How to Use Norwegian Modal Verbs in Past Tense

Introduction

In Norwegian, like in English, modal verbs are used to express necessity, possibility, permission, or ability. Modal verbs in Norwegian include “kan” (can), “må” (must), “skal” (shall), “vil” (må), and “bør” (should). When discussing these verbs in the past tense, a few nuances must be understood.

Past Tense of Modal Verbs

Here are the past tense forms of the commonly used modal verbs:

• Kan (can) becomes “kunne”
• Må (must) becomes “måtte”
• Skal (shall) becomes “skulle”
• Vil (want) becomes “ville”
• Bør (should) becomes “burde”

Using Modal Verbs in Sentences

Here’s how to use these modal verbs in past tense in sentences:

• Kan (can): Jeg kunne svømme da jeg var fem. (I could swim when I was five.)
• Må (must): Du måtte gå på skolen hver dag. (You had to go to school every day.)
• Skal (shall): De skulle reise til Oslo i går. (They were supposed to travel to Oslo yesterday.)
• Vil (want): Han ville ikke spise middag. (He did not want to eat dinner.)
• Bør (should): Du burde ha gjort leksene dine. (You should have done your homework.)

Additional Tips

Remember that the infinitive form of another verb always follows modal verbs without the “å.” For instance, in the sentence “Jeg kunne svømme da jeg var fem,” “svømme” is the infinitive form of the verb “to swim”.

Conclusion

Discussing Norwegian modal verbs in the past tense requires an understanding of their unique conjugation rules. With consistent practice and the right resources, you can master the use of these verbs and enhance your fluency in the Norwegian language. Consider integrating these modal verbs into your daily Norwegian language practice to familiarize yourself with their usage and meaning in various contexts.

If you want to learn Norwegian, you can register for classes here. If you want to check you Norwegian level for free, you can do that here. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you become fluent in Norwegian!