This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
B2 adjective 10 min read

akseptabel

Examples akseptabel in 30 Seconds
Explanation akseptabel in your Level:
At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn basic words to describe things. While 'akseptabel' is a bit long and complex for a beginner, you might hear it in very simple situations. Think of it as a way to say 'OK' or 'Good enough.' At this level, you don't need to worry about all the grammar rules. Just remember that if someone asks 'Er det akseptabelt?' they are asking if something is okay for you. You can answer with a simple 'Ja' or 'Nei.' You might see this word on signs or in very basic instructions. It's like the word 'acceptable' in English, which you probably already know. Most A1 learners will use simpler words like 'bra' (good) or 'fint' (nice), but recognizing 'akseptabel' when you hear it will help you understand when someone is setting a basic rule or standard. For example, a teacher might say 'Dette er ikke akseptabelt' if a student is being too loud. It's a useful word for understanding basic boundaries in a new country. Even if you don't use it yourself yet, knowing that it means 'satisfactory' or 'allowed' is a great start. Focus on the sound: ak-sep-TA-bel. It sounds almost like the English word, which makes it easier to remember! Just keep in mind that Norwegians like to be polite, so they might use this word to be neutral. If you learn this word now, you are already getting ahead in your Norwegian journey. It's a 'grown-up' word that will make you sound very serious even at the A1 level.
Sign up free to read full explanation
As an A2 learner, you are beginning to form more complete sentences and describe your daily life. The word 'akseptabel' becomes more useful here because you can use it to talk about your preferences and needs. You might use it when shopping, talking about the weather, or discussing your schoolwork. At this level, you should start noticing the different forms of the word. If you are talking about 'en pris' (a price), you say 'akseptabel.' If you are talking about 'et svar' (an answer), you say 'akseptabelt.' This 't' at the end is very important in Norwegian! You will also hear this word in social situations. If a friend suggests a time to meet, you could say 'Det er akseptabelt for meg' (That is acceptable for me), though 'Det er greit' is more common. Using 'akseptabelt' makes you sound a bit more formal and precise. You might also encounter it in work-related contexts, like when discussing your work hours or your salary. It's a word that helps you negotiate your life in Norway. For example, if your apartment is a bit old but the rent is low, you might say 'Standarden er akseptabel' (The standard is acceptable). This shows you are satisfied even if it's not perfect. Learning this word helps you move away from just saying 'bra' or 'dårlig' (bad) for everything. It gives you a middle ground. It's a great word for expressing that something meets your minimum requirements. Start trying to use it in your writing exercises to get used to the spelling, especially the 'ks' instead of 'cc'.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B1 level, you are expected to handle most everyday situations in Norwegian. 'Akseptabel' is a key word for this stage because it allows you to express opinions and participate in discussions about standards and quality. You should now be comfortable using the word in all its forms: akseptabel, akseptabelt, and akseptable. You will start to see this word in newspapers and hear it on the radio. It is often used to discuss social issues. For example, 'Er det akseptabelt at barn bruker så mye tid på skjerm?' (Is it acceptable that children spend so much time on screens?). Here, you are not just talking about yourself, but about society in general. You should also start using it in your own arguments. When you write an essay for your Norwegian class, 'akseptabel' is a perfect word to use when you are evaluating different options. It shows that you can think critically. You might also use it in a professional setting. If you are working in Norway, you might have to tell a colleague that a certain piece of equipment is no longer 'i akseptabel stand' (in acceptable condition). This is a polite but firm way to say it needs to be fixed. At B1, you should also be aware of synonyms like 'rimelig' or 'grei' and know that 'akseptabel' is slightly more formal. You are building a more nuanced vocabulary, and this word is a big part of that. It helps you set boundaries and define what you think is fair or sufficient. Practice using it with adverbs like 'ganske' (quite) or 'ikke helt' (not quite) to be even more precise in your speech.