Meaning
Cleaning the dishes after eating.
Cultural Background
In Norway, the 'hytte' (cabin) culture means many people still wash dishes by hand in a basin, making 'vaske opp' a social activity. Gender equality is highly valued; 'vaske opp' is seen as a neutral chore that everyone in the house should share. Cleanliness is a core value, and 'vaske opp' is often done immediately after eating, with great attention to detail. There is a heavy reliance on dishwashers, so 'vaske opp' often refers to loading the machine rather than hand-washing.
The Guest Rule
Always offer to 'vaske opp' when you are a guest in a Norwegian home. It's a great way to show appreciation.
Don't over-use 'opp'
Remember that 'opp' is specific to dishes. Don't add it to every 'vaske' sentence.
Meaning
Cleaning the dishes after eating.
The Guest Rule
Always offer to 'vaske opp' when you are a guest in a Norwegian home. It's a great way to show appreciation.
Don't over-use 'opp'
Remember that 'opp' is specific to dishes. Don't add it to every 'vaske' sentence.
Zalo is Key
If you want to sound like a local, mention 'Zalo' when talking about washing up.
Test Yourself
Fyll inn det manglende ordet.
Etter middagen må vi vaske ___.
The correct phrasal verb for doing dishes is 'vaske opp'.
Hvilken setning er riktig?
Velg den setningen som beskriver å vaske tallerkener.
'Vaske opp' is the specific term for dishes.
Fullfør dialogen.
A: Takk for maten! B: Bare hyggelig. Kan du hjelpe meg å ____?
In a kitchen context after a meal, 'vaske opp' is the logical request.
Match situasjonen med riktig uttrykk.
Du har nettopp spist middag og kjøkkenet er skittent.
Cleaning the kitchen after eating involves 'vaske opp'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Washing in Norwegian
Dishes
- • vaske opp
- • ta oppvasken
Clothes
- • vaske klær
Body
- • vaske seg
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEtter middagen må vi vaske ___.
The correct phrasal verb for doing dishes is 'vaske opp'.
Velg den setningen som beskriver å vaske tallerkener.
'Vaske opp' is the specific term for dishes.
A: Takk for maten! B: Bare hyggelig. Kan du hjelpe meg å ____?
In a kitchen context after a meal, 'vaske opp' is the logical request.
Du har nettopp spist middag og kjøkkenet er skittent.
Cleaning the kitchen after eating involves 'vaske opp'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, you can use it generally for the whole process, but 'sette i oppvaskmaskinen' is more specific.
They are both very common. 'Ta oppvasken' is often used for the chore as a whole, while 'vaske opp' is the action.
In Norwegian, 'opp' often indicates that a task is being completed or finished.
It is always two separate words.
No, for floors you just say 'vaske gulvet'.
The noun is 'en oppvask'.
Yes, it is considered very polite in Norway.
Yes, they are called 'kjøkkenhåndklær'.
It is the general word for dish soap.
Sometimes figuratively, but usually it's literal.
Related Phrases
ta oppvasken
synonymto do the dishes
skylle av
similarto rinse off
tørke oppvasken
builds onto dry the dishes
rydde av bordet
similarto clear the table
