Meaning
Praising someone's work.
Cultural Background
The phrase is central to 'Dugnad' culture. It is the verbal reward for community service. Norwegian workplaces are flat. A boss saying 'Bra jobbet' is common, but so is a subordinate saying it to a boss. On Instagram or LinkedIn, 'Bra jobbet!' is often the first comment on achievement posts. Teachers use this constantly to encourage students, focusing on the process rather than just the grade.
The 'Nordic Gasp'
Sometimes Norwegians say 'Bra jobbet' while inhaling. This is a sign of genuine agreement and approval.
Don't overdo it
Norwegians value sincerity. If you say 'Bra jobbet' for every tiny thing, it might lose its meaning.
Meaning
Praising someone's work.
The 'Nordic Gasp'
Sometimes Norwegians say 'Bra jobbet' while inhaling. This is a sign of genuine agreement and approval.
Don't overdo it
Norwegians value sincerity. If you say 'Bra jobbet' for every tiny thing, it might lose its meaning.
Add a name
Adding the person's name ('Bra jobbet, Thomas!') makes the praise feel much more personal and warm.
Dugnad Spirit
Always say 'Bra jobbet' at the end of a community cleanup or group project.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the praise.
____ jobbet med presentasjonen!
'Bra' is the standard adverb/adjective used in this set phrase.
Match the situation to the most appropriate phrase.
Your friend just finished running a 10k race.
Running a race involves effort and completion, making 'Bra jobbet!' the perfect choice.
Which of these is the most common informal variation of 'Bra jobbet!'?
Choose the correct variation:
'Godt jobba!' is the most frequent informal alternative using the past participle.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Jeg har vasket hele huset.' B: 'Oi! ____ ____!'
Cleaning the house is a task that deserves praise for the effort.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to say 'Bra jobbet!'
Work
- • Reports
- • Meetings
- • Emails
Home
- • Cleaning
- • Cooking
- • DIY
Sports
- • Running
- • Football
- • Gym
Bra jobbet vs. Gratulerer
Practice Bank
4 exercises____ jobbet med presentasjonen!
'Bra' is the standard adverb/adjective used in this set phrase.
Your friend just finished running a 10k race.
Running a race involves effort and completion, making 'Bra jobbet!' the perfect choice.
Choose the correct variation:
'Godt jobba!' is the most frequent informal alternative using the past participle.
A: 'Jeg har vasket hele huset.' B: 'Oi! ____ ____!'
Cleaning the house is a task that deserves praise for the effort.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your friends, or your children.
No, 'God jobb' usually refers to a good employment position, not praise for a task.
They are essentially the same. 'Godt jobba' is slightly more informal and common in spoken Eastern Norwegian.
No, use 'Gratulerer med dagen' for birthdays.
In standard Urban East Norwegian, the 't' is pronounced, but in many dialects, it is silent.
Yes, if you see them doing something helpful or impressive, like helping someone with a stroller.
Add 'kjempe' to the front: 'Kjempebra jobbet!'
Yes, very common in emails, texts, and social media comments.
Yes, it is one of the most common things to shout from the sidelines.
Yes, but be careful with your tone. It can sound quite biting if used ironically.
It literally means 'Good the work'.
No, the phrase remains the same whether you are talking to one person or a group.
Related Phrases
Godt jobba!
synonymWell worked!
Godt gjort!
similarWell done!
Kjempebra!
builds onGreat!
Stå på!
similarKeep it up!
Gratulerer!
contrastCongratulations!
