Norwegian word choices
Mye vs mange: how much or how many?
Use mye for an amount and mange for countable things in the plural. Practise the difference with everyday examples.
The difference
Mye describes an amount: mye kaffe means a lot of coffee. Mange describes a number of separate things: mange kopper means many cups.
Look at the noun immediately involved. In mange kopper kaffe, you are counting cups, even though the cups contain coffee. With mye kaffe, you are talking about the amount of coffee itself.
Do not choose from English alone
English “a lot of” works with both kinds of noun. Norwegian makes the distinction: mye bagasje, but mange kofferter. Ask whether the sentence describes an amount or separate things you can count.
This exercise uses clear examples of that distinction. Some words behave differently in particular expressions, so this is a starting point rather than a rule for every noun.
See NTNU’s explanation of countable and uncountable nouns for the grammar behind this distinction. The situations and practice notes here are original examples.
Four practice notes
Keep these examples for learning
Each note keeps the situation, sentence and explanation together.
Prompt
You are describing the amount of coffee left in a pot, not counting cups. Det er ___ kaffe igjen. Choose mye or mange.
Answer and explanation
Det er mye kaffe igjen. There is a lot of coffee left. Kaffe describes the drink as an amount here. Use mye; the sentence does not count cups.
Prompt
You are setting the table and notice a large number of cups. Det er ___ kopper på bordet. Choose mye or mange.
Answer and explanation
Det er mange kopper på bordet. There are many cups on the table. Kopper is a plural noun for separate cups you can count. Use mange.
Prompt
You are talking about the total amount of luggage, without counting individual bags. Vi har ___ bagasje. Choose mye or mange.
Answer and explanation
Vi har mye bagasje. We have a lot of luggage. Bagasje describes luggage as a whole. Use mye for the amount.
Prompt
Several suitcases are waiting beside the door. You are describing their number. Det står ___ kofferter ved døra. Choose mye or mange.
Answer and explanation
Det står mange kofferter ved døra. There are many suitcases by the door. Kofferter is the plural of koffert. Because the sentence counts separate suitcases, use mange.