When learning Norwegian at the B2 level, your proficiency is expanding beyond basic communication. You are starting to engage with more complex topics, express opinions, and interact with native speakers in a more nuanced way. A significant part of reaching this level of fluency involves mastering verbs—understanding how to use them in different tenses, moods, and contexts. Verbs allow you to structure your speech and writing clearly and accurately. In this article, we’ll explore a wide range of essential verbs that you should know at the B2 level, covering various areas such as action verbs, modal verbs, reflexive verbs, and more. Along the way, I’ll provide examples to help you see how these verbs are used in real-life conversations.
Before we dive in, if you’re looking to take your Norwegian learning to the next level, consider joining group Norwegian classes at the NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo. We offer comprehensive lessons that focus on all aspects of the language, including the verbs we’ll cover here.
1. Hjelpeverb (Auxiliary Verbs)
Auxiliary verbs are essential in Norwegian, just as they are in English, because they modify the main verb and help form different tenses and moods. Three of the most important auxiliary verbs in Norwegian are å ha, å være, and å bli. These verbs are foundational in forming compound tenses such as the perfect, pluperfect, and passive voice.
a) Å ha (To have)
This verb is used to form the perfect and pluperfect tenses.
- Example (Present Perfect):
- Jeg har spist. (I have eaten.)
- Example (Past Perfect):
- Jeg hadde allerede sett filmen da du kom. (I had already seen the movie when you arrived.)
b) Å være (To be)
The verb å være is also used in combination with the past participle to form the passive voice, which becomes more common as your language skills progress to the B2 level.
- Example (Passive Voice):
- Brevet er skrevet av henne. (The letter is written by her.)
c) Å bli (To become/To be)
Å bli is used to indicate a change of state or to form another type of passive voice in Norwegian.
- Example (Change of state):
- Jeg ble syk i går. (I became sick yesterday.)
- Example (Passive Voice):
- Maten ble laget av min bestemor. (The food was made by my grandmother.)
2. Modal Verbs
Modal verbs are crucial at the B2 level because they allow you to express possibility, necessity, permission, and capability. The most common modal verbs in Norwegian are å kunne (can), å skulle (shall), å måtte (must), å burde (should), and å ville (want to/will).
a) Å kunne (Can)
This verb expresses ability or permission.
- Example:
- Jeg kan snakke norsk. (I can speak Norwegian.)
At the B2 level, you’ll use kunne more frequently in complex situations, such as expressing uncertainty or possibility.
- Example:
- Det kan være vanskelig å forstå. (It can be difficult to understand.)
b) Å skulle (Shall)
This verb is often used to indicate a future intention or an obligation.
- Example:
- Vi skal dra til Oslo i morgen. (We shall go to Oslo tomorrow.)
In more advanced sentences, å skulle can indicate future plans or set expectations in discussions.
- Example:
- Hva skulle vi gjøre i tilfelle regn? (What should we do in case of rain?)
c) Å måtte (Must)
Used to express necessity or an obligation.
- Example:
- Du må gjøre leksene dine. (You must do your homework.)
In complex conversations, you might use å måtte to give advice or express strong recommendations.
- Example:
- Du må virkelig se denne filmen! (You really must see this movie!)
d) Å burde (Should)
This verb is used to express advice or recommendation.
- Example:
- Du burde studere mer for eksamen. (You should study more for the exam.)
As you engage in more nuanced discussions at the B2 level, you’ll use å burde to express opinions in a soft or polite manner.
- Example:
- Vi burde kanskje snakke med ham først. (We should maybe talk to him first.)
e) Å ville (Will/Want to)
Used to express a desire or intention.
- Example:
- Jeg vil lære mer norsk. (I want to learn more Norwegian.)
At the B2 level, you’ll frequently use å ville to discuss future events, desires, or hypothetical situations.
- Example:
- Hva ville du gjøre hvis du hadde mer tid? (What would you do if you had more time?)
