At the A1 level, 'gjennomføre' is quite an advanced word. Most beginners will use 'gjøre' (to do) or 'lage' (to make) instead. However, you might encounter it in very simple instructions or signs. For an A1 student, the focus should be on recognizing the word rather than producing it. It is a long word, which can be intimidating, but if you break it down into 'gjennom' (through) and 'føre' (to lead), it becomes easier to remember. You might see it on a syllabus: 'Gjennomføre kurset' (Complete the course). At this stage, just think of it as a fancy way to say 'finish' or 'do'. Don't worry about the grammar nuances yet; just recognize it when you see it in a professional or educational context. You probably won't use it in your own basic sentences like 'I eat an apple' or 'I go to school'. It belongs to the world of plans and tasks.
By the A2 level, you are starting to talk more about your work, your studies, and your daily routines. You might start using 'gjennomføre' to describe tasks you are doing at your job or in your Norwegian class. For example, 'Jeg må gjennomføre denne oppgaven' (I must carry out this task). You are beginning to understand that 'gjennomføre' sounds more serious and planned than 'gjøre'. You might also see it in the past tense 'gjennomførte' when talking about things you have done. At A2, you should try to use it when talking about simple projects or organized activities. It's a good word to use when you want to sound a bit more professional in a job interview or a workplace setting. You will also start to notice it in news headlines or simple articles about what the government is doing. Remember: it's about following a plan from start to finish.
At the B1 level, 'gjennomføre' becomes a core part of your vocabulary. This is the level where you are expected to handle professional and academic topics with more confidence. You should be able to use 'gjennomføre' naturally when discussing projects, plans, and processes. You will understand the difference between 'gjennomføre' (the whole process) and 'fullføre' (just finishing). You will also start using common collocations like 'gjennomføre et intervju', 'gjennomføre en undersøkelse', or 'gjennomføre en plan'. This is also the stage where you should become comfortable with the passive form 'gjennomføres'. For example, 'Møtet skal gjennomføres på Teams'. You are now moving beyond just 'doing' things; you are 'implementing' and 'executing' them. This word will help you sound much more like a native speaker in a work environment.
At the B2 level, you should have a nuanced understanding of 'gjennomføre'. You can distinguish it from synonyms like 'iverksette' (to implement/start) and 'utføre' (to perform). You use 'gjennomføre' to describe complex social, political, or scientific processes. You are also familiar with the noun form 'gjennomføring' and the adjective 'gjennomførbar' (feasible). You might use these in arguments or discussions: 'Er denne planen i det hele tatt gjennomførbar?' (Is this plan even feasible?). Your use of the word is precise. You know that 'gjennomføre' implies a certain level of management or organization. You can use it in more formal writing, such as reports or essays, to describe methodologies or the implementation of ideas. You also understand its use in sports to describe grit and completion. Your vocabulary is becoming more specialized, and 'gjennomføre' is a key tool for that.
At the C1 level, you use 'gjennomføre' with full stylistic control. You understand its rhetorical weight and can use it to convey professional authority. You might use it in legal or administrative contexts, understanding the specific implications of 'gjennomføre et vedtak' (carrying out a resolution). You are aware of how the word functions in different registers, from the highly formal language of government white papers to the more common but still serious language of business strategy. You can also play with the word in more creative contexts, perhaps using it metaphorically. You understand the historical development of the word and how it fits into the broader landscape of Norwegian verbs of action. Your pronunciation is natural, including the subtle stress patterns. You can discuss the 'gjennomføringsevne' of political leaders or CEOs with ease, using the word as a benchmark for competence and success.
At the C2 level, 'gjennomføre' is a word you use instinctively and perfectly in every context. You are sensitive to the finest nuances—for instance, when 'gjennomføre' might sound too bureaucratic and when a word like 'realisere' or 'fullbyrde' might be more poetically or legally appropriate. You can analyze texts where the word is used and explain why it was chosen over alternatives. You use the word in complex, multi-clause sentences without hesitation. You are familiar with its use in historical texts and how its usage has evolved over time. For you, 'gjennomføre' is not just a verb; it is a concept that ties into Norwegian values of pragmatism and reliability. You can use it in high-level academic research, legal briefs, or philosophical discussions about the nature of action and completion. You have reached a level where the word is a flexible tool in your vast linguistic arsenal.

gjennomføre in 30 Seconds

  • A formal verb meaning to carry out, implement, or execute a planned task.
  • Commonly used in professional, academic, and sports contexts to denote completion.
  • Implies a systematic process from start to finish, unlike simpler verbs like 'gjøre'.
  • Key forms: gjennomføre (infinitive), gjennomfører (present), gjennomførte (past), gjennomført (past participle).

