Meaning
Putting in maximum effort.
Cultural Background
The phrase is central to the 'dugnad' culture, where everyone is expected to contribute to the community to the best of their ability. In youth sports, coaches often prioritize 'å gjøre sitt beste' over winning to ensure children enjoy the activity. Norwegian managers often use this phrase to reduce stress during busy periods, emphasizing effort over perfection. The Norwegian school system focuses on individual progress rather than competition, making this phrase a daily mantra.
Master the Reflexive
If you master 'mitt, ditt, sitt, vårt, deres', you will sound much more like a native speaker.
Humility is Key
Using this phrase is a great way to show you are ambitious but humble, which is highly valued in Norway.
Meaning
Putting in maximum effort.
Master the Reflexive
If you master 'mitt, ditt, sitt, vårt, deres', you will sound much more like a native speaker.
Humility is Key
Using this phrase is a great way to show you are ambitious but humble, which is highly valued in Norway.
Test Yourself
Fyll ut med riktig form av 'sitt' (mitt, ditt, sitt, vårt, deres).
Jeg skal gjøre ___ beste på eksamen.
Since the subject is 'Jeg' (I), the possessive must be 'mitt'.
Hvilken setning er riktig?
Velg den grammatisk korrekte setningen.
'Sitt' is the correct reflexive possessive for 'han', and 'beste' is the definite form.
Fullfør dialogen.
A: Er du nervøs for jobbintervjuet? B: Ja, men jeg skal bare ___.
'Gjøre mitt beste' is the natural way to express this in a conversation about yourself.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
When to use 'Gjøre sitt beste'
Work
- • Interviews
- • Projects
- • Daily tasks
Personal
- • Hobbies
- • Relationships
- • Learning
Practice Bank
3 exercisesJeg skal gjøre ___ beste på eksamen.
Since the subject is 'Jeg' (I), the possessive must be 'mitt'.
Velg den grammatisk korrekte setningen.
'Sitt' is the correct reflexive possessive for 'han', and 'beste' is the definite form.
A: Er du nervøs for jobbintervjuet? B: Ja, men jeg skal bare ___.
'Gjøre mitt beste' is the natural way to express this in a conversation about yourself.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it must be 'beste'. Adjectives after possessives always take the definite -e ending.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
'Yte sitt ytterste' is much stronger and more formal, like 'giving 110%'.
'Sitt' refers back to the subject. 'Hans' would mean he is doing someone else's best.
Related Phrases
yte sitt ytterste
specialized formTo do one's absolute utmost.
legge seg i selen
similarTo work very hard.
gi alt
synonymTo give everything.
