The difference between synes and tror can be quite confusing for Norwegian learners, especially for native English speakers. Both words can be translated as think. But they are used in completely different ways. Read my post to learn how to use synes and tror. At the end of this post, you’ll also find an exercise with plenty of practical examples.
Tror
We use the word tror when we speculate or make a guess about something. It can be used when we predict the future or when we don’t have enough data or experience to form an informed opinion about something.
Examples
Jeg tror det vil regne i morgen. – I think it’s going to rain tomorrow. (We’re predicting the future) Jeg tror Kari liker Per. – I think Kari likes Per. (We’re making a guess.) Jeg har ikke sett Oppenheimer men jeg tror den er en god film. – I haven’t seen Oppenheimer but I guess it’s a good movie.
Synes
We use the word synes when we’re expressing our opinion. It refers to our subjective perspective and has to be based on our own experience.
Examples
Jeg synes Anna Karenina er en spennende book. – I think Anna Karenina is an exciting book. (I read it so I can have my own opinion). Jeg synes Yngve er kjekk. – I think Yngve is handsome (it’s my personal opinion). Jeg synes italiensk mat er best. – I think that Italian food is the best. Jeg synes hun er en god skuespiller. – I think she is a good actor (I’ve seen her acting and it’s my personal opinion).
Synes or tror – main differences
Tror
Synes
Speculation and predictions
Opinion
Objective
Subjective
No personal experience
Based on personal experience
Tror eller synes – Exercise
Fill in the gaps with tror or synes. – Har du sett Magnus? – Nei, jeg (1)………….. han er fortsatt i Trondheim. – Når skal han komme tilbake? Jeg (2)………… han har vært der altfor lenge nå! – Han kommer tilbake neste uke, (3) …………… jeg. – Endelig! Hva (4)……………. du om den nye kjæresten hans, forresten? – Jeg har ikke møtt henne ennå, men alle liker henne så jeg (5)……… hun er hyggelig. Hva (6)……………. du om henne? – Hun virker litt sjenert men jeg (7)…………. hun er kjempesøt. Men hun er litt for ung for ham, (8)…………. jeg. Jeg (9)…………. hun er bare 20 år. – Jeg (10)…….. ikke det er problematisk. Pappaen min er 10 år eldre enn mora mi og de er et lykkelig par!
Click to check your answers.
Tror
Synes
Tror
Synes
Tror
Synes
Synes
Synes
Tror
Synes
Do you have questions or doubts about how to use synes and tror? Leave me a comment or schedule a 1:1 online Norwegian lesson with me to learn more!
English (UK) 
Polski
Leave a Reply