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B2 verb 11 Min. Lesezeit

avslå

Beispiele avslå in 30 Sekunden
Erklärung avslå in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use the word 'avslå' yourself, but you might start to see it in very formal signs or letters. At this stage, you should focus on the simple way to say no: 'Nei takk'. If someone offers you coffee and you don't want it, you say 'Nei takk'. 'Avslå' is a very 'big' word for a beginner. However, it is helpful to know that it means 'to say no' in a formal way. If you see a word starting with 'av-' and ending with '-slå', think of it as a formal 'no' to an offer. You might see it in a simple sentence like 'Han sier nei' which is the A1 equivalent of 'Han avslår'. Focus on learning the basic verb 'slå' (to hit) first, and then later you can learn how adding 'av-' changes the meaning to 'reject'. Just remember: A1 = 'Nei takk', B2 = 'Avslå'. Knowing that this word exists will help you later when you see it in official letters from the Norwegian government or schools. It is always used when someone asks for something and the answer is no. For now, just recognize it as a formal rejection.
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At the A2 level, you are starting to handle more social situations. You might encounter 'avslå' when reading about invitations or simple job advertisements. While you would still mostly use 'si nei til' or 'takke nei til' in your own speaking, you should recognize 'avslå' in text. For example, if you read 'Han avslo invitasjonen', you should understand that he declined the invitation. You are also learning past tense verbs, so noticing that 'avslå' becomes 'avslo' in the past is a good exercise. A2 learners should understand that 'avslå' is more formal than 'si nei'. If you are writing a slightly more formal email, you might try to use it, but 'takke nei' is usually safer for A2. You should also be careful not to confuse it with 'slå av' (to turn off), which you definitely need at A2 for things like lights and heaters. 'Avslå' is for offers, 'slå av' is for things with a switch. This distinction is important as you start to build your vocabulary. Try to notice this word when you look at news headlines; it often appears when one country says no to another country's proposal.
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At the B1 level, you are expected to understand and use more precise vocabulary. 'Avslå' becomes an important word for your active vocabulary, especially in writing. You should use 'avslå' when writing formal letters or emails, such as declining a job offer or a formal invitation. You should also understand the difference between 'avslå' and 'nekte'. 'Nekte' is often more emotional or related to rules, while 'avslå' is a neutral, professional rejection. At B1, you should be comfortable with the conjugation: avslå, avslår, avslo, har avslått. You will also see the passive form 'ble avslått' frequently in administrative contexts. For example, 'Søknaden min ble avslått' (My application was rejected). This is a very common experience for people dealing with Norwegian bureaucracy (NAV, UDI, etc.), so knowing this word is practically very useful. You should also start to use it with common objects like 'tilbud', 'invitasjon', and 'forslag'. Practicing these combinations will help you sound more natural and professional. B1 is the level where you move from 'simple' Norwegian to 'functional' Norwegian, and 'avslå' is a key part of that transition.
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At the B2 level, you should have a firm grasp of 'avslå' and be able to use it with nuance. You should understand that 'avslå' is specifically for rejecting an offer, request, or proposal, and you should be able to distinguish it clearly from 'avvise' and 'forkaste'. At this level, you should use 'avslå' instinctively in professional and formal settings. You should also be aware of the stylistic choice between 'avslå' and 'takke nei til'. While 'takke nei til' is polite and soft, 'avslå' is more definitive and formal. You will encounter this word in complex texts about law, politics, and business. For example, 'Retten avslo begjæringen om løslatelse' (The court rejected the petition for release). You should also be able to use the verb in various grammatical structures, including with an infinitive: 'De avslo å forhandle' (They refused to negotiate). Your ability to use such precise verbs is what marks you as an upper-intermediate speaker. You should also be sensitive to the register; using 'avslå' in a casual chat with friends might sound a bit stiff, so you know to stick to 'si nei' there. This level of linguistic awareness is expected at B2.
At the C1 level, your understanding of 'avslå' should be near-native. You should understand its etymological roots and how it fits into the broader system of Norwegian prefix-verbs (av-, be-, for-, etc.). You should be able to use it in complex argumentative writing and high-level professional discussions. You understand the subtle legal implications of 'avslå' versus 'avvise' in a courtroom or administrative setting. For instance, 'avslå' often refers to the merits of a request, while 'avvise' might refer to a procedural error (e.g., 'saken ble avvist' because it was filed too late). You should also be familiar with idiomatic uses and how the word functions in various rhetorical strategies. In C1 level reading, you will see 'avslå' used in literature to convey a character's firmness or social standing. You can also use the word to create a specific tone in your own writing—one of professional distance and clarity. You should be able to explain the difference between 'avslå' and its synonyms to lower-level learners, demonstrating your deep understanding of the Norwegian lexical field. Your usage should be flawless, including the correct choice of objects and the perfect application of the strong verb conjugation in all tenses.
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At the C2 level, 'avslå' is a tool you use with absolute precision and stylistic flair. You are aware of its historical development and its cognates in other Germanic languages like German ('abschlagen'). You can use it to navigate the most complex social and professional landscapes in Norway, from high-level diplomatic negotiations to nuanced literary analysis. You understand how 'avslå' can be used ironically or for emphasis in specific contexts. You are also fully aware of the word's placement within the 'legal Norwegian' (juridisk norsk) framework, where the choice between 'avslå', 'forkaste', and 'avvise' can have significant legal consequences. Your mastery of the word allows you to appreciate the subtle rhythm it adds to a sentence and how it contributes to the overall 'formal' aesthetic of a text. You might use it in a speech to sound authoritative, or in a critique to sound objective. At this level, you don't just know the word; you feel its weight and history. You can play with the word, using it in creative ways while always remaining within the bounds of natural, high-level Norwegian. You are a master of the register and can switch between 'avslå' and its more casual counterparts with ease, always choosing the perfect word for the specific communicative goal.
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Beispiele