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B2 level, which is the target for this word, you should have a firm grasp of 'akseptabel' and all its nuances. You are now moving into more abstract and professional Norwegian. This word is essential for discussing ethics, politics, and complex social norms. You should be able to use it fluently in debates. For example, you might discuss 'akseptable risikonivåer' in the context of climate change or 'akseptabel adferd' in a professional environment. You must be very careful with the grammar here—specifically the plural form 'akseptable,' where the 'e' is dropped. This is a common test point in exams like Norskprøven or Bergenstesten. You should also understand the difference between 'akseptabel' and its synonyms like 'forsvarlig' (justifiable/safe) or 'tilfredsstillende' (satisfactory). A B2 speaker knows that 'forsvarlig' is often used in legal or safety contexts, while 'akseptabel' is more general. You should also be able to use the word to express nuanced criticism. Saying 'Resultatet er akseptabelt' can be a way of saying it's okay, but you expected more. This level of 'reading between the lines' is crucial for B2. You will also encounter the word in academic texts where it describes data or theories. It's a versatile tool for evaluation. You should also be comfortable using the antonym 'uakseptabel' to express strong disagreement. At this stage, 'akseptabel' should feel like a natural part of your vocabulary, something you can use without thinking too much about the spelling or the agreement rules. You are using it to build complex arguments and to navigate the professional and academic world in Norway with confidence.
At the C1 level, you are approaching near-native proficiency. You use 'akseptabel' with absolute precision, often in very formal or specialized contexts. You understand the subtle emotional weight the word carries. In a high-level negotiation, choosing between 'akseptabel' and 'godtagbar' might be a conscious stylistic choice. You use the word to define the parameters of complex systems. For instance, in a legal or philosophical discussion, you might talk about the 'akseptabilitet' (acceptability) of a certain moral stance. You are also aware of the word's history and its relationship to other Latin-based words in Norwegian. You can use it in highly structured writing, such as a master's thesis or a technical report, to define thresholds of validity. At this level, you also recognize when the word is being used euphemistically. If a politician describes a tragic situation as having reached 'et akseptabelt nivå,' you understand the rhetorical strategy and the potential controversy behind such a statement. You are also a master of the word family, easily moving between the adjective, the adverb, and related nouns. Your pronunciation is perfect, including the subtle stress patterns that distinguish a native speaker. You might even use the word in creative writing to create a specific tone—perhaps a character who is very cold and analytical would use 'akseptabel' frequently. You no longer just 'know' the word; you 'own' it, using it as a precision instrument to express exactly what you mean in the most sophisticated contexts.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'akseptabel' is complete. You use it with the same ease and nuance as a highly educated native speaker. You are capable of using it in the most demanding linguistic environments, such as literary criticism, legal drafting, or philosophical inquiry. You understand the word not just as a descriptor, but as a concept with deep sociological implications. You might engage in a debate about how the 'overton-vinduet' (Overton window) defines what is 'politisk akseptabelt' in Norwegian society. You are also sensitive to the word's use in different Norwegian dialects and registers, though the word itself is quite standard. You can play with the word, perhaps using it ironically or in a very specific rhetorical way to make a point. In your writing, you use 'akseptabel' to create a sense of objectivity and balance. You are also aware of how the word has evolved in the Norwegian language and how it compares to similar concepts in other languages you might know. You can explain the subtle differences between 'en akseptabel løsning' and 'en tålelig løsning' (a tolerable solution) to others. At this level, the word is just one of many thousands of tools at your disposal, and you choose it only when it is the perfect fit for the specific nuance you wish to convey. You are a master of the Norwegian language, and 'akseptabel' is a word you use with total authority and grace.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Examples

