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B2 adjective 14 min read

pålitelig

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips pålitelig in 30 Seconds

Explanation pålitelig in your Level:

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn basic adjectives. 'Pålitelig' might be a bit long and complex for your first few weeks, but it is useful to know. Think of it as meaning 'good' or 'always there'. You can use it in very simple sentences like 'Min venn er pålitelig.' This means your friend is good and you can trust them. At this level, you don't need to worry about complex grammar. Just remember that the word stays the same for 'en mann' (a man) and 'ei dame' (a lady). It is a great word to use when you want to describe someone you like. You might hear your teacher say it when talking about a good student. Even though it is a B2 word, learning it early helps you sound more advanced. Just think of it as 'someone who doesn't change their mind' or 'a car that always starts'. It is a positive word. If you find it hard to pronounce, focus on the first part 'på' and the second part 'lite'. The 'g' at the end is silent, like in 'koselig'. So you say 'på-lit-e-li'. Try to use it once today to describe a friend or a family member. It is a very polite and nice thing to say about someone in Norway. Being 'pålitelig' is very important in Norwegian culture, so knowing this word helps you understand what Norwegians value. You can also use it for 'toget' (the train). If the train is 'pålitelig', it is on time. This is very important for people living in big cities like Oslo.

At the A2 level, you are building more descriptive sentences. You can now use 'pålitelig' to describe people, things, and services in your daily life. You should know that 'pålitelig' is an adjective that describes a noun. For example, 'Jeg har en pålitelig bil' (I have a reliable car). You can also use it with 'ikke' to say the opposite: 'Bussen er ikke pålitelig' (The bus is not reliable). This is a very common thing to say! At this level, you should also notice that the word does not change when you use it with neuter words like 'et verktøy' (a tool). You say 'et pålitelig verktøy'. This is different from many other adjectives that add a 't'. This makes 'pålitelig' actually easier to use! You can also start using the plural form 'pålitelige' when you talk about more than one thing. For example, 'De er pålitelige venner' (They are reliable friends). You might use this word when talking about your job or your studies. If you tell your boss 'Jeg er pålitelig', they will be very happy because it means you come to work on time and do your job well. It is a more specific word than just 'snill' (kind) or 'god' (good). It shows that you are learning more precise Norwegian. Try to use it in a conversation about technology or people you know. It's a key word for building trust in your new language.

At the B1 level, you are expected to handle more professional and social situations. 'Pålitelig' becomes an essential part of your vocabulary for work and formal communication. You should be able to use it to compare things, such as 'Dette merket er mer pålitelig enn det andre' (This brand is more reliable than the other one). You also start to see the word in different forms, like the noun 'pålitelighet' (reliability). In a B1 level text, you might read about 'påliteligheten til en kilde' (the reliability of a source). This is very important for students and people who work in offices. You should also be comfortable using the word in the definite form, like 'Den pålitelige naboen min passer på huset' (My reliable neighbor is looking after the house). Notice the 'e' at the end of 'pålitelige' in the definite form. At this level, you should understand the nuance between 'pålitelig' and 'troverdig'. If you are in a meeting and you say a report is 'pålitelig', you are saying the numbers are correct and the work was done carefully. If you say it is 'troverdig', you are saying you believe the person who wrote it. B1 learners should also be able to use the word to describe abstract things, like 'en pålitelig metode' (a reliable method). This shows you are moving beyond just describing physical objects and people. You are starting to use Norwegian to talk about processes and quality.

At the B2 level, which is where this word is officially categorized, you should have a deep and nuanced understanding of 'pålitelig'. You should be able to use it across all registers, from casual slang to formal academic writing. You understand that 'pålitelig' is a key value in Norwegian society, linked to the concept of 'dugnad' and social responsibility. You can use it in complex sentence structures, such as 'Det er helt avgjørende for prosjektets suksess at vi har pålitelige partnere' (It is absolutely crucial for the project's success that we have reliable partners). You are also aware of the silent 'g' and the specific rhythm of the word. At this level, you should be able to use synonyms like 'solid', 'stødig', or 'driftsikker' to avoid repetition and to be more precise. For example, you might choose 'driftsikker' when talking about a factory machine but 'pålitelig' when talking about a person's character. You also understand the negative form 'upålitelig' and how to use it diplomatically. Instead of saying 'Du er upålitelig', which is very harsh, you might say 'Jeg opplever deg som litt lite pålitelig i denne saken'. This level of linguistic tact is expected at B2. You should also be able to discuss the 'pålitelighet' of scientific data or political arguments. You are no longer just using the word; you are using it to build complex arguments and to navigate the subtleties of Norwegian social and professional life.

