At the A1 level, 'ta' is your go-to verb for physical actions and basic needs. You will primarily use it in the present tense ('jeg tar') to describe everyday activities. Focus on the most common objects: taking a bus (ta bussen), taking a photo (ta et bilde), and taking a shower (ta en dusj). At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex phrasal verbs. Just remember that 'ta' is irregular and its past tense is 'tok'. You will use it to ask for things at a café: 'Jeg tar en kaffe, takk.' This level is about building the habit of using 'ta' instead of 'ha' (have) for activities. You should also learn 'ta med' which means 'bring.' For example, 'Jeg tar med mat.' It is a very versatile word that helps you survive daily interactions in Norway. Practice saying the long 'a' sound clearly. It is one of the first verbs you will learn because it is so frequent. You will see it on signs, like 'Ta vare på naturen' (Take care of nature), though you might not understand the full grammar yet. Just focus on the action of 'taking' or 'choosing' something. Simple sentences like 'Han tar boka' or 'Vi tar toget' are perfect for A1 practice. Don't be afraid of the irregular forms; they are so common that you will hear them enough to memorize them quickly.
At the A2 level, you begin to expand your use of 'ta' into more varied contexts, including time and simple phrasal verbs. You should be comfortable using 'ta' to describe how long something takes: 'Det tar ti minutter.' You will also start using the imperative form for directions or instructions: 'Ta til høyre' (Take a right). This is also the stage where you introduce 'ta på' and 'ta av' for clothing. Remember the reflexive pronouns: 'Jeg tar på meg skoene.' You are expected to use the past tense 'tok' and the present perfect 'har tatt' correctly in conversation. 'Jeg har tatt bussen i dag.' You will also encounter 'ta vare på' (take care of) more frequently. This level requires you to distinguish between 'ta' and 'hente' (to fetch). If you are picking up a friend, you 'henter' them; if you are taking a book from a table, you 'tar' it. You might also start using 'ta' for 'to have' in a meal context more naturally. 'Hva skal du ta?' (What are you going to have/take?). Your sentences will become longer, combining 'ta' with modal verbs: 'Du må ta med deg en paraply fordi det regner.' This level is about moving from isolated words to functional, everyday phrases that allow you to navigate Norwegian society smoothly.
At the B1 level, 'ta' becomes a tool for more abstract expression. You will use it to discuss responsibilities and decisions. Phrases like 'ta ansvar' (take responsibility) and 'ta en beslutning' (take/make a decision) become part of your vocabulary. You will also start using more complex phrasal verbs like 'ta opp' (take up/mention) or 'ta over' (take over). For example, 'Vi må ta opp dette problemet i møtet' (We must bring up this problem in the meeting). You are expected to understand the nuance of 'ta' in different registers. You will hear it in the workplace and in more formal news reports. Your understanding of the reflexive uses of 'ta' will deepen, such as 'ta seg av' (to take care of/look after someone). 'Hun tar seg av de gamle foreldrene sine.' You should also be able to use 'ta' in the passive voice if needed, though it's less common. At B1, you start to notice 'ta' in idioms, such as 'ta det for gitt' (take it for granted). Your ability to use 'ta' with various prepositions (ta ut, ta inn, ta til, ta fra) should be developing, allowing you to describe more specific actions. You will also use 'ta' to express opinions, like 'Jeg tar avstand fra dette' (I distance myself from this/I disagree).
At the B2 level, 'ta' is used with precision and idiomatic flair. You are expected to master a wide range of phrasal verbs and understand their metaphorical meanings. 'Ta i bruk' (put into use), 'ta høyde for' (take into account), and 'ta sikte på' (aim for) are phrases you should use in essays and discussions. You can describe complex processes using 'ta': 'Prosessen tar sikte på å forbedre miljøet.' Your understanding of 'ta' in legal or formal contexts grows; for example, 'ta ut tiltale' (to press charges). You will also use 'ta' to express subtle emotional states, like 'ta seg nær av noe' (to be offended by something). At this level, you should be able to distinguish between 'ta' and its synonyms like 'gripe' or 'mota' based on the required register. You will use 'ta' in hypothetical sentences: 'Hvis jeg hadde tatt toget, ville jeg vært der nå.' Your flow of speech should include 'ta' in its natural, often shortened forms. You will also understand the difference between 'ta på' (to touch) and 'ta på' (to affect), as in 'Krisen tar på kreftene' (The crisis is draining/taking its toll on one's strength). This level is about nuance and the ability to use 'ta' to connect complex ideas.
At the C1 level, you use 'ta' with the sophistication of a native speaker. You are comfortable with rare and highly idiomatic expressions. You might use 'ta bladet fra munnen' (to speak one's mind) or 'ta tyren ved hornene' (take the bull by the horns). You understand the historical and etymological roots that allow 'ta' to function in so many ways. Your use of 'ta' in academic writing is precise: 'Forfatteren tar utgangspunkt i...' (The author takes as a starting point...). You can navigate the subtle differences between 'ta' and 'overta' in business negotiations or 'ta' and 'anta' in philosophical debates. You recognize 'ta' in old-fashioned or poetic contexts, such as 'ta til ekte' (to marry). Your listening skills allow you to catch 'ta' even when it is heavily elided in fast-paced, regional dialects. You can use 'ta' to describe complex social dynamics, like 'ta noen på fersken' (catch someone red-handed). At this level, 'ta' is no longer just a verb; it is a flexible tool for rhetorical precision, allowing you to shade your meaning with perfect accuracy. You understand how 'ta' can change the tone of a sentence from confrontational to collaborative depending on the following preposition and the context of the conversation.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'ta' is complete. You can use the verb in its most obscure forms and contexts, including archaic legal language or highly specialized technical jargon. You understand the rhythm and prosody of the word in poetry and high literature. You can play with the word, using it in puns or complex wordplay that relies on its multiple meanings. You might use 'ta' to discuss the 'taking' of a soul in a theological context or the 'taking' of a position in a high-level diplomatic standoff. You are aware of the subtle regional variations in how 'ta' is used across Norway, from the north to the south. You can analyze the use of 'ta' in the works of Henrik Ibsen or Knut Hamsun, noting how the verb anchors the physical and psychological reality of the characters. Your command of phrasal verbs is so natural that you can even invent new, understandable metaphorical uses of 'ta' that follow the internal logic of the Norwegian language. At C2, 'ta' is an invisible but essential part of your linguistic DNA, used with effortless grace and absolute precision in every possible communicative situation, from the most mundane to the most profound.

