Signification
Something could happen
Contexte culturel
Norwegians often use 'Det er en mulighet' to avoid being too direct or confrontational. It's part of a broader linguistic trend of using 'modifying' words to soften statements. In Norwegian workplaces, flat hierarchy is common. 'Det er en mulighet' is a way for managers to acknowledge employee suggestions without immediately committing, fostering a sense of inclusion. When invited to an event you aren't sure you can attend, using this phrase is considered more polite than a flat 'I don't know'. It shows you are actually considering the invitation. Historically, in fishing communities, certainty was a luxury. The phrase reflects a deep cultural understanding that plans are always subject to change (weather, catch, etc.).
The 'Maybe' Buffer
Use this phrase to buy yourself time to think during a conversation.
Don't forget the 'en'
Saying 'Det er mulighet' sounds like 'It is possibility'—it's a common beginner mistake.
Signification
Something could happen
The 'Maybe' Buffer
Use this phrase to buy yourself time to think during a conversation.
Don't forget the 'en'
Saying 'Det er mulighet' sounds like 'It is possibility'—it's a common beginner mistake.
Add 'absolutt'
Saying 'Det er absolutt en mulighet' makes you sound very encouraging and fluent.
Polite Refusal
If you want to say no to a suggestion politely, start with 'Det er en mulighet, men...'
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to complete the phrase.
Det ___ en mulighet.
In Norwegian, we use the verb 'å være' (to be) with 'mulighet' in this context.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'It is a possibility of rain'?
Choose the correct sentence:
The preposition 'for' is used to connect 'mulighet' to the specific event.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Someone asks if you can come to a party on Saturday, but you might have to work.
This response correctly uses the phrase to express uncertainty and a need to check plans.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kan vi dra til Oslo i helgen? B: ________. Vi må se hvor mye penger vi har.
While all are grammatically okay, 'Det er en mulighet' is the most standard way to acknowledge a suggestion.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesDet ___ en mulighet.
In Norwegian, we use the verb 'å være' (to be) with 'mulighet' in this context.
Choose the correct sentence:
The preposition 'for' is used to connect 'mulighet' to the specific event.
Situation: Someone asks if you can come to a party on Saturday, but you might have to work.
This response correctly uses the phrase to express uncertainty and a need to check plans.
A: Kan vi dra til Oslo i helgen? B: ________. Vi må se hvor mye penger vi har.
While all are grammatically okay, 'Det er en mulighet' is the most standard way to acknowledge a suggestion.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, 'Det er mulig' is very common and means 'It is possible'. It's slightly more informal than 'Det er en mulighet'.
It is masculine (en mulighet), but in some dialects, it can be feminine (ei mulighet). 'En' is the safest and most common choice.
Use 'sjanse' when talking about luck, risk, or a 'one-time' shot at something. 'Mulighet' is for general options.
You say 'Det er mange muligheter'. Note that 'mulighet' becomes plural 'muligheter'.
Absolutely. It's a staple of Norwegian business meetings for discussing options and strategies.
No, you wouldn't say 'Han er en mulighet' to mean he is a possible candidate. You'd say 'Han er en aktuell kandidat'.
'Anledning' often refers to a specific occasion or a 'reason' to do something, while 'mulighet' is the abstract potential.
Usually no, but like in English, tone matters. If said with a sigh, it could imply doubt.
You can say 'Er det noen mulighet for det?'
In most standard dialects (like Urban East Norwegian), the 'g' is silent. It sounds like 'mooli-het'.
Expressions liées
Det er mulig
similarIt is possible
Kanskje
synonymMaybe
En gyllen mulighet
specialized formA golden opportunity
Det er umulig
contrastIt is impossible
Å gripe muligheten
builds onTo seize the opportunity