The Norwegian verb gjennomføre is a cornerstone of the B1 level and beyond, representing the act of taking a plan, a task, or an idea from its inception to its final completion. Etymologically, it is a compound of gjennom (through) and føre (to lead or carry). Literally, you are 'leading something through' the various obstacles and requirements until it is finished. It is most frequently translated to English as 'to carry out', 'to implement', 'to execute', or 'to conduct'. In a professional context, it is the standard word for implementing policies or conducting meetings. In a personal context, it might refer to completing a difficult marathon or finishing a DIY project at home.

Professional Implementation
Used when a government or company puts a new rule or strategy into practice. It implies a systematic approach where steps are followed to achieve a result.
Personal Perseverance
Used when someone completes a challenge despite it being difficult. It suggests grit and determination to reach the finish line.
Technical Execution
Used in science or research to describe the process of running an experiment or a series of tests under controlled conditions.

Understanding the nuance of this word requires recognizing that it is more formal than gjøre (to do) and more comprehensive than starte (to start). It encompasses the entire duration of an activity. If you say you will gjennomføre an interview, you aren't just starting it; you are committing to the whole process from the first question to the final handshake.

Regjeringen valgte å gjennomføre de nye tiltakene umiddelbart for å sikre tryggheten.

Hun klarte å gjennomføre studiene på tross av alle utfordringene hun møtte.

Vi må gjennomføre en grundig analyse før vi tar en endelig beslutning.

Det er ikke alltid lett å gjennomføre det man har lovet seg selv på nyttårsaften.

Læreren hjalp elevene med å gjennomføre prosjektet i tide.

Whether you are talking about a medical procedure, a political reform, or a simple exercise routine, gjennomføre provides a sense of structure and completion that simpler verbs lack. It implies that there was a plan or an intention, and that intention has been realized through action.

Using gjennomføre correctly involves understanding its transitivity and its typical objects. It is a transitive verb, meaning it almost always takes a direct object—the thing being carried out. You don't just 'gjennomføre'; you 'gjennomføre' a plan, a task, or a project. In terms of sentence structure, it follows the standard V2 rule in Norwegian, but because it is a compound verb, it stays together. Unlike some other phrasal verbs in Norwegian, you do not typically split 'gjennom' and 'føre' in modern usage.

The Future Tense
Often paired with 'skal' or 'vil' to express future plans. 'Vi skal gjennomføre undersøkelsen neste uke' (We will carry out the survey next week).
The Perfect Tense
Used with 'har' to indicate completed actions. 'De har gjennomført alle testene' (They have completed all the tests). This emphasizes that the process is now over.
Modal Verbs
Commonly used with 'må' (must), 'kan' (can), or 'bør' (should). 'Vi må gjennomføre dette nå' (We must carry this out now).

When using this verb, consider the 'weight' of the action. It is rarely used for trivial things like 'gjennomføre en kopp kaffe'. Instead, use it for things that require a series of steps. It is the language of projects, reforms, and intentional actions.

Planen var ambisiøs, men de klarte å gjennomføre den uten feil.

Det er viktig å gjennomføre samtalen på en profesjonell måte.

Kan du gjennomføre denne oppgaven før lunsj?

In academic writing, you will see this word used to describe the methodology of a study. 'Studien ble gjennomført over en periode på tre år' (The study was conducted over a period of three years). This adds a level of precision and formality to your Norwegian that simpler verbs like 'varte' (lasted) cannot provide.

In Norway, gjennomføre is ubiquitous in the workplace, the news, and educational settings. If you work in a Norwegian office, you will hear it in every meeting. Your manager might ask, 'Hvordan skal vi gjennomføre denne endringen?' (How shall we implement this change?). It is the language of action and accountability. It moves the conversation from the 'what' (the idea) to the 'how' (the execution).