ta en 30 secondes

  • Ta is a versatile Norwegian verb meaning 'to take,' 'to bring,' or 'to use transportation.'
  • It is irregular: the forms are ta (inf), tar (pres), tok (past), and tatt (perf).
  • Used in many common phrases like 'ta en dusj' (take a shower) and 'ta bussen' (take the bus).
  • Essential for A1 learners to master physical taking and time duration expressions.
The Norwegian verb ta is one of the most fundamental and versatile building blocks of the language. At its core, it translates to the English 'to take,' but its utility extends far beyond mere physical grasping. In the Norwegian mindset, 'ta' represents an action of acquisition, movement, or engagement with an object or concept. Whether you are physically picking up a glass of water, taking a specific bus route, or metaphorically taking a chance, 'ta' is the primary engine for these expressions.
Physical Action
The most basic use involves physically moving an object from one place to another or into one's possession. For example, 'Jeg tar boka' (I take the book).
Transportation
In Norway, you don't just 'go by' bus; you 'take' it. This applies to trains, taxis, and boats. 'Vi må ta toget til Oslo' (We must take the train to Oslo).
Time Consumption
Just like in English, 'ta' describes how much time an activity requires. 'Det tar fem minutter' (It takes five minutes).

Kan du ta med deg paraplyen?

This verb is essential for daily survival in Norway. From the moment you wake up and 'ta en dusj' (take a shower) to when you 'ta kvelden' (call it a night), you are constantly engaging with this verb. It is irregular in its conjugation, which learners must master early. The forms are ta (infinitive), tar (present), tok (past), and har tatt (present perfect).

Jeg skal ta en kaffe.

