Mastering the Passive Voice in Norwegian

1. Introduction: The Importance of Understanding the Passive Voice

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the passive voice in Norwegian! Whether you’re a beginner just starting your Norwegian language journey or an intermediate learner looking to refine your grammar skills, understanding the passive voice is crucial for achieving fluency and expressing yourself effectively in Norwegian.

At the NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo, we recognize the importance of mastering grammatical constructions like the passive voice. That’s why we offer specialized courses that focus on these essential aspects of the Norwegian language. If you’re eager to improve your Norwegian skills in a supportive and immersive environment, we encourage you to check out our group Norwegian classes at https://nlsnorwegian.no/group-norwegian-classes/. Our experienced instructors are ready to help you navigate the intricacies of Norwegian grammar, including the passive voice.

Now, let’s dive into the world of the passive voice in Norwegian!

2. What is the Passive Voice?

The passive voice is a grammatical construction that shifts the focus of a sentence from the subject performing an action to the object receiving the action. In Norwegian, as in many other languages, the passive voice serves several important functions:

1. Emphasizing the recipient or result of an action
2. De-emphasizing or omitting the actor when they are unknown, unimportant, or intentionally concealed
3. Maintaining a formal or objective tone in certain types of writing or speech

To illustrate the difference between active and passive voice, let’s look at an example:

Active: “Elevene lærer norsk grammatikk.” (The students learn Norwegian grammar.) Passive: “Norsk grammatikk læres av elevene.” (Norwegian grammar is learned by the students.)

In the active sentence, the focus is on the students doing the learning. In the passive sentence, the emphasis shifts to the Norwegian grammar being learned, with the students becoming less prominent in the sentence structure.

3. Formation of the Passive Voice in Norwegian

Norwegian offers two main ways to form the passive voice: the bli-passive and the s-passive. Let’s explore each of these in detail.

3.1 The Bli-Passive

The bli-passive is formed using the auxiliary verb “bli” (to become) followed by the past participle of the main verb. This construction is widely used in both spoken and written Norwegian.

Basic structure: bli + past participle

Examples:

• Active: Kokken tilbereder maten. (The chef prepares the food.)
• Passive: Maten blir tilberedt av kokken. (The food is being prepared by the chef.)
• Active: Arkitekten tegnet bygningen. (The architect designed the building.)
• Passive: Bygningen ble tegnet av arkitekten. (The building was designed by the architect.)

The bli-passive can be used in various tenses by conjugating the verb “bli”:

Present tense:

• Rapporten blir skrevet nå. (The report is being written now.)

Past tense:

• Konserten ble holdt i går kveld. (The concert was held last night.)

Future tense:

• Prosjektet vil bli fullført neste måned. (The project will be completed next month.)

Perfect tense:

• Kontrakten har blitt signert av begge parter. (The contract has been signed by both parties.)

At NLS Norwegian Language School, we offer specialized exercises and lessons to help you master the bli-passive in all its forms. Our group classes provide ample opportunity to practice using this construction in real-life contexts. Don’t miss out on the chance to improve your Norwegian skills – sign up for our classes today at https://nlsnorwegian.no/group-norwegian-classes/!

3.2 The S-Passive

The s-passive is formed by adding -s to the end of the verb’s infinitive form. This construction is often used to describe general states, habitual actions, or universal truths.

Basic structure: verb infinitive + s

Examples:

• Active: Vi selger ferske grønnsaker i denne butikken. (We sell fresh vegetables in this store.)
• Passive: Ferske grønnsaker selges i denne butikken. (Fresh vegetables are sold in this store.)
• Active: De serverer lunsj klokken tolv hver dag. (They serve lunch at twelve o’clock every day.)
• Passive: Lunsj serveres klokken tolv hver dag. (Lunch is served at twelve o’clock every day.)

The s-passive is particularly common with modal verbs such as “skal” (shall), “kan” (can), “må” (must), and “bør” (should):

• Søknaden må sendes innen fristen. (The application must be sent before the deadline.)
• Reglene bør følges nøye. (The rules should be followed carefully.)

