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A1 noun 10 min de lecture

svar

Exemples
Explication svar in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'svar' is one of the very first nouns you will learn. It means 'answer' or 'reply'. You will use it when you are talking to people and asking them questions. For example, if you ask a friend a question, you want a 'svar'. It is a neuter noun, which means you say 'et svar' for 'an answer'. You will hear this word a lot in language classes when the teacher asks for the answer to an exercise. It is very simple to use. Just remember that it is a thing, not an action. The action is 'å svare' (to answer). A common phrase to learn right away is 'Takk for svaret', which means 'Thank you for the answer'. You can use this in text messages or emails when someone helps you. Another good phrase is 'Jeg vet ikke svaret' (I don't know the answer). This word is essential for basic communication because it helps you navigate conversations where you need information from someone else. Practice using it with the word 'et' to remember its gender.
At the A2 level, you start to use 'svar' in slightly more complex sentences and with different prepositions. You learn that in Norwegian, you don't say the answer 'to' a question, but rather the answer 'on' a question. So you must say 'svar på spørsmålet'. You also start to use adjectives with the word. Because it is a neuter noun, the adjectives must take a 't' at the end. For example, 'et godt svar' (a good answer) or 'et raskt svar' (a quick answer). You will use 'svar' when talking about your daily routines, such as checking your email or waiting for a text message. 'Jeg venter på svar fra sjefen min' (I am waiting for an answer from my boss) is a very typical A2 sentence. You also learn the plural forms. The plural of 'et svar' is just 'svar' (answers), and the definite plural is 'svarene' (the answers). Understanding these grammar rules helps you talk more accurately about communication with others in past, present, and future contexts.
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At the B1 level, your use of 'svar' becomes more abstract and professional. You are no longer just asking for the answer to a simple question; you are requesting responses in formal emails, discussing solutions to societal problems, and giving feedback. You learn common collocations like 'å avvente svar' (to await a reply) and 'å gi et bekreftende svar' (to give an affirmative answer). You will encounter 'svar' in news articles, where journalists demand answers from politicians. You also start to understand compound words built on this root, such as 'autosvar' (auto-reply) or 'prøvesvar' (test results from a doctor). At this level, you can differentiate between 'et svar' (a direct reply) and 'en tilbakemelding' (feedback or evaluation). You become comfortable using the word in negative constructions, like 'mangelen på svar' (the lack of an answer), to express frustration or describe a situation where communication has broken down. The word becomes a tool for expressing nuance in your professional and social life.
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At the B2 level, 'svar' is fully integrated into your fluent communication. You use it effortlessly in complex grammatical structures and idiomatic expressions. You understand the subtle cultural implications of directness in Norwegian communication, where a clear 'svar' is highly valued. You might use phrases like 'å bli svar skyldig' (to be at a loss for an answer). You can discuss abstract concepts, such as 'svaret på klimakrisen' (the answer to the climate crisis), using the word metaphorically to mean 'solution'. In professional settings, you write polished emails using formal phrasing like 'Vi imøteser Deres svar' (We look forward to your reply). You are highly aware of the difference between 'svar', 'respons', 'reaksjon', and 'løsning', and you choose the exact right word for the context. You also understand how 'svar' forms the philosophical basis for words like 'ansvar' (responsibility), recognizing that being responsible means being able to answer for one's actions. Your vocabulary around the word is rich and varied.
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At the C1 level, you wield the word 'svar' with native-like precision, utilizing it in advanced rhetoric, academic writing, and nuanced debates. You understand the deep pragmatic functions of the word. For instance, you can analyze how a politician might avoid giving a 'konkret svar' (concrete answer) by using evasive language. You are familiar with literary and historical uses of the word. You can effortlessly employ complex compound nouns like 'høringssvar' (consultation response) in bureaucratic and administrative contexts. You understand idiomatic expressions deeply, such as 'å ta et nei for et svar' (to take no for an answer), and can play with these idioms in conversation. You recognize when 'svar' is used ironically or sarcastically. In academic contexts, you discuss 'besvarelser' (exam papers/responses) and critically evaluate the quality of a 'svar' based on logical argumentation rather than just factual correctness. Your understanding of the word is tied to a profound comprehension of Norwegian societal norms regarding transparency, communication, and accountability.
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At the C2 level, your mastery of 'svar' encompasses all its etymological, cultural, and literary dimensions. You appreciate the Old Norse roots of the word ('svar') and how it connects to the concept of swearing an oath or making a solemn declaration. You can dissect complex texts where 'svar' is used as a central motif, such as in existential literature where characters search for 'svar' to the meaning of life. You effortlessly navigate the most formal legal and bureaucratic language, understanding terms like 'tilsvar' (rejoinder/reply in a legal context). You can engage in highly sophisticated debates, critiquing the epistemological nature of an 'answer' versus a 'truth'. Your use of the word is perfectly calibrated to the register, whether you are writing a PhD thesis, delivering a formal speech, or engaging in witty, rapid-fire banter. You intuitively understand that in Norwegian culture, the nature of the 'svar' given often defines the integrity of the speaker, and you manipulate this cultural understanding in your own fluent communication.
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Exemples
The Norwegian word 'svar' is a fundamental noun that translates directly to 'answer', 'reply', or 'response' in English. It is an essential part of daily communication, used in everything from casual conversations to formal business emails. Understanding how to use 'svar' correctly is a crucial step for any beginner learning Norwegian, as it forms the basis of interactive dialogue. In Norwegian culture, communication is often direct and to the point, meaning that a 'svar' is expected to be clear and concise. When someone asks a question, whether it is a teacher in a classroom, a friend asking about weekend plans, or a colleague requesting information, the response they are looking for is a 'svar'.

