Meaning
Something is likely
Cultural Background
Norwegians use this phrase to avoid 'skryt' (boasting). It's a linguistic safety net that aligns with the egalitarian values of the country. In Norwegian meetings, 'en god sjanse' is often interpreted as a green light. If a boss says this, they are usually very optimistic. On Norwegian Twitter/X, you'll see this phrase used sarcastically to describe things that are obviously going to happen (like a politician making a mistake). In fishing communities, this phrase is used with deep respect for the sea. It's never a guarantee, always a 'sjanse'.
The 'For det' trick
If someone asks a 'Tror du...?' question, just answer 'Det er en god sjanse for det.' It makes you sound like a native speaker instantly.
Don't forget the 'at'
If you follow the phrase with a verb, you MUST include 'at'. 'Sjanse for han kommer' is a common mistake.
Meaning
Something is likely
The 'For det' trick
If someone asks a 'Tror du...?' question, just answer 'Det er en god sjanse for det.' It makes you sound like a native speaker instantly.
Don't forget the 'at'
If you follow the phrase with a verb, you MUST include 'at'. 'Sjanse for han kommer' is a common mistake.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to say 'There is a good chance of sun'.
Det er en god sjanse ___ sol.
We use 'for' before a noun like 'sol'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct way to say 'There is a good chance that he is coming'.
When followed by a clause (subject + verb), we must use 'for at'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tror du det blir regn i kveld? B: Ja, ___.
'For det' is the standard way to refer back to a previously mentioned possibility.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are 80% sure you will finish your work today.
This phrase perfectly expresses 80% certainty.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDet er en god sjanse ___ sol.
We use 'for' before a noun like 'sol'.
Choose the correct way to say 'There is a good chance that he is coming'.
When followed by a clause (subject + verb), we must use 'for at'.
A: Tror du det blir regn i kveld? B: Ja, ___.
'For det' is the standard way to refer back to a previously mentioned possibility.
You are 80% sure you will finish your work today.
This phrase perfectly expresses 80% certainty.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot necessarily, but 'en god sjanse' usually implies a high probability. If the outcome is bad, you can still use it, but 'stor fare' (great danger) is more common for negative things.
Yes! 'Stor sjanse' means 'big chance' and is even more common than 'god sjanse' in some dialects.
'Sjanse' is probability (chance). 'Mulighet' is opportunity (possibility). You have a 'mulighet' to get a job, but there is a 'sjanse' that it will rain.
You say 'Det er ingen sjanse' or 'Det er ikke sjanse i havet' (Not a chance in the ocean - very idiomatic!).
Related Phrases
Det er mulig
similarIt is possible
Sannsynligvis
synonymProbably
Det er helt sikkert
contrastIt is completely certain
Å ta en sjanse
builds onTo take a chance
