Meaning
Spending time watching cinema.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Fredagskos' (Friday coziness) almost always involves 'å se en film' with family or friends, accompanied by tacos and candy. Norwegian cinemas (Kino) are often municipally owned, which is unique compared to many other countries where they are purely private. Subtitling is the norm. Norwegians prefer 'å se en film' in its original language with Norwegian subtitles rather than dubbing. There is a shared love for 'Nordic Noir' films and series, which are often watched during the dark winter months.
Drop the 'på'
While 'se på film' is common, 'se en film' sounds more like a planned, complete activity. Use it for invitations!
Irregular Verb
Remember that 'se' is irregular. Don't say 'se-et', say 'sett'!
Meaning
Spending time watching cinema.
Drop the 'på'
While 'se på film' is common, 'se en film' sounds more like a planned, complete activity. Use it for invitations!
Irregular Verb
Remember that 'se' is irregular. Don't say 'se-et', say 'sett'!
Use 'Kino'
If you want to sound more native, say 'Skal vi dra på kino?' instead of just 'Skal vi se en film?' if you mean the theater.
Subtitles
Watching movies with Norwegian subtitles is the #1 way Norwegians learn English, and it's a great way for you to learn Norwegian too!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'å se'.
I går ___ jeg en veldig spennende film.
'I går' (yesterday) requires the past tense form 'så'.
Which sentence is the most natural invitation?
Vil du...
'Se en film' is the standard collocation for watching a movie.
Match the Norwegian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the pairs:
These are the standard translations for these movie-related terms.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hva skal vi gjøre? B: La oss ___.
After 'La oss' (Let us), we use the infinitive form 'se'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Se vs. Se på
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI går ___ jeg en veldig spennende film.
'I går' (yesterday) requires the past tense form 'så'.
Vil du...
'Se en film' is the standard collocation for watching a movie.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the standard translations for these movie-related terms.
A: Hva skal vi gjøre? B: La oss ___.
After 'La oss' (Let us), we use the infinitive form 'se'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsYes, it is common, but 'se en film' is more standard for the whole experience.
The past tense is 'så'. Example: 'Jeg så en film'.
It is masculine: 'en film', 'filmen'.
You say 'se en film på kino'.
Usually, we say 'se på TV' or 'se en serie'. 'Se en film' is specifically for movies.
It's an idiomatic way to say 'start the movie', like 'let's roll'.
Only children's movies. Most movies are shown with subtitles.
No, it is neutral and can be used in any situation.
It's a Norwegian tradition of relaxing on Friday night, often by watching a movie.
Yes, 'se film' means 'watching movies' in general as a hobby.
Hvilken film skal vi se?
Yes, 'kino' is the Norwegian word for movie theater.
Related Phrases
å gå på kino
similarTo go to the cinema
å se på TV
similarTo watch TV
å strømme en film
specialized formTo stream a movie
en spillefilm
specialized formA feature film
å se en serie
similarTo watch a series