Jeg venter på et svar fra legen.

This word is categorized as a neuter noun, which means it takes the article 'et' in its indefinite singular form. Therefore, you will say 'et svar' (an answer). Interestingly, in the indefinite plural form, it remains 'svar' (answers), which is a common pattern for short, one-syllable neuter nouns in Norwegian.
Grammatical Gender
Neuter nouns like 'svar' do not add an 'er' in the indefinite plural, making 'et svar' (one answer) and 'to svar' (two answers) look identical in the base word.
You will frequently encounter this word in written correspondence. For instance, at the end of an invitation, you might see the abbreviation 'S.U.' which stands for 'Svar utbes' (Response requested), the Norwegian equivalent of RSVP.

Takk for ditt raske svar.

In spoken Norwegian, people often demand an answer during an argument or a pressing discussion by saying 'Jeg vil ha et svar!' (I want an answer!). The concept of an answer is not limited to just verbal or written replies; it can also refer to the solution to a problem, such as the answer to a math equation or a riddle.
Contextual Flexibility
Whether it is a philosophical response to a deep question or a simple 'yes' or 'no', the word remains exactly the same, providing great versatility for learners.

Hva er riktig svar på denne oppgaven?

Furthermore, the noun is closely related to the verb 'å svare' (to answer). While English uses the exact same spelling for both the noun and the verb (an answer / to answer), Norwegian distinguishes them slightly by adding an 'e' to the end of the verb.

Han ga et veldig rart svar i går.

Emotional Weight
Sometimes a lack of response is also a response. In Norwegian, you might say 'Ingen svar er også et svar' (No answer is also an answer).

Vi trenger et endelig svar fra deg i dag.

Mastering this word opens up the ability to navigate customer service, personal relationships, and academic settings with ease, making it a high-priority vocabulary item for anyone starting their Norwegian journey.
Using 'svar' correctly in a sentence involves understanding its grammatical gender, how it pairs with prepositions, and its common verb collocations. Because 'svar' is a neuter noun, it follows the declension pattern: et svar (an answer) - svaret (the answer) - svar (answers) - svarene (the answers).

Jeg har ikke fått svaret ennå.

One of the most important things to master is the preposition that follows 'svar'. In English, you give an answer 'to' a question. In Norwegian, you give an answer 'on' a question, using the preposition 'på'.
Preposition Use
Always use 'svar på' when indicating what the answer is directed towards, such as 'et svar på e-posten' (an answer to the email).

Dette er et godt svar på problemet.

