Understand questions in Norwegian: “må”, “kan”, “ikke” and “som hovedregel”

To understand questions in Norwegian on the social studies test, you need to read small words such as må (must), kan (can/may), ikke (not) and som hovedregel (as a general rule). They show whether something is an obligation, a possibility, a prohibition or a rule with exceptions. Practise the meaning of the word before choosing an answer.

Why do small words change the answer on the social studies test?

One small word can reverse the meaning of a sentence. “You must submit the application” and “You can submit the application” say different things, even though the other words are the same. So it is useful to mark the key word before considering the answer options.

This article practises reading comprehension with original examples. They are not questions from the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir). The social studies test itself is available in several languages. This practice is especially useful if you choose Norwegian. Check the language choice before the test if the result will also be used later.

Always read the whole sentence to understand a word's meaning. “Kan” may describe ability, legal permission or a practical possibility. Work out which meaning the text uses.

How do you read “må” and “kan”?

“Må” expresses that something is necessary under the rule in the text. “Kan” allows for something, but does not say that everyone must do it or that everyone will be allowed to do it. When an answer option changes “kan” to “må”, stop and check it.

Consider an invented rule for a course: “Participants must register before the first lesson. They may bring a notebook.” Registration is necessary. A notebook is optional. The statement “Everyone must bring a notebook” is wrong according to this text, even if a notebook may be useful.

Try the method on a public text from samfunnskunnskap.no⁠: first underline the word expressing an obligation. Then write the rule in your own words. Check that you have not turned a possibility into an obligation. This is reading practice, not an assessment of your personal right to a service.

What does “ikke” do to the meaning?

“Ikke” rejects something specific in the sentence. You need to find out what is being rejected. “You cannot use a phone during the test” concerns phone use, while “You do not have to choose a language when registering” says that the language choice does not have to be made at that time. The sentences mean different things.

HK-dir says you choose a language when you take the social studies test at the test centre, not when you register. HK-dir also says you cannot use aids such as a phone during the test. Both sentences include a negation, but one is about timing and the other is about a prohibition.

Always read the entire question if it says “Which statement is not correct?” Then you are looking for one incorrect statement, not one true statement. You can write the word “WRONG” on a practice sheet before answering. You cannot bring your own notes to the test. So practise the routine until you remember to pause.

What do “som hovedregel” and “exception” mean?

“Som hovedregel” describes the rule that normally applies, while allowing that there may be exceptions. It does not mean “always”. So an answer option with words such as “everyone” or “never” may be too strong.

Consider this invented library rule: “As a general rule, you can borrow books for four weeks. Some books can only be borrowed for one week.” The statement “All books can be borrowed for four weeks” is wrong. “Most books follow the four-week rule, but some have a shorter loan period” fits the text.

An exception must be mentioned in the source. Do not invent an exception just because the text says “as a general rule”. When reading about real rights and duties, look up the full rule with the responsible agency. The guide to common test mistakes shows other ways a familiar topic can be misunderstood.

Practise with five short questions

All the rules below are invented practice rules. Choose A or B before reading the explanations below the table.

Answers with explanations: 1 A – “must” makes registration necessary. 2 B – “can choose” gives you a choice, not an obligation to use both. 3 B – “cannot” denies permission to bring food. 4 B – the exception says that on some days the room stays open longer. 5 B – “only” limits participation to registered people.

Got an answer wrong? Write down which small word you missed. Then make a new sentence by changing just that word. This shows how the meaning changes. Use the free practice test to practise new questions; SamfunnPrep's questions are for practice and are not taken from a closed exam.

How to read a new question on test day

Use a short routine before clicking on an answer. It should help you read carefully without spending unnecessary time.

1. Read the whole question, including the last word.
2. Look for “må”, “kan”, “ikke”, “bare” or “som hovedregel”.
3. Put into your own words whether the text states an obligation, possibility, prohibition or general rule.
4. Compare each answer option with the whole question.
5. Choose only after checking that the option does not change the meaning.

HK-dir describes the official sample questions as multiple-choice practice, not the same questions you will get on the test. Read the format and pass mark and use the sample test to become familiar with the format. Rules and sources were checked on 1 October 2026.

Ready to practise reading new questions? Try SamfunnPrep for free.