avslå in 30 Sekunden

  • Avslå is a formal verb meaning to refuse or reject an offer, invitation, or application.
  • It is a strong verb: avslå, avslår, avslo, har avslått.
  • It is commonly used in professional, legal, and administrative contexts in Norway.
  • It should be distinguished from 'avvise' (rejecting people) and 'slå av' (turning off electronics).

The Norwegian verb avslå is a sophisticated and formally precise term used primarily to express the act of refusing, rejecting, or declining an offer, a request, an application, or an invitation. While in English you might simply say 'to say no' or 'to turn down,' avslå carries a weight of administrative or polite finality. It is the standard term you will encounter in professional correspondence, legal documents, and formal social interactions. Understanding avslå is essential for any learner moving into the B2 level because it distinguishes between a simple 'nei' and a formal rejection. For instance, if a bank denies your loan application, they will avslå søknaden. If you are invited to a gala but cannot attend, you would avslå invitasjonen.

Formal Rejection
Used when an official body or authority denies a request or application. This is common in bureaucracy and law.

Styret valgte å avslå forslaget om lønnsøkning på grunn av budsjettmangel.

The term is derived from the Germanic roots 'av' (off/away) and 'slå' (strike/hit), metaphorically suggesting the act of striking away an offer that has been presented. In modern usage, however, the physical 'striking' element is entirely gone, replaced by a sense of professional distance. Unlike avvise, which can feel more personal or harsh (like rejecting a person's romantic advances or physically barring someone from entry), avslå is generally directed at the content of a proposal. You avslår an offer, but you avviser a person. This nuance is critical for polite communication in Norway, where directness is valued but formal boundaries are strictly maintained in professional settings.

Social Etiquette
In social contexts, 'avslå' is used for invitations to formal events like weddings, seminars, or official dinners.

Hun måtte dessverre avslå invitasjonen til bryllupet fordi hun var bortreist.

