sylteagurk
masculine
The Norwegian word for pickle is sylteagurk.
A sylteagurk refers specifically to a preserved cucumber. While the word agurk means cucumber, it is also used informally to refer to pickles.
Meaning: preserved cucumber (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word sylteagurk is a compound formed from sylte, which means to preserve or pickle and agurk, meaning cucumber.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is sylteagurk, and the indefinite plural form is sylteagurker.
Did you know?
- The word agurk is a loanword that Norwegian likely took from the German Gurke, rather than evolving from a native Old Norse root.
- The term sylte is used more broadly in Norway for any fruit or vegetable preserved in a sweet and sour syrup, not just salty pickles.
- In Norway, sylteagurk is a standard accompaniment for kjøttkaker, which are traditional Norwegian meatballs of minced pork and beef.
Examples in context
- Jeg vil gjerne ha en sylteagurk til lunsj.I would like to have a pickle for lunch.
- Er det mulig å få ekstra sylteagurk?Is it possible to get extra pickles?
- Har du agurk til burgeren?Do you have pickles for the burger?
- Denne sylteagurken er veldig sprø.This pickle is very crunchy.
Example conversation
Ingrid and Jakob are preparing a meal together.
- IngridKan du kutte opp en sylteagurk, Jakob?Can you cut up a pickle, Jakob?
- JakobJa, det kan jeg gjøre.Yes, I can do that.
- IngridTakk, det passer perfekt til maten.Thanks, it fits the food perfectly.
- JakobBare hyggelig, Ingrid!You're welcome, Ingrid!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pickle” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