Furthermore, 'ta' is the root of numerous phrasal verbs. By adding a preposition like 'på,' 'av,' or 'ut,' the meaning shifts entirely. 'Ta på' means to touch or to put on clothes, while 'ta av' means to take off clothes or to take off (like a plane). This flexibility makes it a high-frequency word that appears in almost every conversation. Understanding 'ta' is not just about learning a word; it is about understanding how Norwegians categorize actions of movement and acquisition.
Abstract Concepts
Used for taking responsibility (ta ansvar) or taking a break (ta en pause). It anchors the subject's agency in the situation.

Vi må ta hensyn til andre.

In social settings, 'ta' is used to initiate activities. 'Skal vi ta en tur?' (Shall we take a walk?) is a classic Norwegian invitation. The word carries a sense of directness and intention. Whether you are taking a photo (ta et bilde) or taking a test (ta en prøve), the verb remains the same, providing a comforting consistency for the A1 learner while offering deep complexity for the C2 scholar.
Using 'ta' correctly requires an understanding of its irregular forms and its interaction with direct objects. In a basic SVO (Subject-Verb-Object) sentence, 'ta' follows the standard Norwegian V2 rule, meaning the verb is always the second element in a declarative sentence.
Present Tense
Use 'tar' for habits or current actions. 'Han tar bussen hver dag' (He takes the bus every day).
Past Tense
Use 'tok' for completed actions. 'Jeg tok med kake til festen' (I brought/took cake to the party).

Hun tok på seg jakken før hun gikk ut.

When using 'ta' with modal verbs, use the infinitive form. 'Jeg må ta medisinen min' (I must take my medicine). A common challenge for English speakers is the use of 'ta' in phrasal constructions. For example, 'ta vare på' means 'to take care of.' The structure here is 'ta' + [noun] + [preposition]. In questions, the verb moves to the first position unless there is a question word. 'Tar du bussen?' (Are you taking the bus?) vs. 'Hvorfor tar du bussen?' (Why are you taking the bus?).

Kan du ta et bilde av oss?

Imperative Form
The imperative is simply 'ta!'. 'Ta den!' (Take it!). It is used for commands or instructions.
When expressing duration, the pattern is 'Det tar [tid] å [verb]'. 'Det tar ti minutter å gå' (It takes ten minutes to walk). This structure is identical to English, making it an easy win for learners. However, be careful with 'ta' when talking about food. While 'spise' means to eat, 'ta' is used when choosing what to have: 'Jeg tar laksen' (I'll take/have the salmon).

De har tatt en beslutning.

In more advanced sentences, 'ta' can be used reflexively. 'Ta seg nær av noe' means to take something to heart or be offended. This requires the reflexive pronoun (meg, deg, seg, etc.) to match the subject. 'Han tok seg nær av kritikken' (He took the criticism to heart).
You will hear 'ta' everywhere in Norway, from the bustling streets of Oslo to the quiet fjords of the west. In a grocery store, the cashier might ask, 'Vil du ta kvitteringen?' (Do you want to take the receipt?). On public transport, announcements often include the verb: 'Neste stopp er Nationaltheatret. Husk å ta med alle personlige eiendeler' (Next stop is Nationaltheatret. Remember to take all personal belongings with you).
The Café Scene
Ordering is almost always done with 'ta'. 'Jeg tar en bolle og en kaffe'. It sounds polite and decisive.
Workplace Norwegian
In meetings, people will say 'La oss ta en gjennomgang' (Let's take a review/walkthrough) or 'Hvem tar ballen?' (Who is taking the ball/responsibility?).

Skal vi ta en pause i ti minutter?

In Norwegian pop culture, 'ta' appears in song titles and movie dialogue constantly. A very common phrase you'll hear in social settings is 'Ta det med ro' (Take it easy/Relax). If someone is stressed, a friend will inevitably say, 'Bare ta det helt med ro.' In sports, commentators use 'ta' for scoring or winning: 'Han tar gullet!' (He takes the gold!).

Vi tar det som det kommer.

