At the A1 level, 'støtte' is most easily understood as the physical act of helping someone or something stay upright. Think of it as a very basic form of 'help'. You might hear it in simple sentences like 'Jeg støtter deg' (I help/support you). At this stage, learners should focus on the present tense 'støtter' and the basic idea of giving assistance. It is often introduced alongside other helpful verbs like 'hjelpe' (to help). Learners at this level don't need to worry about complex prepositions, just the core meaning of being there for someone or holding something up. It is a 'kind' word, used to express basic social bonds. For example, if a child is learning to walk, a parent might 'støtte' them. This physical imagery is the best way to anchor the word in your early vocabulary. You can also think of it in terms of 'financial support' in a very simple way, like 'støtte til mat' (money for food). The goal for A1 is simply to recognize the word and understand its positive, helpful intent.
By A2, you should begin to use 'støtte' in more varied contexts, including emotional and financial support. You will learn the regular conjugation: 'støtter' (present), 'støttet' (past), and 'har støttet' (present perfect). This is also the level where you start using 'støtte' with common nouns like 'familie' (family), 'venner' (friends), and 'prosjekt' (project). You should be able to say things like 'Jeg støttet vennen min da han var syk' (I supported my friend when he was sick). You will also encounter it in the context of the Norwegian welfare state, such as 'økonomisk støtte' (financial support). At A2, it's important to start noticing the difference between 'støtte' as a verb and 'støtte' as a noun. You might hear 'Takk for støtten' (Thanks for the support). This level is about building sentences that describe everyday life and mutual assistance. You should also be comfortable with the idea of 'støtte et forslag' (supporting a suggestion) in a simple classroom or work setting.
At the B1 level, the nuance of 'støtte' becomes more important. You should be able to use the reflexive form 'støtte seg til' (to lean on/rely on) both physically and metaphorically. For example, 'Han støttet seg til krykkene' (He leaned on the crutches) versus 'Han støttet seg til tidligere erfaring' (He relied on previous experience). You will also begin to use phrasal verbs like 'støtte opp om' (to rally around/back up). B1 learners should be able to discuss social issues and explain why they 'støtter' certain policies or charities. This involves using the word in more complex sentence structures with conjunctions. You'll also encounter 'støtte' in academic contexts, such as 'forskningen støtter teorien' (the research supports the theory). At this level, you should be able to distinguish 'støtte' from synonyms like 'bistå' (formal) and 'hjelpe' (general). Your ability to use 'støtte' correctly with various prepositions (i, med, til) will mark your progress toward fluency.
B2 learners should use 'støtte' with precision in professional and formal environments. You will use it to describe complex systems of assistance, such as 'statlig støtteordning' (government support scheme) or 'pedagogisk støtte' (educational support). At this level, you should be comfortable using the passive voice: 'Forslaget ble bredt støttet' (The proposal was widely supported). You will also use the word to express agreement in debates: 'Jeg støtter din analyse, men er uenig i konklusjonen' (I support your analysis but disagree with the conclusion). B2 is also where you master idiomatic expressions involving support, such as 'støtte opp under' in a more abstract sense of reinforcing an argument. You should be able to read news articles about international 'nødhjelp og støtte' (emergency aid and support) and understand the subtle political implications of the word. Your vocabulary should also include related nouns like 'støttespiller' (supporter/key player) and 'støtteerklæring' (statement of support).
At the C1 level, 'støtte' is used to navigate highly nuanced social, political, and philosophical discussions. You will understand its use in literature to describe character dynamics—who supports whom and why. You will be able to use the word in sophisticated rhetorical ways, perhaps using it ironically or to highlight a lack of support ('manglende støtte'). C1 learners should be familiar with the historical etymology of the word and how it relates to other Germanic languages, which helps in understanding its deep-seated meaning in Norwegian culture. You will use 'støtte' to describe complex data sets in academic writing, using it as a synonym for 'corroborate' or 'validate'. You will also be aware of the subtle difference between 'støtte' and 'underbygge' (to substantiate). Your use of the word will be fluid, incorporating it into complex clauses and using it to express subtle degrees of commitment or agreement in high-level professional negotiations.
C2 mastery involves using 'støtte' with the ease of a native speaker, including its use in creative writing, complex legal documents, and subtle interpersonal communication. You will be able to pick up on the smallest nuances—for instance, how a politician might use 'støtte' to sound more decisive or how a poet might use 'støtte seg til' to convey vulnerability. At this level, you are not just using the word; you are playing with it. You understand all its idiomatic forms, including rare or archaic uses that might appear in older literature. You can discuss the linguistics of the word, its phonological properties, and its role in the Norwegian 'dugnad' spirit at a sociolinguistic level. Your ability to use 'støtte' correctly in any register, from the most informal slang ('backe') to the most formal diplomatic language, is absolute. You can also provide synonyms and antonyms for 'støtte' that capture every possible shade of meaning in any given context.

