At the A1 level, 'samstemt' might be a bit difficult. You can think of it as a fancy way of saying 'enige' (agreeing) or 'liker det samme' (liking the same thing). It comes from 'sam' (together) and 'stemme' (voice). So, it means many voices sounding like one. You probably won't use it much yourself yet, but you might see it in simple stories about a group of friends who all want to do the same thing. Just remember: if many people agree, they are 'samstemte'.
As an A2 learner, you are starting to describe groups and relationships. 'Samstemt' is a great word to describe a family or a group of friends who work well together. For example, if you and your partner always agree on what to have for dinner, you are 'samstemte.' It is an adjective. Remember to add an 'e' at the end if you are talking about more than one person: 'Vi er samstemte.' It is more common in writing than in very casual talking.
At B1, you should start using 'samstemt' to add variety to your language. Instead of always saying 'alle er enige,' you can say 'det er en samstemt oppfatning' (it is a shared/unanimous perception). This word is very useful when discussing work, politics, or social issues. It implies a sense of harmony. If a team at work is 'samstemt,' they work efficiently because they all understand the goal. It is often used with the preposition 'om' (about something) or 'i' (in an action).
For B2 learners, 'samstemt' is an essential tool for nuanced expression. You should recognize its musical origins and how it applies metaphorically to complex situations like legal verdicts, scientific consensus, or political unity. You can use it to describe the 'samstemthet' (the noun form) of a movement or a theory. It is also important to distinguish it from 'samkjørt' (coordinated) and 'enstemmig' (unanimous). 'Samstemt' suggests a deeper, perhaps more organic alignment of spirit or thought.
At the C1 level, you should be able to use 'samstemt' with precision in academic and professional writing. You might use it to describe 'samstemt polyfoni' in literature or 'samstemte politiske virkemidler' (harmonized political measures) in an economics essay. You should also be aware of its use in describing sensory experiences where different elements create a unified whole. It is a word that conveys professional authority and a high level of linguistic control.
For a C2 speaker, 'samstemt' is a stylistic choice used to evoke a specific sense of resonance and collective identity. You might use it in a speech to emphasize the profound unity of a nation or in a poetic description of a landscape where the colors and light are 'samstemte.' You understand the subtle difference between 'samstemt,' 'unison,' and 'konkordant,' and you can use these synonyms to create specific rhetorical effects. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a tool for sophisticated storytelling and analysis.

samstemt en 30 secondes

  • Samstemt means being in agreement, harmonious, or unanimous, often used to describe groups, opinions, or musical instruments that are perfectly in tune.
  • It comes from 'sam' (together) and 'stemme' (voice/tune), implying that multiple voices are sounding like one singular, unified note.
  • The word is commonly found in news, politics, and professional settings to describe a united front or a consensus among experts or critics.
  • Grammatically, it is an adjective that changes to 'samstemte' in the plural, and it is more formal than the basic word for agreeing, 'enig'.

The Norwegian adjective samstemt is a beautiful and versatile word that literally translates to being 'tuned together' or 'harmonized.' At its core, it describes a state where multiple elements—be they voices, opinions, instruments, or people—are in complete agreement or working in perfect unison. Imagine a choir where every singer hits the exact same note with the same intensity, or a political committee where every member reaches the same conclusion without dissent; both scenarios are perfectly described as being samstemte.

Musical Roots
The word originates from the world of music. The root 'stemme' means both 'voice' and 'to tune' an instrument. When instruments are 'samstemt,' they are perfectly in tune with one another, preventing any jarring dissonance. This musical metaphor is essential for understanding the nuance of the word in social contexts.
Social Harmony
In a social or professional setting, being samstemt implies more than just 'agreeing.' it suggests a collective identity or a shared vision. It is often used to describe a jury's verdict, a couple's parenting style, or a team's strategy. It conveys a sense of unity that is both intentional and aesthetically pleasing in a metaphorical sense.
Political Unanimity
In the Norwegian media, you will frequently hear this word in political reporting. If the 'samstemte' opposition criticizes the government, it means they are speaking with one voice, making their critique much more powerful than if they were fragmented.

