When you're learning Norwegian, you'll find words that seem straightforward but have subtle uses. 'Virkelig' is one of these words. It's often used to emphasize that something is true or real, similar to 'really' or 'truly' in English. Think of it as confirming a fact or expressing a strong degree of something.
For example, if someone asks if you like something, and you want to say you genuinely do, 'virkelig' fits perfectly. It can also be used to ask if something is indeed true. Mastering 'virkelig' will make your Norwegian sound much more natural and expressive.
When we use the word virkelig in Norwegian, we are talking about something that is actual or true. It's like saying "really" or "truly" in English when you want to emphasize that something is not fake or imaginary. You might use it to describe an event that genuinely happened, or a feeling that is sincerely felt.
Think of it as confirming the reality of something. For instance, if you see something surprising, you might ask, "Er det virkelig sant?" meaning "Is that really true?" It helps to express a sense of authenticity or undeniable fact.
When we use the word virkelig in Norwegian, we're talking about something that is actual or true. Think of it like the English word 'real' or 'truly'. It's often used to emphasize that something isn't imagined or fake, but exists in reality. For example, if someone asks if a story is true, you might say 'Ja, det er virkelig' (Yes, it is real/true).
It can also intensify an adjective or adverb, much like 'really' or 'very' in English. So, 'virkelig kaldt' means 'really cold'. It helps to add emphasis and conviction to what you are saying.
§ Understanding 'virkelig' as an Adjective
The word virkelig (pronounced: VEERK-lihg) is an adjective in Norwegian. It means 'real' or 'actual'. Like many Norwegian adjectives, its form changes depending on the noun it describes. This is a key point for using it correctly. Remember, getting the adjective form right is important for sounding natural in Norwegian.
- DEFINITION
- Actually existing; genuine; not imaginary.
§ Forms of 'virkelig'
As an adjective, 'virkelig' changes its ending. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Singular common gender (en-words): virkelig
- Singular neuter gender (et-words): virkelig (it stays the same!)
- Plural: virkelige
- Definite form (the real thing): virkelige
Notice that 'virkelig' is one of those adjectives that doesn't change for neuter singular. This can be a relief, but don't get complacent – many others do! Just remember to add '-e' for plural and definite forms.
§ 'Virkelig' with common gender nouns
Dette er en virkelig historie. (This is a real story.)
Han har en virkelig venn. (He has a real friend.)
§ 'Virkelig' with neuter gender nouns
Det er et virkelig problem. (That is a real problem.)
Har du et virkelig svar? (Do you have a real answer?)
§ 'Virkelig' in plural and definite forms
Dette er virkelige mennesker. (These are real people.)
De virkelige farene er usynlige. (The real dangers are invisible.)
§ 'Virkelig' vs. 'ekte'
You might also hear the word 'ekte' (pronounced: EK-tuh) which also means 'real' or 'genuine'. While 'virkelig' emphasizes existence and authenticity (e.g., a real problem), 'ekte' often emphasizes genuineness or being authentic, especially for physical objects or feelings (e.g., 'ekte gull' - real gold, 'ekte glede' - genuine joy). Sometimes they are interchangeable, but knowing the nuance helps.
Det er et virkelig spørsmål. (It's a real question.)
Dette er ekte skinn. (This is genuine leather.)
For A2 level, focus on getting the adjective forms of 'virkelig' correct. As you progress, the subtle differences between 'virkelig' and 'ekte' will become more natural. Practice makes perfect, so try making your own sentences!
Le savais-tu ?
The 'virk' part relates to 'work' or 'effect', so it literally means 'that which works/has effect'.
Exemples par niveau
Er den virkelig?
Is it real/actual?
Here, 'virkelig' functions as an adjective modifying an implied noun (e.g., 'ting' - thing).
Dette er et virkelig problem.
This is a real problem.
'Virkelig' modifies the singular neuter noun 'problem'.
Hun er en virkelig venn.
She is a true/real friend.
'Virkelig' modifies the singular common noun 'venn'.
Er du virkelig norsk?
Are you really/actually Norwegian?
