Meaning
Describing low price.
Cultural Background
Norwegians are famous for 'Harrytur'—trips to Sweden to buy cheaper goods. Using 'Det er veldig billig' is common when comparing Swedish and Norwegian prices. The supermarket chain Rema 1000 uses the slogan 'Det enkle er ofte det beste' and focuses on 'lave priser' (low prices). Their branding makes 'billig' a household word. Second-hand shopping (bruktbutikk) is culturally valued. Finding something 'veldig billig' at a 'loppemarked' is seen as a sign of being a savvy, environmentally conscious consumer. In Norwegian business culture, being too 'billig' can be seen as a lack of quality. Companies often prefer to be called 'konkurransedyktige' (competitive) or 'rimelige'.
The Silent G
In both 'veldig' and 'billig', the final 'g' is silent. Pronouncing it makes you sound like a textbook!
Quality Matters
Be careful using 'billig' for gifts; it might imply you didn't put much effort or money into it.
Meaning
Describing low price.
The Silent G
In both 'veldig' and 'billig', the final 'g' is silent. Pronouncing it makes you sound like a textbook!
Quality Matters
Be careful using 'billig' for gifts; it might imply you didn't put much effort or money into it.
Kjempe- is your friend
Swap 'veldig' for 'kjempe-' (kjempebillig) to sound more like a native speaker in casual settings.
The 'Harry' Factor
If someone calls a price 'Harry-billig', they are referring to the cheap prices found on cross-border shopping trips to Sweden.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to say 'It is very cheap.'
Det er ______ billig.
'Veldig' is the correct intensifier for adjectives in Norwegian.
Which sentence is correct when talking about multiple cheap items?
De er...
Plural nouns require the adjective to end in -e.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Denne koster bare 5 kroner! B: Oi! ___________.
5 kroner is a very low price, so 'billig' is the appropriate reaction.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are at a luxury store and the prices are reasonable but not low.
'Rimelig' is more appropriate for 'reasonable' or 'fair' in a formal/luxury context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Price Intensity in Norwegian
Where to find 'Billig' things
Places
- • Loppemarked
- • Finn.no
- • Sverige
- • Salg
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDet er ______ billig.
'Veldig' is the correct intensifier for adjectives in Norwegian.
De er...
Plural nouns require the adjective to end in -e.
A: Denne koster bare 5 kroner! B: Oi! ___________.
5 kroner is a very low price, so 'billig' is the appropriate reaction.
You are at a luxury store and the prices are reasonable but not low.
'Rimelig' is more appropriate for 'reasonable' or 'fair' in a formal/luxury context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually yes for prices, but it can be negative if it refers to quality (e.g., 'billig plast').
'Billig' means cheap, while 'rimelig' means reasonable or affordable. 'Rimelig' is more formal.
It's better to say 'en lav pris' (a low price) or just 'det er billig'.
The comparative form is 'billigere'. For example: 'Sverige er billigere enn Norge.'
No, you can also use 'kjempe-', 'svært', or 'ganske' (quite).
It's a standard rule in Norwegian that many adjectives ending in -ig have a silent 'g'.
Only as an insult, implying they have low standards or are 'easy'. Avoid this.
It's a common idiom for a 'steal' or an incredibly good deal.
Yes, so you will hear 'det er ikke billig' (it's not cheap) more often than 'det er veldig billig'!
Simply flip the verb: 'Er det veldig billig?'
Related Phrases
Et røverkjøp
synonymA steal / a great bargain
Gis bort
builds onGiven away for free
Rimelig
similarReasonable / affordable
På salg
relatedOn sale
Veldig dyrt
contrastVery expensive