Kritikerne var uvanlig samstemte i sin hyllest av den nye filmen.

Translation: The critics were unusually unanimous in their praise of the new movie.

In everyday Norwegian life, you might use this word to describe your relationship. A couple that is 'samstemt' when it comes to finances or child-rearing is a couple that experiences less conflict because they are 'on the same page.' The word carries a positive connotation of efficiency, peace, and shared purpose. It is a vital word for B1 learners because it allows you to move beyond simple verbs like 'si' (say) or 'mene' (mean) and describe the manner in which people interact.

Orkesteret var så samstemt at det hørtes ut som ett enkelt instrument.

Translation: The orchestra was so harmonious that it sounded like a single instrument.

Furthermore, the word is often used in the context of research and data. If multiple independent studies show the same result, researchers might describe the findings as 'samstemte.' This reinforces the idea of reliability and truth—if everyone and everything points in the same direction, the conclusion is likely solid. It is this transition from the literal musical tuning to the metaphorical alignment of ideas that makes 'samstemt' such a powerful tool in your Norwegian vocabulary.

Using samstemt correctly requires an understanding of Norwegian adjective declension. Since it is an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. However, 'samstemt' is slightly unique because it is often used as a predicative adjective (after a verb like 'være' or 'bli') to describe a group of people or things.

Singular Forms
For masculine and feminine nouns, we use 'samstemt'. For example: 'En samstemt gruppe' (A harmonious group). For neuter nouns, we also use 'samstemt'. Example: 'Et samstemt kor' (A harmonious choir). Unlike many adjectives that add a '-t' in the neuter, 'samstemt' already ends in 't', so it remains unchanged.
Plural and Definite Forms
When describing multiple people or things, or when using the definite form, we add an '-e'. Example: 'De er samstemte' (They are in agreement). 'De samstemte uttalelsene' (The unanimous statements). This is the form you will likely use most often when talking about people's opinions.

Foreldrene må være samstemte når de setter grenser for barna.

Translation: Parents must be in agreement when they set boundaries for the children.

One common sentence pattern is using 'samstemt' with the preposition 'om' (about). For example: 'Vi er samstemte om planen' (We are in agreement about the plan). This structure is very common in professional environments. You can also use it with 'i' (in) when referring to a specific action or opinion: 'De var samstemte i sin kritikk' (They were unanimous in their criticism).

When writing, consider the register. 'Samstemt' is more formal than 'enige.' If you are writing a report, an essay, or a formal email, 'samstemt' adds a level of sophistication. It suggests that the agreement is not just a coincidence, but a result of coordination or shared values. In spoken Norwegian, it is used frequently by politicians, commentators, and professionals to describe a collective front.

Forskerne kom med en samstemt anbefaling til regjeringen.

Translation: The researchers came with a unanimous recommendation to the government.

If you tune into Norwegian news outlets like NRK or read newspapers like Aftenposten, you will encounter samstemt almost daily. It is a favorite word for journalists describing the political landscape. When the 'Storting' (the Norwegian parliament) shows a rare moment of unity, the headlines will often scream about a 'samstemt nasjonalforsamling.' This implies that despite their differences, the parties have found a common rhythm.

In the Workplace
During 'allmøter' (staff meetings), a manager might say, 'Det er viktig at vi fremstår som samstemte utad.' This means it is vital that the company presents a united front to the public or clients, even if there are internal debates. It is about the image of cohesion.
Cultural Reviews
In the 'anmeldelser' (reviews) section of a magazine, you might see 'Et samstemt kritikerkorps.' This refers to the collective group of critics who all seem to have the same opinion about a play, book, or concert. It suggests a consensus that is hard to ignore.

Hele nabolaget var samstemte i protesten mot den nye veien.

Translation: The whole neighborhood was unanimous in the protest against the new road.