At the C1 level, your use of 'pålitelig' is sophisticated and instinctive. You use the word and its derivatives (like 'upålitelighet' or 'pålitelighetsintervall' in statistics) with precision. You understand the historical and cultural weight of the word. In a C1 context, you might analyze the 'påliteligheten' of a historical text or a complex legal testimony. You can use the word to describe subtle shifts in character or the breakdown of systems. For example, you might write an essay on 'Hvorfor pålitelige institusjoner er grunnmuren i det norske velferdssamfunnet' (Why reliable institutions are the foundation of the Norwegian welfare society). You are also aware of the word's placement in idiomatic expressions and how it pairs with other high-level adjectives like 'uomtvistelig' (indisputable) or 'velrenommert' (well-reputed). You can distinguish between 'pålitelig' and more obscure synonyms like 'rederlig' or 'vederheftig'. Your pronunciation is perfect, including the subtle tonal shifts that distinguish Norwegian from other languages. You use the word not just to describe, but to evaluate and critique. When you hear the word used in a political speech, you can sense the rhetorical strategy behind it—how the speaker is trying to build trust with the audience. At this level, 'pålitelig' is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for high-level analysis and communication.

At the C2 level, you have achieved a near-native mastery of 'pålitelig'. You use the word with complete ease in any context, including highly technical, literary, or philosophical discussions. You can play with the word's meaning in creative writing or use it with absolute precision in a professional capacity, such as a legal judge or a senior researcher. You understand the etymological roots perfectly and how they relate to other Germanic languages (like the German 'verlässlich'). You can use the word to express irony or sarcasm, such as calling a notoriously late person 'vår mest pålitelige venn'. You are comfortable with the most complex grammatical constructions involving the word, such as using it in the middle of long, nested relative clauses. You can also discuss the philosophy of 'pålitelighet'—what does it mean to be reliable in a digital age? You might use the word in a critique of artificial intelligence or in a deep dive into the 'sosial tillit' (social trust) that characterizes Scandinavia. For a C2 learner, 'pålitelig' is a word that you don't just know; you inhabit it. It is part of your natural linguistic repertoire, used to convey trust, quality, and consistency with the same nuance as a native speaker. You can handle the word in any dialectal variation and understand its use in Nynorsk ('påliteleg') as well as Bokmål.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

pålitelig in 30 Seconds

Pålitelig means reliable or trustworthy in Norwegian.
It applies to people, machines, and information sources.
It is a B2 level word but essential for daily life.
The plural form is 'pålitelige', and it doesn't add 't' in neuter.

The Norwegian word pålitelig is a cornerstone of describing character and quality in the Norwegian language. At its core, it translates to 'reliable', 'trustworthy', or 'dependable'. It is derived from the verb phrase å lite på, which means 'to rely on' or 'to trust'. When you describe someone or something as pålitelig, you are asserting that they consistently perform well, tell the truth, or function as expected without failure. This word is not just about honesty; it is about the consistency of action over time. In a society like Norway, where social trust (sosial tillit) is exceptionally high, being considered pålitelig is one of the highest compliments a person can receive in both professional and personal spheres. It implies a sense of duty and a track record of following through on commitments.

Etymological Root: The word combines 'på' (on), 'lite' (rely/trust), and the adjective-forming suffix '-lig'. It literally describes the quality of being 'rely-on-able'.

Min gamle Volvo fra 1994 er fremdeles utrolig pålitelig selv i tjue minusgrader.

In the context of technology or machinery, pålitelig refers to uptime, durability, and the absence of errors. If an internet connection is pålitelig, it doesn't drop during important meetings. If a car is pålitelig, it starts every morning regardless of the weather. When applied to people, it bridges the gap between being a good friend and being a good worker. A pålitelig friend shows up when they say they will; a pålitelig employee meets deadlines without needing constant reminders. It is a word that suggests stability in an unpredictable world. You will hear it used in job interviews, product reviews, and when people recommend services to one another. It is a B2 level word because while the concept is simple, its usage across different registers—from technical specifications to deep emotional trust—requires a nuanced understanding of Norwegian social expectations.

Professional Context: In a Norwegian 'attest' (work reference), describing someone as 'pålitelig og nøyaktig' (reliable and accurate) is standard praise for high-quality administrative or technical work.

Vi trenger en pålitelig barnevakt som kan jobbe faste kvelder.

Furthermore, the word is often used in the negative form 'upålitelig' to describe someone who flakes on plans or a machine that breaks down constantly. The distinction between 'pålitelig' and 'stødig' is also worth noting; 'stødig' implies physical or emotional steadiness, whereas 'pålitelig' focuses specifically on the predictability of a positive outcome. In political discourse, a 'pålitelig partner' is a country or organization that adheres to international treaties and agreements. The breadth of this word's application makes it essential for any learner moving into the upper-intermediate stages of Norwegian fluency.

Grammatical Note: The word does not change in the neuter form (en pålitelig mann, et pålitelig verktøy), but it adds an -e in the plural (pålitelige kilder).

Journalister må alltid sjekke om informasjonen kommer fra en pålitelig kilde.

Det er vanskelig å finne pålitelige håndverkere som har tid til små oppdrag.

Using pålitelig correctly requires an understanding of Norwegian adjective inflection and the specific contexts where 'reliability' is the primary focus. Because it ends in '-lig', it follows a specific pattern: it is invariant in the singular (masculine, feminine, and neuter all use 'pålitelig'), but it takes an '-e' in the plural and definite forms. This simplicity in the singular makes it a favorite for learners who struggle with the common 't' ending for neuter adjectives. For instance, you would say 'en pålitelig venn' (a reliable friend) and 'et pålitelig system' (a reliable system). Notice that the neuter 'system' does not change the adjective to 'påliteligt'—that is a common error to avoid.

