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A2 adjective 13 min read

singel

Examples
Explanation singel in your Level:
At the A1 level, the word 'singel' is introduced as basic vocabulary for describing yourself and others. It is an adjective that simply means you do not have a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife. Because it is an English loanword, it is very easy for English speakers to remember and pronounce. You will use it with the verb 'å være' (to be). For example, 'Jeg er singel' means 'I am single'. You might also learn the opposite word, 'gift' (married), or 'kjæreste' (boyfriend/girlfriend). At this stage, you just need to know how to answer the question 'Er du singel?' (Are you single?). It is a very common word in early language learning because talking about family and relationship status is one of the first topics covered in beginner Norwegian courses. You don't need to worry too much about complex grammar yet, just remember the basic sentence structure. Practicing phrases like 'Han er singel' (He is single) and 'Hun er singel' (She is single) will give you a solid foundation for basic conversations.
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At the A2 level, your understanding of 'singel' expands to include plural forms and slightly more complex sentences. You should now know that when talking about more than one person, 'singel' changes to 'single'. For example, 'Vi er single' (We are single). You will also start using it in sentences with conjunctions and time expressions, such as 'Jeg har vært singel i et år' (I have been single for a year) or 'Han er singel, men han vil ha en kjæreste' (He is single, but he wants a girlfriend). At this level, you can participate in simple social conversations about dating and relationships. You might use 'singel' when describing your friends or talking about your social life. It is also important to recognize that 'singel' is used for romantic status, not for single items (which is 'enkel'). You will encounter this word frequently in simple texts, dialogues about weekend plans, and social media posts. Mastering the plural form 'single' is the key grammatical milestone for 'singel' at the A2 level.
At the B1 level, you can use 'singel' with much more fluency and nuance. You are expected to combine it with various adverbs to express different attitudes towards being single, such as 'lykkelig singel' (happily single) or 'nylig singel' (recently single). You will also start using the definite form, 'den single', as in 'den single vennen min' (my single friend). At this stage, you should be comfortable discussing the pros and cons of being single in Norwegian, expressing opinions about dating culture, and understanding conversations about relationships on TV or in podcasts. You should also clearly understand the difference between 'singel' (used for dating/social status) and 'enslig' (used in formal/administrative contexts like 'enslig forsørger' for single parent). You can construct complex sentences describing past experiences, such as 'Før jeg møtte henne, var jeg singel lenge' (Before I met her, I was single for a long time). 'Singel' becomes a tool for expressing personal identity and lifestyle choices rather than just a basic fact.
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At the B2 level, your use of 'singel' becomes highly natural and culturally integrated. You can discuss the sociological aspects of being single, such as the increasing number of single households in Norway ('singelhusholdninger'). You understand and can use compound words like 'singelliv' (single life) and 'singeltilværelse' (the state of being single) in abstract discussions. You can easily navigate the subtle differences between 'ugift' (unmarried), 'enslig' (solitary/single), and 'singel' (single/dating), choosing the exact right word based on the formality of the situation. You can participate in fast-paced, colloquial conversations about dating apps, relationship trends, and societal expectations without hesitation. At this level, you also recognize when 'singel' is used as a noun (e.g., 'grusen består av singel' - the gravel consists of single stones) versus its use as an adjective for relationship status, relying entirely on context to avoid confusion. Your vocabulary around dating and relationships is broad, and 'singel' is just one well-mastered piece of that puzzle.
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At the C1 level, you possess a near-native command of the word 'singel' and its cultural connotations in Norway. You can engage in deep, analytical discussions about the evolution of relationship norms, the commercialization of the 'singelliv', and the psychological aspects of modern dating culture. You can read and fully comprehend Norwegian literature, opinion pieces (kronikker), and sociological studies where 'singel' is discussed in the context of individualism, welfare state policies, and demographic shifts. You manipulate the word effortlessly in complex grammatical structures, using it idiomatically and metaphorically if necessary. You understand the subtle irony or humor when someone describes themselves as 'evig singel' (eternally single) and can adjust your register perfectly, knowing exactly when 'singel' might sound too informal for a highly academic text (where 'ugift' or 'aleneboende' might be preferred). Your understanding goes beyond the dictionary definition; you grasp the lived experience and societal perception of being 'singel' in contemporary Scandinavian society.
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At the C2 level, your understanding of 'singel' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can critically analyze how the term 'singel' functions within the broader discourse of Norwegian social dynamics, gender roles, and demographic policies. You are aware of the historical linguistic shift where the English loanword 'singel' largely replaced traditional Norwegian terms like 'ugift' in everyday speech, reflecting a cultural shift towards Anglo-American dating concepts. You can write academic papers, deliver formal presentations, or engage in sophisticated debates about the structural challenges faced by 'singelhusholdninger' (single households) in the Norwegian housing market or tax system. You instinctively know the exact emotional and social weight of the word in any given context, from a casual joke in a bar to a profound discussion about loneliness versus independence. You command all related idioms, slang, and compound variations flawlessly, using 'singel' as a precise instrument to articulate complex ideas about human relationships and modern Norwegian life.
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Examples
The Norwegian word 'singel' is an adjective that directly translates to 'single' in English, specifically referring to someone's relationship status. When a person is 'singel' in Norway, it means they are not married, not engaged, and not in a committed romantic relationship or cohabiting with a partner. This term is an English loanword that has been fully integrated into the Norwegian language and adapted to Norwegian grammatical rules. It is the most common, everyday word used to describe someone who is romantically unattached. You will hear this word constantly in casual conversations, on dating apps, in media, and among friends when discussing love lives and relationships. The concept of being 'singel' in Norway is generally viewed very positively or neutrally. Unlike in some cultures where there might be a strong social stigma attached to being unmarried at a certain age, Norwegian society is highly individualistic and places a strong emphasis on personal independence and self-sufficiency. Therefore, being 'singel' is often seen as a period of personal growth, freedom, and exploration rather than a deficit.
Everyday Usage
In daily life, people use 'singel' to straightforwardly state their status without any formal undertones. It is the go-to word for casual contexts.

