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B1 noun 12 min read

tilværelse

Examples tilværelse in 30 Seconds
Explanation tilværelse in your Level:
At the A1 level, you don't need to use 'tilværelse' yourself, but you might see it. Think of it as a fancy word for 'life'. If you see 'en god tilværelse', it just means 'a good life'. At this stage, focus on 'liv' (life) and 'hverdag' (everyday life). 'Tilværelse' is more like the whole world around you and how you live in it. It is a masculine noun, so we say 'en tilværelse'. Just remember it means 'existence' or 'life situation'. You might hear it in very simple stories about people moving to a new country and wanting a 'trygg tilværelse' (safe life).
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For A2 learners, 'tilværelse' starts to become more useful when describing someone's situation. You can use it to talk about a 'ny tilværelse' (new life/existence) if you move to Norway. It is more descriptive than 'liv'. For example, 'Jeg har en travel tilværelse' (I have a busy existence/life). You should recognize that it describes the *way* someone lives. It is often used with adjectives like 'god' (good), 'ny' (new), or 'trygg' (safe). Remember the definite form is 'tilværelsen'. If you are talking about your life in Norway, using this word shows you are moving beyond basic vocabulary.
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At the B1 level, you should be able to use 'tilværelse' in both writing and speaking to describe social and personal conditions. This is the level where the word is most commonly introduced. You should use it to discuss topics like 'den menneskelige tilværelse' (the human existence) or 'en ensom tilværelse' (a lonely existence). You should understand the difference between 'liv' (biological life) and 'tilværelse' (the state of living). It is a key word for discussing social issues, immigration, and personal development. You should also be familiar with the common idiom 'kampen for tilværelsen' (the struggle for existence).
At the B2 level, you should use 'tilværelse' with nuance and precision. You should be able to use it in formal essays and debates. For example, you might discuss 'en kummerlig tilværelse' (a wretched existence) in a text about poverty or 'en meningsfull tilværelse' (a meaningful existence) in a discussion about mental health. You should also be comfortable with its use in literature and news media. You should understand how it functions as an abstract noun that summarizes a person's entire social and psychological context. Your grammar should be perfect: 'denne tilværelsen', 'tilværelsens utfordringer'.
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For C1 learners, 'tilværelse' is a tool for deep philosophical and sociological analysis. You should be able to discuss the nuances between 'tilværelse', 'eksistens', and 'væren'. You will encounter this word in complex literary works and academic papers. You should be able to use it to describe abstract concepts like 'den jordiske tilværelse' (the earthly existence) or 'en digital tilværelse' (a digital existence). You should also be aware of its historical and etymological roots. At this level, you use the word to add weight and sophistication to your arguments, showing a deep understanding of Norwegian semantics.
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At the C2 level, you have a native-like command of 'tilværelse'. You can use it in all its metaphorical and philosophical glory. You understand its role in the works of great Norwegian thinkers and writers. You can use it to describe the most subtle shifts in a person's life or the broader human condition. You are comfortable using it in highly formal speeches, legal contexts (though rare), and avant-garde literature. The word is no longer just a vocabulary item but a concept you can manipulate to express complex existential ideas. You can play with its collocations and even use it ironically in sophisticated social commentary.
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Examples

tilværelse in 30 Seconds

  • Tilværelse means existence or life situation.
  • It is a masculine noun (en tilværelse).
  • Commonly used in philosophical or social contexts.
  • More nuanced than the simple word 'liv'.
The Norwegian noun tilværelse is a sophisticated term that translates most directly to 'existence' or 'life' in English, but it carries a weight and a breadth that the simple word 'liv' (life) often lacks. At its core, it describes the state of being, the condition of living, or the specific circumstances under which an individual or group exists. While 'liv' can refer to the biological state of being alive, tilværelse encompasses the social, economic, and psychological landscape of that life.
Philosophical Depth
In a philosophical context, it refers to the human condition and the nature of being. It is the term used when discussing existential questions about why we are here and what our purpose is. It is less about the heartbeat and more about the experience of the soul and mind within the world.
Sociological Application
When describing a person's living situation, particularly if it is stable or unstable, tilværelse is the preferred word. One might speak of 'en trygg tilværelse' (a secure existence) when referring to someone with a steady job and a happy home, or 'en kummerlig tilværelse' (a wretched existence) when referring to poverty or hardship.