Here, 'virkelig' functions as an adverb modifying the adjective 'norsk'.
Han er ikke virkelig der.
He is not really there.
'Virkelig' functions as an adverb modifying the verb phrase 'er der'.
Vi så virkelig Nordlyset.
We really/actually saw the Northern Lights.
'Virkelig' functions as an adverb modifying the verb 'så'.
Det er en virkelig god idé.
That is a really good idea.
'Virkelig' functions as an adverb modifying the adjective 'god'.
Er historien virkelig sann?
Is the story really true?
'Virkelig' functions as an adverb modifying the adjective 'sann'.
Er dette virkelig sant?
Is this really true?
Placement of 'virkelig' before the adjective 'sant'.
Han er virkelig en god venn.
He is truly a good friend.
Used to emphasize the quality of being a 'good friend'.
Jeg er virkelig lei meg for det.
I am truly sorry about that.
Intensifies the feeling of being 'sorry'.
Det var virkelig kaldt i går.
It was really cold yesterday.
Modifying the adjective 'kaldt' (cold).
Har du virkelig tenkt på dette?
Have you really thought about this?
Used with a verb to emphasize the action.
Hun er virkelig dyktig i jobben sin.
She is truly skilled in her job.
Emphasizing the adjective 'dyktig' (skilled).
Jeg forstår ikke hva som virkelig skjedde.
I don't understand what really happened.
Used with a verb to question the true nature of an event.
Er du virkelig sikker på det?
Are you really sure about that?
Emphasizing the certainty of being 'sure'.
Er du virkelig sikker på det?
Are you really sure about that?
Det var virkelig en utfordrende oppgave.
That was truly a challenging task.
Hun er virkelig talentfull.
She is genuinely talented.
Vi håper virkelig at det går bra.
We really hope that it goes well.
Er det virkelig sant?
Is that actually true?
Han er virkelig en god venn.
He is truly a good friend.
Det var virkelig kaldt i går.
It was really cold yesterday.
De gjorde virkelig en stor innsats.
They truly made a great effort.
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
Er det virkelig sant?
Is that really true?
Jeg er virkelig glad.
I am really happy.
Dette er virkelig bra.
This is really good.
Han er virkelig en god mann.
He is really a good man.
Det var virkelig kaldt i går.
It was really cold yesterday.
Du er virkelig flink!
You are really clever/skilled!
Jeg forstår det ikke virkelig.
I don't really understand it.
Har du virkelig tid?
Do you really have time?
Det er virkelig en utfordring.
It is truly a challenge.
Jeg har virkelig savnet deg.
I have really missed you.
Expressions idiomatiques
"i virkeligheten"
in reality, in actual fact
Jeg trodde det var lett, men i virkeligheten var det vanskelig. (I thought it was easy, but in reality it was difficult.)
neutral"virkelig sant"
really true, truly honest
Er det virkelig sant? (Is that really true?)
neutral"å ta det for gitt"
to take it for granted
Vi bør ikke ta fred for gitt. (We should not take peace for granted.)
neutral"en virkelighetssjekk"
a reality check
Han trenger en virkelighetssjekk. (He needs a reality check.)
neutral"virkelig talt"
strictly speaking
Virkelig talt, er det ikke lov. (Strictly speaking, it's not allowed.)
formal"hva er det som virkelig betyr noe?"
what truly matters?
I slutten, hva er det som virkelig betyr noe? (In the end, what truly matters?)
neutral"en virkelig god idé"
a genuinely good idea
Det var en virkelig god idé! (That was a genuinely good idea!)
neutral"å se virkeligheten i øynene"
to face reality
Han måtte se virkeligheten i øynene. (He had to face reality.)
neutral"det er ikke virkelig"
it's not real, it's not true
Det er ikke virkelig, det er bare en drøm. (It's not real, it's just a dream.)
neutral"på virkelig basis"
on a real basis (less common, usually 'i virkeligheten')
Dette er bygget på virkelig basis. (This is built on a real basis.)
formalFamille de mots
Noms
Astuces
Basic use of 'virkelig'
The most common use of 'virkelig' is as an adverb meaning really or truly. For example, 'Det er virkelig pent' means 'It is really pretty'.
