,' they are offering cream, not milk. Milk would typically be 'melk'.
The word you're listening for is a synonym for 'krem' in a culinary context.
Listen for what she puts in her coffee.
The sentence mentions what the cream is good for.
Read this aloud:
Jeg vil gjerne ha et kakestykke med krem.
Focus: krem
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Har du husket å kjøpe solkrem til ferien?
Focus: solkrem
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Kremen på toppen av desserten var fantastisk.
Focus: kremen, toppen
Tu as dit :
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Listen to determine if the cream sounds fresh or sour.
Listen for whether cream was remembered for the cake.
Listen to what is preferred in coffee: whipping cream or milk.
Read this aloud:
Kremen skiller seg hvis den kokes for lenge.
Focus: skiller seg
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Kan du piske kremen stiv, takk?
Focus: piske kremen stiv
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Denne kremen er perfekt til desserten.
Focus: perfekt til desserten
Tu as dit :
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This sentence describes how a pastry chef skillfully spread cream on a layer cake, showcasing advanced vocabulary and sentence structure.
This sentence demonstrates the use of a descriptive adjective 'rik' (rich) and a subordinate clause 'laget med krem' (made with cream) to modify 'saus' (sauce), common in C1 level Norwegian.
This sentence uses more abstract concepts like 'beskyttelse' (protection) and 'UV-stråler' (UV rays), which are typical for C1 understanding and expression.
You are a chef. Write a short paragraph for a food blog describing a new dessert you created. Emphasize the texture and richness, and how 'krem' is a key component. Use at least two synonyms or descriptive phrases for 'krem'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Min siste kreasjon, 'Nordisk Drøm', er en feiring av enkel eleganse. Den fløyelsmyke røren, en delikat blanding av pisket fløte og vanilje, danner grunnlaget. En rik, silkemyk 'krem' av mascarpone og hvit sjokolade er lagdelt med friske bær, og gir en uovertruffen munnfølelse. Jeg har også inkludert et hint av karamellisert 'kremet' saus for å forsterke dybden.
You are a cosmetics formulator. Write a product description for a new anti-aging face cream. Focus on its luxurious feel, scientific benefits, and how it addresses skin concerns. Use 'krem' and related terms naturally.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Oppdag vår nye 'Evig Ungdom' ansiktskrem, en revolusjon innen hudpleie. Denne rike, men likevel lett absorberende 'krem' er formulert med avanserte peptider og hyaluronsyre for å redusere fine linjer og rynker. Den fuktighetsgivende 'kremen' etterlater huden silkemyk og glødende, og gir en følelse av velvære. Vår unike 'krem'-formula er designet for å forbedre hudens elastisitet og fasthet, dag etter dag.
You are a travel writer describing a traditional Norwegian dish that heavily features 'krem'. Explain the dish's cultural significance and how 'krem' contributes to its authentic taste. Use descriptive language.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Når man snakker om norske mattradisjoner, kan man ikke unngå å nevne 'riskrem'. Denne klassiske desserten, ofte servert i juletiden, er mer enn bare en søtsak; den er et symbol på samhold og fest. Hovedingrediensen, en luftig og søt 'krem' blandet med risgrøt, gir riskremen dens karakteristiske, fyldige tekstur. Den friske smaken av rød saus over den hvite, myke 'kremen' er en uforglemmelig opplevelse, som tar deg rett tilbake til barndommens julefeiringer.
Hva var hovedfunnet i studien om den nye hudkremen?
Read this passage:
I en nylig publisert studie ble effekten av en ny hudkrem testet på en gruppe deltakere over en periode på tre måneder. Resultatene viste en signifikant forbedring i hudens elastisitet og fuktighetsnivå, spesielt blant de som brukte kremen regelmessig. Forskere understreker viktigheten av å velge en krem som passer til din hudtype for å oppnå optimale resultater. De bemerket også at den "kremete" konsistensen bidro til en positiv brukeropplevelse.
Hva var hovedfunnet i studien om den nye hudkremen?
Passasjen sier tydelig: 'Resultatene viste en signifikant forbedring i hudens elastisitet og fuktighetsnivå'.
Passasjen sier tydelig: 'Resultatene viste en signifikant forbedring i hudens elastisitet og fuktighetsnivå'.
Hva er en viktig ferdighet for en kokk når det gjelder bruk av 'krem' i tradisjonell norsk matlaging?
Read this passage:
Tradisjonell norsk fløtebasert matlaging har en rik historie, med mange retter som benytter seg av 'krem' som en sentral ingrediens. Fra sauser til desserter, bidrar 'krem' til en fyldig og luksuriøs smak. Enkelte oppskrifter krever at 'kremen' piskes stiv, mens andre foretrekker en mer flytende konsistens. Det er kunsten å mestre bruken av 'krem' som skiller en god kokk fra en eksepsjonell en.
Hva er en viktig ferdighet for en kokk når det gjelder bruk av 'krem' i tradisjonell norsk matlaging?
Passasjen indikerer at 'kunsten å mestre bruken av 'krem'' inkluderer å vite om 'kremen' skal piskes stiv eller ha en mer flytende konsistens.
Passasjen indikerer at 'kunsten å mestre bruken av 'krem'' inkluderer å vite om 'kremen' skal piskes stiv eller ha en mer flytende konsistens.
Hvilken faktor påvirker kvaliteten på 'kremen' ifølge teksten?
Read this passage:
Produksjonen av høykvalitets 'krem' krever nøye prosessering og ferske råvarer. Melken blir sentrifugert for å skille ut fløten, som deretter kan viderebehandles til ulike typer 'krem', som for eksempel piskekrem eller rømme. Kvaliteten på 'kremen' påvirkes sterkt av kuens diett og melkebehandling. En dyktig produsent vet at en god 'krem' er grunnlaget for mange kulinariske mesterverk.
Hvilken faktor påvirker kvaliteten på 'kremen' ifølge teksten?
Teksten sier: 'Kvaliteten på 'kremen' påvirkes sterkt av kuens diett og melkebehandling.'
Teksten sier: 'Kvaliteten på 'kremen' påvirkes sterkt av kuens diett og melkebehandling.'
This sentence means 'Decorating the cakes with cream looked nice.' The order emphasizes the action and its result.
This sentence translates to 'Natural skincare products often contain rich ingredients like cream.' It follows a typical subject-verb-object structure with a descriptive phrase.
This sentence means 'I made the cake for the boss with extra cream.' The structure highlights the maker, the recipient, and the added ingredient.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Krem vs. fløte
In Norwegian, krem often refers to whipped cream or a thicker cream, while fløte is the general term for liquid cream. Think of 'krem' as something you might put on a cake.
Common Creamy Foods
You'll find krem in many desserts. For example, 'kake med krem' means 'cake with cream'.
Compound Nouns with Krem
Krem is often part of compound nouns. 'Solkrem' means 'sunscreen' (literally 'sun cream'). 'Ansiktskrem' means 'face cream'.
Not always dairy
While krem can be dairy, it's also used for non-dairy creams. For instance, 'sjokoladekrem' (chocolate cream) could be a frosting, not necessarily dairy cream.