Jeg har vært singel i to år nå, og jeg trives veldig godt med det.

The word is also frequently combined with other words to create compound nouns, such as 'singelliv' (single life) or 'singeltilværelse' (the state of being single). These terms highlight the lifestyle aspects of not being in a relationship. When discussing dating apps like Tinder, Happn, or Hinge, which are extremely popular in Norway, the word 'singel' is ubiquitous. It defines the target demographic of these platforms.
Dating Culture
Norwegian dating culture often involves a long phase of casual dating before officially declaring a relationship, meaning people might identify as 'singel' even while casually seeing someone.

Er du fortsatt singel, eller dater du noen for tiden?

It is important to note that 'singel' specifically relates to romantic relationships. If you want to talk about a single ticket, you would use 'enkeltbillett'. If you want to talk about a single parent, you would use 'enslig forsørger'.

Mange trives best som singel fordi det gir dem mer frihet i hverdagen.

The integration of this word shows how English influences modern Norwegian, particularly in areas related to popular culture, dating, and social media. The use of 'singel' is pervasive across all age groups, though it is most frequently used by young adults and middle-aged individuals who are active in the dating scene. Older generations might sometimes prefer traditional terms like 'ugift' (unmarried) or 'enslig' (solitary), but 'singel' is universally understood.
Social Acceptance
Being single is entirely normalized in Norway. There is minimal pressure to rush into marriage, and many choose to remain single for extended periods.

Han valgte å forbli singel for å fokusere på karrieren sin.

Understanding when and how to use 'singel' is crucial for anyone learning Norwegian, as it frequently comes up in 'getting to know you' conversations. When you meet new people, questions about your relationship status are common, though usually asked politely and without intrusion.

Som singel i en storby har man mange muligheter til å møte nye mennesker.

In summary, 'singel' is the precise, universally accepted, and culturally relevant term for not being in a romantic relationship in modern Norwegian society.
Using 'singel' correctly in Norwegian sentences requires an understanding of how adjectives agree with the nouns they describe. Because 'singel' is a loanword, its inflection can sometimes feel a bit tricky for learners, but it follows a predictable pattern once you learn the rules. When used with a masculine or feminine singular noun, the form is 'singel'. For example, 'en singel mann' (a single man) or 'ei singel kvinne' (a single woman). When used with a neuter singular noun, it technically should be 'singelt', but because 'singel' is overwhelmingly used to describe people (which are masculine or feminine nouns), you will rarely, if ever, see 'singelt' in the context of relationship status.
Plural Form
When describing multiple people, the adjective takes the plural form 'single'. Notice the spelling change: the 'el' turns into 'le'.

Vi er begge single og klare for å dra på fest.

This plural form 'single' is also used for the definite singular form. If you want to say 'the single man', you say 'den single mannen'. The definite article 'den' triggers the '-e' ending on the adjective. The most common verb used with 'singel' is 'å være' (to be). 'Jeg er singel' is the standard way to state your status. You can also use verbs like 'å bli' (to become) as in 'Han ble singel i fjor' (He became single last year), or 'å forbli' (to remain) as in 'Hun vil forbli singel' (She wants to remain single).
Using as a Noun
Sometimes, 'singel' is used almost like a noun to refer to single people as a group, especially in the plural form 'de single' (the singles).

Dette arrangementet er perfekt for single som ønsker å møte noen.

Another important grammatical structure is using 'som' (as) before 'singel' to describe a phase or state of life. For example, 'livet som singel' translates to 'life as a single person'.

Hun nyter friheten sin som singel.

