spøkelse
neuter
The English word ghost is translated into Norwegian as spøkelse. Wiktionary also lists gjenferd and gjenganger.
Meaning: spirit appearing after death (noun)
Ways to say it
| Norwegian | Note |
|---|---|
| spøkelse | neuter |
| gjenferd | neuter |
| gjenganger | masculine |
| gespenst | neuter |
| attergangar | masculine |
| skrømt | neuter |
All the terms provided refer to a spirit appearing after death.
Which one should you use?
While spøkelse is the standard term, gjenferd is often used to describe a ghost that has reappeared or haunts a specific place. Gespenst is a more dramatic or literary term, similar to the English 'specter' or 'phantom', often used in storytelling to create a sense of dread.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Gjenferd is used in more formal or literary contexts. Gespenst is a literary term used to create a sense of dread in storytelling.
How does it change in a sentence?
spøkelse, gjenferd, gespenst and skrømt are neuter nouns. gjenganger and attergangar are masculine nouns.
Did you know?
- The word spøkelse shares an ancestral root with the English word 'joke', as both stem from the idea of something being a trick or a mockery.
- The word skrømt can refer to a ghost, but it is also used to describe something that is a mere fabrication or a tall tale.
- While spøkelse is the common word, skrømt is a regional term often associated with folklore and local superstitions in rural areas.
Examples in context
- Hun så et spøkelse.She saw a ghost.This sentence shows how to use spøkelse to say someone saw a ghost.Tatoeba #10942903 by Mayk, translation #8651455 by CH
- Tom så ut som om han hadde sett et spøkelse.Tom looked as if he'd seen a ghost.This sentence uses spøkelse in the common idiom for looking as if one had seen a ghost.Tatoeba #2828099 by eirik174, translation #1093261 by CK
- Barnet følte seg redd når han så et spøkelse.The child felt scared when he saw a ghost.This sentence illustrates the use of spøkelse to describe someone feeling scared upon seeing a ghost.Tatoeba #5150924 by Yomawaru, translation #5150368 by Catriona
- Jeg tror jeg så et spøkelse i det gamle husetI think I saw a ghost in the old house
- Gjenferdene vandret langs kirkegården i månelysetThe ghosts wandered along the cemetery in the moonlight
- Jeg blir ofte skremt av spøkelser når jeg ser skrekkfilmerI often get scared of ghosts when watching horror movies
- Hun så en ånd i speilet og ble skikkelig forskrekketShe saw a ghost in the mirror and got really frightened
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nora and Jakob are visiting an old house.
- NoraTror du det bor et spøkelse her?Do you think a ghost lives here?
- JakobNei, jeg tror ikke på spøkelser.No, I don't believe in ghosts.
- NoraMen hørte du den lyden nå?But did you hear that sound just now?
- JakobDet var bare vinden, ikke et spøkelse.That was just the wind, not a ghost.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ghost” translations and entries spøkelse, gjenferd, gjenganger, skrømt, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gjenferd, gjenganger, spøkelse, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
