How to Use Place Prepositions in Norwegian | Learn Norwegian A1- A2

Place prepositions in Norwegian are vital tools for describing locations and directions, much as they are in many other languages. To communicate effectively, it’s essential to understand how and when to use them. Here’s a deep dive into the common place prepositions in Norwegian:

1. I – In

I denotes that something is inside or contained within something else.

• i boksen – in the box
• i Norge – in Norway
• i bilen – in the car
• i skapet – in the cupboard
• i vesken – in the bag

2. På – On

På is used when something is on top of or located at a specific place.

• på bordet – on the table
• på skolen – at school
• på fest – at a party
• på taket – on the roof
• på gulvet – on the floor

3. Under – Under

Under is straightforward, referring to something positioned beneath something else.

• under broen – under the bridge
• under bordet – under the table
• under sengen – under the bed
• under stolen – under the chair

4. Over – Over

Over indicates something located above or across.

• over veien – over the road
• over elva – over the river
• over hodet – over the head
• over fjellet – over the mountain

5. Ved – By/Near

Ved specifies that something is adjacent to or close to something else.

• ved inngangen – by the entrance
• ved sjøen – by the sea
• ved stasjonen – by the station
• ved siden av – next to/beside

6. Mellom – Between

Mellom describes something situated between two other entities.

• mellom to fjell – between two mountains
• mellom to biler – between two cars
• mellom to hus – between two houses

7. Foran – In front of

Foran is used to depict something located in front of another object.

• foran huset – in front of the house
• foran speilet – in front of the mirror
• foran døren – in front of the door

8. Bak – Behind

Bak indicates something or someone situated behind another object.

• bak bygningen – behind the building
• bak bilen – behind the car
• bak treet – behind the tree

9. Innenfor – Within

Innenfor emphasizes that something is inside a specific boundary or limitation.

• innenfor bygrensen – within the city limits
• innenfor døråpningen – within the doorway

By mastering these place prepositions in Norwegian, you’ll be able to provide clear descriptions, set specific scenes, and enhance your overall fluency in the language. Practice, as always, will lead to perfection.