Mange flyktninger drømmer om en trygg og stabil tilværelse i et nytt land.

This word is highly versatile and is used across various registers, from academic writing to daily news reporting. It allows the speaker to categorize a whole way of life into a single noun. For instance, 'en omflakkende tilværelse' describes a nomadic or wandering life, suggesting a lack of a fixed home. The word is masculine, declined as 'en tilværelse', 'tilværelsen', 'tilværelser', 'tilværelsene'.

Han forsøkte å skape en meningsfull tilværelse til tross for de vanskelige omstendighetene.

Common Collocations
It is frequently paired with adjectives like 'trygg' (safe), 'usikker' (uncertain), 'ensom' (lonely), 'lykkelig' (happy), and 'menneskelig' (human). The phrase 'den menneskelige tilværelse' is a common way to say 'the human existence'.

Etter mange år i utlandet, vendte hun tilbake til en roligere tilværelse i hjembygda.

Register and Tone
While not overly formal, it is more formal than 'liv'. You will hear it in news broadcasts, read it in literature, and use it in deep conversations. It is less likely to be used in very casual slang, where 'livet' would suffice. However, if you want to sound precise and thoughtful, tilværelse is your best friend.

Filosofen reflekterte over den jordiske tilværelse og dens begrensninger.

De har levd en beskjeden tilværelse helt siden de ble pensjonister.

Understanding this word allows you to describe the 'texture' of life. It’s not just that someone is alive, but *how* they are alive and *where* they fit into the world. It provides a nuanced way to discuss quality of life and existential state.
Using tilværelse correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a masculine noun and its semantic nuance as a descriptor of life states. Because it is an abstract noun, it often appears with adjectives that qualify the type of existence being discussed.
Subject of a Sentence
When tilværelse is the subject, it often describes a state that 'is' or 'becomes'. For example: 'Tilværelsen her er veldig annerledes enn i byen' (Existence here is very different than in the city). Here, the word acts as a collective term for all aspects of daily life.
Object of a Verb
Common verbs used with tilværelse include 'skape' (create), 'sikre' (secure), 'endre' (change), and 'leve' (live - though usually 'leve en... tilværelse'). For example: 'Hun ønsket å skape en ny tilværelse for seg selv' (She wanted to create a new existence for herself).

En ensom tilværelse kan være tung å bære for mange eldre.

Prepositional Phrases
We often see 'i sin tilværelse' (in one's existence) or 'for ens tilværelse' (for one's existence). 'Det var et vendepunkt i hans tilværelse' (It was a turning point in his existence/life).

Forfatteren skildrer en grå og kjedelig tilværelse i en liten industriby.

In complex sentences, tilværelse can be used to contrast different periods of life. 'Overgangen fra en travel arbeidshverdag til en rolig tilværelse som pensjonist kan være utfordrende' (The transition from a busy work-day to a quiet existence as a retiree can be challenging). This sentence structure shows how the word acts as a container for a specific phase or mode of living.

Han satte pris på den frie tilværelse som frilanser.

Abstract vs. Concrete
While 'liv' can be concrete (a cat has nine lives), tilværelse is almost always abstract. You wouldn't say 'jeg så en tilværelse i skogen' if you saw a creature; you would say 'jeg så et levende vesen'. Use tilværelse for the *concept* of living.

Sykdommen kastet en skygge over hele hennes tilværelse.

De kjemper for en verdig tilværelse for alle samfunnets borgere.

By mastering the use of this word in sentences, you elevate your Norwegian from basic communication to nuanced expression. It allows you to describe emotional states and social conditions with precision. Whether you are writing a formal essay or discussing life's big questions with a friend, knowing how to slot tilværelse into your syntax is a hallmark of a B1-B2 level speaker.
You will encounter tilværelse in a variety of settings in Norway, ranging from the intellectual to the everyday administrative. It is a staple of the Norwegian media, especially when journalists discuss social issues or human interest stories.
In the Media
News reports on NRK or articles in Aftenposten often use the word when discussing the living conditions of vulnerable groups. You might hear: 'Mange lever i en usikker tilværelse som asylsøkere' (Many live in an uncertain existence as asylum seekers). It provides a more empathetic and comprehensive view of their situation than just saying they 'live' somewhere.
In Literature and Art
Norwegian literature is famous for its introspection. Authors like Karl Ove Knausgård or Jon Fosse frequently use tilværelse to describe the internal and external realities of their characters. In poetry, it often rhymes with 'stille' (quiet) or 'følelse' (feeling) in spirit, if not always in sound, capturing the essence of being.