News and Politics
Journalists use it to describe government actions. 'Politiet skal gjennomføre en razzia' (The police will carry out a raid) or 'Stortinget har gjennomført en avstemning' (The Parliament has conducted a vote).
Sports and Fitness
In the context of the 'Birkebeiner' race or the Oslo Marathon, you will hear athletes talk about 'gjennomføringskraft' (the power to follow through). To 'gjennomføre' a race means to cross the finish line, regardless of the time.
Education
Teachers use it for exams and projects. 'Eksamen skal gjennomføres digitalt' (The exam will be conducted digitally).

You will also hear it in everyday conversations when people discuss their goals. If someone is on a diet or a training program, they might say, 'Det er vanskelig å gjennomføre det i hverdagen' (It is difficult to carry it out in everyday life). This highlights the gap between having an intention and actually doing the work.

Vi hørte på nyhetene at de skal gjennomføre store kutt i budsjettet.

Treneren sa at det viktigste er å gjennomføre hele treningsøkten.

In summary, if you are in a situation where a process is being described—whether it's a legal trial, a scientific experiment, or a construction project—keep your ears open for gjennomføre. It is the verb that signals that action is being taken to fulfill a plan.

Even though gjennomføre is a common word, learners often struggle with its specific usage compared to similar verbs like fullføre, utføre, or gjøre. The most common mistake is using it for simple, single-step actions. You wouldn't say 'Jeg skal gjennomføre å vaske opp' (I will carry out washing the dishes) unless it was a massive, organized project involving hundreds of plates.

Gjennomføre vs. Fullføre
'Fullføre' means to finish something that is already in progress. 'Gjennomføre' focuses on the whole process from start to finish. You 'fullfører' a race you've already started, but you 'gjennomfører' the plan to run the race.
Gjennomføre vs. Utføre
'Utføre' is often used for technical or manual tasks. A craftsman 'utfører' work. 'Gjennomføre' is more abstract and organizational. However, they are often interchangeable in professional settings.
Preposition Errors
Learners sometimes try to add 'med' after it (gjennomføre med), but 'gjennomføre' is a direct verb. You 'gjennomfører planen', you don't 'gjennomfører med planen'.

Another mistake is splitting the verb. While some Norwegian verbs like gå ut can be split (Han går ut), gjennomføre is almost always treated as a single unit. Saying 'Han førte planen gjennom' sounds archaic or like literal physical movement (He led the plan through the door).

Feil: Jeg skal gjennomføre å spise eplet. (Too simple for this verb)

Riktig: Vi skal gjennomføre en omfattende helsesjekk.

Finally, watch out for the adjective form gjennomførbar (feasible). It is a great word to use in business meetings to ask if a plan is actually possible: 'Er dette prosjektet gjennomførbart?' (Is this project feasible?).

To truly master Norwegian, you need to know when to swap gjennomføre for a more specific synonym. While it is a versatile word, using the same verb repeatedly can make your language sound repetitive. Here are the primary alternatives and how they differ:

Iverksette (To Implement/Set in Motion)
This focuses on the start of a process. You 'iverksetter' a plan to get it moving. 'Gjennomføre' covers the whole duration.
Utføre (To Perform/Execute)
More common for physical tasks or technical execution. 'Kirurgen utførte operasjonen' (The surgeon performed the surgery). 'Gjennomføre' could also be used here, but 'utføre' sounds more specialized.
Realisere (To Realize/Make Happen)
Used when a dream or a long-term goal finally becomes reality. 'Han realiserte drømmen om å skrive bok' (He realized the dream of writing a book).
Fullføre (To Complete)
Focuses purely on the finish line. If you are 90% done, you 'fullfører' the last bit.

Choosing between these depends on your focus. Do you want to emphasize the beginning (iverksette), the technical skill (utføre), the completion (fullføre), or the entire managed process (gjennomføre)?

Vi må iverksette tiltakene før det er for sent.

Han har fullført utdannelsen sin nå.

By learning these nuances, you move from basic communication to sophisticated expression. Gjennomføre remains the 'middle ground'—safe, professional, and always clear.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"Vi vil gjennomføre de nødvendige tiltakene i henhold til protokollen."

Neutral

"Vi skal gjennomføre et nytt prosjekt på skolen."

Informal

"Jeg må bare gjennomføre denne treningsøkta."

Child friendly

"Nå skal vi gjennomføre leken helt til slutt!"

Slang

"Vi bare gjennomførte det, ass."