støtte 30초 만에

  • A versatile verb meaning to support, assist, or lean.
  • Follows a regular Class 1 conjugation pattern (støtter, støttet).
  • Used for physical, emotional, financial, and conceptual support.
  • Essential for expressing solidarity and agreement in Norwegian.
The Norwegian verb støtte is a versatile and essential term in the Scandinavian linguistic landscape, primarily translating to 'to support' or 'to assist' in English. At its core, the word encapsulates the act of providing stability, whether that stability is physical, emotional, financial, or conceptual. In the physical sense, it describes the function of a pillar holding up a roof or a cane helping a person walk. However, its most frequent usage in modern Norwegian pertains to the social and emotional realms. When you støtter a friend, you are offering them a shoulder to cry on or standing by their side during a difficult period. This word is deeply embedded in the Norwegian cultural ethos of samhold (solidarity).
Physical Support
To prop something up or keep it from falling. For example, using a beam to hold up a ceiling.
Emotional Support
To encourage someone or provide moral strength during a crisis.
Financial/Political Support
To back a cause with money or to vote for a specific policy or party.
In Norwegian society, 'støtte' is often heard in the context of the welfare state. The government støtter citizens through various social programs, and individuals are encouraged to støtte local businesses or charities. It is a word that carries a positive connotation of reliability and strength.

Vi må støtte hverandre i vanskelige tider.

This sentence, meaning 'We must support each other in difficult times,' is a common sentiment in Norwegian discourse. The verb is regular in its conjugation, following the Weak Class 1 pattern (støtter, støttet, har støttet), making it relatively easy for learners to master once the base meaning is understood. Beyond these basics, the word expands into the realm of advocacy. If you 'støtter et forslag' (support a proposal), you are indicating your agreement and willingness to see it implemented. This makes it a key word for business meetings, political discussions, and academic debates. Its frequency in Norwegian media is high, especially when discussing global aid or local community projects.

Regjeringen valgte å støtte det nye miljøtiltaket økonomisk.

Furthermore, the concept of 'støtte' is central to the Norwegian pedagogical approach, where teachers are expected to 'støtte' students' learning processes rather than just lecturing them. This nuance of 'scaffolding' is perfectly captured by the verb. In casual conversation, you might hear 'Jeg støtter deg,' which is a powerful way to tell a friend that you have their back, regardless of the circumstances. This emotional depth is what makes the word so foundational for A2 learners who are moving beyond simple physical descriptions into expressing complex social relationships. Understanding 'støtte' is a gateway to understanding the Norwegian value of 'dugnad' (communal work), where everyone 'støtter opp om' (supports) a common goal.

Kan du støtte meg mens jeg klatrer opp stigen?

Agreement
Using the word to show you agree with an opinion or a theory.
Evidence
In academic contexts, data 'støtter' a hypothesis.

Hun trengte noen til å støtte seg til etter ulykken.

Mange organisasjoner valgte å støtte kampanjen.

