Meaning
Composing written correspondence.
Cultural Background
The 'julebrev' is a long-standing tradition where families write a yearly update to send with Christmas cards. It's a way to maintain deep social ties in a sparsely populated country. Letter writing (Shodō) is an art form. The choice of paper and seasonal greetings at the start of a letter are strictly dictated by tradition. Handwritten 'Thank You' notes are still highly valued after weddings or job interviews, representing a high level of social etiquette. The French administrative system often requires a 'lettre recommandée' (registered letter) for official cancellations or legal disputes.
The 'Til' Rule
Always use 'til' when saying who the letter is for. 'Jeg skriver til deg'.
Gender Matters
Saying 'en brev' is a very common mistake. Remember: ET brev.
Meaning
Composing written correspondence.
The 'Til' Rule
Always use 'til' when saying who the letter is for. 'Jeg skriver til deg'.
Gender Matters
Saying 'en brev' is a very common mistake. Remember: ET brev.
Handwritten is better
In Norway, a handwritten letter is considered much more 'koselig' than a printed one.
Julebrev
If you want to impress Norwegians, ask them about their 'julebrev' in December.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'å skrive' in the present tense.
Jeg _______ et brev til bestefar.
The present tense of 'å skrive' is 'skriver'.
Which article is correct for 'brev'?
Jeg har _______ brev.
'Brev' is a neuter noun, so it takes 'et'.
Match the Norwegian phrase to its English translation.
Match the pairs:
These are the three main actions you can do with a letter.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hva gjør du? B: Jeg _______ et brev.
The context of 'doing' something with a letter usually implies writing it.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Types of Letters
Personal
- • Kjærlighetsbrev
- • Julebrev
Formal
- • Søknadsbrev
- • Klagebrev
Practice Bank
4 exercisesJeg _______ et brev til bestefar.
The present tense of 'å skrive' is 'skriver'.
Jeg har _______ brev.
'Brev' is a neuter noun, so it takes 'et'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the three main actions you can do with a letter.
A: Hva gjør du? B: Jeg _______ et brev.
The context of 'doing' something with a letter usually implies writing it.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, if you are talking about the activity in general. 'Jeg liker å skrive brev.'
Technically no, you should say 'e-post'. However, 'søknadsbrev' can be sent via email.
It means 'pen pal'—someone you regularly exchange letters with.
Usually with 'Til [Navn/Firma]' or 'Kjære [Navn]'.
Informally: 'Hilsen [Navn]'. Formally: 'Med vennlig hilsen'.
No, it is a strong verb (skrive, skriver, skrev, skrevet).
It is a postage stamp, which you need to send a 'brev'.
No, that would sound very strange. Use 'melding'.
Because 'brev' is a neuter noun. There is no logical reason, you just have to memorize it!
Yes, especially for birthdays, weddings, and Christmas.
It means to sign the letter at the bottom.
Yes, they both come from the Latin 'brevis'.
You can, but the dog might not write back!
Posten is the name of the Norwegian postal service.
Related Phrases
Sende et brev
similarTo send a letter
Motta et brev
contrastTo receive a letter
Skrive under
builds onTo sign
Skrive ned
similarTo write down / note
Et kjærlighetsbrev
specialized formA love letter