Fun Fact

The word is a 'calque' or loan-translation. Many Norwegian professional words come from German, as German was the language of administration and trade in the Hanseatic era.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈjɛnːɔmˌføːrə/
US /ˈjɛnːɔmˌfɜrə/
Primary stress is on the first syllable 'gjenn-', with secondary stress on the first syllable of the second part of the compound '-før-'.
Rhymes With
føre kjøre børe gjøre øre sløre snøre tøre
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'g' in 'gjennom' (it should be silent).
  • Using a hard 'g' sound.
  • Making the 'ø' sound too much like an 'o'.
  • Forgetting the double 'n' length in 'gjennom'.
  • Stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., the second syllable of gjennom).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize because of its components 'gjennom' and 'føre'.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of past forms (gjennomførte) and correct spelling.

Speaking 4/5

The 'gj' and 'ø' sounds can be tricky for English speakers.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation in standard Norwegian.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

gjennom føre gjøre plan oppgave

Learn Next

iverksette utføre realisere gjennomførbar

Advanced

fullbyrde eksekvere forvalte

Grammar to Know

V2 Rule

Nå *gjennomfører* vi planen. (Verb is in second position).

Compound Verbs

Gjennomføre is a fixed compound; the parts are rarely separated.

Passive with -s

Planen *gjennomføres* i morgen. (The plan is being implemented tomorrow).

Past Participle as Adjective

En *gjennomført* stil. (A consistent/thorough style).

Infinitive with 'å'

Det er viktig *å gjennomføre*.

Examples by Level

1

Vi skal gjennomføre kurset.

We are going to complete the course.

Simple future with 'skal'.

2

Kan du gjennomføre dette?

Can you carry this out?

Modal verb 'kan' followed by infinitive.

3

De vil gjennomføre planen.

They want to carry out the plan.

Verb 'vil' expresses desire or future.

4

Jeg må gjennomføre oppgaven.

I must carry out the task.

Modal verb 'må'.

5

Vi gjennomfører testen nå.

We are carrying out the test now.

Present tense.

6

Hun skal gjennomføre reisen.

She is going to carry out the journey.

Future tense with 'skal'.

7

Er det lett å gjennomføre?

Is it easy to carry out?

Question structure.

8

De gjennomførte møtet.

They carried out the meeting.

Past tense 'gjennomførte'.

1

Vi må gjennomføre endringene i morgen.

We must implement the changes tomorrow.

Compound word 'endringene' as object.

2

Han gjennomførte hele løpet.

He completed the whole race.

Past tense emphasizing completion.

3

Det er vanskelig å gjennomføre alt.

It is difficult to carry out everything.

Adjective + infinitive construction.

4

De har gjennomført mange intervjuer.

They have conducted many interviews.

Present perfect 'har gjennomført'.

5

Vi skal gjennomføre en undersøkelse.

We will conduct a survey.

Common collocation 'gjennomføre en undersøkelse'.

6

Kan vi gjennomføre prosjektet sammen?

Can we carry out the project together?

Adverb 'sammen' modifying the action.

7

Hun klarte å gjennomføre planen sin.

She managed to carry out her plan.

Verb 'klarte' + 'å' + infinitive.

8

Hvorfor skal dere gjennomføre dette nå?

Why are you going to carry this out now?

Question with 'hvorfor'.

1

Bedriften skal gjennomføre en stor omstilling.

The company is going to carry out a major restructuring.

Professional context.

2

Det er viktig å gjennomføre samtalen profesjonelt.

It is important to conduct the conversation professionally.

Adverb 'profesjonelt'.

3

Hvordan skal vi gjennomføre de nye reglene?

How shall we implement the new rules?

Question about methodology.

4

De gjennomførte prosjektet i henhold til planen.

They carried out the project according to the plan.

Prepositional phrase 'i henhold til'.

5

Vi har ikke nok ressurser til å gjennomføre dette.

We don't have enough resources to carry this out.

Infinitive clause with 'til å'.

6

Eksamen skal gjennomføres digitalt i år.

The exam will be conducted digitally this year.

Passive voice 'gjennomføres'.

7

Han har vist stor evne til å gjennomføre oppgaver.

He has shown great ability to carry out tasks.

Noun 'evne' followed by 'til å'.

8

Vi må gjennomføre en grundig risikoanalyse.

We must carry out a thorough risk analysis.

Academic/Professional term 'risikoanalyse'.

1

Regjeringen har vedtatt å gjennomføre reformen.