You will also hear it in sports. A 'samstemt' defense in football (soccer) is one where the players move together, closing gaps and supporting each other perfectly. The commentator might yell, 'Forsvaret er utrolig samstemt i dag!' emphasizing the tactical discipline and mutual understanding of the players. In this context, it is synonymous with 'well-coordinated.'

Finally, in the academic world, 'samstemte resultater' are the holy grail. If your thesis findings are samstemte with previous research, it validates your work. If they are 'motstridende' (contradictory), you have more explaining to do. Therefore, whether you are in a boardroom, a stadium, or a library, 'samstemt' is the word that signals a lack of friction and a presence of shared direction.

While samstemt is a powerful word, learners often make a few specific errors. The most common mistake is using it as a direct replacement for 'enig' (agreeing) in simple, two-person conversations. While technically possible, saying 'Jeg og min venn er samstemte' sounds overly formal and almost a bit robotic for a casual chat about where to eat dinner.

Confusing with 'Enstemmig'
'Enstemmig' means 'unanimous' in a voting sense (literally 'one-voiced'). While 'samstemt' can imply unanimity, it is more about harmony and alignment. Use 'enstemmig' for formal votes ('Enstemmig vedtatt') and 'samstemt' for general agreement or harmonious action.
Adjective Agreement Errors
Learners often forget to add the '-e' in plural contexts. Because 'samstemt' ends in 't', some think it behaves like an adverb and doesn't change. However, if you are talking about 'de' (they) or 'vi' (we), you must use 'samstemte'. Skipping this 'e' is a clear marker of a non-native speaker.

Feil: Vi er samstemt.
Riktig: Vi er samstemte.

Note: Plural subjects require the plural ending '-e'.

Another mistake is using 'samstemt' to describe physical objects that match in color but not in function or 'vibe.' For example, you wouldn't usually say your socks and your tie are 'samstemte' unless you are emphasizing a deep artistic harmony. Usually, for matching clothes, you would use 'matcher' or 'passer sammen.' 'Samstemt' is reserved for more abstract or complex forms of harmony.

Finally, avoid overusing it. Because it is a 'strong' word, using it for every minor agreement can make your Norwegian sound hyperbolic. Save it for when the agreement is significant, collective, or particularly harmonious. If you just agree that the coffee is good, 'enig' is perfectly fine.

To truly master samstemt, you need to know where it sits in the landscape of Norwegian words for agreement and harmony. Depending on the context, you might want to swap it for something more specific or less formal.

Enig vs. Samstemt
'Enig' is the workhorse of agreement. It's simple and direct. 'Vi er enige' (We agree). 'Samstemt' is 'enig' with a tuxedo on. It implies a deeper, more coordinated level of agreement. Use 'enig' for everyday situations and 'samstemt' for collective unity.
Samkjørt
This word is very close to 'samstemt' but has a more mechanical or practical feel. 'Samkjørt' (literally 'driven together') is used for teams or systems that work well together. If a relay team has perfect hand-offs, they are 'samkjørte.' If they have the same goals and philosophy, they are 'samstemte.'
Unison
Directly from music, 'unison' is used when people say or do exactly the same thing at the same time. 'Et unisont krav' (A unanimous demand). It is slightly more formal and more specific to the 'one voice' aspect than 'samstemt'.

Laget virket veldig samkjørt i dag, og alle spillerne var samstemte om strategien.

Translation: The team seemed very well-coordinated today, and all players were in agreement about the strategy.

Other alternatives include 'harmonisk' (harmonious), which is used more for the atmosphere or aesthetic, and 'enstemmig' (unanimous), which is strictly for voting. If you want to describe things that are consistent with each other, you can use 'overensstemmende.' For example, 'overensstemmende med loven' (in accordance with the law). Knowing these nuances will prevent you from sounding repetitive and help you express exactly what kind of 'togetherness' you mean.

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'stemme' in Norwegian is a 'polysemous' word, meaning it has many meanings: it means 'voice', 'vote', 'to tune', and 'to be correct' (e.g., 'Det stemmer'). 'Samstemt' pulls from the 'tuning' and 'voice' aspects to create the meaning of harmony.

