In Norwegian, asking “What are you doing?” is a common way to show interest in someone’s activities. Whether you want to use a formal or informal approach, or if you encounter any regional variations, this guide will help you navigate through different ways of asking this question in Norwegian. Get ready to learn some useful phrases and discover the subtle nuances of the Norwegian language!
Table of Contents
The Formal Approach
In Norwegian, when addressing someone formally or in a professional setting, it’s important to use the appropriate language. The formal way to ask “What are you doing?” is:
Hva driver De med?
In this version, “Hva driver De med?” uses the polite form “De” instead of the informal “du” to show respect towards the person you are speaking to.
If you’re in a formal situation but would like to have a slightly less formal tone, you can use the following alternative:
Hva holder De på med?
The phrase “Hva holder De på med?” still maintains a formal tone while being slightly more casual than the previous version. It’s a polite and respectful way to inquire about someone’s activities, especially with people you are not yet familiar with.
The Informal Approach
When it comes to addressing friends, family, or people you are on familiar terms with, Norwegian offers a variety of informal phrases to ask “What are you doing?”. Here are a few options:
1. Hva driver du med?
This is the standard informal way to ask “What are you doing?” among friends or peers. It’s an all-purpose phrase that can be used in most situations.
2. Hva holder du på med?
Similar to the previous phrase, “Hva holder du på med?” is another way to ask about someone’s activities in an informal setting. It gives a slightly curious and interested tone.
3. Hva gjør du?
“Hva gjør du?” is a more casual and direct way to ask “What are you doing?”. It’s commonly used among close friends or family members. This phrase doesn’t include the word “med” (with), but it still conveys the same meaning clearly.
Tips and Examples
Here are some tips and examples to help you use the phrases above effectively:
Tips:
- Remember to adjust the verb forms according to the person you are speaking to. For example, “gjør” is for the pronoun “du” (you), “holder” is for “du” (you), and “driver” is for “De” (you formal).
- Pay attention to intonation and context. The same phrase can have different meanings based on the tone and situation in which it is used.
- Be prepared for regional variations in pronunciation or vocabulary. Norwegian dialects can differ, but the phrases mentioned in this guide are widely understood across the country.
Examples:
- Informal: Hva driver du med på fritiden? (What do you do in your free time?)
- Formal: Hva driver De med i jobben din? (What are you doing in your job?)
- Informal: Hva holder du på med akkurat nå? (What are you up to right now?)
- Informal: Hva gjør du på lørdag? (What are you doing on Saturday?)
Remember, the key to mastering any language is practice. The more you use these phrases, the more comfortable you will become in everyday conversations.
Now that you have learned how to ask “What are you doing?” in Norwegian, feel free to explore more phrases and expand your Norwegian vocabulary. Best of luck with your language journey!