Finally, the word is often used in the reflexive form 'støtte seg til' (to lean on/rely on). This describes both the physical act of leaning against a wall and the metaphorical act of relying on someone's advice or a specific set of facts. It is this multi-layered functionality that makes 'støtte' a high-frequency verb in both spoken and written Norwegian.
Using støtte correctly requires an understanding of its transitivity and common prepositional pairings. As a transitive verb, it usually takes a direct object: 'Jeg støtter deg' (I support you). However, its meaning can shift slightly depending on the prepositions that follow. The most common structures include 'støtte noen i noe' (to support someone in something) and 'støtte opp om' (to rally around or actively support a cause).
Direct Object
Subject + støtter + Object. (e.g., Han støtter familien sin.)
Reflexive Use
Subject + støtter seg + til + Object. (e.g., Hun støtter seg til veggen.)
With Prepositions
Subject + støtter + Object + i + Activity. (e.g., De støtter ham i beslutningen.)
When using the verb in the past tense, støttet, it is important to ensure the double 't' is pronounced clearly to distinguish it from the present tense støtter. For example, 'Jeg støttet ham i fjor' (I supported him last year) vs. 'Jeg støtter ham nå' (I support him now). In compound sentences, 'støtte' often appears in the infinitive after modal verbs: 'Du bør støtte dette prosjektet' (You should support this project).

Han valgte å støtte seg til forskningen da han skrev rapporten.

This example demonstrates the metaphorical use of 'leaning on' or 'relying on' data. In a more casual setting, you might say, 'Jeg støtter den!' to mean 'I'm down with that!' or 'I agree with that idea!' It is a very natural way to show consensus in a group. Another important aspect is the passive form, though it is less common for this specific verb. 'Forslaget ble støttet av flertallet' (The proposal was supported by the majority). This is useful in formal writing or news reporting. When talking about sports, fans 'støtter' their team. 'Hvilket lag støtter du?' (Which team do you support?). This is synonymous with 'heie på', but 'støtte' implies a deeper, perhaps more financial or long-term commitment.

Vi har alltid støttet hverandre gjennom tykt og tynt.

The phrase 'gjennom tykt og tynt' (through thick and thin) is a classic collocation with 'støtte'. It emphasizes the enduring nature of the assistance. For students, 'støtte' is often used when discussing 'støtteark' (support sheets/handouts) or 'støtteundervisning' (remedial teaching). In these cases, the verb is part of a compound noun, but the underlying action of 'giving assistance' remains the same.

Kan du støtte meg med denne tunge esken?

Here, the support is physical. The speaker is asking for help to carry a heavy box. Notice how the preposition 'med' (with) is used here. This is slightly different from 'i', which is used for abstract support (like supporting someone in a decision).
Støtte + med
Used for physical tasks or specific items of help.
Støtte + i
Used for abstract concepts, decisions, or beliefs.

De lærte å støtte seg på hverandre.

This reflexive use with 'på' is also common and implies mutual reliance. By mastering these prepositional nuances, a learner can move from simple sentences to nuanced expressions of human interaction and physical mechanics. Whether you are leaning against a wall, backing a political candidate, or helping a friend move house, 'støtte' is the verb you need. It bridges the gap between the material world and the world of ideas, making it one of the most powerful tools in a Norwegian speaker's vocabulary.
In Norway, you will encounter the word støtte in almost every facet of life, from the evening news to the local gym. One of the most common places is in the context of the 'Lånekassen' (The Norwegian State Educational Loan Fund), where students receive 'stipend og støtte' (grants and support). Here, 'støtte' refers to the financial assistance provided by the state to ensure equal access to education. If you are a student in Norway, you will hear this word constantly during the start of every semester.
News and Politics
Journalists often report on which parties 'støtter' a new law or how much 'økonomisk støtte' (financial support) is being sent to international aid projects.
Sports Commentary
Commentators talk about 'støttepasninger' (back-passes or supporting passes) in football, where a player passes the ball backward to a teammate to maintain possession.
Workplace
Managers might say, 'Jeg vil gjerne støtte din utvikling i firmaet' (I would like to support your development in the company).
In the healthcare sector, 'støtte' is used to describe everything from 'støttebandasjer' (support bandages) to 'støttesamtaler' (supportive counseling sessions). If you visit a doctor for a physical injury, they might tell you to 'støtte deg til' a crutch. If you are struggling mentally, they might offer a 'støtteordning' (support scheme). This highlights the word's role in the infrastructure of care that defines Norwegian society.

Takk for at du valgte å støtte vår lokale idrettsklubb.