Emergency Situations
If someone is hurt, you might hear 'Ta det rolig' or 'Jeg tar kontakt med legen' (I am contacting the doctor).
Because 'ta' is so short, it is also used in many compound verbs in news reports, such as 'ta til orde for' (to speak up for/advocate for) or 'ta høyde for' (to take into account). When watching the news (Dagsrevyen), listen for how politicians 'tar avstand fra' (distance themselves from) certain policies. This demonstrates how a simple A1 verb scales up to the highest levels of formal discourse.

Kan du ta telefonen?

Lastly, in family life, parents tell children to 'ta på skoa' (put on your shoes) or 'ta ut av oppvaskmaskinen' (empty the dishwasher). It is the verb of action and household management.
One of the most frequent mistakes for English speakers is using 'ha' (have) when they should use 'ta'. In English, we 'have a shower' or 'have a seat,' but in Norwegian, you 'tar en dusj' or 'tar en plass.' Using 'ha' in these contexts sounds unnatural.
The 'Take/Bring' Confusion
In English, 'bring' and 'take' are separate verbs. In Norwegian, 'ta med' covers both, depending on the context. Learners often try to find a separate word for 'bring' (like 'bringe'), but 'ta med' is much more common in daily life.
Conjugation Errors
Since 'ta' is irregular, many beginners say 'tate' instead of 'tok' for the past tense. This is a classic 'strong verb' error. Remember: ta - tar - tok - tatt.

Feil: Jeg har ta bussen. Riktig: Jeg har tatt bussen.

Another mistake involves the preposition 'på'. 'Ta på' means two very different things: to touch something (Jeg tar på bordet) or to put on clothes (Jeg tar på meg jakken). Forgetting the reflexive pronoun 'meg/deg/seg' when talking about clothes is a common slip-up. Without 'meg,' 'Jeg tar på jakken' sounds like you are just touching the jacket rather than wearing it.

Husk: ta på seg for klær!

Literal Translations
Avoid translating 'take a look' as 'ta et se'. The correct Norwegian phrase is 'ta en titt'.
Lastly, learners often confuse 'ta av' (take off clothes/take off) with 'ta ut' (take out). If you want to say 'take off your shoes,' use 'ta av deg skoene.' If you say 'ta ut skoene,' it implies taking them out of a box or a room. Precision with prepositions is key to mastering 'ta'.
While 'ta' is a catch-all verb, Norwegian has more specific words for different types of 'taking.' Understanding these will make your Norwegian sound more advanced and precise.
Hente vs. Ta
'Hente' means to fetch or pick up. If you go to the post office to get a package, you 'henter' it. 'Ta' is just the act of taking what is already there.
Bringe vs. Ta med
'Bringe' is formal and less common. Use 'ta med' (take with) for 99% of daily situations involving bringing something.
Få vs. Ta
'Få' means to receive or get. If someone gives you a gift, you 'får' it. If you grab it from the table, you 'tar' it.

Jeg henter barna i barnehagen.

In more formal contexts, 'mota' (to receive/accept) or 'overta' (to take over/inherit) might be used. 'Overta' is particularly common in business or real estate when someone 'takes over' a contract or a house. Another interesting alternative is 'nappe,' which means to snatch or take quickly. If a seagull takes your ice cream, it 'napper' it.

Han overtok firmaet etter faren sin.

Gripe vs. Ta
'Gripe' means to grab or seize, often with more force or urgency than 'ta'. 'Gripe sjansen' (seize the chance).
Finally, 'stjele' (to steal) is the illegal version of 'ta'. While 'ta' can sometimes be used loosely for borrowing, 'stjele' implies lack of permission. By learning these nuances, you move from basic communication to expressive fluency.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

While English 'take' comes from Old Norse 'taka', German kept 'nehmen'. So Norwegian 'ta' is a direct ancestor of the English word!

Guide de prononciation

UK /tɑː/
US /tɑ/
The stress is on the only syllable.
Rime avec
dra bra fra sa da ha ja hva
Erreurs fréquentes
  • Pronouncing the 'a' as a short 'ah' like in 'cat'.
  • Confusing it with 'tå' (toe), which has a rounded 'o' sound.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it looks like English 'take'.

Exemples par niveau

1

Jeg tar bussen.

I take the bus.

Present tense of 'ta'.

2

Kan du ta boka?

Can you take the book?

Infinitive after modal verb 'kan'.

