The Norwegian adverb fremdeles is a very common word used to indicate that a situation, state, or action continues to exist or happen up to the present moment. It implies a sense of continuity, often in contrast to what might have been expected or in the face of changes. Think of it as the Norwegian equivalent of the English word 'still' when it refers to something that has not stopped. It's used when something that started in the past is ongoing in the present.
- Core Meaning
- The primary function of fremdeles is to convey that something is still the case, that it has not changed or stopped. It emphasizes the continuation of a state or action.
- Usage Scenarios
- You'll encounter fremdeles in a wide range of situations. For instance, if someone is still living in the same house they've lived in for years, you'd say they fremdeles bor der. If a problem that existed before is still present, it fremdeles eksisterer. It can also be used to express that someone is still doing a particular job or maintaining a certain habit. It's crucial for describing ongoing states and actions without interruption.
- Implying Persistence
- Often, fremdeles carries an implication of persistence. It can suggest that despite time passing or circumstances changing, the situation remains the same. This can be neutral, or it can sometimes imply a slight surprise or a noteworthy continuation. For example, if a restaurant that was popular years ago is fremdeles populært, it suggests it has maintained its appeal over time.
- Contrast with Expectations
- Sometimes, fremdeles is used to highlight that something is happening contrary to expectations. If you thought someone had moved away but they are fremdeles in town, the word emphasizes this unexpected continuity. This nuanced usage adds depth to its meaning and makes it a versatile adverb in Norwegian.
Han snakker fremdeles norsk etter alle disse årene i utlandet.
Selv om det regner, er parken fremdeles full av folk.
- Key Function
- The core function of fremdeles is to mark the continuation of a state or action from the past into the present. It answers the question 'Is this still happening?' or 'Is this still true?'
- Common Use Cases
- It's used for ongoing activities (e.g., fremdeles jobber der - still works there), persistent states (e.g., problemet er fremdeles der - the problem is still there), and enduring qualities (e.g., hun er fremdeles like glad - she is still just as happy).
De er fremdeles venner etter alle disse årene.
Fremdeles is an adverb, meaning it modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Its placement in a sentence is generally quite flexible, but it most commonly appears either before the verb it modifies or at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis. Understanding these placement patterns will help you use it naturally.
- Placement with Verbs
- The most typical position for fremdeles is directly before the main verb. This highlights the ongoing nature of the action. For example, in the sentence 'Hun fremdeles leser den boken' (She is still reading that book), fremdeles modifies the verb 'leser' (reads).
- Beginning of the Sentence
- Placing fremdeles at the start of a sentence adds emphasis to the continuity. It can set the stage for the rest of the sentence, drawing attention to the fact that the situation persists. For instance, 'Fremdeles er det sol ute' (Still, it is sunny outside), which might be said if you expected the weather to change.
- With Adjectives and Other Adverbs
- While less common than with verbs, fremdeles can also modify adjectives or other adverbs to emphasize their continued state. For example, 'Han er fremdeles veldig glad' (He is still very happy), where it intensifies 'veldig glad' (very happy). Or 'Hun jobber fremdeles hardt' (She is still working hard), where it modifies the adverb 'hardt' (hard).
- In Complex Sentences
- In sentences with multiple clauses, fremdeles usually stays close to the verb or idea it's referring to. If the main clause describes a continuing action, fremdeles will likely be in that clause. For example, 'Selv om været er dårlig, er vi fremdeles glade' (Even though the weather is bad, we are still happy).
Barna leker fremdeles i hagen.
Han har fremdeles ikke lært å sykle.
- Sentence Structure
- In simple sentences, fremdeles often precedes the verb: Subject + fremdeles + Verb + Object/Complement.
- Emphasis
- Placing fremdeles at the beginning of a sentence can add emphasis, indicating that the continuation is noteworthy or perhaps surprising.
