A1 noun Neutre 2 min de lecture

plass

/plas/
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Overview

The Norwegian word 'plass' is a fascinating and versatile term, carrying a primary meaning of 'place,' 'space,' or 'area.' However, when specifically referring to 'a square or open area in a city,' as in your request, 'plass' takes on a particular urban connotation. It’s not just any open area; it signifies a designated public space within a city or town, often surrounded by buildings and serving as a focal point for social, commercial, or cultural activities.

Etymologically, 'plass' shares roots with similar words in other Germanic languages, such as the German 'Platz' and the English 'place,' all stemming from Old French 'place' and ultimately from Latin 'platea,' meaning a 'broad street' or 'open space.' This linguistic lineage underscores its consistent association with open, public areas.

In urban planning and everyday Norwegian usage, a 'plass' is typically characterized by its function as a gathering point. It might feature statues, fountains, benches, and often hosts markets, festivals, or public demonstrations. Think of iconic European city squares like the Stortorvet in Oslo, which is a 'plass' in every sense of the word. These spaces are crucial for the social fabric of a city, providing areas for leisure, commerce, and community interaction.

While 'torg' is another Norwegian word for a public square, often implying a marketplace, 'plass' can be more general, encompassing squares that aren't primarily used for markets. For instance, a 'kirkeplass' is a church square, and a 'rådhusplass' is a town hall square, both serving as important public spaces without necessarily being markets.

The grammatical gender of 'plass' is masculine, so it takes the definite article 'en' (e.g., 'en plass' – an open area, 'plassen' – the open area). Its plural form is 'plasser' (e.g., 'flere plasser' – several open areas).

Understanding 'plass' in this context goes beyond a simple translation; it involves appreciating the role of these public spaces in Norwegian urban life and culture. It's a word that evokes images of community, history, and the vibrant pulse of a city.

Exemples

1

De møttes på den store plassen foran rådhuset.

Meeting in a city square.

They met in the large square in front of the city hall.

2

Barn lekte på plassen hele ettermiddagen.

Children playing in an open area.

Children played in the square all afternoon.

3

Markedet holdes på plassen hver lørdag.

Market activity in a public square.

The market is held in the square every Saturday.

4

Byen har mange vakre plasser med fontener og statuer.

Description of city architecture.

The city has many beautiful squares with fountains and statues.

5

Vi parkerte bilen på en liten plass i utkanten av sentrum.

Parking in an open area.

We parked the car in a small open area on the outskirts of the city center.

Collocations courantes

offentlig plass
ledig plass
ta plass
stor plass

Souvent confondu avec

plass vs w

80+ WORDS

Modèles grammaticaux

p1 p2 p3

Comment l'utiliser

Notes d'usage

The Norwegian word 'plass' can refer to a variety of open public spaces. While 'torg' is often used for market squares, 'plass' can be more general, encompassing areas that are not strictly for commerce but for public congregation, recreation, or simply as an open area within an urban fabric. For instance, 'Rådhusplassen' (City Hall Square) in Oslo is a prominent example, used for events and as a transportation hub. When describing specific locations, it's common to append 'plassen' to the name of the area, creating a compound noun. The term can also be used figuratively, such as 'ta plass' (to take a seat/place) or 'få plass' (to find space). The specific nuance often depends on the context; for a large, formal urban square, 'plass' is very appropriate, while a smaller, more intimate open area might be described with 'åpen plass' or other more specific terms.

Erreurs courantes

A common mistake is confusing 'plass' with 'rom'. While both can mean 'space', 'plass' specifically refers to an open area, square, or a designated spot, often outdoors or public. 'Rom' is more general, referring to room, space, or a physical enclosed area like a room in a house. For example, you would say 'en åpen plass' (an open square) but 'et lite rom' (a small room). Another mistake is mispronouncing the double 's' at the end; it's a soft, slightly elongated 's' sound, similar to the 'ss' in 'glass' in English, rather than a hard 'z' sound.

Astuces

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Related words

Consider using related terms like 'torg' (square/market_place) for a more bustling, commercial open area, or 'område' (area/district) for a more general sense of a locality. 'Gate' (street) could be used if you're referring to a long, open thoroughfare.

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Common pitfalls

Be careful not to confuse 'plass' with 'rom' (room/space), which refers to an enclosed area. Also, 'sted' (place/spot) is more general and can refer to any location, while 'plass' specifically denotes an open, often public, area.

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Usage examples

You could say 'Vi møtes på Karl Johans plass' (We'll meet at Karl Johan's square) to refer to a specific, well-known public square. Or, 'Det er en fin plass å sitte og se på folk' (It's a nice place to sit and watch people) to describe a pleasant open area.

Origine du mot

From Old Norse *plass*, from Middle Low German *platse*, from Old French *place*, from Latin *platea* 'broad street, open space', from Ancient Greek *plateia (hodos)* 'broad (way)', from feminine of *platys* 'broad, flat'. Cognate with English 'place'.

Contexte culturel

In Norway, the concept of a 'plass' (square or open area in a city) is deeply embedded in urban planning and social life. These spaces often serve as central gathering points for communities, reflecting a cultural emphasis on public interaction and outdoor activities, even in colder climates. Historically, many 'plasser' were marketplaces or defense points, and today they frequently host festivals, markets, and political rallies. The design of a 'plass' often incorporates elements that are distinctly Scandinavian, such as minimalist aesthetics, integration with nature, and durable materials suited to the local weather. They are seen as democratic spaces, accessible to everyone, and play a crucial role in fostering a sense of local identity and belonging.

Astuce mémo

Visualize a 'plass' (square) filled with people enjoying themselves. Imagine someone saying, 'There's always a good 'plass' (place) for fun!' connecting 'plass' to 'place'.

Questions fréquentes

4 questions

The Norwegian word for 'a square or open area in a city' is 'plass'. This term is commonly used in Norwegian cities and towns to refer to public spaces where people gather, often featuring shops, cafes, and sometimes monuments or fountains. It's a central point for community life and urban activity, similar to a plaza or a town square in English-speaking countries.

Certainly! You might hear it used like this: 'Vi møtes på torget klokka fem,' which translates to 'We meet at the square at five o'clock.' Another example could be: 'Karl Johans gate fører opp til Slottsplassen,' meaning 'Karl Johans gate leads up to the Palace Square.' This illustrates its use as a specific named public space within a city.

Yes, 'plass' is a versatile word in Norwegian with several meanings beyond just a city square. It can also mean 'place' or 'space' in a general sense, such as 'There's no more room' ('Det er ikke mer plass'). It can refer to a 'seat' ('Ha en plass' - 'Have a seat') or even a 'job' or 'position' ('Han fikk en ny plass' - 'He got a new job'). The context usually makes the meaning clear.

The Norwegian word 'plass' has its roots in Old Norse 'plass,' which itself comes from the Latin 'platea.' 'Platea' referred to a broad street or an open space. This linguistic journey reflects how the concept of a public gathering area has been understood and named across various European languages, evolving over centuries to its current form in Norwegian.

Teste-toi

fill blank

Vi møtes på ____ foran rådhuset.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
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Torget er en travel ____ i sentrum.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
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Barn lekte på ____ bak kirken.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Score : /3

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