Signification
Asking permission to take a seat.
Contexte culturel
The 'Nordic Bubble' means Norwegians value personal space highly. Asking 'Kan jeg sitte her?' is a necessary social lubricant. In the US, people might make small talk after you sit down. In Norway, the phrase is usually the end of the interaction. Similar to Norway, Germans value order and permission. However, they might be more direct if a seat is 'reserved' with a coat. In Japan, the request is often non-verbal or extremely indirect to avoid any possible confrontation.
Add 'Unnskyld'
Always start with 'Unnskyld' (Excuse me) when talking to a stranger to be extra polite.
Check for bags
If there is a bag on the chair, ask 'Sitter det noen her?' instead of 'Kan jeg sitte her?'.
Signification
Asking permission to take a seat.
Add 'Unnskyld'
Always start with 'Unnskyld' (Excuse me) when talking to a stranger to be extra polite.
Check for bags
If there is a bag on the chair, ask 'Sitter det noen her?' instead of 'Kan jeg sitte her?'.
The 'Ja' is enough
Don't feel obligated to talk after they say 'Ja'. Silence is perfectly okay in Norway.
The 1-meter rule
If there's an empty double-seat, take that instead of asking to sit next to someone.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'to sit'.
Kan jeg ____ her?
After the modal verb 'kan', you must use the infinitive form 'sitte'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to ask if a seat is free in a cafe?
Choose the best option:
'Er det ledig her?' is a very common and polite variation of 'Kan jeg sitte her?'.
Complete the dialogue on the bus.
Learner: Unnskyld, kan jeg sitte her? Stranger: Ja, ____.
'Vær så god' is the standard polite response when granting permission.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You see a bag on a chair you want to sit in.
If a bag is on the chair, you are asking if the person it belongs to is coming back.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Sitte vs Sette
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesKan jeg ____ her?
After the modal verb 'kan', you must use the infinitive form 'sitte'.
Choose the best option:
'Er det ledig her?' is a very common and polite variation of 'Kan jeg sitte her?'.
Learner: Unnskyld, kan jeg sitte her? Stranger: Ja, ____.
'Vær så god' is the standard polite response when granting permission.
You see a bag on a chair you want to sit in.
If a bag is on the chair, you are asking if the person it belongs to is coming back.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, as long as the place is crowded. If the bus/cafe is empty, it is considered a bit strange.
'Sitte' is the state of being seated. 'Sette' is the action of placing something (or yourself, 'sette seg').
No, 'De' is almost never used in modern Norway. 'Jeg' and 'du' are perfect.
They will usually say 'Beklager, plassen er opptatt' (Sorry, the place is taken). Just say 'Ok, takk' and move on.
Yes, in very informal settings like a student pub, pointing and saying 'Ledig?' is common.
You say 'Kan jeg sitte her hos dere?'.
Yes, for static locations. If you were moving something to a spot, you'd use 'hit'.
It is neutral. It's polite enough for a boss but casual enough for a friend.
It's a historical phonetic shift in Norwegian where the 'g' became a semi-vowel.
A small, polite smile is good, but don't overdo it—Norwegians prefer a calm demeanor.
Expressions liées
Er det ledig her?
synonymIs it free here?
Sitter det noen her?
similarIs anyone sitting here?
Sett deg ned
builds onSit down
Ta en plass
similarTake a seat
Er denne plassen opptatt?
contrastIs this place occupied?
