engel
masculine
The Norwegian word for "angel" is engel.
The term refers to a messenger from a deity. Just like in English, en engel can be used figuratively to describe a person who is exceptionally kind or helpful.
Meaning: messenger from a deity (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
engel is a masculine noun. Use the definite form engelen to mean "the angel", the plural form engler for "angels" and the definite plural form englene for "the angels".
Did you know?
- Norwegian folklore includes huldre and other nature spirits that are often viewed as distinct from engler, as the latter are strictly divine rather than earthly.
- The word engel shares a root with the English word 'evangelist', as both come from the Greek word for 'messenger'.
- In Norwegian, the word engel is sometimes used in the idiom å være en engel, which can imply a person is naive or innocent to a fault, not just kind.
Examples in context
- Du er en engel!You're an angel!This sentence shows how to use engel to describe someone's character.Tatoeba #342252 by gurobu, translation #1557 by CE
- Vær en engel og skru ned radioen.Be an angel and turn the radio down.This sentence demonstrates a request where engel is used figuratively to ask for a favor.Tatoeba #815782 by heranje, translation #64700 by mamat
- Jeg tror at engler eksisterer.I believe that angels exist.
- Du har så vakre engeløyne.You have such beautiful angel eyes.
- En engel beskyttet ham i natten.An angel protected him in the night.
Example conversation
Magnus and Emma are looking at an old painting in a museum.
- MagnusSe på den vakre engelen her.Look at the beautiful angel here.
- EmmaJa, den ser veldig fredelig ut.Yes, it looks very peaceful.
- MagnusTror du en engel vokter oss?Do you think an angel watches over us?
- EmmaHvem vet, Magnus?Who knows, Magnus?
Sources
- Wiktionary, “angel” translations and entries engel, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries engel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
