Meaning
Feeling anticipation.
Cultural Background
Norwegians often use 'spent' to avoid appearing over-confident. It's a way to show interest while acknowledging that the outcome is out of their hands. In Norwegian workplaces, saying 'Jeg er spent på dette prosjektet' is a sign of high engagement and is viewed very positively by managers. Influencers use 'spent' constantly to build hype. It's the 'clickbait' word of the Norwegian language. Parents use 'spent' to build anticipation for children, especially during the long dark winters leading up to Christmas (Jul).
The 'På' Rule
Always pair 'spent' with 'på'. If you use 'for' or 'til', you'll sound like a translation bot!
The 'Eksitert' Trap
Never use 'eksitert' in a professional or casual social setting unless you want to cause some very awkward silences.
Meaning
Feeling anticipation.
The 'På' Rule
Always pair 'spent' with 'på'. If you use 'for' or 'til', you'll sound like a translation bot!
The 'Eksitert' Trap
Never use 'eksitert' in a professional or casual social setting unless you want to cause some very awkward silences.
Show Interest
Asking 'Er du spent?' is a great way to make Norwegian friends. It shows you care about their life events.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'spent' and the correct preposition.
Vi er ______ ______ hva som skjer i morgen.
We need the plural 'spente' for 'vi' and the preposition 'på'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I am excited about the trip'?
Choose the best option:
'Spent på' is the standard idiomatic way to express this.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: Skal du på date i kveld? B: Ja, ______!
Being 'spent' (excited/anxious) is the only logical response to going on a date.
Match the feeling to the situation.
You are waiting for the lottery numbers to be announced.
Waiting for an unknown outcome is the definition of being 'spent'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Spent vs. Excited
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVi er ______ ______ hva som skjer i morgen.
We need the plural 'spente' for 'vi' and the preposition 'på'.
Choose the best option:
'Spent på' is the standard idiomatic way to express this.
A: Skal du på date i kveld? B: Ja, ______!
Being 'spent' (excited/anxious) is the only logical response to going on a date.
You are waiting for the lottery numbers to be announced.
Waiting for an unknown outcome is the definition of being 'spent'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsUsually it's positive or neutral. If it's purely negative, we use 'nervøs' (nervous) or 'gruer meg' (dread).
Close, but 'gleder meg' is 'I'm looking forward to it' (pure joy), while 'spent' is 'I'm excited to see what happens' (curiosity/tension).
Use 'Jeg er kjempespent!'
Yes, 'Jeg er spent på ham' means 'I'm curious to see how he does/who he is'.
It is 'spente'. Example: 'Vi er spente'.
No, always use 'på'. 'Jeg er spent på...'
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
No, that is 'dyrt'. They sound nothing alike, but learners sometimes mix up short words!
Yes! 'Jeg er spent på filmen' is very common.
Likegyldig (indifferent) or 'gruer meg' (dreading).
Related Phrases
Jeg gleder meg
similarI am looking forward to it
Det blir spennende
builds onIt will be exciting
Jeg gruer meg
contrastI am dreading it
Jeg er forventningsfull
specialized formI am full of expectation
