Signification
Suggesting that an attempt is sensible.
Contexte culturel
Reflects 'pragmatisk optimisme' (pragmatic optimism). Norwegians prefer trying a simple solution before over-analyzing. Americans might find this phrase slightly 'understated.' They often prefer 'Give it 110%!' while Norwegians stay grounded with 'It's worth a try.' In Japan, the fear of failure (shippai) can be higher. This phrase might be used more cautiously than in Norway. Very similar to the British 'Worth a go.' Both cultures appreciate the low-stakes, non-committal nature of the phrase.
The 'Past Tense' Comfort
Use 'Det var verdt et forsøk' to comfort someone after they fail. It validates their effort.
Don't add 'av'
Never say 'verdt av'. It's a direct translation from English that sounds very wrong in Norwegian.
Signification
Suggesting that an attempt is sensible.
The 'Past Tense' Comfort
Use 'Det var verdt et forsøk' to comfort someone after they fail. It validates their effort.
Don't add 'av'
Never say 'verdt av'. It's a direct translation from English that sounds very wrong in Norwegian.
Humble Suggestions
Use this phrase to sound more Norwegian. It shows you aren't 'too big for your boots' (Janteloven).
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word.
Jeg vet ikke om det fungerer, men det er ______ et forsøk.
'Verdt' is the correct adjective form for this expression.
Choose the correct article.
Det er verdt ____ forsøk.
'Forsøk' is a neuter noun.
Match the Norwegian phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Matching tenses and sentence types.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Skal vi spørre læreren om mer tid? B: Jeg vet ikke... A: Kom igjen, ______!
This is the most natural way to encourage a specific attempt.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Forsøk vs. Sjanse
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJeg vet ikke om det fungerer, men det er ______ et forsøk.
'Verdt' is the correct adjective form for this expression.
Det er verdt ____ forsøk.
'Forsøk' is a neuter noun.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Matching tenses and sentence types.
A: Skal vi spørre læreren om mer tid? B: Jeg vet ikke... A: Kom igjen, ______!
This is the most natural way to encourage a specific attempt.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, 'prøve' is masculine/feminine (en prøve). You must say 'Det er verdt en prøve'. However, 'et forsøk' is much more common.
It is neutral. You can use it in almost any context, from a business meeting to a chat with friends.
'Forsøk' is an attempt you make; 'sjanse' is an opportunity you are given. 'Verdt et forsøk' is about your effort.
You say 'Det var ikke verdt et forsøk'.
In Bokmål, yes. In Nynorsk, it is 'verdt' or 'verd'. Stick with 'verdt' for most situations.
No, you wouldn't say a person is 'verdt et forsøk'. Use 'verdt å satse på' for people.
Yes, but 'worth it' is 'verdt det'. 'Verdt et forsøk' is specifically about trying something.
Yes! In casual speech, dropping 'det er' is very common and sounds natural.
It can. If said with a sigh, it means 'I doubt it, but okay.' If said excitedly, it's very encouraging.
'Bortkastet tid' (A waste of time).
Expressions liées
det er verdt det
similarIt's worth it
gi det en sjanse
synonymGive it a chance
å prøve lykken
specialized formTo try one's luck
ikke verdt papiret det er skrevet på
contrastNot worth the paper it's written on
verdt sin vekt i gull
builds onWorth its weight in gold