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈsɑmˌstɛmt/
US /ˈsɑmˌstɛmt/
The primary stress is on the first syllable 'sam', with a secondary stress on 'stemt'.
Rime avec
bestemt glemt fremstemt inntemt skremt innrømt drømt tømt
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing the 'm' and 't' separately with a vowel between them.
  • Making the 'e' in 'stemt' too long (it should be short like in 'set').
  • Forgetting to pronounce the 't' at the end clearly.
  • Stress on the second syllable instead of the first.
  • Pronouncing 'sam' like the English name 'Sam' (the Norwegian 'a' is further back in the mouth).

Exemples par niveau

1

De er samstemte.

They are in agreement.

Plural form ending in -e.

2

Koret er samstemt.

The choir is in tune.

Singular neuter form.

3

Vi er samstemte om maten.

We are in agreement about the food.

Using 'om' for the topic.

4

Er dere samstemte?

Are you (plural) in agreement?

Question form.

5

De var samstemte i sangen.

They were harmonious in the song.

Past tense 'var'.

6

En samstemt gruppe.

A harmonious group.

Attributive use.

7

Barna er samstemte i dag.

The children are in agreement today.

Definite plural subject.

8

Alt er samstemt.

Everything is in harmony.

Neuter singular 'alt'.

1

Foreldrene er samstemte om reglene.

The parents are in agreement about the rules.

Common social context.

2

Vi trenger en samstemt plan.

We need a coordinated plan.

Masculine singular noun.

3

De to vennene er alltid samstemte.

The two friends are always in agreement.

Adverb 'alltid' added.

4

Det var et samstemt ja fra klassen.

It was a unanimous 'yes' from the class.

Neuter noun 'et ja'.

5

Er dere samstemte i denne saken?

Are you in agreement in this matter?

Formal 'i denne saken'.

6

De virker veldig samstemte.

They seem very harmonious.

Verb 'virker' (seems).

7

En samstemt jury ga prisen til henne.

A unanimous jury gave the prize to her.

Subject of the sentence.

8

Vi må opptre samstemt.

We must act in unison.

Used as an adverb here.

1

Kritikerne var samstemte i sin vurdering av boken.

The critics were unanimous in their assessment of the book.

Professional context.

2

Det er viktig med en samstemt politikk på dette området.

It is important to have a coordinated policy in this area.

Abstract noun 'politikk'.

3

Forskerne er samstemte om årsakene til klimaendringene.

Researchers are in agreement about the causes of climate change.

Scientific consensus.

4

De samstemte ropene fra publikum fylte stadion.

The rhythmic/unison shouts from the crowd filled the stadium.

Definite plural adjective.

5

Ledelsen er samstemt i sin beslutning.

The management is unanimous in its decision.

Collective noun 'ledelsen'.

6

Vi må finne en samstemt løsning på problemet.

We must find a coordinated solution to the problem.

Adjective modifying 'løsning'.

7

Hennes ord og handlinger var ikke alltid samstemte.

Her words and actions were not always in harmony.

Describing abstract concepts.

8

De sang samstemt og vakkert.

They sang harmoniously and beautifully.

Adverbial usage.

1

Den samstemte motstanden gjorde det vanskelig å gjennomføre planen.

The unified resistance made it difficult to carry out the plan.

Definite singular 'den samstemte'.

2

Det foreligger samstemte observasjoner fra flere kilder.

There are consistent observations from several sources.

Indefinite plural 'samstemte'.

3

Partiene i opposisjonen fremsto som uvanlig samstemte.

The parties in the opposition appeared unusually united.

Adverb 'uvanlig' modifying the adjective.

4

Hennes faglige råd var samstemte med de nasjonale retningslinjene.

Her professional advice was consistent with the national guidelines.

Comparison using 'med'.

5

En samstemt opinion krever endring i lovverket.

A unanimous public opinion demands change in the legislation.

Formal term 'opinion'.

6

Deres samstemte innsats reddet liv.

Their coordinated effort saved lives.

Possessive 'deres' with adjective.

