Meaning
Asking about weekend plans.
Cultural Background
The 'fredagspils' (Friday beer) is a common ritual where this phrase is used to transition from work to the weekend. Norwegians love their cabins (hytter). If someone says they are going to the 'fjellet' (mountains), they are likely going to a cabin. Sunday is 'tur-dag' (hiking day). Many people's answer to 'hva skjer' will involve a walk in the forest (marka). The concept of 'helgefred' (weekend peace) means people often avoid work-related talk once the weekend starts.
Use 'helga' for extra street cred
Using the feminine 'i helga' makes you sound more like a local in Oslo.
Don't ask too early
Asking on a Monday might make you seem like you're wishing the week away!
Meaning
Asking about weekend plans.
Use 'helga' for extra street cred
Using the feminine 'i helga' makes you sound more like a local in Oslo.
Don't ask too early
Asking on a Monday might make you seem like you're wishing the week away!
The 'Som' Rule
If you say 'I don't know what's happening', you MUST add 'som': 'Jeg vet ikke hva SOM skjer'.
Expect 'tur' talk
Be prepared to talk about hiking; it's the most common answer you'll get.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
Hva skjer ___ helgen?
We use 'i' for the upcoming weekend in Norwegian.
Which sentence is the most natural informal way to ask about plans?
Choose one:
'Hva skjer i helgen?' is the most common and natural informal expression.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hva skjer i helgen? B: ___________
B should respond with their plans. 'Jeg skal på hytta' (I'm going to the cabin) is a classic Norwegian plan.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are texting a close friend on Thursday night.
This is the perfect time and register for this phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Prepositions for Time
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHva skjer ___ helgen?
We use 'i' for the upcoming weekend in Norwegian.
Choose one:
'Hva skjer i helgen?' is the most common and natural informal expression.
A: Hva skjer i helgen? B: ___________
B should respond with their plans. 'Jeg skal på hytta' (I'm going to the cabin) is a classic Norwegian plan.
You are texting a close friend on Thursday night.
This is the perfect time and register for this phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, if you have a friendly relationship. If the office is very formal, stick to 'Hva er planene dine?'.
Both are correct. 'Helgen' is more standard/formal, 'helga' is more common in speech and informal writing.
Usually 'Ikke så mye' (Not much) or 'Jeg skal på hytta' (I'm going to the cabin).
Prepositions are idiomatic. Norwegian just uses 'i' for this specific time frame.
No, for the past, use 'Hva skjedde i helgen?' or 'Hvordan var helgen?'.
Yes, that means 'What's up?' or 'What's happening right now?'.
Often, yes. It's a common way to 'fish' for an invitation or to start planning something together.
'I helgen' already implies 'this coming weekend'. You don't need to add 'denne'.
Say 'Ingen planer foreløpig' (No plans yet).
Yes, it is a universal expression, though the pronunciation of 'skjer' and 'helgen' will vary by dialect.
Related Phrases
Hva skal du?
synonymWhat are you going to [do]?
Hva skjer'a?
informalWhat's up?
God helg!
similarHave a good weekend!
Hva har du gjort i helgen?
contrastWhat have you done this weekend?
Planer for helgen?
builds onPlans for the weekend?
