Meaning
To have a hidden reason for acting.
Cultural Background
In Norway, trust is a core social value. Using this phrase can be a way to signal that you are alert to social dynamics. Similar to Sweden ('baktanke') and Denmark ('bagtanke'), the concept is shared across the region. In business, it is a common way to express skepticism during negotiations. Often used in comment sections when someone is seen as 'virtue signaling' or 'clickbaiting'.
Context is key
Always look at the person's body language when you suspect a 'baktanke'.
Don't overuse it
Calling everyone a person with a 'baktanke' will make you seem paranoid.
Meaning
To have a hidden reason for acting.
Context is key
Always look at the person's body language when you suspect a 'baktanke'.
Don't overuse it
Calling everyone a person with a 'baktanke' will make you seem paranoid.
Use with 'med'
Use 'med' to connect the motive to the action: 'Har du en baktanke med dette?'
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form.
Jeg tror han har en ____ med å hjelpe oss.
The singular form is required here.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the most natural sentence.
The standard idiom is 'å ha en baktanke'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Hvorfor er han så snill i dag?' B: 'Jeg vet ikke, kanskje han ____?'
This fits the context of questioning motives.
Match the situation to the phrase.
Someone is being suspiciously nice to get a promotion.
Suspiciously nice behavior often implies a hidden motive.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJeg tror han har en ____ med å hjelpe oss.
The singular form is required here.
Choose the most natural sentence.
The standard idiom is 'å ha en baktanke'.
A: 'Hvorfor er han så snill i dag?' B: 'Jeg vet ikke, kanskje han ____?'
This fits the context of questioning motives.
Someone is being suspiciously nice to get a promotion.
Suspiciously nice behavior often implies a hidden motive.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it almost always implies a selfish or deceptive motive.
Yes, you can say 'Jeg hadde ingen baktanke med det' to defend yourself.
It is neutral and works in most situations.
Baktanker.
Yes, it is a very common idiom.
Ulterior motive is the closest equivalent.
Only if you are discussing someone else's strategy, not your own.
Yes, it is common in casual texting.
No, it is standard in all Norwegian dialects.
BAK-tanka.
It can be if you accuse someone of it without proof.
Yes, it is often used to question a date's intentions.
Related Phrases
å ha en skjult agenda
synonymTo have a hidden agenda.
å være mistenksom
similarTo be suspicious.
å spille et spill
similarTo play a game.
ærlige hensikter
contrastHonest intentions.