Radioprogrammet handlet om hvordan man kan finne mening i en travel tilværelse.

In Academic and Professional Settings
Sociologists, psychologists, and philosophers use this word constantly. It is the technical term for 'existence' in existentialism (eksistensialisme). In job interviews, you might even hear someone describe their 'yrkesmessige tilværelse' (professional existence/life) to summarize their career path.

Dokumentaren ga et unikt innblikk i fiskernes harde tilværelse på havet.

Hun følte at den digitale tilværelse tok for mye av hennes tid.

Even in casual conversation, if a friend is going through a major life change, they might say: 'Jeg prøver bare å få orden på tilværelsen min' (I'm just trying to get my life/existence in order). It sounds more comprehensive than just 'livet mitt'. It implies getting the house, the job, the routine, and the mental state all aligned.
In Popular Culture
Song lyrics often utilize the word to evoke a sense of longing or reflection. Whether it's a folk song about the old days or a modern pop song about feeling lost in the city, tilværelse provides a rhythmic and emotional depth that 'liv' sometimes lacks.

Hennes tilværelse ble snudd på hodet etter lotterigevinsten.

In summary, you will hear this word whenever Norwegians are being reflective, descriptive about social conditions, or discussing the overarching structure of a person's life. It is a word that bridges the gap between the mundane and the profound.
While tilværelse is a useful word, learners often stumble over its gender, its specific nuances compared to similar words, and its plural forms.
Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Liv'
The most common mistake is using tilværelse when 'liv' is required. You wouldn't say 'Katten har ni tilværelser'. 'Liv' is for the biological fact of being alive. tilværelse is for the *manner* of living. If you can replace the word with 'existence' or 'way of life' in English and it sounds right, use tilværelse.
Mistake 2: Incorrect Gender
Because many abstract nouns in Norwegian ending in '-ing' are feminine, learners sometimes assume tilværelse is feminine. It is strictly masculine: 'en tilværelse', 'tilværelsen'. Using 'ei tilværelse' or 'tilværelsen' as a neuter noun is incorrect.

Feil: Han har et vanskelig tilværelse.
Riktig: Han har en vanskelig tilværelse.

Mistake 3: Pluralization
Learners often struggle with the plural form 'tilværelser'. While it's rare to talk about multiple 'existences' in the plural, it does happen when comparing different lives. Remember the '-er' ending for the indefinite plural and '-ene' for the definite plural.
Mistake 4: Overuse in Casual Speech
Using tilværelse too much in very casual settings can make you sound a bit overly dramatic or academic. If you're just talking about your weekend, 'livet' or 'helgen' is better. Save tilværelse for when you want to describe the 'big picture' of someone's situation.

Unaturlig: Hvordan er din tilværelse i dag? (Too heavy for a simple 'how are you').
Naturlig: Hvordan har du det i dag?

Mistake 5: Confusing with 'Eksistens'
While 'eksistens' and tilværelse are synonyms, 'eksistens' is even more clinical or philosophical. 'Eksistens' is often used for the *fact* that something exists (e.g., 'the existence of God'), while tilværelse is used for the *experience* of that existence.

Vi diskuterte spørsmålet om Guds eksistens, ikke Guds tilværelse.

Mange kunstnere lever en økonomisk usikker tilværelse.

Avoid these pitfalls by remembering that tilværelse is about the *qualitative* aspect of life, it's masculine, and it belongs in more thoughtful or descriptive contexts.
Norwegian has several words that touch upon the concept of life and existence. Choosing the right one depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Liv vs. Tilværelse
'Liv' is the most general word. It covers biology (life vs. death), duration (a long life), and general activity. tilværelse is more about the *state* or *condition* of that life. Use 'liv' for 'life is beautiful' (livet er herlig) and tilværelse for 'a secure existence' (en trygg tilværelse).
Eksistens
'Eksistens' is more formal and often more abstract. It refers to the fact of existing. 'Kampen for tilværelsen' (the struggle for existence/survival) is a famous phrase, but you could also say 'kampen for eksistensen' in a more biological or cold sense. tilværelse feels more 'lived' and human.

