Meaning
To return to a normal state after a surprise.
Cultural Background
Norwegians value 'friluftsliv' (outdoor life) as a way to 'komme seg etter sjokket'. If something bad happens, a common advice is 'ta deg en tur i skogen' (take a walk in the woods). In Norwegian workplaces, mental health is taken seriously. If an employee experiences a 'sjokk', it is socially acceptable to take a 'sykemelding' (sick leave) to recover. Norwegians are often perceived as reserved. Using this phrase allows them to acknowledge strong emotions without appearing 'hysterical'.
Use it for positive things too!
Don't just use this for bad news. Winning a competition or getting a surprise gift are perfect times to use it.
Don't forget the 'seg'!
The phrase loses its meaning entirely without the reflexive pronoun.
Meaning
To return to a normal state after a surprise.
Use it for positive things too!
Don't just use this for bad news. Winning a competition or getting a surprise gift are perfect times to use it.
Don't forget the 'seg'!
The phrase loses its meaning entirely without the reflexive pronoun.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct reflexive pronoun and preposition.
Hun må komme ___ ___ sjokket.
The subject is 'Hun', so the reflexive pronoun must be 'seg'. The correct preposition is 'etter'.
Which sentence is most natural for a B1 learner?
After hearing the news, I need a moment.
This uses the full, correct collocation with the reflexive pronoun.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Vant du virkelig 1 million kroner?' B: 'Ja, jeg har ikke ___ ___ ___ ___ ennå!'
The present perfect 'har ikke kommet' is required here.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Å komme seg etter sjokket'
Positive
- • Lotto win
- • Surprise party
- • Proposal
Negative
- • Bad news
- • Accident
- • Layoffs
Practice Bank
3 exercisesHun må komme ___ ___ sjokket.
The subject is 'Hun', so the reflexive pronoun must be 'seg'. The correct preposition is 'etter'.
After hearing the news, I need a moment.
This uses the full, correct collocation with the reflexive pronoun.
A: 'Vant du virkelig 1 million kroner?' B: 'Ja, jeg har ikke ___ ___ ___ ___ ennå!'
The present perfect 'har ikke kommet' is required here.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
2 questionsIt is understandable, but 'etter' is much more natural in Norwegian.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Related Phrases
å hente seg inn
similarto recover one's strength or catch up
å komme over det
similarto get over it
å få summet seg
similarto collect oneself
