lære
To learn in Norwegian is lære.
The verb lære is used to express the acquisition of knowledge or ability. When you want to specify that you are learning a particular skill or subject for yourself, it is common to use the reflexive form lære seg. If you are learning a specific action, you use the construction lære å followed by the infinitive, such as lære å sykle (learn to cycle).
Meaning: to acquire knowledge or ability (verb)
Which one should you use?
In Norwegian, lære can mean both 'to learn' and 'to teach' depending on the context. To avoid ambiguity and clearly express the act of teaching others, you can use the phrasal verb lære bort.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense of lære is lærte, and the past participle is lært. To express learning a skill for oneself, the reflexive form lære seg is often employed.
Did you know?
- The root of lære is the Proto-Indo-European word *leys, which meant 'to trace' or 'to track'.
- Depending on the historical source, lære is linked to both Middle Low German and Old Saxon influences.
- Historically, lære evolved from Old Norse forms like læra and lǽra before reaching its modern form.
Examples in context
- Eg lærer meg fransk.I learn French.This sentence shows how to use lære to express learning a language.Tatoeba #12490624 by Just_Some_Guy, translation #8215910 by CK
- Jeg vil lære å svømme.I want to learn to swim.This sentence demonstrates the use of lære å when learning an action.Tatoeba #2949360 by eirik174, translation #2230425 by eternica
- Hvor kan jeg lære mer?Where can I learn more?This sentence is an example of asking how to acquire more knowledge using lære.Tatoeba #10943247 by Mayk, translation #9179970 by DJ_Saidez
- Hun tilegner seg kunnskap om språkShe acquires knowledge about languages
- Vi befester vår kunnskap gjennom språkpraksisWe reinforce our knowledge through language practice
- Jeg lærer meg norskI'm learning Norwegian
- Jeg pugger gloserI'm cramming vocabulary
- 37 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofie and Magnus are discussing a new hobby at a cafe.
- SofieVil du lære å spille gitar?Do you want to learn to play guitar?
- MagnusJa, jeg vil gjerne lære det.Yes, I would really like to learn it.
- SofieDet er morsomt å lære noe nytt.It is fun to learn something new.
- MagnusDu har rett, Sofie.You are right, Sofie.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “learn” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lære, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