Formal vs. informal use
'Virkelig' can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's a versatile word you'll hear and see often.
Questioning reality
You can use 'virkelig' to ask if something is true or real. 'Er det virkelig sant?' means 'Is it really true?'
Expressing surprise
Use 'virkelig' to express surprise, similar to saying 'really?!' in English. 'Virkelig? Jeg visste ikke det!' means 'Really? I didn't know that!'
Emphasizing a point
It's a great word for emphasis. 'Jeg er virkelig sliten' means 'I am really tired'.
Don't confuse with 'faktisk'
While both can mean actually, 'virkelig' focuses on reality or truth, whereas 'faktisk' often means in fact or as a matter of fact, introducing a piece of information.
Practice with sentences
Try making your own sentences. 'Jeg er virkelig glad for å være her' (I am really happy to be here). 'Han er virkelig en god venn' (He is really a good friend).
Listen for 'virkelig'
Pay attention to how native speakers use 'virkelig' in movies, podcasts, and conversations. You'll notice its flexibility.
Adjective form 'virkelig'
Although less common in everyday conversation than the adverb, 'virkelig' can function as an adjective meaning real or actual. For example, 'Den virkelige historien' means 'The real story'. This is the core meaning of the word.
Use with other adverbs
You can combine 'virkelig' with other adverbs for nuanced meaning. 'Han synger virkelig vakkert' (He sings really beautifully).
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Imagine a 'real' (virkelig) Viking ship sailing on a 'real' sea. The 'vi' in 'virkelig' sounds a bit like 'Viking,' and the 'kelig' part might remind you of 'really.' So, 'virkelig' = 'really Viking' = 'really real.'
Association visuelle
Picture a very detailed, realistic drawing or photograph of something. For example, a hyperrealistic painting that looks like a photograph. This helps associate 'virkelig' with 'actually existing' or 'real.'
Word Web
Défi
Describe three things that are 'virkelig' in your current environment. For example: 'Skrivebordet er virkelig.' (The desk is real/actually existing.) 'Koppen er virkelig.' (The cup is real/actually existing.) 'Jeg er virkelig.' (I am real/actually existing.)
Origine du mot
Old Norse
Sens originel : actual, true
North GermanicContexte culturel
When Norwegians say 'virkelig?', they often mean 'Really?' or 'Is that true?'. It's a common way to express surprise or to seek confirmation. You'll hear it a lot in everyday conversations.
Teste-toi 84 questions
Er det ___ sant?
Here, 'virkelig' means 'really' or 'truly,' asking if something is genuinely true.
Han er ___ snill.
In this sentence, 'virkelig' emphasizes how kind he is, meaning 'really kind'.
Jeg tror det er ___ vanskelig.
'Virkelig' here modifies 'vanskelig' (difficult), implying 'really difficult'.
Er du ___ trøtt?
Here, 'virkelig' is used to ask if someone is genuinely or 'really' tired.
Det var en ___ god bok.
'Virkelig' is used here to intensify 'god' (good), meaning 'a really good book'.
Hun synger ___ vakkert.
Here, 'virkelig' emphasizes the beauty of her singing, meaning 'really beautifully'.
Write a short sentence describing something real in your life. Use 'virkelig'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Dette er et virkelig bilde av hunden min.
Translate: 'Is this truly your book?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Er dette virkelig boken din?
Complete the sentence: 'Han er en ______ god venn.' (He is a truly good friend.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Han er en virkelig god venn.
What is true about the brother?
Read this passage:
Jeg har en stor familie. Min bror er virkelig høy. Han er to meter. Vi spiser middag sammen hver dag.
What is true about the brother?
The passage states 'Min bror er virkelig høy.' (My brother is truly tall.)
The passage states 'Min bror er virkelig høy.' (My brother is truly tall.)
What does the speaker think about the book?
Read this passage:
Jeg elsker å lese. Denne boken er virkelig interessant. Jeg leser den hver kveld. Den handler om en reise.
