Meaning
Expressing uncertainty.
Cultural Background
Norwegians value 'ærlighet' (honesty). It is better to admit you don't know than to give wrong information. In meetings, 'Jeg er ikke sikker' is used to invite collaboration and avoid appearing dictatorial. It is a common 'soft' way to say no to an invitation without hurting feelings. Norwegian students are encouraged to express doubt and ask questions rather than memorizing absolute facts.
Add 'helt' for nuance
Saying 'Jeg er ikke *helt* sikker' sounds more natural and less abrupt.
Watch the 'r' in plural
Don't forget to change 'sikker' to 'sikre' when talking about 'vi' (we) or 'de' (they).
Meaning
Expressing uncertainty.
Add 'helt' for nuance
Saying 'Jeg er ikke *helt* sikker' sounds more natural and less abrupt.
Watch the 'r' in plural
Don't forget to change 'sikker' to 'sikre' when talking about 'vi' (we) or 'de' (they).
Use it as a thinking tool
Start your answer with this phrase to give yourself time to remember other words.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word order:
How do you say 'I am not sure'?
The verb 'er' must be in the second position.
Fill in the correct form of 'sikker' for a plural subject:
Vi er ikke _______.
Adjectives end in -e when the subject is plural.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase:
A: Kommer bussen snart? B: __________, men jeg håper det.
The context implies doubt, so 'ikke sikker' is needed.
Match the phrase to the situation:
Which phrase is best for a formal email?
Adding 'helt' and 'på dette' makes it more complete and professional.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesHow do you say 'I am not sure'?
The verb 'er' must be in the second position.
Vi er ikke _______.
Adjectives end in -e when the subject is plural.
A: Kommer bussen snart? B: __________, men jeg håper det.
The context implies doubt, so 'ikke sikker' is needed.
Which phrase is best for a formal email?
Adding 'helt' and 'på dette' makes it more complete and professional.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, in informal speech, dropping the 'Jeg er' is very common, just like saying 'Not sure' in English.
'Viss' is older and more formal. You will mostly see it in writing or set phrases like 'viss og sikker'.
Yes! 'En sikker plass' means 'a safe place'. Context tells you if it means 'certain' or 'safe'.
Simply flip the word order: 'Er du sikker?'
Related Phrases
Jeg vet ikke
similarI don't know
Jeg er usikker
synonymI am unsure
Jeg er helt sikker
contrastI am completely sure
Det kommer an på
builds onIt depends
Kanskje
similarMaybe
