Meaning
Low temperature in the environment.
Cultural Background
The phrase is often the start of a long conversation about wool clothing. Norwegians believe 'Ull er gull' (Wool is gold). The Sami people have hundreds of words for snow and cold, but in Norwegian, they will still use this standard phrase for general conversation. In the city, this phrase is often used as a reason to go 'pilsing' (drinking beer) indoors instead of sitting in a park. Children are expected to play outside regardless of the cold, so teachers use this phrase to remind them to dress properly.
The 'T' Rule
Always remember the 't' at the end of 'kaldt'. It's the most common mistake for beginners!
Don't say 'Jeg er kaldt'
This is grammatically incorrect. Adjectives describing people don't get the 't' unless the person is a 'det' (which they aren't!).
Meaning
Low temperature in the environment.
The 'T' Rule
Always remember the 't' at the end of 'kaldt'. It's the most common mistake for beginners!
Don't say 'Jeg er kaldt'
This is grammatically incorrect. Adjectives describing people don't get the 't' unless the person is a 'det' (which they aren't!).
Use 'veldig'
If you want to sound more natural, add 'veldig' (very) or 'litt' (a little) to show you really care about the temperature.
Small Talk Gold
If you don't know what to say to a Norwegian, just say this phrase. They will almost always agree and continue the conversation.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to say 'It is cold outside'.
Det er ______ ute.
We use 'kaldt' because it must agree with the neuter subject 'det'.
Which sentence is correct when starting with 'I dag'?
Choose the correct word order:
In Norwegian, the verb must be the second element in the sentence (V2 rule).
Match the Norwegian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are different levels of temperature descriptions.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Skal vi gå på tur? B: Nei, se på termometeret! ______.
The thermometer and the 'No' suggest the temperature is the reason.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDet er ______ ute.
We use 'kaldt' because it must agree with the neuter subject 'det'.
Choose the correct word order:
In Norwegian, the verb must be the second element in the sentence (V2 rule).
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are different levels of temperature descriptions.
A: Skal vi gå på tur? B: Nei, se på termometeret! ______.
The thermometer and the 'No' suggest the temperature is the reason.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsBecause 'det' is a neuter subject, and adjectives must agree with the gender of the subject. Neuter adjectives end in 't'.
Yes, but 'ute' is much more common in daily speech. 'Utenfor' is more specific, like 'outside the building'.
Not necessarily. In Norway, it's often just a neutral observation of fact.
You can say 'Det er iskaldt' or the more colorful 'Det er bikkjekaldt'.
The opposite is 'Det er varmt ute' (It is warm outside).
No, in standard Eastern Norwegian, the 't' in 'det' is silent.
No, for a drink you would say 'Brusen er kald' (The soda is cold). No 't' because 'brus' is masculine.
Use 'Det er kjølig ute' (It is chilly outside).
It is neutral. You can use it in any situation, from a job interview to a chat with a friend.
Because it affects everything from what you wear to how you travel and your safety outdoors.
Yes, but 'Det er kaldt ute' is much more natural and common.
It means 'out' or 'outdoors' in a static sense (at a location).
Related Phrases
Det snør
similarIt is snowing
Det blåser
similarIt is windy
Det er bikkjekaldt
specialized formIt is freezing cold
Det er kjølig
similarIt is chilly
Kuldegrader
builds onDegrees below zero
Vintervær
specialized formWinter weather
