Norwegian word choices
Synes vs tror: which word fits?
Both can mean ‘think’. Use synes for your assessment; use tror for what you believe is true. Try the distinction below.
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Four practice notes
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Situations, answers and short explanations.
Prompt
You have heard the song and like it. Jeg ___ at sangen er fin. Choose synes or tror.
Answer and explanation
Jeg synes at sangen er fin. I think the song is nice. Your assessment after listening: use synes.
Prompt
You believe the bus leaves at eight but have not checked. Jeg ___ at bussen går klokka åtte. Choose synes or tror.
Answer and explanation
Jeg tror at bussen går klokka åtte. I think the bus leaves at eight. A belief about the departure time: use tror.
Prompt
You are in the room and find it too cold. Jeg ___ at det er for kaldt her. Choose synes or tror.
Answer and explanation
Jeg synes at det er for kaldt her. I think it is too cold here. Your assessment of how the room feels: use synes.
Prompt
You have not met your neighbour. A friend says she is friendly. Jeg ___ at den nye naboen er hyggelig. Choose synes or tror.
Answer and explanation
Jeg tror at den nye naboen er hyggelig. I think the new neighbour is friendly. A belief before meeting her: use tror.
The difference
Synes: your assessment. Jeg synes at kafeen er koselig (I think the café is cosy).
Tror: what you believe is true. Jeg tror at kafeen er koselig can express your expectation before visiting.
English “think” covers both. Changing the Norwegian word can change the meaning: choose the assessment or belief that fits the situation.
This guide focuses on those common uses, rather than every meaning of either verb. See NTNU’s explanation of synes and tro for the distinction. Practice examples are original.