Subject-Verb-Adjective: When using the word after a linking verb like 'å være' (to be) or 'å virke' (to seem), it describes the subject directly. Example: 'Han virker veldig pålitelig.'

For å lykkes i denne jobben, må du være både pålitelig og selvstendig.

In the plural, the word becomes 'pålitelige'. This is used when describing groups of people, multiple objects, or in the definite plural. For example, 'De pålitelige arbeiderne fikk bonus' (The reliable workers received a bonus). It is also important to use 'pålitelig' when talking about abstract concepts like 'data' or 'metoder'. In scientific or academic Norwegian, 'pålitelige data' refers to data that is valid and has been gathered through a rigorous process. If you are writing a thesis, you might discuss the 'påliteligheten' (the reliability) of your research findings. This noun form is created by adding the suffix '-het' and the definite article '-en'.

Comparisons: To compare, use 'mer pålitelig' (more reliable) and 'mest pålitelig' (most reliable). Example: 'Denne metoden er mer pålitelig enn den forrige.'

Er det noen pålitelige kilder som kan bekrefte dette ryktet?

When using the word with 'å stole på' (to trust/rely on), you create a strong reinforcement of the concept. For example, 'Han er en person man kan stole på; han er ekstremt pålitelig.' This redundancy is common in spoken Norwegian to emphasize character. In negative constructions, you can use 'ikke spesielt pålitelig' (not particularly reliable) to be polite, or 'helt upålitelig' (completely unreliable) to be blunt. Understanding these gradations helps you fit into different social scenarios, from the office to a casual chat with neighbors about the local bus service.

Definite Form: In the definite singular, it also takes an -e: 'Den pålitelige vennen min hjalp meg med flyttingen.'

Uten en pålitelig internettforbindelse er det umulig å ha hjemmekontor.

De mest pålitelige bilene er ofte de som er enklest å reparere.

In Norway, pålitelig is a word that carries significant weight in the public sphere. You will hear it most frequently in news broadcasts, specifically when journalists discuss 'pålitelige kilder' (reliable sources). In an era of misinformation, the Norwegian media (like NRK or Aftenposten) frequently emphasizes the importance of using pålitelig information. You will also encounter it in weather reports—though often in the negative. Norwegians might joke that 'Værmeldingen er ikke alltid like pålitelig' (The weather forecast isn't always that reliable), reflecting the unpredictable nature of the Norwegian climate.

The Workplace: During 'medarbeidersamtaler' (performance reviews), your manager might use this word to describe your attendance or your ability to deliver projects on time.

Vi har fått en pålitelig indikasjon på at prisene vil stige neste kvartal.

Another common place to hear the word is in consumer advocacy programs like 'TV 2 hjelper deg'. Here, experts evaluate whether a product or service is pålitelig. If a new electric car has a range that doesn't hold up in the winter, it will be labeled as 'upålitelig' in cold conditions. This practical application of the word is very common in everyday Norwegian life, where quality and durability are highly valued due to the high cost of living. Furthermore, in the legal system or when dealing with the police, a 'pålitelig vitne' (reliable witness) is someone whose testimony is consistent and corroborated by facts. Even in casual conversations among friends, if you are recommending a plumber or a dentist, you would say, 'Han er veldig pålitelig,' meaning he won't overcharge you and will do the job right.

Academic and Scientific Use: In research, 'reliabilitet' is the noun, but researchers will describe 'pålitelige måleinstrumenter' (reliable measuring instruments) when explaining their methodology.

Det er viktig å bruke pålitelig statistikk når man argumenterer for politiske endringer.

In the realm of transportation, Ruter (the Oslo transport authority) or Vy (the national railway) often use the word in their communications. If there are frequent delays, the public discourse will focus on the lack of a 'pålitelig transporttilbud'. You will see this in newspaper headlines: 'Kritikk mot Vy for manglende pålitelighet'. This shows that the word is used not just for individuals, but for entire systems and institutions. On a more personal level, when parents talk about their children's friends, they might say, 'Han er en pålitelig gutt,' which is a way of saying they trust their child is safe when they are with him. It is a word that builds bridges of trust across all levels of Norwegian society.

Advertising: Brands often use 'Pålitelighet siden [Year]' as a slogan to emphasize their long-standing history and quality.

Denne nettsiden gir deg en pålitelig oversikt over alle ledige jobber i regionen.

Mange mener at kjernekraft er en mer pålitelig energikilde enn vindkraft.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make when using pålitelig is confusing it with 'troverdig'. While both relate to trust, they are not interchangeable. 'Troverdig' means 'credible' or 'believable'. If someone tells a story that sounds like a lie, you would say it isn't 'troverdig'. However, if someone consistently fails to show up for work, they are 'upålitelig'. You can be a 'troverdig' person (you don't lie) but still be 'upålitelig' (you are forgetful or disorganized). Mixing these up can lead to subtle misunderstandings about a person's character. Another mistake is the over-inflection of the word in the neuter singular. Many learners instinctively want to add a '-t' to adjectives describing neuter nouns (like 'et hus' or 'et barn'). However, adjectives ending in '-lig' never take a '-t' in the neuter. It is 'et pålitelig barn', never 'et påliteligt barn'.

