bokmal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, academic, linguistic
Quick answer
What does “bokmal” mean?
One of the two official written standards of the Norwegian language, based on Danish-influenced Norwegian.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
One of the two official written standards of the Norwegian language, based on Danish-influenced Norwegian.
The more widely used of Norway's two written language forms, historically derived from Danish but adapted to Norwegian phonology and usage; contrasts with Nynorsk.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage between British and American English; term is used identically in both varieties when discussing Norwegian linguistics.
Connotations
Neutral linguistic term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, appearing primarily in linguistic, academic, or Scandinavian studies contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bokmal” in a Sentence
Bokmål is used by [percentage] of Norwegians.Students learn bokmål in [educational context].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bokmal” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The bokmål text was easier for Danish speakers to understand.
- She preferred the bokmål version of the form.
American English
- The bokmål edition of the book is more common.
- He studied bokmål grammar rules.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in companies operating in Norway requiring language localization.
Academic
Used in linguistics, Scandinavian studies, and language policy discussions.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday English conversation outside specific contexts.
Technical
Used in language technology, translation studies, and localization fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bokmal”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bokmal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bokmal”
- Misspelling as 'bokmal' (without the ring diacritic).
- Pronouncing the 'å' as a regular 'a'.
- Using it to refer to spoken Norwegian dialects.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, bokmål is a written standard. Norwegians speak various dialects but may use bokmål for writing.
Yes, the word for 'I' is 'jeg' in bokmål (similar to Danish 'jeg'), whereas in Nynorsk it is 'eg'.
Bokmål is used by the vast majority (around 85-90%) of Norwegians for writing.
For learners of Norwegian, starting with bokmål is most common and practical, though familiarity with Nynorsk is beneficial for understanding all official documents.
One of the two official written standards of the Norwegian language, based on Danish-influenced Norwegian.
Bokmal is usually formal, academic, linguistic in register.
Bokmal: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbuːkmɔːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈboʊkˌmɑl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BOK' (like book) + 'MÅL' (like 'mall' or 'goal') = the 'book language' standard of Norway.
Conceptual Metaphor
LANGUAGE IS A CONSTRUCTED TOOL (a deliberately created system for communication).
Practice
Quiz
What is bokmål primarily based on?