Ways to say it
| Norwegian |
|---|
| deilig |
| velsmakende |
The word is used to describe things that are pleasing to the taste, but it has a broader application than the English word delicious. It can describe anything that feels wonderful, pleasant or lovely, such as good weather or a relaxing massage.
Which one should you use?
While deilig is an emotive and common term in casual speech, velsmakende is a more precise and formal term used specifically for food that is appetizing or enjoyable to eat. While deilig can mean delicious, it is also used for things like 'lovely' or 'wonderful' in a broader sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using deilig as an adjective before a plural noun or a definite noun, you must add the suffix -e, turning the word into deilige.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use deilig for food, but be aware that the word carries a strong connotation of physical pleasure or comfort, such as a warm bath or a soft bed.
Did you know?
- While deilig describes pleasant things, using it to describe a person can be risky as it often carries a strong sexual connotation, implying they are 'hot' or 'sexy'.
- The root of deilig traces back to the Middle Low German word degelik, which meant 'fitting' or 'proper'.
- The word deilig is often used as a standalone exclamation to express a feeling of relief, such as when someone finally sits down after a long day.
Examples in context
- Kaka di er deilig.Your cake is delicious.This sentence shows how to use deilig to describe a cake.Tatoeba #12516415 by Just_Some_Guy, translation #17395 by CK
- Kor fekk han tak i desse deilige epla?Where did he get these delicious apples?This sentence demonstrates the use of the plural/definite form deilige.Tatoeba #12472874 by Just_Some_Guy, translation #7494378 by CH
- Deilig.Delicious.This sentence shows how deilig can be used as a standalone exclamation.Tatoeba #10940295 by Mayk, translation #6750923 by swolesuki
- Dette er deilig!This is delicious!
- Denne retten er virkelig smakfullThis dish is truly delicious.
- Kaken som du laget er velsmakendeThe cake you made is delicious.
- Denne kaken er helt nydeligThis cake is absolutely delicious.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Magnus and Sofie are eating dinner at a restaurant.
- MagnusDenne fisken er deilig, Sofie.This fish is delicious, Sofie.
- SofieJa, den smaker fantastisk!Yes, it tastes fantastic!
- MagnusVil du ha mer?Do you want more?
- SofieNei takk, jeg er mett.No thanks, I am full.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “delicious” translations and entries deilig, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries deilig, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
