Meaning
Illness.
Cultural Background
Norwegians have a high threshold for calling in sick for social events but a very low threshold for staying home from work to prevent infecting others. This is part of the 'dugnad' spirit—protecting the community. The 'Egenmelding' system allows you to be sick for 3 days without a doctor's note. It's based on trust. The use of 'sykt' as an intensifier is ubiquitous. It can mean 'very', 'cool', or 'insane' depending on the tone. There is a cultural belief that 'frisk luft' (fresh air) can cure minor illnesses. Don't be surprised if someone suggests a walk when you say you're 'syk'.
God bedring!
Always say 'God bedring!' (Get well soon!) when someone tells you they are syk. It is the essential polite response.
Syk i hodet
Be careful! 'Syk i hodet' is an insult meaning 'crazy' or 'stupid'. Don't use it to describe a headache.
Meaning
Illness.
God bedring!
Always say 'God bedring!' (Get well soon!) when someone tells you they are syk. It is the essential polite response.
Syk i hodet
Be careful! 'Syk i hodet' is an insult meaning 'crazy' or 'stupid'. Don't use it to describe a headache.
Using 'sykt' as slang
If you want to sound like a local, use 'sykt' instead of 'veldig' (very) when talking about something positive with friends.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'syk' (syk, sykt, or syke).
Barna er ______ i dag.
Since 'barna' (the children) is plural, the adjective must be 'syke'.
Choose the correct sentence to tell your boss you are ill.
Hvilken setning er riktig?
In Norwegian, you use the verb 'å være' (to be) with the adjective 'syk'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hvorfor kom du ikke i går? B: Beklager, jeg ___ ___.
The question is in the past tense ('kom du ikke'), so the answer must also be in the past tense ('var syk').
Match the phrase to the context.
Match 'Det er sykt bra!' to the correct context.
'Sykt bra' is informal slang used to express high praise.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of 'Syk'
Physical
- • Feber
- • Forkjølelse
- • Influensa
Slang
- • Sykt bra
- • Sykt kult
- • Sykt lættis
Practice Bank
4 exercisesBarna er ______ i dag.
Since 'barna' (the children) is plural, the adjective must be 'syke'.
Hvilken setning er riktig?
In Norwegian, you use the verb 'å være' (to be) with the adjective 'syk'.
A: Hvorfor kom du ikke i går? B: Beklager, jeg ___ ___.
The question is in the past tense ('kom du ikke'), so the answer must also be in the past tense ('var syk').
Match 'Det er sykt bra!' to the correct context.
'Sykt bra' is informal slang used to express high praise.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in Norway, mental health is recognized as a valid reason to be 'syk'.
'Syk' is the condition, 'dårlig' is the feeling. You can say 'Jeg føler meg dårlig' to mean you feel sick.
You don't use 'syk'. You say 'Jeg er lei av dette'.
Yes, 'Hunden er syk' is perfectly correct.
Usually not for the first 3 days (egenmelding), but check your contract.
It means 'insanely good' or 'awesome'.
Yes, it is a neutral word suitable for all settings.
It's like the French 'u' or German 'ü'.
Yes, in slang, similar to English 'that's sick!'.
It means seasick.
Related Phrases
å føle seg dårlig
similarTo feel unwell
å ha vondt
specialized formTo be in pain
å bli frisk
contrastTo get well
sykemeldt
builds onOn sick leave
sykelig
specialized formMorbid/Sickly