The Neuter Trap: Remember: -lig adjectives are 't-free' in the neuter. This applies to 'koselig', 'farlig', and 'pålitelig' alike.

Feil: Dette er et påliteligt resultat. Riktig: Dette er et pålitelig resultat.

Another common error involves the preposition that follows the concept of reliability. In English, we rely 'on' someone. In Norwegian, the verb is 'å lite på', but the adjective 'pålitelig' does not typically take a prepositional phrase. You wouldn't say 'Han er pålitelig på meg'. Instead, you simply say 'Han er pålitelig'. If you want to specify what someone is reliable with, you use 'til' or 'når det gjelder'. For example, 'Han er pålitelig når det gjelder tidsfrister' (He is reliable when it comes to deadlines). Learners also sometimes confuse 'pålitelig' with 'avhengig'. 'Avhengig' means 'dependent' (as in addicted or needing help), whereas 'pålitelig' means 'dependable' (someone others can count on). Saying 'Jeg er pålitelig av deg' is a major error; it sounds like you are saying 'I am reliable of you', which makes no sense.

False Friends: Do not confuse 'pålitelig' with 'lydig' (obedient). A dog can be 'lydig' without being 'pålitelig' if it only listens when it feels like it.

Mange forveksler pålitelig med 'trofast'. Trofast betyr lojal, mens pålitelig betyr at man gjør det man skal.

Finally, watch out for the plural '-e'. While the singular is 'pålitelig' for all genders, the plural MUST be 'pålitelige'. Skipping this '-e' is a common sign of a lower-level learner. For example, 'Vi har mange pålitelige kilder' is correct. Using 'pålitelig' here would be grammatically jarring to a native speaker. Also, avoid using 'pålitelig' for 'safe' in the sense of 'trygg'. While a reliable person makes you feel safe, the word for a safe neighborhood is 'et trygt nabolag', not 'et pålitelig nabolag'. Understanding these boundaries will make your Norwegian sound much more natural and precise.

Pronunciation Pitfall: The 'g' at the end of '-lig' is silent in most dialects. Pronounce it 'på-LIT-li'. Adding a hard 'g' at the end is a common learner mistake.

Husk at pålitelige venner er gull verdt i vanskelige tider.

Det er en vanlig feil å tro at pålitelig bare brukes om mennesker.

While pålitelig is a versatile word, expanding your vocabulary with its synonyms and related terms will allow you to be more specific in your descriptions. A very close synonym is solid. While 'solid' can refer to physical strength, in a metaphorical sense, a 'solid person' is someone who is dependable and has a strong character. Another alternative is stødig, which implies someone who is steady and doesn't change their mind or performance easily. If you are talking about someone's loyalty, trofast (faithful/loyal) might be a better fit, though it carries a more emotional weight than the often practical 'pålitelig'.

Troverdig vs. Pålitelig: Troverdig: Focuses on whether the person is telling the truth or if a source is believable.
Pålitelig: Focuses on whether the person or thing will perform as expected.

Han er en solid type som alltid stiller opp når det trengs.

In more formal or professional contexts, you might use ansvarsbevisst (responsible/accountable). This specifically highlights that the person is aware of their responsibilities and takes them seriously. If you want to describe a system or a process that is reliable because it is safe and certain, the word sikker (sure/safe) is often used. For example, 'en sikker vinner' is a 'sure winner'. In academic writing, you will often encounter valid or gyldig, though these relate more to the 'validity' of an argument than the 'reliability' of a tool. Another interesting alternative is stabile (stable). A stable internet connection is often called 'en stabil linje', which is synonymous with 'en pålitelig linje' in that context.

Antonyms to Know: Upålitelig: Unreliable.
Usikker: Uncertain/Unsafe.
Tvilsom: Doubtful/Dubious.

Informasjonen vi fikk var dessverre ganske tvilsom og lite pålitelig.

When talking about machinery, you might use driftsikker. This is a compound word: 'drift' (operation) + 'sikker' (sure/safe). A 'driftsikker maskin' is one that rarely breaks down. This is a very common term in technical manuals and industrial sales. For people, voksen (adult/mature) is sometimes used colloquially to imply reliability, as in 'Han tar en voksen avgjørelse' (He makes a mature/reliable decision). Lastly, rederlig is an old-fashioned but beautiful word meaning 'honest and reliable', often used to describe someone's business dealings. By choosing the right alternative, you show that you understand the fine-grained textures of the Norwegian language.

Summary of Alternatives: Use 'solid' for character, 'driftsikker' for machines, 'troverdig' for truth, and 'ansvarsbevisst' for work ethic.

Å være stødig som et fjell er et norsk uttrykk for å være ekstremt pålitelig.

Vi trenger en mer ansvarsbevisst tilnærming til miljøutfordringene.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'lite' comes from Old Norse 'hlíta', which meant to abide by or trust in. This same root is found in the English word 'rely' via a different path, but the concept of 'leaning on' or 'trusting' is universal in Germanic languages.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /poːˈliːtəlɪ/

US /poːˈliːtəlɪ/

Stress is on the second syllable: på-LI-telig.