Hennes tilværelse som student var preget av lite penger og mye lesing.

Livssituasjon
This is a very common alternative in modern Norwegian, especially in administrative or psychological contexts. It means 'life situation'. While tilværelse is more poetic and overarching, 'livssituasjon' is more specific and practical. 'Vi må vurdere hans livssituasjon' (We must assess his life situation).
Væren
This is the purely philosophical term for 'being'. It is rarely used outside of philosophy books. If you are reading Heidegger in Norwegian, you will see 'Væren'. For everything else, tilværelse is the more natural choice.

Det er stor forskjell på en travel hverdag og en meningsfull tilværelse.

Flyttingen ga dem muligheten til å starte en helt ny tilværelse.

Livsførsel
This refers specifically to 'lifestyle' or 'conduct of life', often with a moral or health-related undertone. 'En sunn livsførsel' (a healthy lifestyle). tilværelse is broader than just your habits; it’s your whole state of being.

Han valgte en asketisk tilværelse i fjellene.

In conclusion, use tilværelse when you want to capture the essence of a person's life conditions and experience. Use 'liv' for the basics, 'eksistens' for the fact of being, and 'livssituasjon' for the practical details.
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Examples by Level

1

Han har en god tilværelse.

He has a good existence/life.

'En' is the masculine article for 'tilværelse'.

2

En ny tilværelse i Norge.

A new existence in Norway.

'Ny' is the adjective modifying the masculine noun.

3

Tilværelsen er fin.

Life/Existence is fine.

'Tilværelsen' is the definite form.

4

De ønsker en trygg tilværelse.

They want a safe existence.

'Trygg' is the adjective for 'safe'.

5

Hennes tilværelse er rolig.

Her existence is quiet.

'Rolig' means quiet or peaceful.

6

Min tilværelse i byen.

My existence in the city.

'Min' is the possessive pronoun.

7

En enkel tilværelse.

A simple existence.

'Enkel' means simple.

8

Hva er en tilværelse?

What is an existence?

Question structure.

1

Jeg drømmer om en roligere tilværelse.

I dream of a calmer existence.

'Roligere' is the comparative form of 'rolig'.

2

De skapte en ny tilværelse for barna.

They created a new existence for the children.

'Skapte' is the past tense of 'skape'.

3

Tilværelsen som student er spennende.

Life as a student is exciting.

'Som' is used here to mean 'as'.

4

Hun trives i sin nye tilværelse.

She thrives in her new existence.

'Trives' is a deponent verb meaning 'to thrive/enjoy oneself'.

5

Hvordan er tilværelsen din nå?

How is your existence/life now?

'Din' follows the noun in the definite form.

6

En travel tilværelse kan være slitsom.

A busy existence can be tiring.

'Slitsom' means tiring or exhausting.

7

Han valgte en ensom tilværelse på landet.

He chose a lonely existence in the countryside.

'Valgte' is the past tense of 'velge'.

8

Vi må sikre en god tilværelse for alle.

We must ensure a good existence for everyone.

'Sikre' means to ensure or secure.

1

Kampen for tilværelsen er ofte hard.

The struggle for existence is often hard.

This is a common idiom in Norwegian.

2

Mange søker en mer meningsfull tilværelse.

Many seek a more meaningful existence.

'Meningsfull' is a compound of 'mening' and 'full'.

3

Han skildrer en kummerlig tilværelse i sin siste bok.

He depicts a wretched existence in his last book.

'Skildrer' means to depict or portray.

4

Tilværelsen ble snudd på hodet etter ulykken.

Life was turned upside down after the accident.

'Snudd på hodet' is an idiom for 'turned upside down'.

5

Hun reflekterte over den menneskelige tilværelse.

She reflected on the human existence.

'Menneskelig' is the adjective for 'human'.

6

De lever en beskjeden tilværelse i skogen.

They live a modest existence in the forest.

'Beskjeden' means modest or humble.