akseptabel in 30 Seconds

  • Akseptabel means acceptable or satisfactory in Norwegian.
  • It changes to akseptabelt for neuter and akseptable for plural.
  • It is a B2 level word used in both formal and informal settings.
  • It often describes meeting a standard rather than being excellent.

The Norwegian word akseptabel is a versatile adjective that functions similarly to its English counterpart, 'acceptable.' At its core, it describes something that meets a specific standard, requirement, or expectation. It is not necessarily a word used to describe excellence or perfection; rather, it identifies the threshold of what is 'good enough' or 'satisfactory' within a given context. In Norwegian society, which often emphasizes pragmatism and functionalism, knowing when something is akseptabelt is crucial for both professional and social navigation.

Formal Context
In business or legal settings, the word is used to define terms that are agreeable to all parties. For example, a contract offer might be described as an akseptabel løsning (an acceptable solution).

Resultatene av prøven var akseptable, selv om de ikke var perfekte.

The word carries a sense of 'tolerance.' When a Norwegian says a behavior is ikke akseptabelt, they are setting a firm boundary. This is common in pedagogical settings or in public discourse regarding social norms. It is a word that bridges the gap between personal opinion and collective standards. While 'bra' (good) is subjective, akseptabel often implies an objective checklist has been met. This nuance is vital for B2 learners who are moving beyond simple adjectives into more evaluative language.

Social Nuance
Using this word can sometimes sound slightly cold or clinical. If you tell a friend their cooking is akseptabel, they might feel you are being lukewarm or even insulting, as it implies it is 'just barely okay.'

Det er ikke akseptabelt å komme for sent til møtet.

Furthermore, the word is frequently used in the negative to express strong disapproval. Uakseptabel is the direct opposite, but saying ikke akseptabelt is often used for emphasis in spoken Norwegian. It suggests that a limit has been reached. In environmental or political discussions, you will often hear about 'akseptable risikonivåer' (acceptable risk levels), highlighting its role in technical and analytical Norwegian.

Technical Application
In engineering or science, it refers to data or tolerances that fall within the allowed margin of error.

Feilmarginen er innenfor en akseptabel grense.

Vi må finne en akseptabel middelvei i denne saken.

In summary, akseptabel is the linguistic tool for defining the floor of quality or behavior. It is essential for negotiation, critique, and setting standards in all walks of Norwegian life, from the classroom to the boardroom.

Using akseptabel correctly requires an understanding of Norwegian adjective declension. Because it ends in '-el', it follows a specific pattern when pluralized or used in the definite form. The 'e' before the 'l' drops out, and you add '-le'. This is a common stumbling block for learners, making it a perfect marker of a B2-level speaker's proficiency.

The Neuter Agreement
When modifying a neuter noun (et-word) or an abstract idea, add a 't'. 'Det er akseptabelt' is perhaps the most common phrase you will hear.

Er dette forslaget akseptabelt for styret?

When describing plural nouns, the word changes to akseptable. For example, 'akseptable arbeidsforhold' (acceptable working conditions). Notice how the 'e' in '-el' disappears. This syncopation is a rhythmic feature of the Norwegian language that adds to its flow. Using the form 'akseptabele' is a common error that should be avoided.

Comparisons
To compare, use 'mer' and 'mest'. 'Dette er en mer akseptabel løsning enn den forrige' (This is a more acceptable solution than the previous one).

Vi søker etter den mest akseptable veien videre.

In sentences where akseptabel acts as a predicate (after verbs like 'å være' or 'å bli'), it still must agree with the subject. This is often where English speakers forget the 't'. If you are talking about 'været' (the weather), you must say 'Været er akseptabelt', not 'akseptabel'.

Modifying Adverbs
You can intensify the word with adverbs like 'fullt' (fully), 'ganske' (quite), or 'knapt' (barely).

Arbeidet hans var bare knapt akseptabelt.

De fant ingen akseptabel forklaring på problemet.

By mastering these variations, you ensure your Norwegian sounds natural and grammatically precise, reflecting the logical structure that Norwegians value in communication.

You will encounter akseptabel in a variety of real-world scenarios, ranging from the evening news to workplace evaluations. It is a 'bridge' word—formal enough for a report, but common enough for a serious conversation between friends. One of the most frequent places you will hear it is in the context of Norwegian velferdsstaten (the welfare state) and social services.

The Workplace
During a 'medarbeidersamtale' (employee review), a manager might discuss whether your performance is akseptabel or if there is room for improvement. It is a neutral way to provide feedback without being overly emotional.

Er støynivået på kontoret akseptabelt for deg?

In the media, politicians often debate what constitutes an akseptabel levestandard (acceptable standard of living) or an akseptabel ventetid (acceptable waiting time) for hospital treatments. Here, the word becomes a political tool used to define the duties of the state toward its citizens. When you listen to Norwegian podcasts like 'Aftenpodden' or read newspapers like 'Aftenposten', look for this word in opinion pieces regarding ethics and social responsibility.