Rhymes With

koselig farlig vennlig herlig rimelig nødvendig ordentlig vanskelig

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'g'. It should be silent.
Pronouncing 'å' like 'ah'. It should be like the 'o' in 'more'.
Stress on the first syllable 'på'. It should be on 'li'.
Shortening the 'i' in 'li'. It should be a long 'ee' sound.
Pronouncing the 'e' too clearly. It is often a schwa sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in texts due to the '-lig' ending, but requires context to distinguish from 'troverdig'.

Writing 4/5

Remembering the plural '-e' and the lack of '-t' in neuter is the main challenge.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation of the silent 'g' and the rhythm of the syllables takes practice.

Listening 3/5

Clear word, but can be missed in fast speech if the listener is looking for a 'g' sound.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

lite på god venn bil

Learn Next

troverdig stødig ansvarsbevisst solid tillit

Advanced

vederheftig uomtvistelig reliabilitet integritet konsistent

Grammar to Know

Adjectives ending in -lig do not take a -t in the neuter singular.

Et pålitelig (ikke påliteligt) system.

Adjectives add -e in the plural form.

Mange pålitelige kilder.

Adjectives add -e in the definite singular form.

Den pålitelige vennen.

Adverbs are often identical to the neuter adjective form, but -lig words rarely function as standalone adverbs.

Han jobber pålitelig (possible, but 'på en pålitelig måte' is better).

Comparative and superlative are formed with 'mer' and 'mest'.

Mer pålitelig, mest pålitelig.

Examples by Level

Han er en pålitelig venn.

He is a reliable friend.

A1: Basic Subject + Verb + Adjective + Noun.

Bilen min er pålitelig.

My car is reliable.

A1: Simple descriptive sentence.

Er du pålitelig?

Are you reliable?

A1: Question form with inversion.

Hun er alltid pålitelig.

She is always reliable.

A1: Using the adverb 'alltid' (always).

Vi trenger en pålitelig person.

We need a reliable person.

A1: Using 'trenger' (need).

Hunden min er veldig pålitelig.

My dog is very reliable.

A1: Using the intensifier 'veldig' (very).

Er toget pålitelig i dag?

Is the train reliable today?

A1: Daily life vocabulary.

Dette er et pålitelig ur.

This is a reliable watch.

A1: Neuter noun 'ur' (watch) - adjective remains 'pålitelig'.

Jeg leter etter en pålitelig bruktbil.

I am looking for a reliable used car.

A2: Compound word 'bruktbil' (used car).

Det er viktig å være pålitelig på jobb.

It is important to be reliable at work.

A2: Infinitive phrase 'å være pålitelig'.

De er pålitelige arbeidere.

They are reliable workers.

A2: Plural form 'pålitelige'.

Været i Norge er ikke alltid pålitelig.

The weather in Norway is not always reliable.

A2: Negation with 'ikke alltid'.

Har du en pålitelig internettforbindelse?

Do you have a reliable internet connection?

A2: Long compound noun 'internettforbindelse'.

Læreren vår er veldig pålitelig og snill.

Our teacher is very reliable and kind.

A2: Combining two adjectives with 'og'.

Jeg stoler på ham fordi han er pålitelig.

I trust him because he is reliable.

A2: Subordinate clause starting with 'fordi' (because).

Bruk pålitelige kilder når du skriver.

Use reliable sources when you write.

A2: Imperative 'Bruk' + plural adjective.

Vi må finne en mer pålitelig løsning på problemet.

We must find a more reliable solution to the problem.

B1: Comparative 'mer pålitelig'.

Den pålitelige metoden har fungert i mange år.

The reliable method has worked for many years.

B1: Definite singular 'Den pålitelige'.

Det er vanskelig å vite hvem som er pålitelig i politikken.

It is difficult to know who is reliable in politics.

B1: Indirect question 'hvem som er pålitelig'.

Bedriften er kjent for sine pålitelige produkter.

The company is known for its reliable products.

B1: Possessive 'sine' + plural adjective.

Pålitelighet er en av mine sterkeste sider.

Reliability is one of my strongest sides.

B1: Noun form 'Pålitelighet'.

Jeg trenger en pålitelig person til å passe barna.

I need a reliable person to look after the children.

B1: Purpose phrase 'til å passe'.

Selv om han er ung, er han svært pålitelig.

Even though he is young, he is very reliable.

B1: Concession clause 'Selv om' (Even though).

Dette er ikke en pålitelig måte å måle suksess på.

This is not a reliable way to measure success.

B1: Phrase 'måte å ... på' (way to ...).

Forskerne understreker viktigheten av pålitelige data.

The researchers emphasize the importance of reliable data.

B2: Formal vocabulary 'understreker' (emphasize).

En pålitelig samarbeidspartner er gull verdt i denne bransjen.

A reliable partner is worth their weight in gold in this industry.

B2: Idiomatic expression 'gull verdt'.

Det kreves en pålitelig infrastruktur for å sikre vekst.

A reliable infrastructure is required to ensure growth.

B2: Passive voice 'Det kreves' (It is required).

Mange velger denne modellen på grunn av dens pålitelige rykte.

Many choose this model because of its reliable reputation.

B2: Genitive 'dens' (its).

Uten pålitelig informasjon kan vi ikke ta en beslutning.

Without reliable information, we cannot make a decision.

B2: Prepositional phrase with 'Uten'.