You will hear fremdeles constantly in everyday Norwegian conversation. It’s a fundamental part of expressing ongoing states and actions, making it ubiquitous across various communication contexts. Listening to native speakers will quickly familiarize you with its natural rhythm and usage.
- Everyday Conversations
- In casual chats between friends or family, fremdeles is used to talk about anything that continues. 'Er du fremdeles interessert i den konserten?' (Are you still interested in that concert?). Or 'Hun har fremdeles den gamle bilen sin' (She still has her old car). It's a natural way to describe continuity in personal lives.
- News and Media
- News reports often use fremdeles to discuss ongoing situations. For example, a report on a political issue might state, 'Forhandlingene pågår fremdeles' (The negotiations are still ongoing). Similarly, in weather reports, one might hear, 'Det vil fremdeles være kaldt i nord' (It will still be cold in the north).
- Workplace Discussions
- In professional settings, fremdeles is used to track progress or ongoing tasks. 'Har du fremdeles ikke mottatt rapporten?' (Have you still not received the report?). Or 'Prosjektet er fremdeles på tidsplanen' (The project is still on schedule).
- Cultural Commentary
- In discussions about culture, trends, or societal changes, fremdeles can be used to highlight what endures. 'Den gamle tradisjonen lever fremdeles videre i noen lokalsamfunn' (The old tradition still lives on in some local communities).
Selv om hun er pensjonert, er hun fremdeles aktiv i lokalsamfunnet.
Vi venter fremdeles på svar.
- Common Phrases
- You'll often hear it in phrases like 'fremdeles ikke' (still not), 'fremdeles mulig' (still possible), or 'fremdeles åpent' (still open).
- Context is Key
- The specific context will tell you whether fremdeles implies a simple continuation or perhaps a slight surprise or persistence against odds.
While fremdeles is a straightforward word, learners can sometimes make mistakes, often by confusing it with similar concepts or misplacing it in a sentence. Avoiding these common pitfalls will help you use the word accurately.
- Confusing with 'ennå'
- The Norwegian word ennå can also translate to 'still' or 'yet', but it often carries a stronger sense of anticipation or that something has not happened *yet*. Fremdeles emphasizes ongoing existence or action. For example, 'Jeg har fremdeles ikke spist' means 'I still haven't eaten' (implying it's ongoing that I haven't eaten). 'Jeg har ennå ikke spist' can also mean 'I haven't eaten yet' but might imply an expectation that you will soon. Using fremdeles when ennå is more appropriate (or vice versa) is a common error.
- Incorrect Placement
- As an adverb, fremdeles needs to be placed correctly. While it's often flexible, placing it in a position that sounds unnatural can lead to confusion. For instance, putting it after the object instead of before the verb is usually incorrect: '*Vi jobber fremdeles i dag' is correct, but '*Vi jobber i dag fremdeles' sounds awkward and is generally avoided.
- Overuse or Underuse
- Some learners might overuse fremdeles when a simpler sentence structure would suffice, or they might underuse it when it's essential for conveying continuity. For example, instead of saying 'Han er her', they might unnecessarily say 'Han er fremdeles her' if his presence is already established and not particularly noteworthy.
- Confusing with 'fortsatt'
- Fortsatt is another word that translates to 'still' or 'continuously'. While often interchangeable with fremdeles, fortsatt can sometimes imply a more active or ongoing process, or a continuation of a habit. However, for many simple continuations, they are synonyms. The distinction can be subtle and depends on regional usage and personal preference. A common mistake is to rigidly adhere to one when the other might sound more natural in a specific context.
Feil: Jeg har ikke spist fremdeles.
Riktig: Jeg har fremdeles ikke spist.
Feil: Hun er fremdeles glad veldig.
Riktig: Hun er fremdeles veldig glad.
Norwegian offers several words that can convey a similar meaning to fremdeles, primarily related to continuation. Understanding the subtle differences will help you choose the most precise word for your context.