The government has decided to implement the reform.

Formal verb 'vedtatt'.

2

Er det i det hele tatt gjennomførbart med disse midlene?

Is it even feasible with these funds?

Adjective 'gjennomførbart'.

3

Studien ble gjennomført over en toårsperiode.

The study was conducted over a two-year period.

Passive past 'ble gjennomført'.

4

Det krever disiplin å gjennomføre et slikt program.

It requires discipline to carry out such a program.

Abstract noun 'disiplin' as subject.

5

Vi må vurdere om vi kan gjennomføre tiltakene.

We must assess whether we can implement the measures.

Indirect question with 'om'.

6

Han gjennomførte eksperimentet under kontrollerte forhold.

He conducted the experiment under controlled conditions.

Scientific register.

7

Selskapet klarte ikke å gjennomføre fusjonen.

The company failed to carry out the merger.

Negation 'ikke' with 'klarte å'.

8

Det er nødvendig å gjennomføre hyppige kontroller.

It is necessary to carry out frequent checks.

Adjective 'nødvendig'.

1

Gjennomføringsevne er en kritisk suksessfaktor.

Execution capability is a critical success factor.

Compound noun 'gjennomføringsevne'.

2

De valgte å gjennomføre en omfattende restrukturering.

They chose to carry out a comprehensive restructuring.

High-level business vocabulary.

3

Vedtaket ble gjennomført til tross for sterk motstand.

The resolution was implemented despite strong opposition.

Conjunction 'til tross for'.

4

Det er avgjørende at vi gjennomfører strategien konsekvent.

It is crucial that we implement the strategy consistently.

Subjunctive-like 'at'-clause.

5

Prosessen med å gjennomføre lovendringen tok lang tid.

The process of implementing the law change took a long time.

Noun phrase 'prosessen med å'.

6

Undersøkelsen ble gjennomført ved bruk av kvalitative metoder.

The survey was conducted using qualitative methods.

Academic methodology description.

7

Vi må sikre at alle ledd i organisasjonen kan gjennomføre dette.

We must ensure that all levels of the organization can implement this.

Metaphorical use of 'ledd'.

8

Gjennomføringen av prosjektet ble hyllet som en suksess.

The implementation of the project was hailed as a success.

Definite noun form 'gjennomføringen'.

1

Det er et gap mellom politisk vilje og evne til å gjennomføre.

There is a gap between political will and the ability to implement.

Philosophical/Political analysis.

2

Å gjennomføre slike drastiske tiltak krever betydelig politisk kapital.

Implementing such drastic measures requires significant political capital.

Infinitive phrase as subject.

3

Sanksjonene ble gjennomført med umiddelbar virkning.

The sanctions were implemented with immediate effect.

Legal/Diplomatic phrase 'med umiddelbar virkning'.

4

Gjennomføringskraften i norsk offentlig sektor debatteres ofte.

The execution power in the Norwegian public sector is often debated.

Compound noun 'gjennomføringskraften'.

5

Man må vurdere de etiske implikasjonene ved å gjennomføre studien.

One must consider the ethical implications of conducting the study.

Formal pronoun 'man'.

6

Det ble stilt spørsmål ved om prosjektet i det hele tatt lot seg gjennomføre.

Questions were raised as to whether the project was at all feasible.

Reflexive 'lot seg gjennomføre' (could be carried out).

7

Gjennomføringen forutsatte et tett samarbeid mellom alle parter.

The implementation required close cooperation between all parties.

Formal verb 'forutsatte'.

8

Det å gjennomføre en så kompleks operasjon krever kirurgisk presisjon.

Carrying out such a complex operation requires surgical precision.

Metaphorical use of 'kirurgisk presisjon'.

Common Collocations

gjennomføre et prosjekt
gjennomføre en plan
gjennomføre en undersøkelse
gjennomføre endringer
gjennomføre et intervju
gjennomføre et løp
gjennomføre tiltak
gjennomføre en samtale
gjennomføre reformer
gjennomføre en test

Common Phrases

vanskelig å gjennomføre

— Something that is hard to put into practice.

Ideen er god, men den er vanskelig å gjennomføre.

lett å gjennomføre

— Something that is easy to execute.

Dette er et tiltak som er lett å gjennomføre.

planlagt og gjennomført

— Something that has been both planned and executed.

Alt ble planlagt og gjennomført i detalj.

gjennomført stil

— A consistent style throughout something (adjective use).