4. When to Use the Passive Voice

Understanding when to use the passive voice is just as important as knowing how to form it. Let’s explore some common scenarios where the passive voice is particularly useful in Norwegian.

4.1 Emphasizing the Object or Result

When the object of an action or the result of an action is more important or interesting than the subject, the passive voice can be an effective tool.

Example:

• Active: Forskerne utviklet en ny vaksine. (The researchers developed a new vaccine.)
• Passive: En ny vaksine ble utviklet. (A new vaccine was developed.)

In the passive version, the emphasis is on the vaccine itself rather than the researchers who developed it.

4.2 De-emphasizing or Omitting the Actor

The passive voice is ideal for situations where the person or thing performing the action is unknown, unimportant, or intentionally left out.

Examples:

• Min sykkel ble stjålet utenfor butikken. (My bicycle was stolen outside the store.)
• Feilen har blitt oppdaget og rettet. (The error has been discovered and corrected.)

In both cases, we don’t specify who performed the action, either because we don’t know or because it’s not relevant to the message.

4.3 Formal and Objective Writing

In formal or academic contexts, the passive voice can help maintain an objective tone. It’s commonly used in scientific papers, reports, and official documents.

Example:

• Active: Vi gjennomførte undersøkelsen over en periode på seks måneder. (We conducted the survey over a period of six months.)
• Passive: Undersøkelsen ble gjennomført over en periode på seks måneder. (The survey was conducted over a period of six months.)

The passive version sounds more formal and objective, focusing on the survey itself rather than the researchers conducting it.

5. Comparing Bli-Passive and S-Passive

While both the bli-passive and s-passive forms create passive constructions in Norwegian, they have some differences in usage and connotation. Understanding these nuances is crucial for using the passive voice effectively in your Norwegian communication.

5.1 Bli-Passive

The bli-passive often implies a change of state or a specific event. It’s more commonly used in spoken Norwegian and informal writing.

Examples:

• Middagen blir servert klokken syv. (Dinner will be served at seven o’clock.)
• Problemet ble løst i går. (The problem was solved yesterday.)

5.2 S-Passive

The s-passive is often used to describe general states, habitual actions, or universal truths. It’s more common in formal writing and can sound more impersonal.

Examples:

• Kaffe drikkes ofte om morgenen. (Coffee is often drunk in the morning.)
• Skatter betales årlig. (Taxes are paid annually.)

At NLS Norwegian Language School, we dedicate specific lessons to help students understand and master the subtle differences between these two passive forms. Our experienced instructors provide contextualized examples and targeted exercises to ensure you can use both forms confidently in your Norwegian communication.

6. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

As you learn to use the passive voice in Norwegian, you may encounter some common pitfalls. Being aware of these can help you avoid them and improve your language skills more quickly.

6.1 Overuse of the Passive Voice

While the passive voice is useful, overusing it can make your writing unclear or tedious. Use it purposefully, not as a default.

Overused: “Det ble bestemt at møtet skulle utsettes.” (It was decided that the meeting should be postponed.) Better: “Vi bestemte å utsette møtet.” (We decided to postpone the meeting.)

6.2 Forgetting to Adjust the Object

When converting from active to passive, remember that the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence.

Incorrect: “Ble spist maten av gjestene.” Correct: “Maten ble spist av gjestene.” (The food was eaten by the guests.)

6.3 Misusing Bli-Passive and S-Passive

Be aware of the subtle differences between these two forms and use them appropriately.

Awkward: “Frokost blir servert fra klokken sju til ti hver dag.” Better: “Frokost serveres fra klokken sju til ti hver dag.” (Breakfast is served from seven to ten o’clock every day.)

7. Practice Exercises

To help solidify your understanding of the passive voice in Norwegian, try these exercises:

1. Convert these active sentences to passive: a. Læreren retter oppgavene. (The teacher corrects the assignments.) b. Bonden dyrker grønnsaker. (The farmer grows vegetables.) c. Regjeringen vedtar nye lover. (The government passes new laws.)
2. Choose the appropriate form (bli-passive or s-passive) for these sentences: a. Møtet _______ (avholde) hver fredag. (The meeting is held every Friday.) b. Pakkene _______ (levere) i morgen. (The packages will be delivered tomorrow.) c. Disse produktene _______ (produsere) i Norge. (These products are produced in Norway.)
3. Identify whether these sentences use active or passive voice: a. Filmen regisseres av en prisvinnende regissør. (The film is being directed by an award-winning director.) b. Vi feirer nasjonaldagen 17. mai. (We celebrate the national day on May 17th.) c. Resultatet blir kunngjort neste uke. (The result will be announced next week.)

