Meaning
nearly finished
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the 'Friluftsliv' (outdoor life) culture where following a path is a literal and metaphorical necessity. In flat-hierarchy Norwegian offices, this phrase is a standard way for managers to give 'soft' but clear feedback on career progression. Often used in political discourse to describe Norway's progress toward social or environmental goals. Teachers use this to encourage students without creating the pressure of 'perfection' immediately.
Use it for encouragement
This is the best phrase to use when someone is struggling but making progress. It shifts the focus from their current lack of skill to their future success.
Don't forget the 'å'
The most common error is 'til bli'. Always remember the infinitive marker 'å' before 'bli'.
Meaning
nearly finished
Use it for encouragement
This is the best phrase to use when someone is struggling but making progress. It shifts the focus from their current lack of skill to their future success.
Don't forget the 'å'
The most common error is 'til bli'. Always remember the infinitive marker 'å' before 'bli'.
Modesty matters
When talking about yourself, using 'på god vei' sounds more humble and Norwegian than saying 'I am becoming an expert'.
Test Yourself
Fyll inn de manglende ordene i setningen.
Hun har trent hver dag, så hun er på ___ ___ til å bli maratonløper.
The standard idiom always uses 'god vei'.
Hvilken setning er grammatisk korrekt?
Velg riktig alternativ:
You need both the infinitive marker 'å' and the verb 'bli' (become/be).
Match situasjonen med riktig bruk av uttrykket.
Situasjon: En lærling har jobbet i seks måneder og gjør det veldig bra.
The phrase is used for positive professional growth.
Fullfør dialogen.
A: Hvordan går det med norskkurset ditt? B: Det går kjempebra! Jeg er ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ flytende.
This is the most natural way to describe language learning progress.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHun har trent hver dag, så hun er på ___ ___ til å bli maratonløper.
The standard idiom always uses 'god vei'.
Velg riktig alternativ:
You need both the infinitive marker 'å' and the verb 'bli' (become/be).
Situasjon: En lærling har jobbet i seks måneder og gjør det veldig bra.
The phrase is used for positive professional growth.
A: Hvordan går det med norskkurset ditt? B: Det går kjempebra! Jeg er ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ flytende.
This is the most natural way to describe language learning progress.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsTechnically yes, but 'på god vei' is the fixed idiomatic expression. 'På bra vei' sounds unnatural to native speakers.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your friends, or in a newspaper article.
'Nesten' (almost) just marks distance. 'På god vei' marks the quality of the process and the momentum.
Usually no. 'God vei' implies a positive direction. For negative things, use 'i ferd med å bli' or 'ligger an til å bli'.
It can mean 'become' (a doctor) or 'be' (finished/ready).
Related Phrases
å ligge godt an
similarto be on track / in a good position
å være i rute
similarto be on schedule
å ha kommet langt
builds onto have come a long way
å være i ferd med
specialized formto be in the process of
