Meaning
Admitting a memory lapse.
Cultural Background
Norwegians value honesty. If you forget something, it's better to admit it directly with 'Jeg har glemt det' than to make up a complex excuse. In a Norwegian workplace, saying you forgot something is acceptable if followed by an immediate 'Jeg skal fikse det' (I will fix it). Using 'helt' (completely) in 'Jeg har helt glemt det' makes the apology sound more sincere and heartfelt. Teachers in Norway encourage students to be open about what they don't know or have forgotten, fostering a safe learning environment.
Add 'helt'
Adding 'helt' (completely) makes you sound much more natural and apologetic.
Silent T
Remember that the 't' in 'det' is silent. Don't say 'det-t'!
Meaning
Admitting a memory lapse.
Add 'helt'
Adding 'helt' (completely) makes you sound much more natural and apologetic.
Silent T
Remember that the 't' in 'det' is silent. Don't say 'det-t'!
Glemme vs Glemme bort
Use 'glemme bort' for people or appointments to sound more native.
Honesty over excuses
A simple 'Jeg har glemt det' is usually enough; don't over-explain.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to say 'I have forgotten it.'
Jeg ___ glemt det.
In Norwegian, 'har' is the auxiliary verb used with 'glemt' to form the present perfect.
Which sentence is correct when you forget a name?
A: Jeg har mistet navnet hans. B: Jeg har glemt navnet hans.
'Glemt' is for information like names; 'mistet' is for losing physical objects.
Complete the dialogue.
Lærer: Husker du leksene? Elev: Nei, beklager, jeg ___ ___ ___.
The full phrase 'har glemt det' fits perfectly as a polite apology.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You realize you left your umbrella at home.
Since you know it's at home, you have 'forgotten' it there.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Glemme vs Miste
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJeg ___ glemt det.
In Norwegian, 'har' is the auxiliary verb used with 'glemt' to form the present perfect.
A: Jeg har mistet navnet hans. B: Jeg har glemt navnet hans.
'Glemt' is for information like names; 'mistet' is for losing physical objects.
Lærer: Husker du leksene? Elev: Nei, beklager, jeg ___ ___ ___.
The full phrase 'har glemt det' fits perfectly as a polite apology.
You realize you left your umbrella at home.
Since you know it's at home, you have 'forgotten' it there.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in casual speech, dropping the 'Jeg har' is very common.
Not if you add 'Beklager' (Sorry) and offer to fix the mistake.
'Glemte' is past tense (I forgot), 'har glemt' is present perfect (I have forgotten). They are often interchangeable in speech.
Use 'Jeg har glemt å...' followed by the verb, e.g., 'Jeg har glemt å ringe.'
You would usually say 'Jeg har glemt hvem det er' (I've forgotten who that is).
Yes, Norwegian verbs usually require an object. You can't just say 'Jeg har glemt.'
Say 'Jeg har glemt nøklene mine hjemme.'
'Det glapp' or 'Det gikk i glemmeboka' are common informal alternatives.
No, 'glemt' is the past participle and stays the same for en/ei/et words in this construction.
Say 'Jeg skal aldri glemme dette.'
Related Phrases
å huske
contrastto remember
å miste
similarto lose
å falle ut
similarto drop out
glemmeboka
specialized formthe forget-book
å minne på
builds onto remind