3. Action Verbs (Handling)
Action verbs are the backbone of any language, and at the B2 level, you’ll be expanding your vocabulary with more precise and varied verbs. These verbs help you describe everyday activities, emotions, and abstract ideas.
a) Å fortsette (To continue)
- Example:
- Vi må fortsette arbeidet. (We have to continue the work.)
This verb is useful when discussing ongoing actions or processes.
b) Å forandre (To change)
- Example:
- Vi må forandre planene våre. (We have to change our plans.)
c) Å begynne (To start/To begin)
- Example:
- Kurset begynner i morgen. (The course starts tomorrow.)
This is an essential verb when talking about initiating actions or events.
d) Å forstå (To understand)
As your language proficiency increases, you’ll often use this verb in more complex conversations.
- Example:
- Jeg forstår hva du mener. (I understand what you mean.)
e) Å forklare (To explain)
A very useful verb when you need to clarify points in discussions or presentations.
- Example:
- Kan du forklare dette for meg? (Can you explain this to me?)
f) Å glemme (To forget)
Used to express when you’ve forgotten something, this verb is particularly useful in everyday conversations.
- Example:
- Jeg glemte å gjøre leksene mine. (I forgot to do my homework.)
g) Å tro (To believe/To think)
This verb is often used to express beliefs or assumptions, a key component of conversations at the B2 level.
- Example:
- Jeg tror det kommer til å regne i morgen. (I think it will rain tomorrow.)
h) Å håpe (To hope)
- Example:
- Jeg håper at du får en fin dag. (I hope you have a good day.)
4. Reflexive Verbs (Refleksive verb)
In Norwegian, many verbs are reflexive, meaning that the subject and the object of the verb are the same. These verbs are often used to describe actions that someone does to themselves.
a) Å kle seg (To get dressed)
- Example:
- Jeg kler meg for vinteren. (I’m getting dressed for winter.)
b) Å føle seg (To feel)
- Example:
- Jeg føler meg bra i dag. (I feel good today.)
c) Å skynde seg (To hurry)
- Example:
- Vi må skynde oss til toget. (We have to hurry to the train.)
At the B2 level, you’ll use reflexive verbs more frequently to describe personal routines and emotional states.
5. Idiomatic Expressions with Verbs
Idiomatic expressions are an important part of fluency and sounding more natural in Norwegian. Here are a few common expressions using verbs that B2-level learners should know.
a) Å ta det med ro (Take it easy)
This expression is used when you want to advise someone to relax.
- Example:
- Ta det med ro, alt ordner seg. (Take it easy, everything will work out.)
b) Å slå to fluer i en smekk (To kill two birds with one stone)
This idiom is used when you accomplish two things at once.
- Example:
- Hvis vi handler nå, kan vi slå to fluer i en smekk. (If we shop now, we can kill two birds with one stone.)
c) Å gå over bekken etter vann (To do something the hard way)
This idiom is used when someone is going to unnecessary lengths to achieve something.
- Example:
- Det er som å gå over bekken etter vann. (It’s like going over the creek for water.)
6. Verb Conjugation: Present, Past, and Future
Mastering verb conjugation is essential for B2 learners. You need to feel confident using verbs in the present, past, and future tenses, including compound tenses like the present perfect and past perfect.
Present tense (Presens)
- Example:
- Jeg lærer norsk. (I am learning Norwegian.)
Past tense (Preteritum)
- Example:
- Jeg lærte norsk i fjor. (I learned Norwegian last year.)
Future tense (Fremtid)
- Example:
- Jeg skal lære mer norsk neste år. (I will learn more Norwegian next year.)
The ability to switch between these tenses fluidly is a hallmark of B2 proficiency.
As you work toward mastering these verbs and their usage, your understanding of Norwegian will deepen, making you more comfortable and confident in both written and spoken communication. Remember, language learning is a gradual process that requires patience and practice, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes as you explore these new verbs.
If you’re looking for a supportive environment to practice these verbs and other language skills, consider joining group Norwegian classes at the NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo. Our courses are designed to help you reach your fluency goals while enjoying the process!
With the knowledge of these essential verbs and their various uses, you’re well on your way to mastering the B2 level of Norwegian and becoming an effective communicator. Happy learning!
