når
The English word 'when' can be translated into Norwegian as når.
The most common word for 'when' in Norwegian is når. It is used as a conjunction meaning 'as soon as' or 'at the time that'. It also functions as an interrogative to ask 'at what time' or 'which time'.
Meaning: as soon as, at the time that (conj)
Which one should you use?
While når is used for repeated or future events, or to ask 'at what time', Norwegian uses the word da to mean 'when' regarding a specific, one-time event in the past.
Related words
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse når with da. Use når for the sense of 'at the time that' or for questions about time, but use da when referring to a specific, single point in the past.
Did you know?
- The word når is actually a contraction of the Old Norse phrase hvé nær, which literally means 'how near'.
- The word når can be used in the phrase når det gjelder, which translates to 'as far as it concerns' or 'regarding'.
- In certain Norwegian dialects, the distinction between når and da is blurred, and one may be used for both future and past events.
Examples in context
- Når skal vi gå?When will we go?Tatoeba #6483777 by Meggie, translation #2892750 by CK
- Når stod du opp?When did you get up?Tatoeba #2917898 by eirik174, translation #24580 by CK
- Når var Tom der?When was Tom there?Tatoeba #12670277 by Barend, translation #12385124 by Ergulis
- Når skal vi møtes?When should we meet?
- Når passer det for deg?When does it suit you?
- 198 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofie and Jakob are discussing their plans for the afternoon.
- SofieNår skal vi møtes?When shall we meet?
- JakobJeg kommer når jeg er ferdig på jobb.I'll come when I am finished at work.
- SofieGreit, jeg venter på deg.Okay, I will wait for you.
- JakobTakk, vi sees snart!Thanks, see you soon!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “when” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries når, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