Furthermore, avslå is a strong verb (avslå - avslår - avslo - har avslått). This means its conjugation follows a specific pattern that learners must memorize to use it correctly in different tenses. In the past tense, 'avslo' is frequently used in news reporting: 'Regjeringen avslo kravet' (The government rejected the demand). In the perfect tense, 'har avslått' is used to describe a completed action with current relevance: 'Vi har avslått alle søknadene som kom inn etter fristen' (We have rejected all applications that arrived after the deadline). This verb is indispensable for navigating the Norwegian job market, legal system, and high-level social circles.

Legal Context
In Norwegian law, a court may 'avslå' an appeal (anke) or a witness's request to remain silent.

Retten valgte å avslå anken på grunn av manglende bevis.

Using avslå correctly involves understanding its grammatical placement and the specific types of objects it pairs with. As a transitive verb, it requires a direct object. You cannot simply say 'Jeg avslår' without implying or stating what you are rejecting. Common objects include tilbud (offer), søknad (application), invitasjon (invitation), krav (demand), and forslag (proposal). In a sentence, the verb usually follows the subject in main clauses: 'Han avslår tilbudet.' In subordinate clauses, the word order changes according to standard Norwegian rules: 'Jeg vet at han avslår tilbudet.'

Present Tense
Used for current actions or general truths. 'Han avslår alltid slike invitasjoner.'

Hvorfor velger de å avslå så mange gode kandidater?

When using the past tense avslo, it often denotes a specific event in the past. It is frequently found in narratives or reports. For example: 'Da han fikk tilbudet om den nye jobben, avslo han det umiddelbart.' Note that the object 'det' (it) refers back to the job offer. In passive constructions, which are common in formal Norwegian, avslå often appears as ble avslått. 'Søknaden ble avslått' (The application was rejected). This passive form is extremely common in letters from government agencies like NAV or UDI, where the focus is on the decision rather than the individual making it.

Perfect Tense
Used to indicate that the rejection has already happened and its effect remains. 'De har allerede avslått forespørselen.'

Vi har avslått å kommentere saken ytterligere overfor pressen.

Another important aspect is the use of avslå with infinitives. You can 'avslå å gjøre noe' (refuse to do something). This structure is formal and direct. 'Han avslo å signere kontrakten' (He refused to sign the contract). This is more formal than 'Han ville ikke signere kontrakten.' Using avslå in this way emphasizes that a formal request was made and subsequently denied. It is also worth noting that avslå is never used with a preposition like 'til' or 'fra' regarding the object; it is always 'avslå [object]'.

Passive Voice
Common in administrative language. 'Tilbudet ble avslått av komiteen.'

Alle søknader som ikke oppfyller kravene, vil bli avslått.

In the real world, you will encounter avslå in several distinct environments. The most common is the professional and administrative sphere. If you apply for a visa, a job, or a grant in Norway, any negative response will almost certainly use this verb. In the news (Dagsrevyen or Aftenposten), journalists use avslå to describe political interactions: 'USA avslo Russlands krav' (The US rejected Russia's demands). It provides a neutral, objective tone that is required for serious reporting. It avoids the emotional connotations that words like 'nekte' (refuse/deny) might sometimes carry.

News Media
Used to report on diplomatic rejections or government decisions.

Statsministeren valgte å avslå intervjuforespørselen fra TV2.

In the business world, avslå is the standard for declining offers. During negotiations, if one party finds the terms unacceptable, they will avslå tilbudet. This is seen as a professional act, not a personal slight. You might also hear it in academic settings, where a professor might avslå a student's request for an extension on a paper if the reasons are not compelling. In these cases, the word reinforces the hierarchy and the formal nature of the request-response cycle. It is also common in the legal system, where judges 'avslår' motions or evidence.

Business Negotiations
Used when declining a contract, a price offer, or a partnership proposal.

Etter nøye vurdering måtte vi avslå deres pristilbud.