What does the speaker think about the book?
The passage says 'Denne boken er virkelig interessant.' (This book is truly interesting.)
The passage says 'Denne boken er virkelig interessant.' (This book is truly interesting.)
How is the weather today?
Read this passage:
Været er virkelig fint i dag. Solen skinner og det er varmt. Jeg vil gå en tur i parken.
How is the weather today?
The passage says 'Været er virkelig fint i dag.' (The weather is truly nice today.)
The passage says 'Været er virkelig fint i dag.' (The weather is truly nice today.)
This sentence means 'It is really nice.' The word order in Norwegian is typically subject-verb-adjective.
This means 'So you are really here now'. In Norwegian, 'så' (so) can start a sentence, followed by the subject and verb.
This means 'I really like the food'. The adverb 'virkelig' (really) often comes after the verb in a simple sentence.
Er det ___ sant?
Here, 'virkelig' means 'really' or 'truly,' emphasizing the truthfulness of something. The other options don't fit the meaning.
Han er ___ god til å synge.
'Virkelig' is used here to intensify the adjective 'god' (good), meaning 'really good.'
Jeg tror ikke det er ___ mulig.
In this sentence, 'virkelig' means 'really' or 'actually,' implying a doubt about the possibility.
Var filmen ___ bra?
'Virkelig' asks if the movie was 'really' good, seeking confirmation or emphasis.
Er du ___ trøtt?
Here, 'virkelig' means 'really' or 'actually,' asking if the tiredness is genuine.
Det var en ___ fin dag.
'Virkelig' is used to emphasize that it was 'really' a nice day.
Which sentence uses 'virkelig' correctly?
'Virkelig' here means 'truly' or 'really', emphasizing 'god student'. The other options are grammatically awkward or use 'virkelig' incorrectly in context.
Choose the best translation for: 'Er det virkelig sant?'
'Virkelig' often translates to 'really' when questioning or emphasizing truth.
Which word is a synonym for 'virkelig' in the sense of 'actually'?
'Faktisk' means 'in fact' or 'actually', which is a good synonym for one common use of 'virkelig'.
The sentence 'Jeg er virkelig trøtt' means 'I am really tired'.
In this context, 'virkelig' intensifies 'trøtt' (tired), meaning 'really' or 'very'.
'Virkelig' can always be replaced by 'veldig' (very) without changing the meaning.
While 'virkelig' can sometimes mean 'really' or 'very', it also carries the nuance of 'actually existing' or 'truly', which 'veldig' does not. For example, 'en virkelig person' (a real person) cannot be 'en veldig person'.
When someone says 'Virkelig?' as a question, they are often asking for confirmation, like 'Really?'
As a standalone question, 'Virkelig?' is a common way to express surprise or ask for confirmation, similar to 'Really?' in English.
Someone is asking about nationality.
Talking about yesterday's weather.
Describing someone's personality.
Read this aloud:
Virkelig?
Focus: vir-ke-lig
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Det er virkelig bra!
Focus: virkelig bra
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Er det virkelig sant?
Focus: virkelig sant
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence describing something real using 'virkelig'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Dette er et virkelig problem. (This is a real problem.)
Translate this sentence into Norwegian: 'Is that really true?'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Er det virkelig sant?
Complete the sentence with 'virkelig': 'Jeg tror ikke det er ___.' (I don't think it is ___.)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Jeg tror ikke det er virkelig.
Hva lurer mannen på i teksten?
Read this passage:
Han så på bildet. 'Er dette virkelig meg?' tenkte han. Ansiktet var kjent, men tiden hadde forandret det. Han lurte på om han fortsatt var den samme personen.
Hva lurer mannen på i teksten?
Teksten sier 'Han lurte på om han fortsatt var den samme personen.'
Teksten sier 'Han lurte på om han fortsatt var den samme personen.'
Hva er uvanlig med været i Bergen denne uken?
Read this passage:
Været i Bergen er ofte regnfullt. Men denne uken har det vært sol hver dag. Det er virkelig uvanlig. Alle snakker om det fine været.
Hva er uvanlig med været i Bergen denne uken?
