Meaning
Greeting someone for the first time.
Cultural Background
Handshakes are vital. When saying 'Hyggelig å treffes', always look the person in the eye and give a firm, brief handshake. Norwegians value punctuality and directness. Saying this phrase quickly at the start of a meeting shows you are ready to get to work in a friendly way. Because of the egalitarian nature of society, you use the same phrase for a waiter as you would for a CEO. On dating apps like Tinder or Bumble, 'Hyggelig å treffes' is often used in the first message to set a polite, non-creepy tone.
The 'I like måte' trick
If you forget the phrase, just wait for them to say it and reply 'I like måte' (Likewise). It works every time!
Eye Contact
In Norway, avoiding eye contact during this phrase can seem suspicious or rude. Look them in the eye!
Meaning
Greeting someone for the first time.
The 'I like måte' trick
If you forget the phrase, just wait for them to say it and reply 'I like måte' (Likewise). It works every time!
Eye Contact
In Norway, avoiding eye contact during this phrase can seem suspicious or rude. Look them in the eye!
Don't over-formalize
Avoid using 'Dem' (formal you) unless you are literally talking to the King. It sounds sarcastic otherwise.
Test Yourself
You are meeting your new boss for the first time. What do you say?
Hei, jeg heter [Navn]. _______.
'Hyggelig å treffes' is the correct phrase for a first-time introduction.
Complete the phrase with the correct reciprocal verb form.
Det er hyggelig å _______ (treffe).
The reciprocal form '-s' is needed to mean 'meet each other'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Hyggelig å se deg igjen. 2. Hyggelig å treffes.
'Se deg igjen' is for friends; 'treffes' is for strangers.
Fill in the response to the introduction.
A: Hei, jeg er Lise. Hyggelig å treffes! B: _______!
'I like måte' means 'Likewise' and is the perfect response.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
When to use which greeting
First Time
- • Hyggelig å treffes
- • Hyggelig å hilse på deg
Known Person
- • Hyggelig å se deg
- • Takk for sist
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHei, jeg heter [Navn]. _______.
'Hyggelig å treffes' is the correct phrase for a first-time introduction.
Det er hyggelig å _______ (treffe).
The reciprocal form '-s' is needed to mean 'meet each other'.
1. Hyggelig å se deg igjen. 2. Hyggelig å treffes.
'Se deg igjen' is for friends; 'treffes' is for strangers.
A: Hei, jeg er Lise. Hyggelig å treffes! B: _______!
'I like måte' means 'Likewise' and is the perfect response.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questionsYes, it is perfectly interchangeable and very common in Oslo.
Usually no. Stick to a handshake for the first meeting. Hugging is for established friends.
Use 'Hyggelig å se deg igjen' (Nice to see you again).
It's reciprocal, meaning it implies 'we' meet 'each other'.
Yes, it's a great way to start a first-time professional email.
Related Phrases
I like måte
similarLikewise / In the same way
Hyggelig å se deg
similarNice to see you
Gledelig å møte deg
specialized formJoyful to meet you
Takk for sist
contrastThanks for the last time