- Fremdeles vs. Fortsatt
- Fremdeles and fortsatt are often interchangeable and both translate to 'still'. However, fortsatt can sometimes imply a more active or ongoing process, or a continuation of a habit. For example, 'Han fortsatt trener hver dag' (He still trains every day) might emphasize the continuous nature of the training routine. Fremdeles is generally used for a broader range of ongoing states. For simple continuations, they are often synonymous: 'Boka er fremdeles interessant' vs. 'Boka er fortsatt interessant'.
- Fremdeles vs. Ennå
- Ennå also translates to 'still' or 'yet', but it often carries a stronger connotation of something that has not happened *yet*, implying anticipation or a lack of completion. It's frequently used with negative statements or in questions about completion. For instance, 'Har du ennå ikke begynt?' (Have you still not started?) implies an expectation that starting should have occurred. Fremdeles focuses more on the current existence of a state or action. 'Fremdeles er det kaldt' (It is still cold) is a statement of current condition, whereas 'Ennå er det kaldt' might suggest surprise that it's still cold.
- Fremdeles vs. Til nå
- Til nå means 'up to now' or 'so far'. It's a temporal phrase that marks the boundary of the period being discussed. While fremdeles implies that a situation continues *from* the past *up to* the present, til nå simply describes the state of affairs at the present moment, looking back. For example, 'Til nå har alt gått bra' (So far, everything has gone well) focuses on the period leading up to now. 'Fremdeles går alt bra' (Everything is still going well) emphasizes the ongoing nature of the good progress.
- Fremdeles vs. Likevel
- Likevel means 'nevertheless' or 'however'. It introduces a contrast or an unexpected outcome. It does not mean 'still' in the sense of continuation. For instance, 'Det regnet, men likevel gikk vi ut' (It was raining, but nevertheless we went out). This is completely different from fremdeles, which would not be used here.
Han er fremdeles en dyktig musiker.
Han er fortsatt en dyktig musiker.
Vi har ikke mottatt brevet ennå.
Vi har fremdeles ikke mottatt brevet.
- Summary Table
- | Word | Primary Meaning | Nuance | |---|---|---| | fremdeles | Still (ongoing state/action) | General continuation | | fortsatt | Still (ongoing process/habit) | Active continuation, habit | | ennå | Still, yet (not completed) | Implies anticipation or lack of completion | | til nå | Up to now, so far | Temporal marker, period boundary |
Examples by Level
This level is too basic for explicit examples of 'fremdeles'. Focus on simple present tense.
Focus on basic verbs and nouns.
The concept of 'still' is not typically introduced at A1.
Simple sentence structure: Subject + Verb.
Keep sentences very short and direct.
Basic vocabulary recognition.
Focus on present tense actions.
Understanding of 'is/are' and present tense verbs.
The word 'fremdeles' is generally too advanced for A1.
Simple statements about immediate surroundings.
Prioritize understanding core verbs and nouns.
Recognizing common objects and actions.
Focus on concrete objects and actions.
Understanding of basic sentence components.
'Fremdeles' is generally not taught at A1.
Building foundational vocabulary.
Bilen er fremdeles her.
The car is still here.
Adverb placement before the adjective/state.
Han snakker fremdeles med henne.
He is still talking with her.
Adverb placement before the verb.
Problemet er fremdeles der.
The problem is still there.
Indicating a persistent situation.
Vi venter fremdeles.
We are still waiting.
Simple statement of an ongoing action.
Er du fremdeles trøtt?
Are you still tired?
Question form with 'fremdeles'.
De bor fremdeles i Oslo.
They still live in Oslo.
Describing continued residence.
Det er fremdeles kaldt ute.
It is still cold outside.
Describing ongoing weather conditions.
Hun liker fremdeles den sangen.
She still likes that song.
Indicating continued preference.
Selv om han er gammel, er han fremdeles veldig sterk.
Even though he is old, he is still very strong.
Used with adjectives to describe a continuing quality.
Problemet har vart lenge, men vi jobber fremdeles med å finne en løsning.