This sentence is something you might see on a poster or hear at a community event. It reflects the importance of local support for grassroots organizations. In the digital world, you'll see buttons on websites asking you to 'Støtt oss' (Support us), often seen on independent news sites or Wikipedia's Norwegian page. In everyday social life, 'støtte' is the bedrock of friendship. You'll hear people say, 'Hun har vært en stor støtte for meg' (She has been a great support for me). Although 'støtte' is a noun here, it's derived directly from the verb's action. In a conversation about opinions, you might hear, 'Jeg kan ikke støtte den påstanden' (I cannot support/back that claim), which is a polite but firm way of disagreeing in a professional or academic setting.

Vi trenger flere som kan støtte opp under arrangementet.

This use of 'støtte opp under' is a common phrasal verb meaning to provide the necessary help to make an event successful. You'll hear this from organizers of festivals, concerts, or school plays. Even in architecture and construction, which is a major industry in Norway, you'll hear engineers discussing how to 'støtte opp' a structure during renovation.
Daily Life
Helping someone carry groceries or holding a door open can be seen as small acts of 'støtte'.
Technology
Software that 'støtter' (supports) a certain file format or operating system.

Programvaren støtter ikke denne filtypen.

Kan du støtte meg med et lån til i morgen?

This last example is a very practical, if somewhat awkward, use of the word—asking for a small financial favor. Whether it's the state supporting the individual, a friend supporting a friend, or a pillar supporting a roof, the word 'støtte' is an omnipresent force in Norwegian life, signifying the interconnectedness and mutual reliance that the culture prizes.
For English speakers, the most common mistake when using støtte is a confusion of prepositions. In English, we 'support someone IN' a decision, but we might 'support someone WITH' a task. Norwegian follows similar patterns, but they are not always a 1:1 match. A frequent error is using 'støtte til' when you simply mean 'to support'. Remember: 'Jeg støtter deg' (I support you) is direct. You only add 'til' when you are leaning on something: 'Jeg støtter meg til deg' (I lean on you).
Mistake: 'Jeg støtter på deg'
Correct: 'Jeg støtter deg'. Using 'på' here is an incorrect transfer from English 'depend on' or 'rely on'.
Mistake: 'Jeg støtter om forslaget'
Correct: 'Jeg støtter forslaget' or 'Jeg støtter opp om forslaget'. The phrasal verb requires 'opp om'.
Mistake: Confusing 'støtte' and 'hjelpe'
While often interchangeable, 'støtte' implies a more foundational or long-term backing, whereas 'hjelpe' can be a one-off act of assistance.
Another subtle mistake involves the reflexive form. Learners often forget the reflexive pronoun seg when they mean 'to lean'. Saying 'Han støtter til veggen' sounds like he is providing support to the wall, rather than leaning against it. The correct form is 'Han støtter seg til veggen.'

Ikke støtt deg på den gamle stolen, den er ødelagt.

This sentence uses the imperative form 'støtt'. A common error here is to use the infinitive 'støtte' instead. In Norwegian, the imperative of Class 1 verbs is the stem (støtt). There is also the 'støtte' vs. 'forsørge' distinction. If you are paying for someone's entire life (like a parent for a child), the verb is often 'forsørge' (to provide for). Using 'støtte' in this context implies you are just giving some extra help, not necessarily covering everything. Misusing these can lead to misunderstandings about the level of financial responsibility involved.

Hun støttet ham økonomisk gjennom hele studietiden.

This is correct because it implies assistance during a specific phase. However, if she was his sole provider for life, 'forsørget' would be more accurate. Finally, be careful with the word 'backe'. While 'å backe noen' is becoming more common in informal Norwegian (an anglicism), it is still considered slang. In formal writing or exams, always use 'støtte'.
Register Error
Using 'backe' in a formal essay. Use 'støtte' or 'bistå' instead.
Spelling Error
Writing 'støte' with one 't'. 'Å støte' means to bump into or offend, which is a very different meaning!

Jeg vil ikke støte deg, men jeg kan ikke støtte din avgjørelse.

