Meaning
Asking for an update on someone's life.
Cultural Background
The 'Janteloven' influence means people often answer 'Hva er nytt?' with 'Ikke mye' to avoid sounding like they are bragging. In Norwegian offices, this phrase is a standard 'icebreaker' before getting down to business. It shows you value the person, not just the work. On social media like Snapchat or Messenger, 'Hva er nytt?' is often shortened to just 'Noe nytt?' or 'Skjer?'. In some dialects, especially in the north or west, you might hear variations like 'Kva er nytt?' (Nynorsk/Western) or 'Ka som skjer?'.
The 'T' is Key
Always remember the 't' at the end of 'nytt'. Without it, the phrase sounds grammatically 'off' to Norwegians.
Don't expect a book
Norwegians might answer 'Ikke mye' (Not much) first. It's a polite way of not taking up too much space. Ask a follow-up question!
Meaning
Asking for an update on someone's life.
The 'T' is Key
Always remember the 't' at the end of 'nytt'. Without it, the phrase sounds grammatically 'off' to Norwegians.
Don't expect a book
Norwegians might answer 'Ikke mye' (Not much) first. It's a polite way of not taking up too much space. Ask a follow-up question!
Add a location
To sound more natural, add 'på jobben' or 'på skolen' to the end to specify what you're asking about.
Not for strangers
Avoid using this as a 'pickup line' or with people you don't know. It can feel a bit too 'forward'.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form of the adjective 'new' to complete the phrase.
Hva er ____?
Because 'hva' is a neuter pronoun, the adjective must be in the neuter singular form 'nytt'.
Fill in the missing preposition to ask 'What's new with you?'.
Hva er nytt ____ deg?
We use 'hos' when asking about updates related to a person's life/home/situation.
Match the phrase to the correct context.
Context: You see your brother after a week.
'Hva er nytt?' is the most appropriate casual greeting for a family member you haven't seen in a while.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hei! Lenge siden sist! B: Ja! ___________?
After 'Lenge siden sist' (Long time no see), it's natural to ask for updates.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Hva er nytt vs. Hva skjer
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHva er ____?
Because 'hva' is a neuter pronoun, the adjective must be in the neuter singular form 'nytt'.
Hva er nytt ____ deg?
We use 'hos' when asking about updates related to a person's life/home/situation.
Context: You see your brother after a week.
'Hva er nytt?' is the most appropriate casual greeting for a family member you haven't seen in a while.
A: Hei! Lenge siden sist! B: Ja! ___________?
After 'Lenge siden sist' (Long time no see), it's natural to ask for updates.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it is informal to neutral. It's perfect for friends and colleagues.
No, 'ny' is masculine/feminine. You must use the neuter 'nytt' because of the word 'hva'.
Common answers include 'Ikke mye' (Not much), 'Det vanlige' (The usual), or just sharing a piece of news.
'Hva er nytt' asks for updates over time. 'Hva skjer' is more like 'What's happening right now'.
Yes, it's very common in Norwegian workplaces during lunch or coffee breaks.
In a casual email to a colleague, yes. In a formal business letter, no.
Yes, but in this phrase, it specifically refers to 'news' or 'updates'.
Yes, 'Skjer'a?' is a very common slang version of 'Hva skjer?', which is related.
This is often due to 'Janteloven', a cultural norm of being humble and not bragging.
Yes, that is a perfectly natural way to ask 'What's new with you?'.
In Nynorsk, it would be 'Kva er nytt?', but the meaning is the same.
No, it's better to use 'Hyggelig å møte deg' (Nice to meet you) first.
Related Phrases
Hva skjer?
similarWhat's up? / What's happening?
Hvordan går det?
similarHow is it going?
Noe nytt?
specialized formAnything new?
Siste nytt
builds onLatest news
Gammelt nytt
contrastOld news