Socially, while less common than 'si nei' in casual conversation between friends, avslå is perfectly appropriate for formal invitations. If you receive a written invitation to a wedding or a corporate event, your response might state: 'Jeg må dessverre avslå invitasjonen.' This sounds much more elegant and respectful than 'Jeg kan ikke komme.' It shows that you respect the formality of the event. In literature, authors use avslå to portray characters who are principled, firm, or perhaps socially distant. It is a word that carries authority and clarity.

Academic Requests
Used by institutions when rejecting admission or funding applications.

Universitetet valgte å avslå søknaden hans om forskningsmidler.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with avslå is confusing it with the phrasal verb slå av. While they look similar, slå av means 'to turn off' (like a light or a TV). Saying 'Jeg avslår lyset' instead of 'Jeg slår av lyset' will result in a very confused Norwegian listener. Another common error is using avslå when avvise is more appropriate. Remember: avslå is for offers and requests; avvise is for people, feelings, or physical entry. If you 'avslår' a person, it sounds like you are treating them as a formal application rather than a human being.

Confusion with 'Slå Av'
'Slå av' means to turn off electronics. 'Avslå' means to reject an offer. Do not mix them up!

Feil: Jeg må avslå TV-en.
Riktig: Jeg må slå av TV-en.

Learners also struggle with the conjugation of this strong verb. It is tempting to conjugate it like a weak verb (e.g., 'avslådde'), but it must be 'avslo' in the past tense and 'avslått' in the perfect tense. Misconjugating it can make your speech sound clumsy, especially since the word itself is quite formal. Additionally, some learners try to use a preposition like 'til' after avslå because they are thinking of 'si nei til'. This is incorrect. Avslå is a direct transitive verb. It's 'avslå tilbudet', not 'avslå til tilbudet'.

Avslå vs. Avvise
Use 'avslå' for documents/offers. Use 'avvise' for people or when someone is physically turned away.

Feil: Han ble avslått i døra.
Riktig: Han ble avvist i døra.

Finally, using avslå in a very casual setting—like when a friend offers you a piece of gum—can sound overly dramatic or even sarcastic. In such cases, a simple 'Nei takk' is much better. Using highly formal vocabulary in casual contexts is a common pitfall for intermediate learners who are eager to use their new words. Save avslå for when there is a 'thing' (a proposal, an invitation, a request) that is being officially declined. Overusing it can make you seem stiff or unapproachable in everyday Norwegian social life.

Preposition Errors
Do not use 'til' after 'avslå'. It is always followed directly by the object.

Feil: Jeg vil avslå til invitasjonen.
Riktig: Jeg vil avslå invitasjonen.

Norwegian has several words that overlap with avslå, and choosing the right one is key to sounding like a native. The most common alternative is avvise. While avslå is for offers, avvise is broader and often implies a more active rejection or dismissal. You avviser a claim, a person, or an idea. Another word is nekte, which means 'to refuse' or 'to deny'. Nekte is often used when someone refuses to perform an action or denies a fact. For example, 'Han nektet å betale' (He refused to pay) or 'Han nektet for alt' (He denied everything). Nekte is more forceful and less formal than avslå.

Avslå vs. Avvise
'Avslå' is for declining an offer politely/formally. 'Avvise' is for dismissing or rejecting something more broadly.

Hun avslo tilbudet (declined the offer), men han avviste hele ideen (dismissed the whole idea).

Then there is forkaste, which means 'to discard' or 'to reject' a theory, a plan, or a proposal in a more final, often intellectual way. Scientists might forkaste a hypothesis that has been proven wrong. In a business meeting, a plan might be forkastet because it is impractical. This is stronger than avslå. For a more casual setting, Norwegians use si nei til (say no to) or takke nei til (thankfully say no to). Takke nei til is the polite, standard way to decline an invitation or a second helping of food: 'Jeg må takke nei til desserten.'

Avslå vs. Nekte
'Avslå' is a formal 'no' to a request. 'Nekte' is a refusal to act or a denial of truth.

Han avslo søknaden (rejected the application), men han nektet å forklare hvorfor (refused to explain why).