Teksten sier 'Men denne uken har det vært sol hver dag. Det er virkelig uvanlig.'
Teksten sier 'Men denne uken har det vært sol hver dag. Det er virkelig uvanlig.'
Hva mener teksten om å lære et nytt språk?
Read this passage:
Å lære et nytt språk kan være vanskelig. Men med nok øvelse blir det enklere. Er det virkelig verdt det? Mange sier ja, fordi det åpner nye dører og muligheter.
Hva mener teksten om å lære et nytt språk?
Teksten sier 'Men med nok øvelse blir det enklere.'
Teksten sier 'Men med nok øvelse blir det enklere.'
This sentence means 'He is really kind.' 'Virkelig' acts as an intensifier here.
This sentence translates to 'It was a really nice day.' 'Virkelig' emphasizes how nice the day was.
This question means 'Is the food here really the best?' 'Virkelig' questions the truth of the statement.
Listen for 'virkelig'.
Listen for the question about the movie's quality.
Listen for the expression of missing someone.
Read this aloud:
Er du virkelig sikker?
Focus: virkelig
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Det var virkelig et vanskelig spørsmål.
Focus: vanskelig
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Hun er en virkelig dyktig student.
Focus: dyktig
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you are describing a place you visited that felt unreal, like a dream. Use 'virkelig' to describe what made it feel real or concrete despite its dream-like quality. Write 2-3 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Jeg besøkte en hage som var så vakker at den nesten ikke føltes virkelig. Men lukten av blomstene og lyden av fuglene gjorde det virkelig. Det var en uforglemmelig opplevelse.
You are writing a short email to a friend about a surprising event. Use 'virkelig' to emphasize the truth or reality of what happened. Write 2-3 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Du vil ikke tro hva som skjedde i går! Det var virkelig utrolig. Jeg måtte sjekke to ganger for å være sikker på at det var sant.
Write a short review (2-3 sentences) of a product or service you used. Use 'virkelig' to express whether it met your expectations or was genuinely good.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Jeg kjøpte en ny kaffemaskin, og den er virkelig god. Den brygger kaffe raskt og smaker fantastisk. Jeg er veldig fornøyd med kjøpet.
Hva er den virkelige muligheten som nevnes i teksten?
Read this passage:
Mange drømmer om å reise til månen, men få har hatt den virkelige muligheten. For de fleste er det en fantasi, ikke en virkelighet. Likevel, med ny teknologi, blir det mer og mer realistisk å tenke på slike reiser som en virkelig mulighet i fremtiden.
Hva er den virkelige muligheten som nevnes i teksten?
Teksten sier at få har hatt den virkelige muligheten til å reise til månen, og at det blir en mer realistisk mulighet i fremtiden.
Teksten sier at få har hatt den virkelige muligheten til å reise til månen, og at det blir en mer realistisk mulighet i fremtiden.
Hva var "virkelig en overraskelse" for personen?
Read this passage:
Jeg har alltid ønsket meg en hund, men foreldrene mine sa nei. En dag kom jeg hjem og det satt en liten valp i stua. Det var virkelig en overraskelse! Jeg trodde det var en spøk først, men den var helt ekte.
Hva var "virkelig en overraskelse" for personen?
Teksten sier klart at valpen i stua var 'virkelig en overraskelse'.
Teksten sier klart at valpen i stua var 'virkelig en overraskelse'.
Hva var den virkelige personligheten til filmstjernen?
Read this passage:
Filmstjernen var kjent for å spille dramatiske roller. Mange trodde hun var en alvorlig person i det virkelige liv også. Men de som kjente henne godt, visste at hun var veldig humoristisk og likte å le. Hennes offentlige persona var ikke alltid den virkelige henne.
Hva var den virkelige personligheten til filmstjernen?
Teksten sier at de som kjente henne godt, visste at hun var 'virkelig humoristisk'.
Teksten sier at de som kjente henne godt, visste at hun var 'virkelig humoristisk'.
'Virkelig' functions as an adverb here, modifying 'kaldt' (cold).
