indikasjon

§ How to use 'indikasjon' in a sentence

The Norwegian word indikasjon means 'indication' or 'sign' in English. It's a C1 level word, which means you'll encounter it in more advanced contexts and it's a good one to add to your active vocabulary.

As a noun, indikasjon follows the typical Norwegian noun rules. It can be used in both indefinite and definite forms, and in singular and plural. Let's look at the forms:

• Indefinite singular: en indikasjon (an indication)
• Definite singular: indikasjonen (the indication)
• Indefinite plural: indikasjoner (indications)
• Definite plural: indikasjonene (the indications)

You'll often see indikasjon used with prepositions. The most common ones are:

Indicating something

When you want to say 'an indication of something', you typically use the preposition på.

For something

Sometimes, you might see indikasjon with for when talking about an indication 'for' a particular purpose or situation, especially in medical contexts.

From something

If the indication comes 'from' a source, you can use fra.

Remember that context is key! Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand which preposition is most appropriate.

Here are a few more example sentences to help you see indikasjon in action:

Practice using indikasjon in your own sentences to make it stick. Try describing something you've observed and what it indicates!

§ Indikasjon: Don't Confuse with English "Indication" in all Contexts

Many English speakers learning Norwegian make mistakes with "indikasjon" because it looks and sounds like "indication." While often true, there are nuances where direct translation leads to awkward or incorrect Norwegian. We will clear this up.

§ Mistake 1: Using Indikasjon for General Signs or Marks

In English, "indication" can mean a general sign or a mark. For example, a small scratch might be an "indication" of damage. In Norwegian, "indikasjon" is typically reserved for more abstract or inferential signs. For physical marks or general signs, other words are better.

DEFINITION

Indikasjon: A sign or suggestion of something, often a symptom or an inferred meaning. Less often a physical mark.

Instead of:

Use:

§ Mistake 2: Overusing Indikasjon in Medical Contexts for Treatment

While "indikasjon" is common in medical language, especially for symptoms or diagnostic findings, it's not always the best choice when discussing the *reason* for a treatment or surgery. English speakers might say "the indication for surgery was a broken bone." In Norwegian, this phrasing can sound a bit off.

DEFINITION

Indikasjon: In medicine, a symptom or condition that suggests a particular diagnosis or course of action. It can also refer to the reason a treatment is given, but often with other words preferred.

Instead of:

Use:

Or, if you want to be more formal and medical:

§ Mistake 3: Using Indikasjon for Simple Suggestions or Hints

Sometimes, English uses "indication" for a simple suggestion or a subtle hint. Norwegian "indikasjon" carries a bit more weight, implying something that strongly points towards a conclusion or a fact. For lighter suggestions, other words are better.

DEFINITION

Indikasjon: A sign that suggests the existence or truth of something, often with a level of certainty or importance.

Instead of:

Use:

Or:

§ General Rule for "Indikasjon"

• Use "indikasjon" when you mean an observation or fact that strongly suggests or points to something else, especially in formal, scientific, or medical contexts.
• Think of it as evidence or a strong clue, rather than just any sign or suggestion.

By understanding these distinctions, you will use "indikasjon" more accurately and naturally in your Norwegian conversations and writing. Keep practicing, and you'll get it right!