Huset har en veldig gjennomført stil.

gjennomføre i praksis

— To implement something in the real world, not just theory.

Vi må se hvordan dette fungerer når vi gjennomfører det i praksis.

klarte å gjennomføre

— Managed to carry out.

Han klarte å gjennomføre studiene sine.

klar for gjennomføring

— Ready for implementation.

Planen er nå klar for gjennomføring.

sikre gjennomføring

— To ensure that something gets done.

Vi må sikre gjennomføring av vedtaket.

hindre gjennomføring

— To prevent something from being carried out.

Streiken kan hindre gjennomføring av eksamen.

gjennomføre på en god måte

— To carry out in a good manner.

Det er viktig at vi gjennomfører dette på en god måte.

Often Confused With

gjennomføre vs fullføre

Fullføre is specifically about the end/finish, while gjennomføre is the whole process.

gjennomføre vs utføre

Utføre is often more technical or manual; gjennomføre is more organizational.

gjennomføre vs innføre

Innføre means to introduce something new (like a law), while gjennomføre is the act of doing it.

Idioms & Expressions

"å ha gjennomføringsevne"

— To have the ability to get things done and follow through.

Hun har stor gjennomføringsevne.

Professional
"å føre i havn"

— To bring something safely to port (to complete a project successfully).

Vi klarte å føre prosjektet i havn.

Metaphorical
"å dra i land"

— To pull something ashore (to successfully finish a deal or task).

De dro avtalen i land.

Informal/Business
"å se noe gjennom"

— To see something through to the end (less common than in English, but used).

Jeg skal se dette gjennom.

Neutral
"å fullføre løpet"

— To finish the race (often used metaphorically for any task).

Nå må du bare fullføre løpet.

Idiomatic
"å sette punktum"

— To put a period/full stop (to finish something definitively).

Nå kan vi endelig sette punktum for denne saken.

Neutral
"å komme i mål"

— To reach the goal (to finish a task).

Vi kom i mål med budsjettet til slutt.

Common
"å lande på beina"

— To land on one's feet (to complete something successfully despite trouble).

Prosjektet var vanskelig, men vi landet på beina.

Informal
"å gjøre kort prosess"

— To make short work of something (to finish quickly/harshly).

Han gjorde kort prosess med oppgavene.

Neutral
"å legge siste hånd på verket"

— To put the finishing touches on the work.

Hun legger siste hånd på verket før utstillingen.

Formal/Artistic

Easily Confused

gjennomføre vs iverksette

Both involve doing a plan.

Iverksette is the 'start' or 'activation'. Gjennomføre is the whole 'carrying out'.

Vi iverksetter planen nå, og gjennomfører den i løpet av uka.

gjennomføre vs fullføre

Both mean finishing.

Fullføre focuses on the end point. Gjennomføre focuses on the management of the process.

Jeg skal fullføre løpet (finish the race) vs Jeg skal gjennomføre planen (execute the plan).

gjennomføre vs gjøre

Both mean 'to do'.

Gjøre is general. Gjennomføre is for formal, planned tasks.

Jeg gjør lekser vs Jeg gjennomfører et forskningsprosjekt.

gjennomføre vs utføre

Very similar meanings.

Utføre is often for specific actions (like a task). Gjennomføre is for broader processes.

Utføre et oppdrag vs Gjennomføre en reform.

gjennomføre vs realisere

Both involve making things happen.

Realisere is often for dreams, potential, or assets. Gjennomføre is for plans and tasks.

Realisere en drøm vs Gjennomføre en plan.

Sentence Patterns

A2

Jeg skal gjennomføre [oppgave].

Jeg skal gjennomføre oppgaven.

B1

Det er viktig å gjennomføre [plan] [adverb].

Det er viktig å gjennomføre planen raskt.

B1

Vi har gjennomført [antall] [objekt].

Vi har gjennomført tre intervjuer.

B2

[Objekt] skal gjennomføres [tid/sted].

Møtet skal gjennomføres på kontoret.

B2

Vi mangler [ressurs] for å gjennomføre [prosjekt].

Vi mangler penger for å gjennomføre prosjektet.

C1

Gjennomføringen av [tiltak] krever [ressurs].

Gjennomføringen av tiltakene krever mye tid.

C1

Det lot seg ikke gjennomføre på grunn av [årsak].