The problem has lasted a long time, but we are still working on finding a solution.
Emphasizes the continuation of an effort despite challenges.
De har fremdeles ikke bestemt seg for hvor de skal reise.
They still haven't decided where they are going to travel.
Often used with 'ikke' for 'still not'.
Fremdeles er det mange som tror på gamle myter.
Still, many people believe in old myths.
Placement at the beginning for emphasis.
Han har fremdeles kontakt med sine gamle venner fra studietiden.
He still keeps in touch with his old friends from his student days.
Describes ongoing relationships.
Selv etter ulykken, klarte hun fremdeles å smile.
Even after the accident, she still managed to smile.
Highlights resilience and continued positive outlook.
Til tross for kritikken, er filmen fremdeles populær.
Despite the criticism, the film is still popular.
Indicates continued success or appeal.
Hvorfor har du fremdeles ikke ryddet rommet ditt?
Why have you still not tidied your room?
Used in questions to inquire about uncompleted tasks.
Til tross for den økonomiske krisen, har bedriften fremdeles klart å opprettholde arbeidsplassene.
Despite the economic crisis, the company has still managed to maintain jobs.
Used in more complex sentences to show resilience against challenges.
Mange av de gamle tradisjonene lever fremdeles videre i lokalsamfunnet, selv om de har endret seg noe.
Many of the old traditions still live on in the local community, even though they have changed somewhat.
Expresses the enduring nature of cultural practices.
Selv om teknologien har utviklet seg enormt, er det fremdeles behov for menneskelig kontakt og empati.
Even though technology has developed enormously, there is still a need for human contact and empathy.
Highlights persistent human needs in the face of progress.
Fremdeles er det en debatt om hvorvidt denne loven er rettferdig.
Still, there is a debate about whether this law is fair.
Emphasizes that a discussion or issue remains active.
Han hadde lovet å komme, men han dukket fremdeles ikke opp.
He had promised to come, but he still didn't show up.
Used with negative verbs to highlight an unfulfilled expectation.
Klimaendringene er en utfordring som vi fremdeles må ta på alvor.
Climate change is a challenge that we still must take seriously.
Underscores the ongoing relevance of a problem.
Til tross for alle advarslene, var det fremdeles mange som ignorerte faren.
Despite all the warnings, there were still many who ignored the danger.
Implies a continued pattern of behavior despite warnings.
Selv om prosjektet møtte flere hindringer, klarte teamet å fullføre det fremdeles innen fristen.
Even though the project encountered several obstacles, the team still managed to complete it within the deadline.
Highlights successful continuation despite difficulties.
Den kunstneriske bevegelsen, selv om den ble kritisert i sin tid, har fremdeles en betydelig innflytelse på moderne kunstneres verk.
The artistic movement, although criticized in its time, still has a significant influence on the works of modern artists.
Used to describe enduring influence or impact.
Myndighetene forsikrer befolkningen om at beredskapen er høy, men bekymringen for en ny bølge av smitte vedvarer fremdeles.
The authorities assure the population that preparedness is high, but the concern for a new wave of infection still persists.
Highlights ongoing emotional states or concerns.
Til tross for globaliseringens fremskritt, er nasjonale identiteter fremdeles sterke drivkrefter i mange samfunn.
Despite the advancements of globalization, national identities are still strong driving forces in many societies.
Discusses persistent societal structures or ideologies.
Fremdeles er det ubesvarte spørsmål rundt hendelsesforløpet, til tross for flere års etterforskning.
Still, there remain unanswered questions surrounding the course of events, despite several years of investigation.
Emphasizes the lack of resolution in an ongoing situation.
Selv om den teknologiske utviklingen går i et rasende tempo, er det fremdeles en grunnleggende menneskelig trang til å skape og dele historier.
Even though technological development is proceeding at a furious pace, there is still a fundamental human need to create and share stories.
Contrasts rapid change with enduring human traits.