(Answers to these exercises can be provided upon request.)

8. The Importance of Context in Using the Passive Voice

Understanding the context in which you’re using Norwegian is crucial for employing the passive voice effectively. Different situations call for different approaches:

8.1 Everyday Conversations

In casual, everyday Norwegian conversations, the active voice is often preferred as it sounds more natural and direct. However, the passive voice can be useful when you want to be tactful or avoid mentioning who performed an action.

Example: Instead of: “Du glemte å lukke vinduet.” (You forgot to close the window.) You might say: “Vinduet ble ikke lukket.” (The window wasn’t closed.)

8.2 Professional Settings

In professional contexts, such as business meetings or formal presentations, the passive voice can be used to maintain a level of objectivity and professionalism.

Example: “Kvartalsrapporten blir presentert neste uke.” (The quarterly report will be presented next week.)

8.3 Academic Writing

In academic papers or research reports, the passive voice is often used to focus on the research itself rather than the researchers.

Example: “Eksperimentet ble utført under kontrollerte forhold.” (The experiment was conducted under controlled conditions.)

At NLS Norwegian Language School, we provide our students with ample opportunities to practice using the passive voice in various contexts. Our classes simulate real-life situations, allowing you to develop a natural feel for when and how to use the passive voice effectively.

9. The Passive Voice in Norwegian Literature and Media

Understanding how the passive voice is used in Norwegian literature and media can greatly enhance your comprehension and appreciation of the language. Let’s explore some examples:

9.1 Literature

Norwegian authors often use the passive voice to create specific effects in their writing. For instance, it can be used to create a sense of mystery or to describe events where the actor is unknown.

Example from a novel: “Døren ble åpnet sakte, og et svakt lys strømmet inn i rommet.” (The door was opened slowly, and a faint light streamed into the room.)

9.2 News Articles

In journalism, the passive voice is frequently used to report events objectively or when the source of information is confidential.

Example from a news article: “Det rapporteres at fredsforhandlingene har gjort fremskritt.” (It is reported that the peace negotiations have made progress.)

9.3 Official Documents

Government documents and legal texts often employ the passive voice to maintain a formal and impersonal tone.

Example from a legal document: “Søknaden må innleveres innen fristen som er angitt nedenfor.” (The application must be submitted within the deadline specified below.)

10. The Passive Voice in Different Norwegian Dialects

Norway is known for its rich variety of dialects, and the use of the passive voice can vary across these different regional variants of Norwegian. While the basic principles remain the same, you might encounter some differences in how the passive voice is formed or used in different parts of the country.

For instance, in some dialects, you might hear the auxiliary verb “verte” used instead of “bli” in passive constructions. Understanding these regional variations can enhance your ability to communicate effectively across Norway.

At NLS Norwegian Language School, we recognize the importance of exposing our students to different Norwegian dialects. Our courses include materials and exercises that showcase the diversity of Norwegian language use across the country.

11. Conclusion: Mastering the Passive Voice for Norwegian Fluency

The passive voice is a crucial aspect of Norwegian grammar that allows for flexibility and nuance in communication. By mastering this grammatical construction, you’ll be able to express yourself more precisely and understand Norwegian texts and conversations at a deeper level.

Remember, like any language skill, becoming proficient in using the passive voice takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if it feels challenging at first – with time and consistent effort, it will become second nature.

If you’re serious about improving your Norwegian language skills, including mastering the passive voice, we invite you to join us at NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to helping students of all levels improve their Norwegian through engaging, interactive lessons.

Ready to take your Norwegian to the next level? Sign up for our group Norwegian classes today at https://nlsnorwegian.no/group-norwegian-classes/. We look forward to helping you on your journey to Norwegian fluency!