Meaning
Describing winter weather.
Cultural Background
Snow is essential for 'Friluftsliv' (outdoor life). When it snows, people immediately check ski trail conditions on apps like 'Skiforeningen'. In the high Arctic, 'Det snør i dag' can happen even in summer. Snow is a constant companion and affects all transport, often requiring snowmobiles. The Sami people have over 300 words for snow, but 'Det snør i dag' (in Norwegian) is the common way to communicate with non-Sami speakers about the weather. In cities, the phrase often leads to discussions about 'kaos i trafikken' (traffic chaos), as the first snow always seems to surprise commuters.
The V2 Rule
Always remember that if you start with 'I dag', you must say 'snør det'. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.
Small Talk Gold
If you don't know what to say to a Norwegian, just say 'Det snør i dag'. They will almost certainly reply with their opinion on the snow.
Meaning
Describing winter weather.
The V2 Rule
Always remember that if you start with 'I dag', you must say 'snør det'. This is the most common mistake for English speakers.
Small Talk Gold
If you don't know what to say to a Norwegian, just say 'Det snør i dag'. They will almost certainly reply with their opinion on the snow.
Don't say 'Det er snør'
This is a 'Gringo' mistake. Norwegian doesn't need the 'is' (er) when using the verb 'snør'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing verb.
Det ____ i dag.
The present tense of 'å snø' is 'snør'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct word order:
According to the V2 rule, the verb 'snør' must be the second element.
Match the Norwegian phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
Matching tenses and meanings.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hvordan er været? B: ____
This is the most natural answer to a question about the current weather.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesDet ____ i dag.
The present tense of 'å snø' is 'snør'.
Choose the correct word order:
According to the V2 rule, the verb 'snør' must be the second element.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching tenses and meanings.
A: Hvordan er været? B: ____
This is the most natural answer to a question about the current weather.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, that sounds very unnatural. Use the verb 'snør' instead.
It is always two words: 'i dag'.
You can say 'Det begynner å snø'.
'Snør' is the standard modern form. 'Sner' is an older, more Danish-influenced form used by some older people or in very specific dialects.
No, in this context 'det' is a dummy subject meaning 'it'.
Yes, just add 'mye': 'Det snør mye i dag'.
In Norwegian, the 't' in the pronoun 'det' is almost always silent unless emphasized.
It is neutral and can be used in any situation.
Say 'Det snør ikke i dag'.
Use the word 'sludd': 'Det sludder i dag'.
Related Phrases
Det snør sidelengs
specialized formIt's snowing sideways (due to wind).
Det laver ned
similarThe snow is falling heavily.
Det sludder
contrastIt is sleeting.
Snøen faller
similarThe snow is falling.