Det lot seg ikke gjennomføre på grunn av været.

C2

Å gjennomføre [handling] forutsetter [premiss].

Å gjennomføre endringen forutsetter bred støtte.

Word Family

Nouns

gjennomføring implementation/execution
gjennomføringsevne ability to follow through
gjennomføringskraft execution power

Verbs

føre to lead/carry
utføre to perform/execute
innføre to introduce/import
bortføre to abduct
medføre to entail/result in

Adjectives

gjennomførbar feasible/doable
gjennomført consistent/thorough (past participle used as adj)

Related

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in professional and media Norwegian.

Common Mistakes
  • Jeg skal gjennomføre å gå på butikken. Jeg skal gå på butikken.

    Don't use 'gjennomføre' for trivial, everyday actions.

  • Planen ble ført gjennom. Planen ble gjennomført.

    Don't split the verb parts in modern Norwegian.

  • Vi må gjennomføre med oppgaven. Vi må gjennomføre oppgaven.

    'Gjennomføre' does not take the preposition 'med' before the object.

  • Har du gjennomført leksene? Har du gjort leksene?

    Homework is usually 'gjort', unless it's a massive term project.

  • De gjennomførte en konsert. De holdt en konsert.

    For concerts, we usually use 'holde' (to hold) or 'spille' (to play).

Tips

Professionalism

Use 'gjennomføre' in job applications to describe your projects. It sounds much more competent than 'gjøre'.

Past Tense

Remember the '-te' ending for the past tense: gjennomførte. This is standard for Group 2 verbs.

Collocations

Learn it with 'undersøkelse' (survey) and 'plan'. These are the most common pairings.

Consistency

Use the adjective 'gjennomført' to describe a room or a piece of art that has a consistent theme.

Silent G

Always remember the 'g' is silent. It's 'yenn-om', not 'gyenn-om'.

Office Talk

If you are in a meeting and want to ask how a plan will work, ask: 'Hvordan skal dette gjennomføres?'

Process vs Result

Use 'gjennomføre' when you want to talk about the work put into a task, not just the result.

Passive Voice

In formal reports, use 'ble gjennomført' to describe what was done without naming the person.

Visualizing

Visualize a 'through-line' connecting the start of a project to the end. That line is 'gjennomføre'.

English Equivalent

Always translate it as 'carry out' in your head to get the right feeling for the word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Gjennom' as 'Genuine' and 'Føre' as 'Forward'. To 'gjennomføre' is to move a 'genuine' plan 'forward' to the end.

Visual Association

Imagine a person leading a sheep through (gjennom) a gate (the finish line). They are leading (føre) the sheep through the whole process.

Word Web

Plan Action Process Gjennomføre Finish Goal Management Success

Challenge

Try to use 'gjennomføre' instead of 'gjøre' three times today when talking about your work or study tasks.

Word Origin

From the preposition 'gjennom' (through) and the verb 'føre' (to lead/conduct). It is influenced by the Low German word 'dörchvören', which has the same literal meaning.

Original meaning: To lead something through a passage or a process.

Germanic (North Germanic/Scandinavian with Middle Low German influence).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but using it for very trivial things (like 'gjennomføre a snack') can sound sarcastic or robotic.

English speakers often use 'carry out' or 'implement'. 'Gjennomføre' is slightly more versatile than 'implement' and can be used in more casual (but still serious) situations.

The term is frequently used in 'Stortingsmeldinger' (Government reports). Used in sports commentary during the Olympics for athletes finishing tough races. Common in management literature in Norway (e.g., books by Erik Bertrand Larssen).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

  • gjennomføre et møte
  • gjennomføre en plan
  • gjennomføre endringer
  • gjennomføre evaluering

Education

  • gjennomføre en eksamen
  • gjennomføre et kurs
  • gjennomføre et prosjekt
  • gjennomføre en oppgave

Sports

  • gjennomføre et løp
  • gjennomføre en treningsøkt
  • gjennomføre en kamp
  • gjennomføre sesongen

Politics

  • gjennomføre en reform
  • gjennomføre et vedtak
  • gjennomføre sanksjoner
  • gjennomføre valg

Research

  • gjennomføre en studie
  • gjennomføre et eksperiment
  • gjennomføre en analyse
  • gjennomføre en spørreundersøkelse

Conversation Starters

"Hvordan planlegger dere å gjennomføre dette prosjektet?"