Systemet må være pålitelig under alle forhold.

The system must be reliable under all conditions.

B2: Phrase 'under alle forhold' (under all conditions).

Han har vist seg å være en pålitelig støttespiller.

He has proven himself to be a reliable supporter.

B2: Present perfect 'har vist seg' (has shown/proven himself).

Det er avgjørende å ha pålitelige leverandører.

It is crucial to have reliable suppliers.

B2: Adjective 'avgjørende' (crucial).

Mangelen på pålitelig statistikk vanskeliggjør analysen.

The lack of reliable statistics makes the analysis difficult.

C1: Complex verb 'vanskeliggjør' (makes difficult).

Det stilles høye krav til pålitelighet i denne sektoren.

High demands are placed on reliability in this sector.

C1: Impersonal passive 'Det stilles'.

Hun er en uomtvistelig pålitelig kilde til informasjon.

She is an indisputably reliable source of information.

C1: High-level adverb 'uomtvistelig' (indisputably).

Pålitelige institusjoner er selve fundamentet i demokratiet.

Reliable institutions are the very foundation of democracy.

C1: Emphatic 'selve' (the very).

Resultatene er konsistente og dermed pålitelige.

The results are consistent and thus reliable.

C1: Logical connector 'dermed' (thus/consequently).

En pålitelig vurdering krever grundig forarbeid.

A reliable assessment requires thorough preparation.

C1: Formal noun 'forarbeid' (preparation/preliminary work).

Det er en pålitelig indikasjon på fremtidig utvikling.

It is a reliable indication of future development.

C1: Abstract concept 'indikasjon'.

Vi etterstreber å være en pålitelig aktør i markedet.

We strive to be a reliable player in the market.

C1: Formal verb 'etterstreber' (strive/aim for).

Kritikere sår tvil om hvorvidt metoden er pålitelig nok.

Critics cast doubt on whether the method is reliable enough.

C2: Idiom 'så tvil' (cast doubt) + 'hvorvidt' (whether).

Pålitelighet er en dyd som ofte overses i dagens samfunn.

Reliability is a virtue that is often overlooked in today's society.

C2: Philosophical vocabulary 'dyd' (virtue).

Det foreligger ingen pålitelige bevis for påstanden.

There is no reliable evidence for the claim.

C2: Formal verb 'foreligger' (exists/is available).

Å opprettholde et pålitelig energinett er en kompleks oppgave.

Maintaining a reliable energy grid is a complex task.

C2: Gerund-like infinitive 'Å opprettholde' (Maintaining).

Hans pålitelighet grenser til det pedantiske.

His reliability borders on the pedantic.

C2: Nuanced description 'grenser til' (borders on).

Dette er den mest pålitelige gjengivelsen av hendelsen.

This is the most reliable account of the event.

C2: Superlative 'mest pålitelige' + formal noun 'gjengivelse'.

Vi må sikre at verktøyene er pålitelige i ekstreme situasjoner.

We must ensure that the tools are reliable in extreme situations.

C2: Plural adjective in a 'sikre at'-clause.

Pålitelighetens betydning kan ikke overvurderes.

The importance of reliability cannot be overstated.

C2: Genitive noun 'Pålitelighetens' + passive construction.

Synonyms

troverdig solid stødig sikker driftsikker ansvarsbevisst stabil lojal

Antonyms

upålitelig usikker tvilsom ustabil

Common Collocations

pålitelig kilde

pålitelig informasjon

pålitelig person

pålitelig bil

pålitelig metode

pålitelig partner

pålitelig vitne

pålitelig utstyr

pålitelig statistikk

pålitelig levering

Common Phrases

å være til å stole på

— To be reliable or trustworthy. This is the verbal equivalent of the adjective.

Du kan stole på ham; han er helt til å stole på.

en pålitelig støttespiller

— A reliable supporter or ally. Often used in sports or politics.

Hun har vært en pålitelig støttespiller gjennom hele karrieren.

å virke pålitelig

— To seem or appear reliable. Used when making a first impression.

Den nye naboen virker veldig pålitelig.

lite pålitelig

— Not very reliable. A slightly softer way to say 'upålitelig'.

Denne gamle ovnen er dessverre litt lite pålitelig.

ekstremt pålitelig

— Extremely reliable. Used for emphasis.

Dette systemet er ekstremt pålitelig og krasjer aldri.

en pålitelig indikasjon

— A reliable indication or sign of something.

Høy temperatur er en pålitelig indikasjon på feil i motoren.

pålitelige resultater

— Reliable results. Common in science and testing.

Vi må gjenta forsøket for å få pålitelige resultater.

en pålitelig venn i nøden

— A reliable friend in times of need. A common sentiment.

Han viste seg å være en pålitelig venn i nøden.

å finne en pålitelig vei

— To find a reliable way or path. Can be literal or metaphorical.

Vi må finne en pålitelig vei ut av denne krisen.

pålitelighet fremfor alt

— Reliability above all else. A motto for quality.

I vårt firma setter vi pålitelighet fremfor alt.

Often Confused With

pålitelig vs troverdig

Troverdig means believable/credible. Pålitelig means dependable/reliable.

pålitelig vs trygg

Trygg means safe or secure. A pålitelig person makes you feel trygg, but they aren't the same word.

pålitelig vs punktlig

Punktlig means being on time. You can be on time but still do a bad job (not pålitelig).