3

Vi tar en kaffe.

We are having/taking a coffee.

Common usage for ordering or deciding.

4

Ta med en paraply.

Bring an umbrella.

Imperative form + 'med' (bring).

5

Det tar fem minutter.

It takes five minutes.

Used for duration.

6

Han tar et bilde.

He takes a picture.

Standard phrase for photography.

7

Jeg tar en dusj.

I take a shower.

Norwegian uses 'ta' instead of 'ha' here.

8

Hvem tar denne?

Who takes this one?

Question form.

1

Hun tok på seg jakken.

She put on her jacket.

Past tense 'tok' + reflexive 'seg' + 'på'.

2

Vi tok toget til Bergen.

We took the train to Bergen.

Past tense for transport.

3

Kan du ta ut søpla?

Can you take out the trash?

Phrasal verb 'ta ut'.

4

Jeg må ta medisinen min.

I must take my medicine.

Modal verb construction.

5

Ta til venstre i krysset.

Take a left at the intersection.

Giving directions.

6

Har du tatt bussen i dag?

Have you taken the bus today?

Present perfect 'har tatt'.

7

Han tar vare på hunden.

He takes care of the dog.

Idiomatic phrase 'ta vare på'.

8

Det tok lang tid.

It took a long time.

Past tense for duration.

1

Vi må ta en beslutning nå.

We must make a decision now.

Abstract noun 'beslutning'.

2

Hun tar seg av barna.

She takes care of the children.

Reflexive phrasal verb 'ta seg av'.

3

Jeg tar opp dette på møtet.

I will bring this up at the meeting.

Phrasal verb 'ta opp' (mention).

4

Han tok over firmaet.

He took over the company.

Phrasal verb 'ta over'.

5

Ikke ta det personlig.

Don't take it personally.

Idiomatic usage.

6

Vi tar sikte på å vinne.

We aim to win.

Idiomatic 'ta sikte på'.

7

De tok ham på fersken.

They caught him red-handed.

Idiom 'ta på fersken'.

8

Jeg tar avstand fra vold.

I distance myself from violence.

Formal phrase 'ta avstand fra'.

1

Vi må ta høyde for forsinkelser.

We must account for delays.

Idiom 'ta høyde for'.

2

Han tar seg nær av kritikken.

He takes the criticism to heart.

Reflexive 'ta seg nær av'.

3

Prosjektet tar i bruk ny teknologi.

The project utilizes new technology.

Phrase 'ta i bruk'.

4

Det tar på å jobbe så mye.

Working so much is taking its toll.

Phrasal verb 'ta på' (be draining).

5

Hun tok til orde for endring.

She spoke up for change.

Formal phrase 'ta til orde for'.

6

Vi må ta tyren ved hornene.

We must take the bull by the horns.

Idiom.

7

Han tok saken i egne hender.

He took matters into his own hands.

Idiom.

8

Politiet tok ut tiltale.

The police pressed charges.

Legal terminology.

1

Forfatteren tar utgangspunkt i historien.

The author takes history as a starting point.

Academic phrase 'ta utgangspunkt i'.

2

Han tok bladet fra munnen.

He spoke his mind/broke his silence.

Idiom.

3

Vi må ta lærdom av dette.

We must learn from this.

Formal usage.

4

Det tar seg ikke ut å lyve.

It is not becoming/proper to lie.

Reflexive 'ta seg ut'.

5

Hun tok ham på ordet.

She took him at his word.

Idiom.

6

Situasjonen tok en uventet vending.

The situation took an unexpected turn.

Narrative usage.

7

Han tok til takke med det han fikk.

He made do with what he got.

Idiom 'ta til takke med'.

8

De tok sikte på en minnelig løsning.

They aimed for an amicable solution.

Formal negotiation.

1

Han tok sin død av det.

It was the death of him (metaphorically or literally).

Archaic/Strong idiom.

2

Man må ta det onde med det gode.

One must take the bad with the good.

Philosophical proverb.

3

Han tok til gjenmæle mot anklagene.

He spoke back/defended himself against the accusations.

Formal/Legalistic.

4

Det ble tatt til etterretning.

It was taken into account/noted.

Passive formal usage.

