Gratulerer med dagen
The English phrase "happy syttende mai" refers to the Norwegian greeting for Norwegian Constitution Day on May 17th.
To wish someone a happy Constitution Day, the standard Norwegian expression is Gratulerer med dagen. While one might think of the literal translation happy syttende mai, it is much more natural to use the standard greeting. You can also use informal variations like Ønsker deg en super koselig Syttende Mai! to wish someone a super cozy May 17th.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase syttende mai literally means seventeenth of May.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase Gratulerer med dagen is a versatile greeting used for almost all name days and national holidays in Norway.
Did you know?
- In many parts of Norway, the celebrations are less about political speeches and more about 'is'. It is a widespread tradition to eat many ice creams while watching the parades and celebrating the national day.
- On this day, children often march in parades wearing 'bunad', which are traditional folk costumes that vary significantly by region. Wearing a 'bunad' is a way to proudly display one's specific local heritage during the celebrations.
- The word med in the greeting shares a common Proto-Indo-European ancestor with the English word 'mid', seen in 'midst', connecting the concept of 'with' to being 'in the middle of' something.
Examples in context
- Gratulerer med dagen, syttende mai!Happy Constitution Day, May 17th!
- Vi sier gratulerer med dagen i dag.We say happy Constitution Day today.
- Gratulerer med dagen til alle sammen!Happy Constitution Day to everyone!
Example conversation
Two friends meet on a street during the May 17th parade.
- SofieGratulerer med dagen, Kristoffer!Happy Constitution Day, Kristoffer!
- KristofferTusen takk, Sofie! Gratulerer med dagen til deg også.Thank you so much, Sofie! Happy Constitution Day to you too.
- SofieTakk skal du ha!Thank you!
- KristofferHar du en god syttende mai?Are you having a good May 17th?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries gratulerer med dagen, med, CC BY-SA 4.0.
