Meaning
Expressing high hunger.
Cultural Background
Norwegians are very direct about physical needs. Saying 'Jeg er veldig sulten' is not seen as complaining, but as a practical update on one's status. The 'Matpakke' (packed lunch) is a national institution. If someone says they are 'veldig sulten' at 11:00 AM, it's time for the bread slices. Post-hike hunger is celebrated. There is a specific joy in being 'veldig sulten' because it justifies a large, hearty meal or 'kos'. Friday Taco (Fredagstaco) is a modern tradition. Kids will often say they are 'veldig sultne' specifically for the taco.
Silent Letters
Remember that the 'g' in 'veldig' is almost always silent in standard Norwegian (Bokmål).
Adjective Agreement
Don't forget to add an 'e' for plural: 'Vi er sultne'.
Meaning
Expressing high hunger.
Silent Letters
Remember that the 'g' in 'veldig' is almost always silent in standard Norwegian (Bokmål).
Adjective Agreement
Don't forget to add an 'e' for plural: 'Vi er sultne'.
Use 'Kjempe-'
To sound more like a native in casual settings, use 'kjempesulten' instead of 'veldig sulten'.
The Hangry Factor
Norwegians use the word 'gretten' (grumpy) to describe the mood when they are 'veldig sulten'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to say 'I am very hungry'.
Jeg ___ veldig sulten.
In Norwegian, we use the verb 'å være' (er) to express hunger.
Which sentence is correct for a group of people?
Vi er...
'Sultne' is the plural form of the adjective 'sulten'.
Match the Norwegian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the pairs:
These are the different levels of hunger and fullness.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Skal vi spise nå? B: Ja, ___.
This is the most logical response to a suggestion to eat.
Which phrase fits best after a 5-hour mountain hike?
Situation: You just finished a long hike.
'Skrubbsulten' is a great way to express the extreme hunger after physical activity.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Adjective Agreement for 'Sulten'
Practice Bank
5 exercisesJeg ___ veldig sulten.
In Norwegian, we use the verb 'å være' (er) to express hunger.
Vi er...
'Sultne' is the plural form of the adjective 'sulten'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the different levels of hunger and fullness.
A: Skal vi spise nå? B: Ja, ___.
This is the most logical response to a suggestion to eat.
Situation: You just finished a long hike.
'Skrubbsulten' is a great way to express the extreme hunger after physical activity.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, but 'meget' is quite formal or old-fashioned. 'Veldig' is much more common in modern speech.
'Sulten' is hungry, 'skrubbsulten' is starving. Use the latter for emphasis.
You say 'Jeg er ikke sulten'.
Yes, it's perfectly fine to say 'Jeg begynner å bli veldig sulten' to suggest a lunch break.
That is the neuter form, used for words like 'barnet' (the child) or 'dyret' (the animal).
Yes, you can say 'Hunden er veldig sulten'.
Younger people might say 'Jeg er helt lættis sulten' or just 'Jeg dør'.
It's a tight sound, like you are whistling but with your tongue further forward.
That means 'I have an appetite', which is slightly different but related.
Use 'Jeg er litt sulten' or 'Jeg er småsulten'.
Yes, 'veldig' is the universal 'very' for adjectives in Norwegian.
No, it almost exclusively refers to the physical need for food.
Related Phrases
Jeg er skrubbsulten
similarI am starving
Jeg er mett
contrastI am full
Jeg er tørst
similarI am thirsty
Jeg har lyst på mat
builds onI want food
Jeg er småsulten
specialized formI am a little hungry
