Concessive Subjunctions in Norwegian: A Comprehensive Guide

Concessive subjunctions are crucial in expressing contrast and concession within sentences. These linguistic tools allow speakers and writers to present scenarios where the main action or statement occurs despite an opposing condition. In Norwegian, several subjunctions serve this purpose, with “selv om” being the most prevalent.

Understanding Concessive Clauses

Concessive clauses are essential in creating nuanced communication. They allow for the expression of contrasts, often highlighting that an action takes place even when there are reasons it might not. This can involve contrasting expectations with reality or presenting conditions that do not prevent an action from occurring.

Key Concessive Subjunctions in Norwegian

Selv om

“Selv om” is the most commonly used concessive subjunction in Norwegian, translating to “even if” or “even though” in English. It introduces a clause that contrasts with the main clause, showing that the action happens regardless of a specific condition.

• Example 1:
  • Norwegian: Hun fullførte løpet selv om hun var veldig sliten.
  • English: She finished the race even though she was very tired.
  • Explanation: This sentence illustrates that despite her fatigue, she managed to complete the race.
• Example 2:
  • Norwegian: Vi dro på stranden selv om det regnet.
  • English: We went to the beach even though it was raining.
  • Explanation: This shows a contrast between the expected behavior of staying indoors due to rain and the actual action of going to the beach.
• Example 3:
  • Norwegian: Hun leste boka selv om hun hadde sett filmen.
  • English: She read the book even though she had seen the movie.
  • Explanation: Despite already knowing the story from the movie, she chose to read the book.

Grammar Point: Structure of Concessive Clauses

Concessive clauses in Norwegian typically follow a specific structure. The concessive subjunction (selv om) introduces the subordinate clause, which provides the condition or contrast. The main clause then follows, indicating the action or state that occurs despite the condition.

• Example: Selv om det regnet, dro vi på stranden.
  • Subordinate Clause: Selv om det regnet (Even though it was raining)
  • Main Clause: dro vi på stranden (we went to the beach)

In some cases, the concessive clause can follow the main clause:

• Example: Vi dro på stranden selv om det regnet.
  • Main Clause: Vi dro på stranden (We went to the beach)
  • Subordinate Clause: selv om det regnet (even though it was raining)

This flexibility allows for varying emphasis in the sentence. Placing the concessive clause at the beginning can highlight the contrast more strongly.

Additional Concessive Subjunctions

Enda

“Enda” is another concessive subjunction that can be used similarly to “selv om.” It conveys a sense of contrast and concession, although it is less common in everyday speech.

• Example:
  • Norwegian: Han kjøpte nye klær, enda de gamle fortsatt passet.
  • English: He bought new clothes even though the old ones still fit.
  • Explanation: This sentence shows that he purchased new clothes despite not needing them, as the old ones were still suitable.

Grammar Point: Concessive vs. Adversative Conjunctions

While concessive subjunctions like “selv om” and “enda” express contrast and concession, adversative conjunctions like “men” (but) and “likevel” (nevertheless) are used to contrast two main clauses directly. Concessive subjunctions link a main clause with a subordinate clause, while adversative conjunctions link two main clauses.

• Concessive Subjunction:
  • Example: Han kjøpte nye klær, enda de gamle fortsatt passet.
  • Explanation: The subordinate clause enda de gamle fortsatt passet contrasts with the main clause Han kjøpte nye klær.
• Adversative Conjunction:
  • Example: Han kjøpte nye klær, men de gamle passet fortsatt.
  • Explanation: The conjunction men links two main clauses, creating a direct contrast between them.

Uaktet

“Uaktet” is a rare concessive subjunction in modern Norwegian, used to mean “despite” or “regardless of.” It is more formal and less frequently encountered in everyday speech.

• Example:
  • Norwegian: Uaktet været, gjennomførte de turen.
  • English: Despite the weather, they completed the hike.
  • Explanation: The sentence highlights that the adverse weather conditions did not prevent them from finishing their hike.

Grammar Point: Formal vs. Informal Language

Understanding the formality of language can help in choosing the appropriate concessive subjunction. “Uaktet” is more formal and might be used in written or formal spoken contexts, while “selv om” and “enda” are more common in everyday conversation.

Skjønt

“Skjønt” is another rare concessive subjunction that functions similarly to “selv om” and “enda.” It means “although” or “even though.”

• Example:
  • Norwegian: Skjønt han var trøtt, holdt han seg våken til slutten av filmen.
  • English: Although he was tired, he stayed awake until the end of the movie.
  • Explanation: This shows a contrast between his tiredness and his decision to remain awake.

Spoken Language: “Fordi om”

In spoken Norwegian, the phrase “fordi om” can occasionally be heard. This phrase is used more informally and conveys a meaning similar to “even though.”