You will also frequently encounter adverbs modifying 'singel' to add nuance. For instance, 'nylig singel' (recently single), 'lykkelig singel' (happily single), or 'evig singel' (eternally single - usually used humorously).
Adverbial Modification
Adding adverbs helps to paint a clearer picture of the person's attitude towards their relationship status.

Etter bruddet er han nå nylig singel.

It is also common to use 'singel' in questions during social interactions. 'Er du singel?' is direct and common. If you want to be more polite or indirect, you might ask, 'Har du kjæreste?' (Do you have a boyfriend/girlfriend?). Both are perfectly acceptable.

Jeg lurer på om hun er singel eller opptatt.

Mastering these sentence structures will make you sound much more natural and fluent when discussing relationships in Norwegian.
The word 'singel' is omnipresent in modern Norwegian society, reflecting a culture that is open about dating and relationship statuses. You will encounter this word in a wide variety of contexts, ranging from casual conversations with friends to mainstream media, literature, and digital platforms. One of the most common places you will hear 'singel' is in social settings, such as cafes, bars, or parties, when friends are catching up. Discussing one's love life is a normal part of socializing in Norway, and 'singel' is the default vocabulary used.
Social Gatherings
Friends frequently ask each other about their dating lives, making 'singel' a highly frequent word in weekend conversations.

Alle vennene mine er i forhold, mens jeg er den eneste som er singel.

Dating apps and websites are another major domain for this word. Platforms like Tinder, Bumble, and Match.com heavily rely on the concept of being 'singel'. User profiles, marketing materials, and app interfaces frequently use the word to attract users and define the community. In Norwegian media, particularly reality TV, talk shows, and podcasts, 'singel' is a buzzword. Shows that focus on dating, relationships, or lifestyle choices often feature participants who proudly identify as 'singel'.
Media and Entertainment
Reality shows like 'Jakten på kjærligheten' (The Farmer Wants a Wife) or 'Ex on the Beach' frequently use the term to describe their cast members.

Programmet handler om fem single kvinner som søker kjærligheten.

You will also see 'singel' used in marketing and advertising. Travel agencies might advertise 'reiser for single' (trips for singles), or clubs might host a 'singelfest' (singles party). This commercialization of the single lifestyle shows how integrated the word is into the economy.

Hotellet tilbyr egne pakker for de som reiser som singel.

Furthermore, in modern Norwegian literature and contemporary fiction, characters' relationship statuses are often described using this word. It helps establish the character's background and social context quickly and efficiently. Even in more formal contexts, such as sociological studies or news articles discussing demographics, 'singel' is frequently used alongside terms like 'aleneboende' (living alone) to describe the growing trend of single-person households in Norway.
Demographic Discussions
Journalists use 'singel' to make statistical data about unmarried individuals more relatable to the general public.

Stadig flere nordmenn velger å leve som singel i lengre perioder.

Det å være singel i Oslo kan være både dyrt og spennende.

By listening to everyday Norwegian, whether on the street, on screen, or online, you will quickly realize that 'singel' is an indispensable part of the modern vocabulary.
When learning the word 'singel', English speakers often make a few predictable mistakes. The most prominent error relates to confusing the Norwegian word 'singel' with the English word 'single' in non-relationship contexts. In English, 'single' can mean 'only one' (e.g., a single ticket, a single room, a single mistake). In Norwegian, 'singel' is almost exclusively used for relationship status. If you want to say 'a single ticket', you must use 'enkeltbillett'. If you want to say 'a single room', it is 'enkeltrom'. Using 'singel' in these contexts sounds nonsensical to a Norwegian speaker and is a dead giveaway of a direct translation error.
Context Error
Never use 'singel' to mean 'one item'. Always use 'enkel' or specific compound words like 'enkeltrom'.

Feil: Jeg vil ha en singel billett. (Riktig: Jeg vil ha en enkeltbillett.)

Another highly frequent mistake involves pluralization. Because 'singel' is an English loanword, learners often try to pluralize it by adding an '-s' (singles), which is incorrect in Norwegian grammar. Instead, the adjective changes its spelling slightly to 'single'.

Feil: Vi er to singels. (Riktig: Vi er to single.)

A third common mistake is confusing 'singel' with 'enslig'. While both can mean not having a partner, 'enslig' carries a more formal, sometimes solitary or lonely connotation, and is the correct term to use in official or administrative contexts. For example, a 'single parent' is 'enslig forsørger', never 'singel forsørger'.
Official Terminology
Use 'enslig' for official forms, taxes, and family status (like single parent). Use 'singel' for dating and social life.

Hun får støtte fra staten som enslig forsørger, selv om hun er glad for å være singel.