Customer Service
If you are complaining about a product, you might say, 'Dette er ikke en akseptabel tilstand for en ny telefon' (This is not an acceptable condition for a new phone).

Vi må sørge for at prisen er akseptabel for forbrukerne.

Another common area is in education. Teachers use it to describe whether a student's work meets the learning objectives. 'Oppgaven er akseptabel' means you passed, but you didn't necessarily get an 'A'. It implies the minimum requirements are met. In social settings, you might hear it when discussing behavior at a party or in a shared living space, specifically regarding noise or cleanliness.

Legal and Ethical Debates
The term is central to discussions about 'akseptabel risiko' in industries like oil and gas, which are vital to the Norwegian economy.

Det finnes ingen akseptabel grunn til å diskriminere.

Er denne løsningen akseptabel for alle parter?

Understanding these contexts helps you realize that akseptabel is more than just a word; it is a standard-setting tool in the Norwegian linguistic landscape.

Even advanced learners make mistakes with akseptabel, primarily due to its morphological changes and its similarity to English. The most frequent error is neglecting the gender agreement, which is a hallmark of the Norwegian adjective system. Because akseptabel is often used in abstract statements, the neuter form akseptabelt is frequently required, yet often forgotten.

The 'T' Omission
Saying 'Det er ikke akseptabel' instead of 'Det er ikke akseptabelt'. Since 'det' is neuter, the adjective must match. This is the #1 mistake made by English speakers.

Feil: Oppførselen din er ikke akseptabel. (Correct if 'oppførsel' is masculine, but often people use 'det' which requires 'akseptabelt').

Another common pitfall is the plural and definite form. Many learners try to keep the 'e' from the root and say 'akseptabele'. In Norwegian, adjectives ending in '-el' or '-er' drop the vowel before the final consonant when adding the plural '-e'. Therefore, the correct plural is akseptable. This rule applies to other common words like 'vakker' (vackre) and 'enkel' (enkle), so mastering it here helps across your entire vocabulary.

False Friends and Overuse
While 'akseptabel' translates to 'acceptable', it isn't always the most natural choice. Using it for food ('Maten er akseptabel') sounds like a backhanded compliment. Use 'god' or 'grei' instead.

Riktig: Vi har kommet til en akseptabel enighet.

Learners also confuse akseptabel with akseptert. Akseptabel means something 'can' be accepted (it meets the standard), whereas akseptert means it 'has been' accepted. For example, 'en akseptert sannhet' is a truth everyone has already agreed upon, while 'en akseptabel sannhet' would imply a truth that is merely tolerable. Using the wrong one can change the meaning of your sentence from describing a state of affairs to describing a possibility.

Spelling Errors
Double consonants: Ensure you use 'ks' and not 'cc' like in English (acceptable vs akseptabel). Norwegian spelling is more phonetic in this regard.

Husk: Det skrives med k-s, ikke c-c.

Er dette en akseptabel måte å skrive på?

By being mindful of these morphological and semantic nuances, you will avoid the 'uncanny valley' of language learning and speak more like a native.

To truly master Norwegian at a B2 level, you need to know when to use akseptabel and when to opt for a synonym that might carry a more precise meaning. Norwegian has several words that overlap with 'acceptable' but offer different shades of intensity or formality.

Godtagbar
This is perhaps the closest synonym. It literally means 'capable of being taken/good'. It is often used in more formal or written contexts where 'akseptabel' might feel too loan-word heavy. Godtagbar feels more Germanic and 'pure' Norwegian.

Vi må finne en godtagbar løsning på konflikten.

Another alternative is rimelig. While 'rimelig' usually translates to 'reasonable' (especially regarding prices), it is often used where an English speaker would say 'acceptable.' If a request is fair, it is rimelig. If a price is okay, it is rimelig. Use rimelig when you want to emphasize fairness rather than just meeting a technical standard.

Forsvarlig
This word is used when 'acceptable' relates to safety or ethics. It means 'defensible' or 'justifiable'. If a medical procedure is forsvarlig, it means it is safe and professionally sound.