Idioms & Expressions

"stødig som et fjell"

— Steady as a mountain. Used to describe someone who is extremely reliable and unchanging.

Du kan regne med henne; hun er stødig som et fjell.

Informal/Neutral

"å være hel ved"

— To be 'whole wood'. Describes a person who is honest, reliable, and has integrity through and through.

Bestefar var virkelig hel ved; en utrolig pålitelig mann.

Informal/Idiomatic

"å holde ord"

— To keep one's word. The action of a pålitelig person.

Han holder alltid ord, så han er veldig pålitelig.

Neutral

"å være til å stole på"

— To be someone one can rely on.

Hun er en dame som er til å stole på.

Neutral

"å stå ved sitt"

— To stand by one's word or decision.

En pålitelig person står alltid ved sitt.

Neutral

"å ikke vike en tomme"

— To not budge an inch. Can imply being very reliable in one's convictions.

Han vek ikke en tomme fra det han hadde lovet.

Neutral

"å være i trygge hender"

— To be in safe hands. Implies being with a pålitelig person.

Slapp av, du er i trygge hender hos denne legen.

Neutral

"å bære sin bør"

— To carry one's burden/share. A pålitelig person does their part.

Han er pålitelig og bærer alltid sin bør i gruppearbeid.

Neutral/Literary

"å gå som en klokke"

— To run like a clock. Used for reliable machines or processes.

Det nye systemet går som en klokke.

Informal

"å ha ryggen til noen"

— To have someone's back. Implies being a reliable ally.

Jeg vet at han er pålitelig og har ryggen min.

Informal

Easily Confused

pålitelig vs trofast

Both imply a level of trust.

Trofast is emotional loyalty (like a dog). Pålitelig is practical dependability (like a clock).

Hunden er trofast, men postmannen er pålitelig.

pålitelig vs avhengig

English speakers think 'depend-able' vs 'depend-ent'.

Avhengig means you need something (addiction/need). Pålitelig means others can need you.

Jeg er avhengig av kaffe, men kaffetrakteren er pålitelig.

pålitelig vs solid

Both used for good character.

Solid is more informal and implies a broad 'goodness'. Pålitelig is specific to consistency.

Han er en solid fyr, og han er alltid pålitelig.

pålitelig vs sikker

Both can mean 'reliable' in certain contexts.

Sikker means 'sure' or 'safe'. Pålitelig means 'consistent'.

Jeg er sikker på at han er pålitelig.

pålitelig vs nøyaktig

Often used together in work contexts.

Nøyaktig means precise/accurate. Pålitelig means you can count on the precision being there every time.

Hun er både nøyaktig og pålitelig i arbeidet sitt.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] er pålitelig.

Bilen er pålitelig.

[Subject] er en pålitelig [Noun].

Han er en pålitelig mann.

Det er viktig å ha [Adjective] [Noun].

Det er viktig å ha pålitelige venner.

[Noun] er kjent for sin [Noun form].

Bedriften er kjent for sin pålitelighet.

Uten [Adjective] [Noun], kan vi ikke [Verb].

Uten pålitelig informasjon, kan vi ikke konkludere.

Det stilles krav til [Noun form].

Det stilles krav til pålitelighet.

[Noun form] er fundamentet i [Noun].

Pålitelighet er fundamentet i samarbeidet.

[Subject] fremstår som [Adverb] pålitelig.

Kilden fremstår som uomtvistelig pålitelig.

Word Family

Nouns

pålitelighet reliability

upålitelighet unreliability

Verbs

lite på to rely on / to trust

Adjectives

pålitelig reliable

upålitelig unreliable

tillit

troverdighet

stabilitet

lojalitet

sikkerhet

How to Use It

frequency

High, especially in professional and news contexts.

Common Mistakes

Et påliteligt system. → Et pålitelig system.
-lig adjectives never take a 't' in the neuter singular.
Han er troverdig til å gjøre jobben. → Han er pålitelig til å gjøre jobben.
'Troverdig' is about belief; 'pålitelig' is about performance.
Mange pålitelig kilder. → Mange pålitelige kilder.
You must add the '-e' for plural nouns.
Jeg er pålitelig av deg. → Jeg stoler på deg / Jeg er avhengig av deg.
'Pålitelig' is an adjective describing character, not a state of dependence.
Pronouncing the 'g' in 'pålitelig'. → Pronouncing it 'på-LIT-li'.
The final 'g' in '-lig' is almost always silent in Norwegian.

Tips

No 't' in Neuter

Remember that adjectives ending in -lig do not take a -t in the neuter form. It is 'et pålitelig verktøy', not 'påliteligt'.

Silent G

Don't pronounce the 'g' at the end. It sounds like 'på-LIT-li'. This applies to all -lig adjectives like 'koselig' and 'farlig'.

Noun Form

To turn it into a noun, add -het: 'pålitelighet'. This is useful for abstract discussions about quality.

Job Applications

Use this word in your CV or cover letter. Norwegians value 'pålitelighet' very highly in the workplace.