• Example:
  • Norwegian: Hun gikk ut fordi om det var kaldt.
  • English: She went out even though it was cold.
  • Explanation: Despite the cold weather, she chose to go outside.

Expanding Your Vocabulary: More Examples and Phrases

Understanding and using concessive subjunctions effectively can significantly enhance your ability to express complex ideas in Norwegian. Here are more phrases and examples:

Selv om

• Norwegian: Jeg spiste kaken selv om jeg ikke var sulten.
• English: I ate the cake even though I wasn’t hungry.
• Explanation: This shows a contrast between the lack of hunger and the action of eating.
• Norwegian: Han bestod testen selv om han ikke hadde studert mye.
• English: He passed the test even though he hadn’t studied much.
• Explanation: Despite minimal preparation, he managed to succeed.
• Norwegian: Vi dro på fjelltur selv om det var tåke.
• English: We went hiking even though it was foggy.
• Explanation: This sentence highlights the decision to hike despite the less-than-ideal weather.
• Norwegian: Barnet sovnet selv om det var mye støy.
• English: The child fell asleep even though there was a lot of noise.
• Explanation: The presence of noise did not prevent the child from sleeping.

Grammar Point: Flexibility in Sentence Structure

In Norwegian, concessive clauses can be placed either at the beginning or at the end of a sentence. Placing the concessive clause at the beginning often emphasizes the contrast more strongly. Compare these two sentences:

• Selv om det regnet, dro vi på stranden. (Even though it was raining, we went to the beach.)
• Vi dro på stranden selv om det regnet. (We went to the beach even though it was raining.)

Both sentences convey the same overall meaning, but the first places more emphasis on the contrast with the rain.

Enda

• Norwegian: Hun valgte å ta bussen, enda bilen hennes var i orden.
• English: She chose to take the bus even though her car was in good condition.
• Explanation: This contrasts the availability of a functional car with the decision to use public transport.
• Norwegian: Vi spilte fotball, enda banen var våt.
• English: We played football even though the field was wet.
• Explanation: The wet condition of the field did not deter them from playing.
• Norwegian: Han fortsatte å jobbe, enda han var syk.
• English: He continued working even though he was sick.
• Explanation: This shows his dedication or necessity to work despite his illness.
• Norwegian: De gikk til fjells, enda det var fare for snøskred.
• English: They went to the mountains even though there was a risk of avalanches.
• Explanation: The potential danger did not stop them from pursuing their plans.

Uaktet

• Norwegian: Uaktet hans mangel på erfaring, gjorde han en utmerket jobb.
• English: Despite his lack of experience, he did an excellent job.
• Explanation: His inexperience did not prevent him from performing well.
• Norwegian: Uaktet hindringene, nådde de målet sitt.
• English: Despite the obstacles, they reached their goal.
• Explanation: The obstacles did not stop them from achieving their aim.
• Norwegian: Uaktet hennes protester, tok de beslutningen.
• English: Despite her protests, they made the decision.
• Explanation: Her objections were not enough to alter the outcome.
• Norwegian: Uaktet risikoen, valgte de å investere.
• English: Despite the risk, they chose to invest.
• Explanation: The potential danger did not deter them from making the investment.

Skjønt

• Norwegian: Skjønt det var sent, fortsatte de møtet.
• English: Although it was late, they continued the meeting.
• Explanation: The lateness of the hour did not interrupt the meeting.
• Norwegian: Skjønt hun var nervøs, presenterte hun prosjektet sitt.
• English: Although she was nervous, she presented her project.
• Explanation: Despite her nervousness, she proceeded with the presentation.
• Norwegian: Skjønt det regnet, gikk de ut på tur.
• English: Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
• Explanation: The rain did not prevent them from going outside.
• Norwegian: Skjønt han ikke hadde sovet, deltok han på møtet.
• English: Although he hadn’t slept, he attended the meeting.
• Explanation: His lack of sleep did not stop him from being present.

Grammar Point: Historical and Modern Usage

Some concessive subjunctions, like “uaktet” and “skjønt,” are considered more formal or archaic. They are less commonly used in everyday speech but can still be found in literature, formal writing, or older texts. “Selv om” and “enda” are more contemporary and widely used in modern Norwegian.

Conclusion

Concessive subjunctions are invaluable for expressing contrasts and concessions in Norwegian. While “selv om” is the most common and versatile, understanding and using other subjunctions like “enda,” “uaktet,” and “skjønt” can add depth and precision to your communication. Additionally, recognizing informal spoken variations such as “fordi om” enriches your understanding of Norwegian as it is used in everyday conversation. By mastering these subjunctions, you can articulate complex ideas and subtle contrasts more effectively in both spoken and written Norwegian.