"Har du noen gang hatt problemer med å gjennomføre en plan?"

"Hva er det viktigste for å kunne gjennomføre et maraton?"

"Tror du regjeringen vil klare å gjennomføre de nye reglene?"

"Hvilke oppgaver skal du gjennomføre i løpet av denne uken?"

Journal Prompts

Beskriv et prosjekt du har gjennomført som du er stolt av. Hva lærte du?

Hva hindrer deg ofte i å gjennomføre planene dine i hverdagen?

Skriv om en gang du måtte gjennomføre noe som var veldig vanskelig.

Hvordan kan man forbedre sin egen gjennomføringsevne?

Reflekter over en plan som ikke ble gjennomført. Hvorfor skjedde det?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is a weak verb (Group 2). The forms are: gjennomføre, gjennomfører, gjennomførte, har gjennomført.

Technically yes, but it sounds overly formal. Use 'gjøre' for cleaning unless it's a massive, planned industrial cleaning project.

'Gjennomføring' is the standard modern word for 'implementation'. 'Gjennomførelse' is older and much less common today.

In modern Norwegian, it is almost never split. You say 'Vi skal gjennomføre det', not 'Vi skal føre det gjennom'.

Yes, 'gjennomføres' is very common in formal writing and news (e.g., 'Eksamen gjennomføres i mai').

Yes, as an adjective it means 'consistent' or 'thorough' (e.g., 'En gjennomført stil').

The adjective is 'gjennomførbar'. Example: 'Er det gjennomførbart?'

No, for an orchestra you use 'dirigere'. Use 'gjennomføre' for conducting a meeting or survey.

Yes, to 'gjennomføre' a race means to finish it, implying you showed grit.

Yes, it is one of the most important verbs for professional communication in Norwegian.

Test Yourself 200 questions

writing

Write a sentence using 'gjennomføre' in the future tense.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about a marathon using 'gjennomførte'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Describe a project you have completed using the word 'gjennomføre'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Vi må gjennomføre planen nå.' What must they do?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Explain why 'gjennomføringsevne' is important at work.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The study was conducted in 2023.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use 'gjennomførbart' in a question.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence using 'gjennomføres' (passive).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'He managed to carry out the plan.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence with 'gjennomført' as an adjective.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'We conducted an interview.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write about a goal you want to carry out.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'It is hard to carry out changes.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use 'gjennomføring' in a sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'They have completed the tests.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence with 'må gjennomføre'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Execution is key.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence about a scientific experiment.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The reform will be implemented.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Use 'gjennomføringskraft' in a sentence.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I will carry it out.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a sentence with 'uten å gjennomføre'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'I will carry out the plan.' in Norwegian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask: 'Is it feasible?' in Norwegian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'We have completed the tests.' in Norwegian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'The meeting is being conducted now.' in Norwegian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Explain what 'gjennomføringsevne' means in your own words.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'He completed the race.' in Norwegian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask: 'How shall we carry this out?' in Norwegian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'It is important to follow through.' in Norwegian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'The study was conducted last year.' in Norwegian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'We need a plan for implementation.' in Norwegian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'She has great execution power.' in Norwegian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'The task was difficult to carry out.' in Norwegian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'We are carrying out an analysis.' in Norwegian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'The project is finished.' using a form of 'gjennomføre'.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Ask: 'Can we carry out the interview on Teams?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'It was a consistent style.' in Norwegian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'We must carry out the changes.' in Norwegian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'I managed to finish the course.' in Norwegian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say: 'They conducted a raid.' in Norwegian.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Er det gjennomførbart?' What are they asking?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Han gjennomførte alt.' Did he finish everything?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Gjennomføringen var god.' How was the execution?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Vi må gjennomføre tiltak.' What do they need to do?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Studien ble gjennomført i fjor.' When was the study done?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Det skal gjennomføres digitalt.' How will it be done?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Hun har gjennomføringsevne.' What does she have?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Planen ble aldri gjennomført.' Was the plan carried out?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Vi gjennomfører testen nå.' What is happening now?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Det er vanskelig å gjennomføre.' Is it easy or hard?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'De gjennomførte et intervju.' What did they do?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Alt er gjennomført.' Is anything left to do?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Vi må gjennomføre endringer.' What is needed?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Gjennomføringsfasen starter nå.' What is starting?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

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