Troverdig vs Pålitelig

Use 'troverdig' for stories/sources and 'pålitelig' for actions/consistency.

Use 'Solid'

If you want to sound more informal, use 'solid' to describe a reliable person. 'Han er en solid fyr.'

Driftsikker

For machines, 'driftsikker' is a more technical and precise synonym for 'pålitelig'.

Upålitelig

Simply add 'u-' to say someone is unreliable. It is a strong but clear way to describe poor service.

Social Trust

Understand that being 'pålitelig' is a core part of the Norwegian 'sosial tillit' (social trust) system.

Daily Journal

Try to write one sentence every day about something 'pålitelig' in your life to lock in the word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'PAW-LEE-TELL-EE'. A dog (PAW) named LEE can TELL you the truth because he is reliable (EE). Or: 'PÅ' (On) + 'LITE' (Trust) = On-Trust-Able.

Visual Association

Imagine a sturdy bridge (pålitelig infrastruktur) or a person holding a heavy weight for a friend (pålitelig venn). Visualizing the 'bridge of trust' helps.

Word Web

Tillit Venn Jobb Kvalitet Sikker Alltid Sann Solid

Challenge

Try to describe three things in your house that are 'pålitelige' and one thing that is 'upålitelig' to a friend or in your journal.

Word Origin

The word is a Norwegian construction based on the verb 'å lite' (to trust/rely) combined with the preposition 'på' (on). The suffix '-lig' is used to form adjectives from verbs or nouns, similar to '-able' or '-ly' in English.

Original meaning: The original meaning is essentially 'able to be relied upon'.

Germanic. It shares roots with the Swedish 'pålitlig' and the Danish 'pålidelig'.

Cultural Context

Be careful not to use 'pålitelig' in a way that sounds patronizing. Describing an adult as 'pålitelig' is a compliment, but saying it about a child might sound like you are surprised they are behaving.

In English, 'reliable' is often a bit dry or corporate. In Norwegian, 'pålitelig' has a warmer, more character-driven feel, almost like 'steadfast'.

The concept of 'Den pålitelige nordmann' (The reliable Norwegian) in national identity. Consumer reports like 'TV 2 hjelper deg' often use the word. Political speeches regarding 'pålitelige partnere' in the EU/EEA.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Workplace

En pålitelig kollega
Å levere pålitelige resultater
Han er svært pålitelig
Vi trenger pålitelige folk

Technology

En pålitelig maskin
Pålitelig programvare
Systemet er pålitelig
Lite pålitelig teknologi

Friendship

En pålitelig venn
Å være der for noen
Du er så pålitelig
En venn man kan stole på

News/Media

Pålitelige kilder
Ifølge pålitelig informasjon
En pålitelig rapport
Sjekk kildens pålitelighet

Transport

Pålitelig kollektivtransport
Toget er pålitelig
En pålitelig rute
Manglende pålitelighet

Conversation Starters

"Hva mener du er den viktigste egenskapen hos en pålitelig venn?"

"Har du en bil eller en sykkel som er veldig pålitelig?"

"Hvor finner du pålitelig informasjon om nyheter?"

"Er kollektivtransporten pålitelig der du bor?"

"Hvem er den mest pålitelige personen du kjenner?"

Journal Prompts

Beskriv en gang en pålitelig person hjalp deg i en vanskelig situasjon.

Hvorfor er det viktig for et samfunn at institusjonene er pålitelige?

Er du en pålitelig person? Gi eksempler på hvorfor eller hvorfor ikke.

Hvordan kan man sjekke om en kilde på internett er pålitelig?

Reflekter over forskjellen mellom å være 'snill' og å være 'pålitelig'.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, adjectives ending in '-lig' like 'pålitelig' do not add a 't' for neuter nouns. You say 'et pålitelig system'. This is a very common mistake for learners, so keep it in mind!

The difference is subtle but important. 'Troverdig' means 'credible' or 'believable' (can I believe what they say?). 'Pålitelig' means 'reliable' or 'dependable' (can I count on them to do the job?). A person can be believable but still forgetful and therefore not reliable.

The noun form is 'pålitelighet'. You can use it like this: 'Pålitelighet er viktig for oss.' (Reliability is important to us.)

Yes, it is very common! It is used in everything from job applications and product reviews to daily conversations about the weather or public transport. It is one of the most positive adjectives you can use about a person's character.

Absolutely! It is the standard word for describing a stable and reliable connection. 'Jeg har en pålitelig internettforbindelse' is a perfect sentence.

In most Norwegian dialects, the 'g' at the end of adjectives ending in '-lig' is silent. You should pronounce it as 'på-LIT-e-li'.

The plural form is 'pålitelige'. You add an 'e' at the end. For example: 'De er pålitelige venner.' (They are reliable friends.)

Yes, 'pålitelig informasjon' (reliable information) and 'pålitelige kilder' (reliable sources) are very common phrases in Norwegian media and academic writing.

The direct opposite is 'upålitelig'. You just add the prefix 'u-', which means 'un-'. For example: 'En upålitelig bil' (An unreliable car).

You use 'mer' and 'mest'. For example: 'Denne metoden er mer pålitelig enn den andre' (This method is more reliable than the other) and 'Dette er den mest pålitelige kilden' (This is the most reliable source).