Finally, in administrative contexts, you might see ikke innvilge (not grant). If a permit is not granted, the letter might say 'Søknaden er ikke innvilget,' which is functionally the same as 'Søknaden er avslått,' but perhaps slightly softer. Understanding these subtle differences allows you to navigate Norwegian social and professional hierarchies with confidence. Whether you are discarding a bad idea (forkaste), refusing to do something (nekte), or formally declining an invitation (avslå), having the right word makes all the difference in how you are perceived by others.

Avslå vs. Forkaste
'Avslå' is for a specific offer. 'Forkaste' is for throwing away a plan or theory entirely.

Vi må avslå dette spesifikke tilbudet, og kanskje forkaste hele strategien.

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Beispiele nach Niveau

1

Han sier nei til kaffe.

He says no to coffee.

A1 level uses 'sier nei' instead of 'avslår'.

2

Jeg kan ikke komme i dag.

I cannot come today.

A simple way to decline an invitation.

3

Nei takk, jeg er mett.

No thank you, I am full.

The most common way to decline an offer at A1.

4

Hun vil ikke ha hjelp.

She does not want help.

Simple 'vil ikke ha' is used for rejection.

5

De sier nei til tilbudet.

They say no to the offer.

Using 'sier nei til' is the A1 equivalent of 'avslår'.

6

Han svarer nei på spørsmålet.

He answers no to the question.

Basic subject-verb-object structure.

7

Jeg takker nei til kaken.

I say no to the cake.

'Takker nei' is a polite phrase for beginners.

8

Vi sier nei.

We say no.

Simple present tense.

1

Han valgte å takke nei til invitasjonen.

He chose to decline the invitation.

'Takke nei' is slightly more formal than 'si nei'.

2

Hun avslo tilbudet om en ny jobb.

She rejected the offer of a new job.

Introduction of the verb 'avslo' in past tense.

3

Du må huske å slå av lyset.

You must remember to turn off the light.

Contrast: 'slå av' (turn off) vs 'avslå' (reject).

4

De avslo å hjelpe oss med flyttingen.

They refused to help us with the move.

'Avslå' followed by an infinitive 'å hjelpe'.

5

Søknaden hans ble ikke godkjent.

His application was not approved.

A2 level alternative to 'ble avslått'.

6

Jeg må dessverre avslå invitasjonen.

I must unfortunately decline the invitation.

Using 'dessverre' with 'avslå' is very common.

7

Hvorfor avslo de forslaget mitt?

Why did they reject my proposal?

Question form using the past tense 'avslo'.

8

Vi kan ikke avslå dette gode tilbudet.

We cannot reject this good offer.

Modal verb 'kan' followed by infinitive 'avslå'.

1

Banken valgte å avslå søknaden om lån.

The bank chose to reject the loan application.

'Avslå' is the standard term for bank/official rejections.

2

Han har avslått alle invitasjoner i det siste.

He has rejected all invitations lately.

Present perfect 'har avslått'.

3

Det er vanskelig å avslå et så godt tilbud.

It is difficult to reject such a good offer.

Using 'det er' + adjective + 'å avslå'.

4

Søknaden din ble avslått på grunn av manglende dokumentasjon.

Your application was rejected due to missing documentation.

Passive voice 'ble avslått' is very B1/B2.

5

Hun avslo høflig å kommentere saken.

She politely refused to comment on the matter.

Adverb 'høflig' modifying 'avslo'.

6

De avslo kravet om høyere lønn.

They rejected the demand for higher pay.

Common collocation: 'avslå krav'.

7

Vi må vurdere om vi skal avslå eller godta.

We must consider whether we should reject or accept.

Comparing opposites: 'avslå' vs 'godta'.

8

Han avslo tilbudet uten å nøle.

He rejected the offer without hesitating.

Prepositional phrase 'uten å nøle' adding detail.

1

Komiteen valgte å avslå forslaget etter en lang debatt.

The committee chose to reject the proposal after a long debate.