When it comes to verbs, 'svar' is most commonly paired with 'å gi' (to give) and 'å få' (to get/receive). If you are providing the information, you 'gir et svar' (give an answer). If you are waiting for information, you 'får et svar' (get an answer).

Vi må gi et svar innen fredag.

Another common construction is 'å vente på svar' (to wait for an answer). This is useful in everyday scenarios, like waiting for a text message back from a friend or waiting for an official decision from a government office.
Adjective Pairings
Adjectives must match the neuter gender. You say 'et godt svar' (a good answer), adding the 't' to 'god', or 'et raskt svar' (a quick answer).

Det var et veldig ærlig svar.

In negative sentences, you might say 'Jeg har ikke noe svar' (I don't have an answer). Notice the use of 'noe' instead of 'noen', because 'svar' is neuter.
Possessive Pronouns
When using possessives, they must also be neuter: 'mitt svar' (my answer), 'ditt svar' (your answer), 'vårt svar' (our answer).

Mitt svar er nei.

By paying attention to the neuter gender rules and the specific preposition 'på', you will sound much more natural when using this word in conversation.
The word 'svar' is ubiquitous in Norwegian society, appearing in nearly every domain of daily life. You will hear it constantly in schools and educational environments. Teachers will ask students for 'svaret' (the answer) to a math problem or a historical question.

Læreren ventet på et svar fra eleven.

During exams, students check the 'fasit' (answer key) to see if their 'svar' is correct. In the professional world, 'svar' is a cornerstone of email communication. You will frequently see phrases like 'Takk for raskt svar' (Thank you for the quick reply) or 'Vi ser frem til ditt svar' (We look forward to your reply).
Customer Service
When dealing with customer support, automated emails often state 'Dette er et automatisk svar' (This is an automated reply).

Jeg fikk et automatisk svar på e-posten min.

In digital communication, such as text messaging or social media, waiting for a 'svar' can be a source of anxiety or anticipation. People might complain, 'Han har sett meldingen, men ikke gitt noe svar' (He has seen the message but hasn't given any reply).

Kari ga et raskt svar på invitasjonen.

You also hear 'svar' heavily in journalism and politics. Reporters constantly demand 'svar' from politicians regarding scandals or policy decisions. A headline might read 'Krever svar fra ministeren' (Demands answers from the minister).
Medical Contexts
In healthcare, patients wait for 'prøvesvar' (test results/answers), which can be a very stressful time.

Legen sa at vi får svar i morgen.

In legal settings, a defendant must provide a 'svar' to the accusations.
Casual Talk
In everyday conversation, if someone is being evasive, you might hear 'Det var ikke et ordentlig svar' (That wasn't a proper answer).

Gi meg et direkte svar nå.

Because it applies to so many different areas—from the highly formal to the deeply personal—'svar' is a word you will encounter daily in Norway.
While 'svar' is a straightforward word, English speakers frequently make specific grammatical and contextual mistakes when using it. The most common error involves the preposition used after the word. In English, you say 'the answer TO the question'. Direct translation leads many learners to say 'svaret til spørsmålet'. This is incorrect in Norwegian.

Dette er mitt svar på e-posten.

You must use 'på' (on). It is 'svaret PÅ spørsmålet'.
Preposition Error
Never use 'til' when referring to the answer of a specific question or problem. Always use 'på'.
Another frequent mistake is confusing the grammatical gender. Because 'svar' is a neuter noun, it requires the article 'et'. Many beginners default to 'en', saying 'en svar'. This sounds very unnatural to native speakers.

Jeg venter på et svar.

Consequently, any adjectives modifying 'svar' must also be in the neuter form. You cannot say 'en god svar'; you must say 'et godt svar'.
Noun vs Verb
English uses 'answer' for both the noun and verb. In Norwegian, 'svar' is the noun, and 'svare' is the verb. Do not mix them up.

Kan du gi meg et svar?

For example, saying 'Jeg vil svar deg' is incorrect; it must be 'Jeg vil svare deg' (I want to answer you). Conversely, saying 'Jeg venter på et svare' is wrong; it must be 'Jeg venter på et svar'.
Plural Forms
Because it is a short neuter noun, the indefinite plural does not take an '-er' ending. 'Mange svar' is correct, not 'mange svarer'.