This sentence perfectly illustrates the difference: 'I don't want to offend you, but I cannot support your decision.' Mastering these distinctions will significantly improve your fluency and prevent awkward social gaffes.
Norwegian has several words that overlap with støtte, and choosing the right one can make your speech sound more natural and precise. The most obvious alternative is 'hjelpe' (to help). While 'støtte' is about providing a foundation or backing, 'hjelpe' is more general. You 'hjelper' someone to carry their bags, but you 'støtter' them when they are going through a divorce.
Bistå
A more formal version of 'støtte' or 'hjelpe'. Often used in legal or official contexts. 'Advokaten bistod klienten.'
Sekundere
Specifically used in meetings to 'second' a motion or proposal. 'Jeg vil gjerne sekundere dette forslaget.'
Heie på
To cheer for or root for someone. This is the 'enthusiastic' version of support, common in sports.
Another important synonym is 'opprettholde' (to maintain/uphold). If you are supporting a standard or a level of quality, 'opprettholde' is often more appropriate. For example, 'Vi må opprettholde den høye standarden.' However, if you are supporting the *people* doing the work, you use 'støtte'.

Han valgte å bistå politiet i etterforskningen.

This uses 'bistå' to show a formal level of cooperation. In contrast, 'støtte' would sound more like emotional backing for the police as an institution. For physical support, you might use 'stive av' (to brace) or 'forsterke' (to reinforce). If you are talking about a wall that needs extra strength, 'forsterke' is more technical than 'støtte'. But if you are just putting a temporary piece of wood to hold it up, 'støtte opp' is perfect.

Vi må forsterke grunnmuren før vinteren.

In the context of opinions, 'enig' (agree) is a related concept. 'Jeg er enig med deg' means 'I agree with you,' whereas 'Jeg støtter deg' means 'I support you (and your right to have that opinion, or I will back you up in the argument).' Supporting is more active than just agreeing.
Være enig
To share the same opinion. (Passive)
Støtte
To provide backing or defense for an opinion. (Active)

De ansatte valgte å slutte opp om streiken.

This phrase 'slutte opp om' is a very common idiomatic way to say 'to join in supporting' or 'to rally around'. It's slightly more collective than just 'støtte'. By understanding these variations, you can tailor your Norwegian to the specific situation, whether it's a casual chat with a friend or a high-stakes board meeting. 'Støtte' is your versatile base, and these alternatives are your precision tools.

수준별 예문

1

Jeg støtter deg.

I support you.

Simple present tense.

2

Kan du støtte meg?

Can you support me?

Modal verb 'kan' + infinitive.

3

Hun støtter barna sine.

She supports her children.

Subject + verb + object.

4

Vi støtter laget vårt.

We support our team.

Possessive pronoun 'vårt'.

5

Han støtter seg til bordet.

He leans on the table.

Reflexive verb 'støtte seg til'.

6

De støtter en god sak.

They support a good cause.

'Sak' here means cause or case.

7

Jeg støtter forslaget ditt.

I support your proposal.

'Ditt' agrees with the neuter 'forslag'.

8

Mamma støtter meg alltid.

Mom always supports me.

Adverb 'alltid' placed after the verb.

1

Han støttet vennen sin i går.

He supported his friend yesterday.

Past tense 'støttet'.

2

Har du støttet organisasjonen før?

Have you supported the organization before?

Present perfect 'har støttet'.

3

Vi må støtte hverandre på jobben.

We must support each other at work.

Reciprocal pronoun 'hverandre'.

4

Hun støtter seg til en stokk.

She leans on a cane.

Reflexive use with 'til'.

5

De støtter økonomisk utvikling.

They support economic development.

Adjective 'økonomisk' modifying 'utvikling'.

6

Jeg vil gjerne støtte din idé.

I would like to support your idea.

'Vil gjerne' + infinitive.

7

Læreren støttet elevene sine.

The teacher supported her students.

Past tense of a Class 1 verb.

8

Kan du støtte meg med dette?

Can you help me with this?

'Støtte med' for specific tasks.

1

Det er viktig å støtte opp om lokale bedrifter.

It is important to support local businesses.

Phrasal verb 'støtte opp om'.

2

Hun støttet seg til forskningen i sin oppgave.