Formal administrative context suitable for B2.

2

Det er viktig å kunne avslå forespørsler når man har for mye å gjøre.

It is important to be able to decline requests when one has too much to do.

Infinitive construction with 'å kunne avslå'.

3

Regjeringen avslo anken fra de berørte partene.

The government rejected the appeal from the affected parties.

Legal/Political terminology: 'avslå anken'.

4

Mange søknader blir avslått automatisk av systemet.

Many applications are rejected automatically by the system.

Present passive 'blir avslått'.

5

Hun valgte å avslå prisen av prinsipielle grunner.

She chose to decline the prize for reasons of principle.

Complex reasoning: 'av prinsipielle grunner'.

6

De har valgt å avslå ethvert samarbeid med fienden.

They have chosen to reject any cooperation with the enemy.

Strong social/political statement.

7

Retten kan avslå å høre vitnet.

The court can refuse to hear the witness.

Legal usage: 'avslå å høre'.

8

Han avslo tilbudet fordi betingelsene var for dårlige.

He rejected the offer because the conditions were too poor.

Subordinate clause explaining the reason.

1

Departementet valgte å avslå klagen under henvisning til gjeldende regelverk.

The department chose to reject the complaint, referring to current regulations.

High-level administrative language.

2

Det å avslå en invitasjon fra kongen anses som svært uvanlig.

Declining an invitation from the king is considered very unusual.

Gerund-like use of 'Det å avslå'.

3

Han avslo kontant å delta i prosjektet.

He flatly refused to participate in the project.

Adverb 'kontant' (flatly/curtly) used with 'avslo'.

4

Søknaden om dispensasjon ble avslått etter en helhetlig vurdering.

The application for an exemption was rejected after a comprehensive assessment.

Professional phrase: 'helhetlig vurdering'.

5

Å avslå hjelp kan i visse kulturer oppfattes som en fornærmelse.

Declining help can in certain cultures be perceived as an insult.

Abstract cultural discussion.

6

Styret avslo å gå inn i ytterligere forhandlinger.

The board refused to enter into further negotiations.

Formal business phrasing.

7

Han valgte å avslå arven for å unngå gjeldsansvar.

He chose to reject the inheritance to avoid debt liability.

Specific legal context: 'avslå arv'.

8

Til tross for det fristende tilbudet, valgte hun å avslå.

Despite the tempting offer, she chose to decline.

Concessive clause 'Til tross for'.

1

Hans kategoriske avslåelse av tilbudet vakte stor oppsikt i finansmiljøet.

His categorical rejection of the offer caused a great stir in the financial community.

Using the noun form 'avslåelse' (though 'avslag' is more common).

2

Det er en hårfin balanse mellom å avslå høflig og det å virke arrogant.

There is a fine balance between declining politely and appearing arrogant.

Nuanced social commentary.

3

Retten fant det betimelig å avslå begjæringen om gjenopptakelse.

The court found it timely to reject the petition for a retrial.

Very formal legal Norwegian: 'betimelig å avslå'.

4

Ved å avslå å føye seg etter diktatet, viste han stort personlig mot.

By refusing to comply with the dictate, he showed great personal courage.

Complex prepositional phrase 'Ved å avslå'.

5

Institusjonen har en lang tradisjon for å avslå søknader som ikke holder mål.

The institution has a long tradition of rejecting applications that do not meet the standard.

Idiomatic expression 'holde mål' (meet the standard).

6

Han avslo å la seg styre av konvensjonene.

He refused to let himself be governed by conventions.

Reflexive and passive construction.

7

Dersom tilbudet avslås, vil vi iverksette alternative tiltak.

If the offer is rejected, we will implement alternative measures.

S-passive 'avslås' in a conditional clause.

8

Det var med tungt hjerte han så seg nødt til å avslå forespørselen.

It was with a heavy heart that he found himself forced to decline the request.

Idiomatic 'med tungt hjerte' and 'se seg nødt til'.

Synonyme

avvise nekte forkaste
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