How to Use Clauses with Question Words in Norwegian

Introduction

Understanding clauses is an integral part of mastering any language, and the same holds for Norwegian. Clauses with question words in Norwegian allow you to form more intricate, nuanced sentences, aiding in effective and precise communication. In Norwegian, like in English, the structure of a question varies compared to a statement. Let’s explore the art of forming clauses with question words in Norwegian.

 

Understanding Clauses

A clause is a group of words that contains a subject and a predicate. In Norwegian, there are two types of clauses: main clauses (hovedsetninger) and subordinate clauses (leddsetninger). Main clauses can stand alone, while subordinate clauses cannot stand alone and must be connected to a main clause. The use of question words in clauses often turns them into subordinate clauses.

 

Question Words in Norwegian

Before diving into forming clauses with question words, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the basic question words in Norwegian:

• Hva (What)
• Hvem (Who)
• Hvordan (How)
• Hvor (Where)
• Hvorfor (Why)
• Når (When)
• Hvilken / Hvilket / Hvilke (Which – masculine / neuter / plural)

Now, let’s see how these words can be used in clauses.

 

Creating Clauses with Question Words

 

1. Hvem (Who)

In Norwegian, “hvem” is used to inquire about the identity of a person. For example:

Hvem er hun? (Who is she?)

In a clause, it might be used like this:

Jeg lurer på hvem hun er. (I wonder who she is.)

 

2. Hva (What)

“Hva” is used when asking about objects, actions, or ideas. For instance:

Hva gjør du? (What are you doing?)

When used in a clause:

Jeg vet ikke hva han gjør. (I do not know what he is doing.)

 

3. Hvordan (How)

“Hvordan” is used to inquire about the manner or method of something.

Hvordan går det? (How is it going?)

In a clause:

Han spør hvordan det går med meg. (He asks how I am doing.)

 

4. Hvor (Where)

“Hvor” is used to inquire about a place or location.

Hvor bor du? (Where do you live?)

In a clause:

Jeg husker ikke hvor hun bor. (I do not remember where she lives.)

 

5. Hvorfor (Why)

“Hvorfor” is used to inquire about the reason or cause of something.

Hvorfor gråter du? (Why are you crying?)

In a clause:

Han forstår ikke hvorfor jeg gråter. (He does not understand why I am crying.)

 

6. Når (When)

“Når” is used to inquire about the time of an event.

Når kommer du? (When are you coming?)

In a clause:

Hun vet ikke når jeg kommer. (She does not know when I am coming.)

 

7. Hvilken / Hvilket / Hvilke (Which)

These words are used to inquire about a specific person or thing in a group.

Hvilken bok leser du? (Which book are you reading?)

In a clause:

Han spurte hvilken bok jeg leser. (He asked which book I am reading.)

 

Conclusion

Mastering the use of clauses with question words can significantly enhance your ability to express complex thoughts in Norwegian. It requires understanding the placement and function of question words in different contexts, which can be tricky initially, but with regular practice, you can achieve proficiency. Engage in conversations, practice writing, and don’t shy away from asking questions to become comfortable with Norwegian clauses.

 

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!