Det er ikke sikkerhetsmessig forsvarlig å fortsette.

Passende (appropriate/fitting) is used when 'acceptable' refers to social etiquette or context. If you are choosing clothes for a wedding, you want something passende. Akseptabel would sound like you are trying to do the bare minimum, while passende implies you are actively trying to fit the occasion.

Tilfredsstillende
Meaning 'satisfactory', this is a very common word in academic and professional reports. It is one step higher than 'akseptabel' on the quality scale. If your work is tilfredsstillende, you've done a good job, not just an okay one.

Resultatet var tilfredsstillende for alle involverte.

Vi leter etter en passende gave til vertskapet.

By expanding your vocabulary with these synonyms, you can express your thoughts with much greater precision and nuance, which is the hallmark of a sophisticated Norwegian speaker.

Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

Er prisen akseptabel?

Is the price acceptable?

Masculine noun 'pris' matches 'akseptabel'.

2

Det er akseptabelt.

It is acceptable.

Neuter 'det' matches 'akseptabelt'.

3

Maten er akseptabel.

The food is acceptable.

Feminine/Masculine 'mat' matches 'akseptabel'.

4

Er dette akseptabelt for deg?

Is this acceptable for you?

Abstract 'dette' uses the neuter 'akseptabelt'.

5

En akseptabel dag på skolen.

An acceptable day at school.

Masculine 'dag' matches 'akseptabel'.

6

Ikke akseptabelt!

Not acceptable!

Short for 'Det er ikke akseptabelt'.

7

Været er akseptabelt i dag.

The weather is acceptable today.

Neuter 'vær' matches 'akseptabelt'.

8

Er svaret akseptabelt?

Is the answer acceptable?

Neuter 'svar' matches 'akseptabelt'.

1

Vi trenger en akseptabel løsning nå.

We need an acceptable solution now.

Masculine 'løsning' matches 'akseptabel'.

2

Det er ikke akseptabelt å rope.

It is not acceptable to shout.

Infinitive clause 'å rope' treated as neuter.

3

Er arbeidsforholdene akseptable?

Are the working conditions acceptable?

Plural 'arbeidsforhold' matches 'akseptable'.

4

Han fikk en akseptabel karakter.

He got an acceptable grade.

Masculine 'karakter' matches 'akseptabel'.

5

Dette er en akseptabel måte å gjøre det på.

This is an acceptable way to do it.

Masculine 'måte' matches 'akseptabel'.

6

Toget var i akseptabel stand.

The train was in acceptable condition.

Masculine 'stand' matches 'akseptabel'.

7

Er støyen akseptabel for naboene?

Is the noise acceptable for the neighbors?

Masculine 'støy' matches 'akseptabel'.

8

De har akseptable priser i denne butikken.

They have acceptable prices in this shop.

Plural 'priser' matches 'akseptable'.

1

Vi må finne et akseptabelt kompromiss.

We must find an acceptable compromise.

Neuter 'kompromiss' matches 'akseptabelt'.

2

Er ventetiden akseptabel for pasientene?

Is the waiting time acceptable for the patients?

Masculine 'ventetid' matches 'akseptabel'.

3

Det er fullt akseptabelt å be om hjelp.

It is fully acceptable to ask for help.

'Fullt' is an adverb modifying 'akseptabelt'.

4

Standarden på hotellet var knapt akseptabel.

The standard of the hotel was barely acceptable.

Masculine 'standard' matches 'akseptabel'.

5

Er dette en akseptabel risiko å ta?

Is this an acceptable risk to take?

Masculine 'risiko' matches 'akseptabel'.

6

De har ikke funnet noen akseptabel forklaring.

They have not found any acceptable explanation.

Masculine 'forklaring' matches 'akseptabel'.

7

Kvaliteten må være på et akseptabelt nivå.

The quality must be at an acceptable level.

Neuter 'nivå' matches 'akseptabelt'.

8

Er det akseptabelt å bruke mobil i timen?

Is it acceptable to use a mobile in class?

Infinitive clause treated as neuter.

1

Vi må definere hva som er akseptabel adferd.

We must define what is acceptable behavior.