She relied on the research in her assignment.

Metaphorical use of 'støtte seg til'.

3

Regjeringen valgte å støtte prosjektet med millioner.

The government chose to support the project with millions.

Infinitive after 'valgte å'.

4

Vi må støtte dem som trenger det mest.

We must support those who need it most.

Relative clause 'som trenger det mest'.

5

Han støtter seg på sine kolleger.

He relies on his colleagues.

Reflexive with 'på'.

6

Forslaget ble støttet av et flertall i styret.

The proposal was supported by a majority on the board.

Passive voice 'ble støttet'.

7

Jeg støtter deg i din beslutning om å slutte.

I support you in your decision to quit.

'Støtte noen i noe'.

8

De støttet hverandre gjennom hele krisen.

They supported each other through the entire crisis.

'Gjennom' as a preposition of duration.

1

Det finnes mange måter å støtte opp under miljøet på.

There are many ways to support the environment.

'Måter å ... på' construction.

2

Vi støtter fullt ut deres krav om bedre arbeidsvilkår.

We fully support your demands for better working conditions.

Adverbial phrase 'fullt ut'.

3

Han støttet seg til juridiske eksperter før han signerte.

He consulted/relied on legal experts before signing.

Reflexive use for professional reliance.

4

Statistikken støtter ikke denne hypotesen.

The statistics do not support this hypothesis.

Abstract subject 'statistikken'.

5

Hun har alltid støttet opp om fellesskapet.

She has always rallied around the community.

Present perfect with 'alltid'.

6

Organisasjonen støtter ofre for krig og konflikt.

The organization supports victims of war and conflict.

Direct object 'ofre'.

7

Kan du støtte opp under mine argumenter i møtet?

Can you back up my arguments in the meeting?

'Støtte opp under' for verbal backing.

8

De ble tvunget til å støtte en sak de ikke trodde på.

They were forced to support a cause they didn't believe in.

Passive 'ble tvunget til'.

1

Det er nødvendig å støtte underbygningen før vi fortsetter.

It is necessary to support the substructure before we continue.

Technical/Architectural use.

2

Forfatteren støtter seg til en lang litterær tradisjon.

The author draws upon a long literary tradition.

High-level metaphorical use.

3

Vi må støtte opp om de demokratiske verdiene våre.

We must uphold our democratic values.

Abstract/Political use.

4

Han støttet seg tungt til sin kones råd.

He relied heavily on his wife's advice.

Adverb 'tungt' modifying the reflexive verb.

5

Rapporten støtter konklusjonene fra forrige undersøkelse.

The report corroborates the conclusions from the previous study.

Academic register.

6

Det er viktig å støtte de svakeste i samfunnet.

It is important to support the most vulnerable in society.

Superlative 'svakeste'.

7

De valgte å ikke støtte den kontroversielle uttalelsen.

They chose not to support the controversial statement.

Negative infinitive 'å ikke støtte'.

8

Hvordan kan vi best støtte opp under innovasjon?

How can we best support/promote innovation?

Interrogative with 'best'.

1

Han støttet seg til en intellektuell ramme som var utdatert.

He relied on an intellectual framework that was outdated.

Philosophical/Abstract register.

2

Å støtte opp om en slik politikk er ensbetydende med selvmord.

Supporting such a policy is equivalent to suicide.

Gerund-like use of the infinitive.

3

Vi må støtte fundamentet for vår felles forståelse.

We must support the foundation of our common understanding.

Metaphorical 'fundament'.

4

Hun støttet seg til sin dype tro i de mørkeste timene.

She leaned on her deep faith during the darkest hours.

Spiritual context.

5

Retten fant ingen bevis som støttet anklagen.

The court found no evidence that supported the accusation.

Legal register.

6

Man må støtte de strukturelle endringene som kreves.

One must support the structural changes that are required.

Formal 'man' and passive 'kreves'.

7

Han støttet seg til veggen mens han kjempet for å puste.

He leaned against the wall as he struggled to breathe.

Physical/Dramatic context.

8

De støttet opp under hverandres ambisjoner uten forbehold.

They supported each other's ambitions without reservation.

'Uten forbehold' (without reservation).

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