5

Hun tok ham i forsvar.

She came to his defense.

Formal phrase.

6

Han tok affære umiddelbart.

He took action immediately.

Formal 'ta affære'.

7

Naturen tar sin rett.

Nature takes its course.

Philosophical/Literary.

8

Han tok sin hatt og gikk.

He quit/left abruptly.

Idiom for resigning.

Collocations courantes

ta bussen
ta en dusj
ta et bilde
ta en pause
ta med
ta tid
ta på seg
ta av seg
ta vare på
ta kontakt

Phrases Courantes

Ta det med ro

— Take it easy or relax. Used to calm someone down.

Bare ta det helt med ro.

Ta det rolig

— Similar to 'ta det med ro', but often used for physical speed.

Kjør rolig, ta det rolig.

Ta en titt

— To take a look at something briefly.

Vil du ta en titt på dette?

Ta plass

— To take a seat or find your place.

Vennligst ta plass.

Ta feil

— To be wrong about something.

Jeg tror du tar feil.

Ta slutt

— To come to an end.

Festen må ta slutt nå.

Ta i mot

— To welcome or receive someone/something.

Vi må ta i mot gjestene.

Ta ordet

— To start speaking in a meeting or group.

Han tok ordet og forklarte alt.

Ta sats

— To gather strength before a jump or a big effort.

Han tok sats og hoppet.

Ta sikte på

— To aim for a specific goal.

Vi tar sikte på ferdigstillelse i mai.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Ta tyren ved hornene"

— To deal with a difficult situation directly.

Vi må ta tyren ved hornene og løse dette.

informal/neutral
"Ta beina på nakken"

— To run away very fast, usually from fear.

Da han så bjørnen, tok han beina på nakken.

informal
"Ta bladet fra munnen"

— To finally speak out about something one has been silent about.

Statsministeren tok endelig bladet fra munnen.

formal/news
"Ta kvelden"

— To stop working or go to bed for the night.

Nå er jeg sliten, jeg tar kvelden.

informal
"Ta noen på fersken"

— To catch someone in the middle of doing something wrong.

Læreren tok ham på fersken i å jukse.

neutral
"Ta seg vann over hodet"

— To take on more than one can handle (bite off more than you can chew).

Jeg tok meg vann over hodet med dette prosjektet.

informal
"Ta det for god fisk"

— To believe something without questioning it.

Du kan ikke bare ta alt han sier for god fisk.

informal
"Ta i et tak"

— To make a real effort or help out with physical work.

Alle må ta i et tak hvis vi skal bli ferdige.

neutral
"Ta saken i egne hender"

— To act oneself because others aren't doing anything.

Hun tok saken i egne hender og fikset røret.

neutral
"Ta på kornet"

— To describe or imitate something perfectly.

Komikeren tok dialekten hans helt på kornet.

informal

Famille de mots

Noms

tak (a grip/roof)
takling (tackling)
mottak (reception)
uttak (withdrawal)

Verbes

overta (take over)
mota (receive)
anta (assume)
deltas (participate - though delta is more common)

Adjectifs

tatt (taken)
inntakende (charming)
opptatt (busy/occupied)

Apparenté

taust
takle
tanke
takt
tapper

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'TA-king' something. It starts exactly like the English word 'take'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a hand reaching out to grab a 'T' shaped object. The 'A' is the open palm.

Word Web

buss bilde pause dusj tog med av

Défi

Try to use 'ta' in five different ways today: for transport, for food, for clothing, for time, and for a physical object.

Origine du mot

Derived from Old Norse 'taka', which meant to touch, reach, or grasp.

Sens originel : To touch or lay hold of.

Germanic (Cognate with English 'take', though English 'take' actually replaced the native Old English 'niman').

Contexte culturel

No specific sensitivities, but 'ta for seg' can sometimes imply greediness depending on context.

English speakers often say 'have a shower' or 'have a coffee,' but in Norwegian, you must switch to 'take.'

'Ta meg med' (Take me with you) - a common theme in Norwegian songs. The concept of 'å ta ansvar' is frequently discussed in Norwegian politics. Ibsen's characters often 'tar konsekvensene' (take the consequences).
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