7

Hvordan påvirker teknologien vår tilværelse?

How does technology affect our existence?

'Påvirker' means affects or influences.

8

Han følte seg fanget i en kjedelig tilværelse.

He felt trapped in a boring existence.

'Fanget' means trapped.

1

Forfatteren utforsker den absurde tilværelse.

The author explores the absurd existence.

'Utforsker' means to explore or investigate.

2

Det er viktig å ha en stabil økonomisk tilværelse.

It is important to have a stable economic existence.

'Økonomisk' is the adjective for 'economic'.

3

Hun lengtet etter en mer omflakkende tilværelse.

She longed for a more nomadic existence.

'Omflakkende' means wandering or nomadic.

4

Sykdommen ga ham et nytt perspektiv på tilværelsen.

The illness gave him a new perspective on existence.

'Perspektiv på' is the standard prepositional phrase.

5

Samfunnet må legge til rette for en verdig tilværelse for eldre.

Society must facilitate a dignified existence for the elderly.

'Legge til rette for' means to facilitate.

6

Hennes profesjonelle tilværelse var preget av suksess.

Her professional existence was characterized by success.

'Preget av' means characterized by.

7

De kjemper for sin kulturelle tilværelse.

They are fighting for their cultural existence.

'Kulturell' is the adjective for 'cultural'.

8

Eksistensielle spørsmål er en del av den menneskelige tilværelse.

Existential questions are a part of the human existence.

'Eksistensiell' relates to existence.

1

Kierkegaard fokuserte på den enkeltes tilværelse.

Kierkegaard focused on the individual's existence.

'Den enkeltes' means 'of the individual'.

2

Den urbane tilværelse kan ofte føles fremmedgjørende.

The urban existence can often feel alienating.

'Fremmedgjørende' means alienating.

3

Han beskrev tilværelsen som en serie tilfeldigheter.

He described existence as a series of coincidences.

'Tilfeldigheter' means coincidences.

4

Hun forsøkte å forene sin åndelige og verdslige tilværelse.

She tried to reconcile her spiritual and worldly existence.

'Verdslig' means worldly or secular.

5

Tilværelsens uutholdelige letthet er et kjent tema.

The unbearable lightness of being is a well-known theme.

This is a reference to Milan Kundera's book title in Norwegian.

6

De lever en marginalisert tilværelse i samfunnets ytterkant.

They live a marginalized existence on the fringes of society.

'Marginalisert' means marginalized.

7

Hvordan kan vi opprettholde en bærekraftig tilværelse?

How can we maintain a sustainable existence?

'Bærekraftig' means sustainable.

8

Hans filosofi preges av et pessimistisk syn på tilværelsen.

His philosophy is characterized by a pessimistic view of existence.

'Pessimistisk' means pessimistic.

1

Ontologien søker å forstå selve tilværelsens vesen.

Ontology seeks to understand the very essence of existence.

'Vesen' means essence or nature.

2

Dostojevskij utforsker tilværelsens mørkeste avkroker.

Dostoevsky explores the darkest recesses of existence.

'Avkroker' means recesses or nooks.

3

Mennesket er kastet inn i en tilværelse det ikke har valgt.

Man is thrown into an existence he has not chosen.

This is a reference to Heidegger's 'thrownness'.

4

Hun analyserte tilværelsen gjennom et fenomenologisk prisme.

She analyzed existence through a phenomenological prism.

'Fenomenologisk' relates to phenomenology.

5

Tilværelsens dialektikk er preget av motsetninger.

The dialectic of existence is characterized by contradictions.

'Dialektikk' means dialectic.

6

Han levde en asketisk tilværelse i søken etter absolutt sannhet.

He lived an ascetic existence in search of absolute truth.

'Asketisk' means ascetic.

7

Den postmoderne tilværelse er fragmentert og flyktig.

The postmodern existence is fragmented and fleeting.

'Flyktig' means fleeting or ephemeral.

8

Å dekonstruere tilværelsen krever intellektuelt mot.

To deconstruct existence requires intellectual courage.

'Dekonstruere' means to deconstruct.

Common Collocations

en trygg tilværelse
den menneskelige tilværelse
en kummerlig tilværelse
skape en tilværelse
en ensom tilværelse
e
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Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

tilværelse Danish
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