Vi fikk mange gode svar på undersøkelsen.

'Svarer' is actually the present tense of the verb (answers/is answering). Mixing up 'mange svar' (many answers) with 'han svarer' (he answers) is a classic beginner trap.

Alle svarene var feil.

By focusing on the preposition 'på', the neuter article 'et', and the distinction between the noun and the verb, you can easily avoid the most common pitfalls associated with this word.
While 'svar' is the most common and versatile word for 'answer' or 'response', Norwegian has several synonyms and related terms that can add nuance to your vocabulary. One common alternative is 'respons'. This is used very similarly to the English word 'response' and is often found in professional, technical, or psychological contexts.

Vi fikk god respons på kampanjen, men ikke et direkte svar.

Another highly useful word is 'tilbakemelding', which translates to 'feedback'. While a 'svar' is generally a direct reply to a question, 'tilbakemelding' implies an evaluation, opinion, or constructive criticism regarding something you have done or presented.
Feedback vs Answer
Use 'svar' when you ask a factual question. Use 'tilbakemelding' when you want someone's opinion on your work.

Sjefen ga meg et svar angående ferien min.

In the context of solving a problem, such as a puzzle, a mystery, or a mathematical equation, you might use the word 'løsning' (solution). While 'svar' can be the number at the end of the math problem, 'løsning' encompasses the entire method of solving it.
Reactions
The word 'reaksjon' (reaction) is also related. A 'reaksjon' is emotional or physical, whereas a 'svar' is typically cognitive and communicative.

Hans svar var rolig, men reaksjonen var sint.

When dealing with formal letters or legal documents, you might encounter the word 'besvarelse'. This usually refers to a formal written exam paper or a highly formal written response, rather than just the answer itself.

Eksamensbesvarelsen inneholdt ikke et riktig svar.

Reply vs Answer
In English, we differentiate slightly between a reply and an answer. In Norwegian, 'svar' comfortably covers both concepts without any loss of nuance.

Jeg trenger et svar på dette spørsmålet.

Understanding these subtle differences allows you to choose the most precise word for your situation, elevating your Norwegian from beginner to intermediate.
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Exemples par niveau

1

Dette er et svar.

This is an answer.

'et' is the neuter indefinite article.

2

Jeg har et svar.

I have an answer.

Basic subject-verb-object structure.

3

Hva er svaret?

What is the answer?

'svaret' is the definite singular form.

4

Takk for svaret.

Thank you for the answer.

Common polite phrase.

5

Jeg venter på svar.

I am waiting for an answer.

'vente på' means to wait for.

6

Er det et ja eller nei svar?

Is it a yes or no answer?

Using 'svar' to clarify options.

7

Han ga et svar.

He gave an answer.

Past tense of 'å gi' (to give).

8

Vi trenger et svar nå.

We need an answer now.

'trenger' means need.

1

Jeg fikk et godt svar fra læreren.

I got a good answer from the teacher.

Adjective 'godt' matches the neuter noun.

2

Har du fått svar på e-posten?

Have you received an answer to the email?

Use preposition 'på' for 'answer to'.

3

Det var ikke et riktig svar.

That was not a correct answer.

Negative sentence structure.

4

Alle svarene var feil.

All the answers were wrong.

'svarene' is definite plural.

5

Kan du gi meg et raskt svar?

Can you give me a quick answer?

'raskt' is the neuter form of quick.

6

Jeg vet ikke svaret på det spørsmålet.

I don't know the answer to that question.

'på' is used to connect answer and question.

7

Vi må sende et svar i morgen.

We must send a reply tomorrow.

Modal verb 'må' followed by infinitive 'sende'.

8

Hennes svar var veldig kort.

Her answer was very short.

Possessive pronoun 'hennes'.

1

Vi avventer et offisielt svar fra kommunen.

We are awaiting an official reply from the municipality.

Formal verb 'avventer'.

2

Dette autosvaret forteller at hun er på ferie.

This auto-reply says that she is on vacation.

Compound noun 'autosvar'.

3

Mangelen på svar er frustrerende.

The lack of an answer is frustrating.

Abstract noun phrase 'mangelen på'.

