Meaning
Asking for someone's name
Cultural Background
Norwegians are very informal. You will almost never hear someone use 'De' (formal you). Even when asking a name, 'ditt' (informal your) is the standard. In Sami culture, names often include the father's or mother's name as a prefix. While 'Hva er navnet ditt?' is understood, the concept of a 'name' can be more communal. In Norwegian business, first names are used immediately. Asking 'Hva er navnet ditt?' is a way to get to a first-name basis quickly. Norway has strict laws about what you can name your child. If you have a very unusual name, people might ask 'Hva er navnet ditt?' with genuine curiosity about its origin.
The Silent T
In the word 'navnet', the final 't' is almost always silent. Pronounce it as 'NAV-neh'.
Hva vs Hvem
Never use 'Hvem' (Who) to ask for a name. It's a very common mistake for English speakers!
Meaning
Asking for someone's name
The Silent T
In the word 'navnet', the final 't' is almost always silent. Pronounce it as 'NAV-neh'.
Hva vs Hvem
Never use 'Hvem' (Who) to ask for a name. It's a very common mistake for English speakers!
The 'Igjen' Trick
If you forget a name, add 'igjen' (again) to the end: 'Hva er navnet ditt igjen?'. it makes you sound much more like a native speaker.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the question.
Hva ___ navnet ditt?
We use the verb 'er' (is) with the noun 'navnet'.
Which of these is the most natural way to ask for a name in a neutral setting?
Select the correct sentence:
'Hva er navnet ditt?' uses the correct interrogative and the correct neuter possessive.
Complete the dialogue between Per and a new student.
Per: Hei! Jeg heter Per. ___? Student: Jeg heter Maria.
Asking for a name is the logical next step after introducing yourself.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
You are at a hotel reception and the clerk needs to find your booking.
The clerk needs your name to check the reservation system.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use which phrase?
Social
- • Hva heter du?
- • Hva er navnet ditt?
Official
- • Hva er navnet ditt?
- • Fullt navn, takk.
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHva ___ navnet ditt?
We use the verb 'er' (is) with the noun 'navnet'.
Select the correct sentence:
'Hva er navnet ditt?' uses the correct interrogative and the correct neuter possessive.
Per: Hei! Jeg heter Per. ___? Student: Jeg heter Maria.
Asking for a name is the logical next step after introducing yourself.
You are at a hotel reception and the clerk needs to find your booking.
The clerk needs your name to check the reservation system.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsSlightly. It's often used in official contexts, but it's perfectly fine in casual settings too.
Because in Norwegian, when a possessive word like 'ditt' follows a noun, the noun must be in the definite form (ending in -et, -en, or -a).
Yes, but it sounds a bit more formal or poetic. 'Hva er navnet ditt?' is the standard way to say it.
You can say 'Jeg heter [Name]' or 'Navnet mitt er [Name]'.
No, Norwegians almost never use titles. Just say your first name.
Don't worry! Many Norwegian dialects have different 'r' sounds, and some even drop it in fast speech.
Yes, in Norwegian you always ask 'What' is the name, never 'Who' or 'How'.
Yes! You can ask 'Hva er navnet dens?' or more commonly 'Hva heter den?'.
In Nynorsk, it would be 'Kva er namnet ditt?'. It's very similar!
Not at all. In fact, it's considered polite to introduce yourself and ask for the other person's name early in a conversation.
Related Phrases
Hva heter du?
similarWhat are you called?
Hvem er du?
contrastWho are you?
Mitt navn er...
builds onMy name is...
Hva var navnet?
specialized formWhat was the name?
