Meaning
The outcome is uncertain.
Cultural Background
The phrase is often used to avoid 'skryt' (bragging) or making definitive claims, aligning with the Law of Jante (Janteloven). In Norwegian meetings, using this phrase is seen as a sign of thoroughness rather than indecisiveness. It is a polite way to say 'maybe' without being rude. It leaves the door open for future plans. In Northern Norway, the phrase might be used more bluntly, while in the South, it's often wrapped in more polite 'tja' and 'kanskje' sounds.
The 'Om' Trick
If you don't know how to finish the sentence, just add 'om' (if) and a simple sentence. It works 90% of the time!
Preposition Alert
Never say 'kommer an av'. It is the most common mistake for English speakers.
Meaning
The outcome is uncertain.
The 'Om' Trick
If you don't know how to finish the sentence, just add 'om' (if) and a simple sentence. It works 90% of the time!
Preposition Alert
Never say 'kommer an av'. It is the most common mistake for English speakers.
The Standalone 'På'
In casual speech, you can end with 'på' if the context is clear. 'Blir du med?' 'Det kommer an på.'
Emphasis
Use 'helt' (completely) to sound more like a native speaker when you are really unsure.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing words to complete the phrase.
Skal vi dra på kino? Det ______ ______ på om jeg har tid.
The full phrase is 'kommer an på'.
Which preposition is correct in this idiom?
Det kommer an ___ hvem som vinner.
'På' is the only correct preposition to use with 'kommer an'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Vil du ha kaffe? B: _________ om du har melk.
The speaker is setting a condition (having milk) for accepting the coffee.
Match the condition to the plan.
Plan: Vi skal grille i hagen. Betingelse: ?
Grilling in the garden depends on the weather.
Complete the formal sentence.
Resultatet ______ ______ på innsatsen din.
While 'avhenger av' also works, 'kommer an' is the phrase we are practicing and fits the structure.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
5 exercisesSkal vi dra på kino? Det ______ ______ på om jeg har tid.
The full phrase is 'kommer an på'.
Det kommer an ___ hvem som vinner.
'På' is the only correct preposition to use with 'kommer an'.
A: Vil du ha kaffe? B: _________ om du har melk.
The speaker is setting a condition (having milk) for accepting the coffee.
Plan: Vi skal grille i hagen. Betingelse: ?
Grilling in the garden depends on the weather.
Resultatet ______ ______ på innsatsen din.
While 'avhenger av' also works, 'kommer an' is the phrase we are practicing and fits the structure.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, you must include 'på' even if you don't finish the sentence. 'Det kommer an på' is the complete idiomatic unit.
Yes, they are interchangeable in most casual contexts, but 'Det kommer an på' is slightly more versatile.
You say 'Det kommer an på meg'.
Yes: 'Det kom an på været i går.' (It depended on the weather yesterday.)
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
They don't have individual meanings in this phrase; they work together as a particle and a preposition.
Yes: 'Det kommer an på deg om vi drar.'
Because 'avhenger' always pairs with 'av'. Mixing them is a common learner error.
Yes, but it's often written as 'Det kjem an på'.
Yes: 'Alt kommer an på den nye læreren.'
In spoken Norwegian, 'Det' is sometimes swallowed, but in writing, it is mandatory.
Været (the weather), without a doubt!
Related Phrases
Det spørs
similarIt depends / It's a question of
Avhenger av
synonymDepends on
Går an
contrastIs possible / Is okay
Komme an på
specialized formTo depend on
Stå på
contrastKeep going / Work hard