Masculine 'adferd' matches 'akseptabel'.

2

Er dette forslaget politisk akseptabelt?

Is this proposal politically acceptable?

Neuter 'forslag' matches 'akseptabelt'.

3

De søker etter en mer akseptabel vei videre.

They are looking for a more acceptable way forward.

Comparative 'mer akseptabel'.

4

Det finnes ingen akseptabel grunn til fravær.

There is no acceptable reason for absence.

Masculine 'grunn' matches 'akseptabel'.

5

Feilmarginen er innenfor en akseptabel grense.

The margin of error is within an acceptable limit.

Masculine 'grense' matches 'akseptabel'.

6

Er de etiske rammene akseptable?

Are the ethical frameworks acceptable?

Plural 'rammer' matches 'akseptable'.

7

Han leverte et akseptabelt resultat tross utfordringene.

He delivered an acceptable result despite the challenges.

Neuter 'resultat' matches 'akseptabelt'.

8

Vi må sikre en akseptabel levestandard for alle.

We must ensure an acceptable standard of living for all.

Masculine 'levestandard' matches 'akseptabel'.

1

Akseptabiliteten av metoden er omdiskutert.

The acceptability of the method is debated.

Noun form 'akseptabilitet'.

2

Det er ikke etisk akseptabelt å utføre slike eksperimenter.

It is not ethically acceptable to perform such experiments.

Adverb 'etisk' modifying 'akseptabelt'.

3

Vi må vurdere om tiltakene er samfunnsmessig akseptable.

We must assess if the measures are socially acceptable.

Plural 'tiltak' matches 'akseptable'.

4

Er dette en akseptabel tolkning av loven?

Is this an acceptable interpretation of the law?

Masculine 'tolkning' matches 'akseptabel'.

5

Forfatteren presenterer en knapt akseptabel hypotese.

The author presents a barely acceptable hypothesis.

Masculine 'hypotese' matches 'akseptabel'.

6

Er kostnadene akseptable i forhold til gevinsten?

Are the costs acceptable in relation to the gain?

Plural 'kostnader' matches 'akseptable'.

7

Det anses som en akseptabel vitenskapelig praksis.

It is considered an acceptable scientific practice.

Masculine 'praksis' matches 'akseptabel'.

8

Spørsmålet er om nivået er akseptabelt over tid.

The question is whether the level is acceptable over time.

Neuter 'nivå' matches 'akseptabelt'.

1

Den moralske akseptabiliteten er fundamentalt utfordret.

The moral acceptability is fundamentally challenged.

Noun form 'akseptabilitet'.

2

Vi må operere innenfor det politisk akseptable handlingsrommet.

We must operate within the politically acceptable room for maneuver.

Definite singular 'akseptable' modifying 'handlingsrommet'.

3

Er dette en akseptabel diskurs i et moderne demokrati?

Is this an acceptable discourse in a modern democracy?

Masculine 'diskurs' matches 'akseptabel'.

4

Begrepet 'akseptabel' er i seg selv subjektivt i denne konteksten.

The term 'acceptable' is in itself subjective in this context.

The word itself is the subject.

5

Det kreves en akseptabel begrunnelse for slike drastiske endringer.

An acceptable justification is required for such drastic changes.

Masculine 'begrunnelse' matches 'akseptabel'.

6

Er de estetiske kriteriene akseptable for juryen?

Are the aesthetic criteria acceptable to the jury?

Plural 'kriterier' matches 'akseptable'.

7

Man må finne en balanse mellom det ideelle og det akseptable.

One must find a balance between the ideal and the acceptable.

Adjective used as a noun 'det akseptable'.

8

Det er ikke lenger en akseptabel sannhet i vår tid.

It is no longer an acceptable truth in our time.

Masculine 'sannhet' matches 'akseptabel'.

Common Collocations

akseptabel løsning
akseptabel risiko
akseptabelt nivå
akseptabel pris
akseptabel adferd
akseptabel standard
akseptabel feilmargin
akseptabel ventetid
akseptabel forklaring
akseptabelt kompromiss

Common Phrases

Det er helt akseptabe
Sign up free to see all examples

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

akseptabel Danish
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!