'Virkelig' modifies the adjective 'interessant' (interesting), describing the book.
'Virkelig' emphasizes the action 'gjort' (done) in a question.
Han er en ___ venn; du kan stole på ham.
Here, 'virkelig' (real/true) emphasizes the authenticity and trustworthiness of the friend. The other options don't fit the context as well.
Er dette ___ den beste restauranten i byen?
'Virkelig' (really/truly) is used here to ask if something is genuinely the best, implying a sense of confirmation or surprise.
Det var en ___ utfordring å lære seg norsk på så kort tid.
'Virkelig' (a real/genuine) emphasizes the significant and demanding nature of the challenge.
Jeg har ikke sett en slik utsikt på ___ mange år.
In this context, 'virkelig' (truly/actually) intensifies 'mange', meaning it's been genuinely a long time since such a view was seen.
Fikk du ___ tid til å slappe av i helgen?
Here, 'virkelig' (really/actually) is used to inquire if someone genuinely managed to relax, implying a concern for their well-being or a sense of doubt.
Huset er ___ mye større enn det ser ut på bildene.
'Virkelig' (really/actually) emphasizes that the house is genuinely larger, contrary to what the pictures might suggest.
The sentence structure is Subject-Verb-Adverb-Article-Adjective-Noun in Norwegian.
The adverbs like 'virkelig' usually come before the infinitive 'å være' when modifying the verb 'ønsker'.
The adverb 'virkelig' emphasizes the verb 'håper'. 'På å reise' is a common construction for hoping to do something.
Which sentence uses 'virkelig' correctly to emphasize the truth or reality of a situation?
In this context, 'virkelig' functions as an intensifier, underscoring the authentic talent of the musician, aligning with its core meaning of 'actually existing' or 'truly'.
Choose the sentence where 'virkelig' expresses surprise or disbelief at the extent of something.
Here, 'virkelig' conveys a sense of unexpectedness or astonishment regarding the time, implying a sudden realization that it is 'actually' that late.
Which option most accurately conveys the nuance of 'virkelig' when used to confirm a strong personal feeling or conviction?
When 'virkelig' precedes 'setter pris på', it emphasizes the sincerity and depth of the appreciation, indicating that the gratitude is genuinely felt and 'actually' exists within the speaker.
If someone says 'Dette er virkelig viktig,' they are implying that the matter is superficially important.
On the contrary, 'virkelig viktig' signifies that the matter is genuinely and authentically important, emphasizing its true significance, not superficiality.
Using 'virkelig' in 'Han virkelig forsto problemet' suggests that his understanding was profound and not just superficial.
By adding 'virkelig', the sentence implies that his comprehension of the problem was deep, genuine, and 'actually' reached a significant level, beyond a mere surface-level grasp.
When 'virkelig' is used as an adverb, it always modifies a verb to indicate the manner in which an action is performed.
While 'virkelig' can modify verbs, it often acts as an intensifier for adjectives or other adverbs, emphasizing the degree or truth of what is being expressed, rather than solely the manner of an action.
/ 84 correct
Perfect score!
Basic use of 'virkelig'
The most common use of 'virkelig' is as an adverb meaning really or truly. For example, 'Det er virkelig pent' means 'It is really pretty'.
Formal vs. informal use
'Virkelig' can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It's a versatile word you'll hear and see often.
Questioning reality
You can use 'virkelig' to ask if something is true or real. 'Er det virkelig sant?' means 'Is it really true?'
Expressing surprise
Use 'virkelig' to express surprise, similar to saying 'really?!' in English. 'Virkelig? Jeg visste ikke det!' means 'Really? I didn't know that!'
Contenu associé
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Plus de mots sur general
advare
B1To warn someone about a danger or risk
akseptabel
B2acceptable or satisfactory
aktiv
B1engaged in physical or mental activity
aktsom
C1careful or cautious in one's actions
aktuell
B1Current or relevant to the present time
allikevel
B2nevertheless; anyway
alt
A1everything
altfor
B1Too much or excessively
alvorlig
B1Serious or severe.
anbefale
B1To recommend something to someone