Den politiske situasjonen forblir ustabil, og det er usikkert om de planlagte reformene vil bli implementert fremdeles.
The political situation remains unstable, and it is uncertain whether the planned reforms will still be implemented.
Used in contexts of uncertainty about future continuation.
Til tross for at mange har gått over til digitale medier, eksisterer papirboken fremdeles som et verdifullt medium for mange lesere.
Despite many having switched to digital media, the paper book still exists as a valuable medium for many readers.
Highlights the persistent existence of older forms alongside new ones.
Det er forbløffende at visse fordommer kan vedvare fremdeles i et så moderne samfunn.
It is astonishing that certain prejudices can still persist in such a modern society.
Conveys a sense of surprise or concern about continued negative phenomena.
Den postmoderne kunstkritikken anerkjenner at selv om et verk kan være skapt i en bestemt tidsepoke, kan dets resonans og relevans vedvare fremdeles og påvirke nye generasjoner av kunstnere.
Postmodern art criticism acknowledges that even if a work is created in a specific era, its resonance and relevance can still persist and influence new generations of artists.
Sophisticated use in academic discourse to discuss enduring artistic legacy.
Til tross for den tilsynelatende homogeniseringen av kulturer gjennom globaliserte medier, manifesterer fremdeles unike lokale tradisjoner seg med en uventet vitalitet.
Despite the apparent homogenization of cultures through globalized media, unique local traditions still manifest themselves with unexpected vitality.
Emphasizes the surprising continuation of distinct cultural elements.
Mens vitenskapelig fremskritt kontinuerlig utfordrer etablerte paradigmer, er det fremdeles grunnleggende filosofiske spørsmål som forblir uløste og gjenstand for debatt.
While scientific progress continuously challenges established paradigms, there are still fundamental philosophical questions that remain unresolved and subject to debate.
Highlights the enduring nature of fundamental questions across disciplines.
Fremdeles er det en diskrepans mellom den politiske retorikken om likhet og den sosioøkonomiske realiteten for marginaliserte grupper.
Still, there is a discrepancy between the political rhetoric on equality and the socioeconomic reality for marginalized groups.
Used to point out persistent societal inequalities despite stated intentions.
Selv i en tid preget av digital transparens, er det fremdeles sfærer av menneskelig erfaring som unndrar seg fullstendig kartlegging og forståelse.
Even in an era marked by digital transparency, there are still spheres of human experience that elude complete mapping and understanding.
Discusses the persistent ineffability of certain aspects of life.
Den historiske arven etter kolonialismen fortsetter å prege samtidsdebattene, og dens effekter er fremdeles merkbare i internasjonale relasjoner.
The historical legacy of colonialism continues to shape contemporary debates, and its effects are still noticeable in international relations.
Emphasizes the ongoing relevance and impact of historical events.
Til tross for en utbredt skeptisisme mot etablerte institusjoner, viser meningsmålinger at tilliten til visse former for offentlig tjeneste fremdeles er intakt hos deler av befolkningen.
Despite widespread skepticism towards established institutions, polls show that trust in certain forms of public service is still intact among segments of the population.
Highlights persistent, perhaps counter-intuitive, levels of trust.
Det er fascinerende hvordan visse narrative strukturer, til tross for å ha blitt brukt i århundrer, fremdeles evner å engasjere og berøre publikum på et dypt emosjonelt nivå.
It is fascinating how certain narrative structures, despite having been used for centuries, are still able to engage and touch audiences on a deep emotional level.
Reflects on the timeless power of storytelling techniques.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More general words
advare
B1To warn someone about a danger or risk
akseptabel
B2acceptable or satisfactory
aktiv
B1engaged in physical or mental activity
aktsom
C1careful or cautious in one's actions
aktuell
B1Current or relevant to the present time
allikevel
B2nevertheless; anyway
alt
A1everything
altfor
B1Too much or excessively
alvorlig
B1Serious or severe.
anbefale
B1To recommend something to someone