7

Resultatene er samstemte på tvers av ulike studier.

The results are consistent across different studies.

Prepositional phrase 'på tvers av'.

8

Det er en sjelden samstemthet i det norske samfunnet.

There is a rare consensus in Norwegian society.

Noun form 'samstemthet'.

1

Retten fant at vitneforklaringene var påfallende samstemte.

The court found that the witness testimonies were strikingly consistent.

Legal context; 'påfallende' as adverb.

2

Det kreves en mer samstemt tilnærming til flyktningkrisen.

A more coordinated approach to the refugee crisis is required.

Comparative 'mer samstemt'.

3

Forfatterens stil er preget av en samstemt bruk av metaforer.

The author's style is characterized by a harmonious use of metaphors.

Literary analysis.

4

Ekspertpanelet var samstemte i sin advarsel mot de økonomiske kuttene.

The expert panel was unanimous in its warning against the economic cuts.

Collective noun with plural agreement.

5

De ulike instrumentene i komposisjonen er perfekt samstemte.

The different instruments in the composition are perfectly harmonized.

Literal and metaphorical musical use.

6

Det er nødvendig å sikre samstemte signaler fra myndighetene.

It is necessary to ensure consistent signals from the authorities.

Plural indefinite 'signaler'.

7

Deres samstemte visjon for fremtiden inspirerte mange.

Their shared vision for the future inspired many.

Abstract noun 'visjon'.

8

Det var en samstemt glede over hele landet da krigen tok slutt.

There was a collective joy across the whole country when the war ended.

Emotional state.

1

Den ontologiske samstemtheten i hans filosofi er bemerkelsesverdig.

The ontological consistency in his philosophy is remarkable.

Highly academic terminology.

2

Det foreligger ingen samstemt definisjon av begrepet i faglitteraturen.

There is no consensus definition of the term in the academic literature.

Negation 'ingen samstemt'.

3

Kritikken mot reformen var massiv og samstemt.

The criticism against the reform was massive and unanimous.

Coordinated adjectives.

4

Arkitekturen fremstår som en samstemt helhet av form og funksjon.

The architecture appears as a harmonious whole of form and function.

Aesthetic description.

5

I et velfungerende demokrati er ikke samstemthet alltid et mål i seg selv.

In a well-functioning democracy, consensus is not always a goal in itself.

Philosophical observation.

6

De samstemte røstene i korridorene bar bud om forestående endringer.

The unified voices in the corridors heralded imminent changes.

Literary/Metaphorical.

7

Man må etterstrebe en samstemt utnyttelse av naturressursene.

One must strive for a coordinated utilization of natural resources.

Policy language.

8

Hans samstemte væremåte gjorde ham til en naturlig megler.

His harmonious demeanor made him a natural mediator.

Character description.

Collocations courantes

en samstemt jury
samstemte uttalelser
være samstemte om
et samstemt kritikerkorps
opptre samstemt
samstemte resultater
en sjelden samstemthet
samstemt sang
ikke helt samstemte
bli samstemte

Phrases Courantes

å snakke med én stemme

— To be completely samstemt in what one is saying publicly.

Det er viktig at vi snakker med én stemme utad.

å være på bølgelengde

— To understand each other well and be samstemt in thought.

Vi er virkelig på bølgelengde i dag.

å trekke i samme retning

— To work together in a samstemt way toward a goal.

Alle i teamet må trekke i samme retning.

å spille på lag

— To cooperate and be samstemt as a team.

Vi må spille på lag for å vinne.

å tone flagg

— To state one's opinion clearly, often to see if others are samstemt.

Han valgte endelig å tone flagg i saken.

å finne tonen

— To find a way to be samstemt or get along with someone.

De fant raskt tonen på det første møtet.

å være i harmoni med

— To be samstemt with someone or something else.

Planen er i harmoni med våre verdier.

å stå samlet

— To stand together in a samstemt and unified way.

Nasjonalforsamlingen står samlet bak vedtaket.

å ha en felles forståelse

— To be samstemt regarding the facts or the situation.

