Meaning
It is quite difficult or complicated.
Cultural Background
The phrase embodies 'nøkternhet' (soberness). Norwegians often avoid superlatives like 'extremely difficult' and prefer this understated idiom. In Norwegian workplaces, using this phrase shows that you are a 'realist' rather than a 'complainer.' It's a professional way to flag risks. There is a strong cultural acknowledgement in Norway that parenting is hard work, despite the great welfare benefits. This phrase is the go-to for parents. Norwegians have deep respect for the mountains. Using this phrase about a hike is a sign of respect for nature's power.
The Empathy Tool
Use this phrase when a Norwegian friend is complaining. It shows you truly understand their culture and their struggle.
Don't over-negate
Avoid saying 'Det er ikke ikke bare bare.' Double negatives don't work here.
Meaning
It is quite difficult or complicated.
The Empathy Tool
Use this phrase when a Norwegian friend is complaining. It shows you truly understand their culture and their struggle.
Don't over-negate
Avoid saying 'Det er ikke ikke bare bare.' Double negatives don't work here.
The 'Nei' Preface
Often, Norwegians start this phrase with a long 'Nei...' (No...). 'Nei, det er ikke bare bare.' This adds to the sense of realistic reflection.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the idiom.
Å flytte til utlandet er ______ ______ ______.
The full idiom is 'ikke bare bare.'
Choose the most natural response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'Jeg skal prøve å lære meg hele denne boka utenat på en uke!' Speaker B: '_________________'
Speaker B is giving a reality check to Speaker A's overambitious goal.
In which situation is 'Det er ikke bare bare' MOST appropriate?
Match the phrase to the situation.
The phrase is used to explain that a task was more complex/difficult than expected.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct sentence.
This follows the standard 'Det + verb + ikke bare bare + å + infinitive' pattern.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Ikke bare bare'
Work
- • Deadlines
- • Complex code
- • Meetings
Home
- • Parenting
- • Renovating
- • Moving
Nature
- • Hiking
- • Winter storms
- • Skiing
Practice Bank
4 exercisesÅ flytte til utlandet er ______ ______ ______.
The full idiom is 'ikke bare bare.'
Speaker A: 'Jeg skal prøve å lære meg hele denne boka utenat på en uke!' Speaker B: '_________________'
Speaker B is giving a reality check to Speaker A's overambitious goal.
Match the phrase to the situation.
The phrase is used to explain that a task was more complex/difficult than expected.
Select the correct sentence.
This follows the standard 'Det + verb + ikke bare bare + å + infinitive' pattern.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, both 'bare bare' and 'bare-bare' are seen, though without the hyphen is more common in modern text.
No, it's actually quite polite as it acknowledges their hard work or the difficulty of their situation.
Technically yes, but it's almost never used that way. We almost always use the negative form.
Absolutely. 'Det var ikke bare bare å finne frem' (It wasn't easy to find the way).
No, it's an idiom. It's used by everyone from teenagers to grandmothers.
Related Phrases
Ingen dans på roser
synonymNo dance on roses (not easy).
En hard nøtt å knekke
similarA hard nut to crack.
Å ta i et tak
builds onTo make an effort.
Bare hyggelig
contrastYou're welcome / My pleasure.
