lunsj
/lœnʃ/masculine
The Norwegian word for lunch is lunsj.
lunsj refers to a meal eaten around midday. When describing what someone is eating specifically for lunch, use the preposition til (e.g., til lunsj). You can also use the related verb lunsje to mean the act of eating lunch.
Meaning: meal around midday (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some areas, the term kveldsmat is occasionally used to describe a meal that serves as either a late lunch or an early dinner.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
lunsj is a masculine noun. The definite form is lunsjen (the lunch), and the plural form is lunsjer (lunches). The definite plural form is lunsjene (the lunches).
How do you pronounce it?
/lœnʃ/
Did you know?
- A traditional Norwegian lunsj often consists of open-faced sandwiches called smørbrød, which are eaten with a knife and fork rather than by hand.
- In many Norwegian workplaces, lunsj is treated as a social ritual where employees gather in a shared break room regardless of hierarchy.
- The Norwegian word lunsj is a direct loan from the English word 'lunch'.
Examples in context
- Vi spiste lunsj med Tom.We had lunch with Tom.This sentence shows how to use lunsj when talking about having a meal with someone.Tatoeba #10943666 by Mayk, translation #10928909 by CK
- Vi kan dra etter lunsjen.We can go after lunch.This sentence uses the definite form lunsjen to indicate a point in time after the meal.Tatoeba #6364734 by RudeGuyGames, translation #2039895 by MarlonX19
- Hva spiser hun til lunsj?What does she eat for lunch?This sentence demonstrates the use of til when asking what someone is eating for lunch.Tatoeba #10942732 by Mayk, translation #9073417 by CH
- 20 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Jakob are discussing their work break.
- EmmaSkal vi ta lunsj nå?Shall we have lunch now?
- JakobJa, jeg er veldig sulten.Yes, I am very hungry.
- EmmaHvor vil du spise lunsj?Where do you want to eat lunch?
- JakobLa oss gå til kafeen.Let's go to the cafe.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “lunch” translations and entries lunsj, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lunsj, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
