Meaning
Selecting an option.
Cultural Background
The 'dugnad' spirit often involves collective choices. While 'å ta et valg' is individual, in a group setting, Norwegians strive for consensus. Norwegian workplaces are egalitarian. Even junior employees are expected to 'ta valg' regarding their daily tasks without micro-management. From a young age, Norwegian children are given 'valgfag' (elective subjects), teaching them the importance of 'å ta egne valg'. Voter turnout is a point of pride. 'Å ta et valg' during 'Stortingsvalget' (parliamentary election) is seen as a core duty.
Sound like a native
Use 'tok' instead of 'har tatt' when telling a story. It sounds more narrative and natural.
Gender Alert
Always use 'et' with 'valg'. Saying 'en valg' is a very common beginner mistake.
Meaning
Selecting an option.
Sound like a native
Use 'tok' instead of 'har tatt' when telling a story. It sounds more narrative and natural.
Gender Alert
Always use 'et' with 'valg'. Saying 'en valg' is a very common beginner mistake.
Consensus
In groups, use 'Vi må ta et valg sammen' to sound more polite and inclusive.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'å ta'.
I går ______ jeg et vanskelig valg.
The sentence refers to 'I går' (yesterday), so we need the preterite form 'tok'.
Which sentence is most natural?
How do you say 'I have to make a choice'?
'Å ta et valg' is the standard Norwegian collocation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Skal vi dra til Spania eller Hellas? B: Jeg vet ikke, du må ______.
In a casual conversation about travel, 'ta et valg' is the most natural fit.
Match the phrase to the context.
When would you say 'Vi har tatt et valg'?
The present perfect 'har tatt' implies the decision has just been completed.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ta vs. Gjøre
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI går ______ jeg et vanskelig valg.
The sentence refers to 'I går' (yesterday), so we need the preterite form 'tok'.
How do you say 'I have to make a choice'?
'Å ta et valg' is the standard Norwegian collocation.
A: Skal vi dra til Spania eller Hellas? B: Jeg vet ikke, du må ______.
In a casual conversation about travel, 'ta et valg' is the most natural fit.
When would you say 'Vi har tatt et valg'?
The present perfect 'har tatt' implies the decision has just been completed.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt's grammatically understandable but sounds 'un-Norwegian'. Stick to 'ta'.
'Valg' is a choice between options; 'beslutning' is a more formal decision.
Yes, it is common in both official written languages.
You say 'Jeg har ikke noe valg'.
It is 'ta et valg' (neuter) but 'ta en beslutning' (feminine/masculine).
Yes, 'valget' means 'the election'.
The past tense is 'tok et valg'.
It is neutral and can be used in both contexts.
You say 'et tøft valg'.
No, it is 'mange valg' (many choices).
Related Phrases
å bestemme seg
similarto decide
å treffe en beslutning
formalto reach a decision
å velge
builds onto choose
valgets kvaler
specialized formthe agony of choice
et fritt valg
similara free choice
