How to Use Subordinate Clauses in Norwegian | Learn Norwegian B1-B2

Understanding the nuances of the Norwegian language is vital for achieving fluency, and one such nuance is the correct use of subordinate clauses. These dependent clauses, when correctly employed, can greatly enhance your expressive abilities in the language.

 

What is a Subordinate Clause?

A subordinate clause, often called a dependent clause, doesn’t stand on its own as a complete sentence. Instead, it relies on a main clause to provide context. It offers additional details or specifications to the primary statement.

For instance:

• Jeg vet at du liker kaffe. (I know that you like coffee.) In this case, “Jeg vet” is the main clause, while “at du liker kaffe” is the subordinate clause.

 

Using Subordinate Conjunctions in Norwegian

The initiation of a subordinate clause in Norwegian often requires a subordinating conjunction. Some commonly used ones include:

• at (that): Jeg tror at han kommer snart. (I believe that he’s coming soon.)
• fordi (because): Han gikk hjem fordi han var trøtt. (He went home because he was tired.)
• hvis (if): Hvis det regner, blir vi hjemme. (If it rains, we’ll stay home.)
• når (when): Jeg ringer når jeg kommer fram. (I’ll call when I get there.)

 

Word Order in Subordinate Clauses

The word order in Norwegian subordinate clauses can be slightly tricky for learners. While the Subject-Verb-Object order is common in main clauses, subordinate clauses can present variations.

Take this primary clause as an example:

• Han kan snakke norsk. (He can speak Norwegian.)

When transformed into a subordinate clause:

• Jeg tror at han kan snakke norsk. (I believe that he can speak Norwegian.)

However, if a main clause has an inversion, causing the verb to precede the subject, this order is reversed in the subordinate clause:

Inverted main clause: Kan han snakke norsk? (Can he speak Norwegian?) Subordinate clause: Jeg lurer på om han kan snakke norsk. (I wonder if he can speak Norwegian.)

 

Negating Subordinate Clauses

In Norwegian, the adverb “ikke” (not) is used for negation. In subordinate clauses, “ikke” is typically placed in front of the verb:

• Jeg tror at han ikke kommer. (I believe that he is not coming.)

 

Concluding Remarks

To master the use of subordinate clauses in Norwegian, one must understand both the conjunctions and the specific word order they require. Consistent practice, combined with exposure to native content, will ensure you’re on the right path. Always focus on listening, reading, and practicing sentence construction to proficiently use subordinate clauses.