Additionally, learners sometimes get confused by the noun 'singel', which means 'gravel' in Norwegian. If you tell a Norwegian 'Jeg har mye singel' (I have a lot of gravel), they might be confused if the context is a conversation about relationships.
Definite Form Errors
Learners often forget to use the '-e' ending for the definite singular form. It should be 'den single mannen', not 'den singel mannen'.

Den single kvinnen satt alene på kafeen.

Finally, pronunciation can be a minor issue. While it looks like the English word, the Norwegian 'singel' has a slightly different intonation, often with a harder 'g' sound and a more distinct 'el' ending.

Pass på at du uttaler singel med norsk aksent, ikke engelsk.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Norwegian sound much more authentic and prevent amusing misunderstandings.
While 'singel' is the most common and versatile word for someone not in a relationship, Norwegian has several other words that convey similar meanings but with distinct nuances, formalities, and contexts. Understanding these alternatives will enrich your vocabulary and help you choose the exactly right word for the situation. The most direct formal alternative is 'ugift', which literally translates to 'unmarried'. This term is strictly legal and factual. It describes someone who has never entered into a marriage contract.
Ugift (Unmarried)
Used in legal documents, genealogy, and formal contexts. It does not imply whether the person is currently dating or in a cohabiting relationship (samboer).

På skjemaet krysset han av for at han var ugift, selv om han var singel.

Another important alternative is 'enslig'. This word translates to 'solitary', 'lone', or 'single' (in a formal sense). It is heavily used in administrative language, such as 'enslig forsørger' (single parent) or 'enslig mindreårig asylsøker' (unaccompanied minor asylum seeker). 'Enslig' can sometimes carry a slightly melancholy undertone of being alone, whereas 'singel' is generally upbeat or neutral.

Mange eldre mennesker lever som enslige etter at ektefellen dør, men de kaller seg sjelden singel.

The word 'alene' (alone) is also related. While it primarily means physically being by oneself, it can be used to describe relationship status in phrases like 'jeg bor alene' (I live alone) or 'hun er alene nå' (she is alone now, implying a recent breakup).
Alene (Alone)
Focuses on the physical state of living without a partner, rather than the social identity of being unattached.

Etter skilsmissen har han bodd alene, og trives som singel.

You might also hear colloquial phrases like 'på markedet' (on the market) or 'ledig' (available/free). These are informal ways to express that someone is single and open to dating. 'Ledig' is a bit humorous, as it literally means 'vacant' or 'unoccupied', like a seat on a bus.
Idiomatic Alternatives
Phrases like 'å være på sjekkern' (to be on the prowl/looking to hook up) strongly imply that the person is 'singel' and actively looking.

Nå som han er singel igjen, er han tilbake på markedet.

Det er mange ord for å være singel, men dette er det mest brukte.

By knowing these alternatives, you can navigate both casual dating conversations and formal bureaucratic forms with ease, demonstrating a high level of cultural and linguistic competence in Norwegian.
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Examples by Level

1

Jeg er singel.

I am single.

Basic use of the adjective with the verb 'å være'.

2

Er du singel?

Are you single?

Question format, inversion of verb and subject.

3

Han er ikke singel.

He is not single.

Using 'ikke' to negate the sentence.

4

Hun er singel.

She is single.

Feminine pronoun with the adjective.

5

Min bror er singel.

My brother is single.

Used with a possessive pronoun and noun.

6

Er han singel?

Is he single?

Simple yes/no question.

7

Jeg liker å være singel.

I like being single.

Used with the infinitive 'å være'.

8

Vi er ikke singel.

We are not single. (Note: A1 might make plural error, correct is single)

Introduction to plural concept.

1

Vi er begge single.

We are both single.

Correct plural form 'single'.

2

Jeg har vært singel i to år.

I have been single for two years.

Present perfect tense with time duration.

3

De single vennene mine kommer på festen.

My single friends are coming to the party.

Definite plural form 'de single'.

4

Han trives godt som singel.

He enjoys being single.

Using 'som' (as) to describe a state.

5

Er det vanskelig å være singel her?

Is it difficult to be single here?

Using dummy subject 'det'.

6

Den single kvinnen kjøpte en kaffe.

The single woman bought a coffee.

Definite singular form 'den single'.

7

Jeg vil ikke være singel for alltid.

I don't want to be single forever.

Future intention with 'vil ikke'.

8

Mange av mine venner er single.

Many of my friends are single.

Plural agreement with 'venner'.

1

Etter bruddet ble han nylig singel.

After the breakup, he became recently single.

Using the adverb 'nylig' (recently).

2

Singellivet i Oslo kan være ganske dyrt.

Single life in Oslo can be quite expensive.

Compound noun 'singellivet'.

3

Hun er lykkelig singel og fokuserer på karrieren.

She is happily single and focusing on her career.

Combining adjectives/adverbs for nuance.

4

Det er mange datingapper for single i Norge.

There are many dating apps for singles in Norwa

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Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

singel Swedish
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