Vi har en felles forståelse av utfordringene.

å være av samme oppfatning

— A more formal way to say you are samstemt about an opinion.

Jeg er av samme oppfatning som komiteen.

Expressions idiomatiques

"å synge fra samme salmebok"

— To say the same things because you are samstemt or following the same plan.

Alle politikerne sang fra samme salmebok under debatten.

Informal/Metaphorical
"å være ett hjerte og én sjel"

— To be incredibly samstemt and close, usually in a relationship.

De to har vært ett hjerte og én sjel i alle år.

Literary/Romantic
"å gå i takt"

— To act in a samstemt and coordinated manner, like soldiers.

Det er ikke alltid lett å få alle avdelingene til å gå i takt.

Metaphorical
"å dra lasset sammen"

— To work hard together in a samstemt way.

Vi må alle dra lasset sammen hvis vi skal lykkes.

Informal
"å være støpt i samme form"

— To be very similar and thus likely to be samstemt.

De to brødrene er støpt i samme form.

Informal
"å tale Roma midt imot"

— The opposite of being samstemt; to go against the powerful consensus.

Han torde å tale Roma midt imot.

Literary
"å ro i samme båt"

— To be in the same situation, necessitating being samstemt.

Vi ror i samme båt, så vi må samarbeide.

Common
"å finne en felles nevner"

— To find the point where everyone can be samstemt.

Vi må prøve å finne en felles nevner i denne diskusjonen.

Neutral
"å stryke noen med hårene"

— To agree with someone (to be samstemt) just to please them.

Han bare stryker sjefen med hårene for å få viljen sin.

Informal
"å falle i god jord"

— When an idea is received by a samstemt and positive audience.

Forslaget hans falt i god jord hos ledelsen.

Neutral

Famille de mots

Noms

samstemthet (unanimity/harmony)
stemme (voice/vote)
stemning (mood/atmosphere)
avstemning (voting/ballot)

Verbes

å samstemme (to harmonize/coordinate)
å stemme (to vote/to tune/to be correct)
å avstemme (to reconcile/coordinate)

Adjectifs

samstemt (unanimous/harmonious)
enstemmig (unanimous)
stemt (voiced - in linguistics)
stemningsfull (atmospheric)

Apparenté

samklang (harmony/consonance)
enighet (agreement)
harmoni (harmony)
fellesskap (community/togetherness)
samarbeid (cooperation)

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a 'SAMe' 'STEM' (voice/tune). If everyone has the same stem, they are 'samstemt'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a choir where every member is standing on the same 'step' and singing the exact same note. They are perfectly 'samstemte'.

Word Web

Sam- (Together) Stemme (Voice) Harmoni (Harmony) Enig (Agree) Kvartett (Quartet) Politikk (Politics) Konsensus (Consensus) Samkjørt (Coordinated)

Défi

Try to use 'samstemt' in a sentence describing your favorite sports team or a group of coworkers. Focus on the plural ending '-e' if you are talking about 'they' or 'we'.

Origine du mot

The word is a compound of the prefix 'sam-' and the past participle 'stemt'. 'Sam-' comes from Old Norse 'samr', meaning 'same' or 'together'. 'Stemt' is the past participle of the verb 'å stemme', which comes from Old Norse 'stemma'.

Sens originel : The original meaning of 'å stemme' in this context was to tune a musical instrument so that it matches a certain pitch or other instruments.

Germanic (Norwegian, related to German 'zustimmen' and English 'stem' in some senses, though the 'voice' meaning is specific).

Contexte culturel

The word is generally very positive. However, in a debate about 'ekkokamre' (echo chambers), being 'for samstemte' might be used negatively to imply a lack of critical thinking.

In English, we might use 'unanimous' or 'on the same page.' 'Samstemt' feels slightly more poetic or 'musical' than 'unanimous,' which feels legalistic.

Often used in NRK news headlines regarding 'Stortinget' (The Parliament). Common in reviews of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. Used in psychological texts about 'samstemt kommunikasjon' (congruent communication).
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