Meaning
Complimenting food.
Cultural Background
The 'Takk for maten' (Thanks for the food) ritual is sacred. Saying 'Det smaker godt' during the meal is the expected way to lead up to this final thank you. In business lunches, Norwegians are quite informal. Complimenting the food is a common way to break the ice before discussing business. In the north, people might be more direct. If they don't say 'det smaker godt', they might just say 'æ e mett' (I am full), which is also a sign of a good meal. Younger Norwegians often use English loanwords or slang like 'digg' or 'sykt godt' instead of the standard 'godt'.
The 'T' is Key
Always remember the 't' in 'godt'. Without it, 'god' sounds like you are describing a person's character rather than the flavor.
Don't Overdo It
One or two 'det smaker godt' per meal is plenty. Norwegians value sincerity over constant praise.
Meaning
Complimenting food.
The 'T' is Key
Always remember the 't' in 'godt'. Without it, 'god' sounds like you are describing a person's character rather than the flavor.
Don't Overdo It
One or two 'det smaker godt' per meal is plenty. Norwegians value sincerity over constant praise.
Use 'Kjempe'
If you really like the food, prefix 'godt' with 'kjempe-' (kjempegodt). It's the most natural way to sound like a native.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the compliment.
Maten ______ godt.
We use the verb 'smaker' to describe the flavor.
Which of these is the correct adverbial form?
Det smaker ____.
Adverbs modifying verbs in the neuter/general sense take the -t ending.
Complete the dialogue between a waiter and a guest.
Servitør: Smaker det godt? Gjest: Ja, det ______ kjempegodt!
The guest should respond in the same tense as the question.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You just finished a delicious meal and want to tell your host.
Since the meal is finished, the past tense 'smakte' is most appropriate.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMaten ______ godt.
We use the verb 'smaker' to describe the flavor.
Det smaker ____.
Adverbs modifying verbs in the neuter/general sense take the -t ending.
Servitør: Smaker det godt? Gjest: Ja, det ______ kjempegodt!
The guest should respond in the same tense as the question.
You just finished a delicious meal and want to tell your host.
Since the meal is finished, the past tense 'smakte' is most appropriate.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes! It is perfectly natural for coffee, tea, wine, or any beverage.
Use 'Det' as a general subject. Use 'Den' if you are specifically referring to a masculine/feminine noun like 'kaffen' (the coffee) or 'kaken' (the cake).
You can say 'Det smaker litt spesielt' (It tastes a bit special) or 'Det er ikke helt min smak' (It's not quite my taste).
It is an adverb because it modifies the verb 'smaker'.
It's understandable but sounds slightly 'off'. 'Godt' is the standard for flavor.
Related Phrases
Velsmakende
synonymTasty/Flavorful
Nydelig
similarLovely/Delicious
Smakløst
contrastTasteless
Å få smaken på
builds onTo get a taste for something
Smak og behag
specialized formEach to their own taste
