slange
masculine
The English word snake can be translated into Norwegian as slange or orm.
Meaning: legless reptile (noun)
Ways to say it
| Norwegian | Note |
|---|---|
| slange | masculine |
| orm | masculine |
Both terms refer to the legless reptile. Slange is the specific biological term for a snake, and it can also be used metaphorically to describe a treacherous or deceitful person, just as it is in English.
Which one should you use?
While slange is the precise biological term, orm is very frequently used in everyday Norwegian to refer to snakes. Note that orm can also mean worm in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine noun slange becomes slanger in the plural. The masculine noun orm becomes ormer in the plural.
Did you know?
- In Norse mythology, the Midgard Serpent is called Midgardsormen, using the word orm rather than slange.
- The word slange is used in Norwegian to describe a hose, such as a garden hose, because of its shape.
- The English word 'worm' and the Norwegian word orm share the same ancient ancestor, which originally meant something that 'burns' or 'glows'.
Examples in context
- Du er ein slange!You are a snake!This sentence shows how to call someone a snake using slange.Tatoeba #12476130 by Just_Some_Guy, translation #27090 by orcrist
- Du er ein slange.You're a snake.Tatoeba #12476131 by Just_Some_Guy, translation #12424380 by Miktsoanit
- Tom er ein slange.Tom's a snake.Tatoeba #12476129 by Just_Some_Guy, translation #12424377 by Miktsoanit
- Det er en stor slange i hagen.There is a big snake in the garden.
- Vær forsiktig når du håndterer slanger.Be cautious when handling snakes.
- Se på den gigantiske ormen i dammen!Look at the gigantic snake in the pond!
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Magnus and Emma are walking through a garden.
- MagnusSe, der er en slange!Look, there is a snake!
- EmmaÅ nei, er den farlig?Oh no, is it dangerous?
- MagnusJeg tror ikke den slangen er farlig.I don't think that snake is dangerous.
- EmmaDa er det bedre.Then it is better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “snake” translations and entries slange, orm, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries orm, slange, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
