Meaning
Having an eye for quality.
Cultural Background
Norwegians spend more money on home renovation and interior design than almost any other nation. Consequently, 'god smak' in the home is a major social marker. The 'Janteloven' (Law of Jante) suggests you shouldn't brag. Therefore, it's better to have someone else say you have 'god smak' than to claim it yourself. On Norwegian social media, 'god smak' is often associated with 'minimalisme' and 'bærekraft' (sustainability). In the past, 'god smak' was associated with the 'embetsmannsklassen' (the official class) who were influenced by Danish and French culture.
The Silent D
Remember that in 'god', the 'd' is silent. Pronounce it like 'goo'.
Avoid 'Godt'
Never say 'godt smak'. It's a very common learner error that sounds jarring to natives.
Meaning
Having an eye for quality.
The Silent D
Remember that in 'god', the 'd' is silent. Pronounce it like 'goo'.
Avoid 'Godt'
Never say 'godt smak'. It's a very common learner error that sounds jarring to natives.
Safe Compliment
This is one of the safest and most appreciated compliments you can give in a Norwegian home.
Test Yourself
Choose the grammatically correct sentence.
Which of these is correct?
'Smak' is masculine, so the adjective must be 'god'.
Fill in the missing preposition.
Hun har god smak ___ musikk.
We use the preposition 'i' to specify the field of taste.
Match the response to the situation.
Your friend shows you their beautifully decorated living room. What do you say?
This is the most appropriate compliment for interior design.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Where to use 'God Smak'
Aesthetics
- • Klær
- • Interiør
- • Arkitektur
Choices
- • Musikk
- • Film
- • Partnere
Practice Bank
3 exercisesWhich of these is correct?
'Smak' is masculine, so the adjective must be 'god'.
Hun har god smak ___ musikk.
We use the preposition 'i' to specify the field of taste.
Your friend shows you their beautifully decorated living room. What do you say?
This is the most appropriate compliment for interior design.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but usually to describe someone's ability to choose good food/wine, not the food itself. For the food itself, say 'Maten er god'.
It is 'god smak i' (e.g., i musikk, i klær).
It is neutral. You can use it with anyone.
The opposite is 'dårlig smak' (bad taste).
Yes, adding 'veldig' or 'virkelig' is very common for emphasis.
Usually no, it's seen as a kind compliment in Norway.
It means 'to each their own' or 'it's a matter of taste'.
Yes, 'god smak i menn/kvinner' means you choose good partners.
It is masculine (en smak).
Use the adjective 'smakfull'.
Related Phrases
smakfull
similartasteful
dårlig smak
contrastbad taste
smak og behag
similarto each their own
å ha sansen for
similarto have a liking for
stilsikker
specialized formconfident in style
