Meaning
Sleeping avoids trouble.
Cultural Background
In Norway, the phrase is often used to soften the 'guilt' of not being productive, which is a common feeling in a culture that values hard work and being outdoors. Across Sweden and Denmark, versions of this phrase exist and share the same ironic, secular tone, reflecting a shared Lutheran heritage that has turned into social humor. On Norwegian social media, this phrase is a very common hashtag (#densomsoversynderikke) for photos of sleeping pets, especially dogs that are usually 'naughty.' The phrase reflects a time when 'sin' was a daily concern. Today, it shows how Norwegians use religious language to be funny rather than pious.
Use it for Pets
If your dog or cat is being annoying, wait until they fall asleep and then say this to your partner. It's a very 'native' way to joke.
Not for Work
Never use this to explain why you were late to a professional meeting. It will make you look irresponsible rather than funny.
Meaning
Sleeping avoids trouble.
Use it for Pets
If your dog or cat is being annoying, wait until they fall asleep and then say this to your partner. It's a very 'native' way to joke.
Not for Work
Never use this to explain why you were late to a professional meeting. It will make you look irresponsible rather than funny.
The 'Den som' Pattern
Learn this pattern! Many Norwegian proverbs start with 'Den som...' (The one who...). It's a key building block for advanced Norwegian.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the proverb.
Den som ______ synder ______.
The proverb is 'Den som sover synder ikke' (He who sleeps does not sin).
Match the situation to the best use of the phrase.
Your friend is feeling guilty for sleeping until 1 PM on Sunday. What do you say?
This phrase is the perfect humorous way to tell a friend that sleeping late is okay.
Which of these is the correct grammatical structure for the proverb?
Choose the correct sentence:
It uses 'Den som' as the subject and follows V2 word order for the main verb 'synder'.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Jeg er så sliten av alt dramaet på jobben. B: Du burde bare gå hjem og legge deg. ____.
B is suggesting that sleep is a way to escape the drama and stay 'innocent' of the conflict.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDen som ______ synder ______.
The proverb is 'Den som sover synder ikke' (He who sleeps does not sin).
Your friend is feeling guilty for sleeping until 1 PM on Sunday. What do you say?
This phrase is the perfect humorous way to tell a friend that sleeping late is okay.
Choose the correct sentence:
It uses 'Den som' as the subject and follows V2 word order for the main verb 'synder'.
A: Jeg er så sliten av alt dramaet på jobben. B: Du burde bare gå hjem og legge deg. ____.
B is suggesting that sleep is a way to escape the drama and stay 'innocent' of the conflict.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt has religious roots, but today it is used 99% of the time as a secular joke about sleep and laziness.
No, that would be very disrespectful. It is only for people (or animals) who are actually sleeping.
'Som' is the relative pronoun used to link a description to a person. 'Hvem' is only for questions.
It's neutral. You can use it with your parents, friends, or even a friendly boss in a casual moment.
Technically, the proverb implies that being awake allows for sin, but nobody actually uses it to call you a sinner!
In Nynorsk, it is 'Den som søv, syndar ikkje.'
Yes, but the singular 'Den som' is the standard proverbial form.
Not exactly, but 'Uten mat og drikke, duger helten ikke' (Without food and drink, the hero is no good) is another common proverb.
You can just laugh, or say 'Sant nok!' (True enough!).
Yes, it's one of the most well-known proverbs that people actually still use in conversation.
Related Phrases
Sove på det
similarTo sleep on it (delay a decision).
Sove som en stein
similarTo sleep like a stone (very soundly).
Morgenstund har gull i munn
contrastThe early bird catches the worm.
Å gjøre som en engel
similarTo act like an angel.