4

Jeg aksepterer ikke det som et gyldig svar.

I do not accept that as a valid answer.

Advanced adjective 'gyldig' (valid).

5

Fikk du prøvesvarene fra sykehuset?

Did you get the test results from the hospital?

Medical context compound 'prøvesvar'.

6

Han unngikk å gi et direkte svar.

He avoided giving a direct answer.

Verb 'unngikk' (avoided) with infinitive phrase.

7

Svaret ligger i hvordan vi håndterer problemet.

The answer lies in how we handle the problem.

Metaphorical use of 'svar'.

8

Takk for et utfyllende og godt svar.

Thank you for a comprehensive and good answer.

Adjective 'utfyllende' (comprehensive).

1

Vi imøteser Deres svar innen fredag.

We look forward to your reply by Friday.

Highly formal 'imøteser' and 'Deres'.

2

Politikeren ble svar skyldig under debatten.

The politician was at a loss for an answer during the debate.

Idiom 'å bli svar skyldig'.

3

Det finnes ikke noe entydig svar på denne krisen.

There is no unequivocal answer to this crisis.

Adjective 'entydig' (unequivocal).

4

Høringssvaret fra organisasjonen var svært kritisk.

The consultation response from the organization was very critical.

Bureaucratic compound 'høringssvar'.

5

Hans unnvikende svar skapte bare mer forvirring.

His evasive answer only created more confusion.

Adjective 'unnvikende' (evasive).

6

Vi krever et fyllestgjørende svar fra ledelsen.

We demand a satisfactory answer from the management.

Formal adjective 'fyllestgjørende'.

7

Svaret forutsetter en dypere forståelse av emnet.

The answer requires a deeper understanding of the subject.

Verb 'forutsetter' (requires/presupposes).

8

Å la være å svare er også et slags svar.

Refraining from answering is also a kind of answer.

Philosophical construction.

1

Dokumentet fungerer som et formelt tilsvar til anklagene.

The document serves as a formal rejoinder to the accusations.

Legal term 'tilsvar'.

2

I mangel av et adekvat svar, må vi anta det verste.

In the absence of an adequate answer, we must assume the worst.

Advanced prepositional phrase 'I mangel av'.

3

Statsrådens svar bar preg av utpreget ansvarsfraskrivelse.

The minister's answer was characterized by distinct abdication of responsibility.

Complex noun phrase 'bar preg av'.

4

Svaret resonnerte dårlig med den gjeldende samfunnsdiskursen.

The answer resonated poorly with the current social discourse.

Academic vocabulary 'samfunnsdiskursen'.

5

Han nektet kategorisk å ta et nei for et svar.

He categorically refused to take no for an answer.

Idiom translated perfectly to Norwegian.

6

Svaret var innhyllet i byråkratisk tåkeprat.

The answer was shrouded in bureaucratic jargon.

Metaphor 'innhyllet i tåkeprat'.

7

Et uttømmende svar på denne problematikken krever tverrfaglig forskning.

An exhaustive answer to this problem requires interdisciplinary research.

Academic adjective 'uttømmende'.

8

Det lakoniske svaret avslørte hans underliggende forakt.

The laconic answer revealed his underlying contempt.

Literary adjective 'lakoniske'.

1

Svarets epistemologiske status forblir tvetydig i denne konteksten.

The epistemological status of the answer remains ambiguous in this context.

Highly academic philosophical phrasing.

2

Gjennom historien har mennesket søkt definitive svar på det uutsigelige.

Throughout history, mankind has sought definitive answers to the ineffable.

Literary vocabulary 'det uutsigelige'.

3

Svaret manifesterte seg ikke som en åpenbaring, men som en gradvis erkjennelse.

The answer did not manifest itself as a revelation, but as a gradual realization.

Poetic sentence structure.

4

I rettsdogmatikken stilles det strenge krav til tilsvar og replikk.

In legal dogmatics, strict requirements are placed on rejoinders and replies.

Specialized legal terminology.

5

Hans polemiske svar dekonstruerte motstanderens argumentasjon fullstendig.

His polemical answer completely deconstructed the opponent's argumentation.

Advanced rhetorical vocabulary.

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