How to Use the Preposition “Bak” in Norwegian | Learn Norwegian A1-B1

The Norwegian language has a rich prepositional palette, much like English, with small words that pack a punch in determining the meaning of a sentence. One such preposition is “bak,” which can be a source of confusion for learners due to its various uses and meanings. In this article, we will explore the different contexts in which “bak” can be used and offer tips on how to use it correctly.

 

Understanding “Bak” – The Basics

At its core, “bak” translates to “behind” in English. It indicates the position of an object in relation to another, conveying a sense of something being at the back of, or at the rear of, something else.

Here are some basic examples:

• Jeg står bak deg. (I am standing behind you.)
• Bilen er bak huset. (The car is behind the house.)

 

Physical Placement

When describing the physical placement of objects or people, “bak” is straightforward:

• Katten gjemte seg bak sofaen. (The cat hid behind the sofa.)
• Barnet løp bak moren sin for å gjemme seg. (The child ran behind his/her mother to hide.)

In these sentences, “bak” describes a fixed position and is followed by a definite noun (the sofa, the mother), illustrating a clear spatial relationship.

 

Metaphorical Use

“Bak” can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is ‘behind’ in a more abstract sense:

• Bak suksessen ligger hardt arbeid. (Behind the success lies hard work.)
• Hva ligger bak avgjørelsen? (What lies behind the decision?)

In these examples, “bak” indicates the figurative ‘place’ or ’cause’ of something non-physical, such as an abstract concept (success, decision).

 

Temporal Usage

In Norwegian, “bak” can sometimes be found in a temporal context, although this is less common than its spatial use:

• Han ligger bak skjemaet. (He is behind schedule.)

This sentence uses “bak” to describe a delay in time rather than a physical position.

 

Expressions and Idioms

As with many prepositions, “bak” appears in a variety of expressions and idioms:

• Bak lås og slå (Behind lock and bar, meaning in prison)
• Bak speilet (Literally ‘behind the mirror’, often referring to things that are not immediately apparent or hidden aspects of something)

Understanding these expressions requires familiarity with the language and culture, as their meanings often cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of the words alone.

 

Tips for Using “Bak” Correctly

1. Determine the Relationship: Is the relationship physical, metaphorical, or temporal? This will often dictate how “bak” should be used.
2. Use with Definite Nouns: When describing physical placement, “bak” typically precedes a definite noun (e.g., “bak huset,” not “bak et hus”).
3. Note the Exceptions: Be aware of idiomatic expressions. Their meanings may not be immediately obvious from the words themselves.
4. Practice with Context: Use “bak” in full sentences to practice its different uses. Contextual learning is key to understanding prepositions.

 

Conclusion

“Bak” is a versatile preposition in Norwegian that goes beyond mere spatial description, delving into metaphorical and even temporal realms. Its usage can enrich your language skills and allow you to express complex ideas with precision. By understanding the various contexts in which “bak” can be applied and practicing its use in conversation and writing, you will be able to master this small but significant aspect of the Norwegian language. As with any aspect of language learning, immersion and repetition are your allies. So don’t hesitate to get “bak” the books and dive deeper into the intricacies of Norwegian prepositions!

FAQs

Q: What does “bak” mean in Norwegian? A: “Bak” primarily means “behind” in English. It is used to indicate that something is at the back of or at the rear of something else.

Q: Can “bak” be used to describe something that is not physical? A: Yes, “bak” can be used metaphorically to describe abstract concepts or reasons behind something, as in “Bak suksessen ligger hardt arbeid” (Behind the success lies hard work).

Q: Is “bak” used in Norwegian expressions and idioms? A: Absolutely, “bak” appears in various expressions and idioms. For instance, “bak lås og slå” means “behind lock and bar” and is equivalent to “in prison” in English.

Q: Can “bak” be used to describe temporal relationships? A: It’s less common, but “bak” can describe temporal relationships to indicate a delay, such as in “Han ligger bak skjemaet” (He is behind schedule).

Q: Should “bak” always be followed by a definite noun when describing physical placement? A: Typically, yes. When “bak” is used to describe the physical position of something, it is usually followed by a definite noun, like in “bak huset” (behind the house).

Q: Are there any tips for learning how to use “bak” properly? A: To use “bak” properly, consider the relationship you are describing (physical, metaphorical, or temporal), use it with definite nouns in spatial contexts, learn the idiomatic expressions, and practice using “bak” in contextually rich sentences.

Q: Can you provide an example of “bak” used in a sentence? A: Certainly! For a physical position: “Bilen er bak huset” (The car is behind the house). For a metaphorical sense: “Hva ligger bak avgjørelsen?” (What lies behind the decision?). And for temporal usage: “Han ligger bak skjemaet” (He is behind schedule).

Q: Is there a trick to remembering how to use “bak” in a sentence? A: A good trick is to think about what is being described. If it’s a physical object, envision it in relation to another object. If it’s a concept or reason, try to think of “bak” as pointing to the underlying cause or factor. For time, consider if something is trailing behind a schedule or timeline.

Q: How important is it to know idiomatic expressions involving “bak”? A: While not crucial for basic communication, knowledge of idiomatic expressions can significantly enhance understanding and fluency, as idioms are often used in everyday Norwegian speech.

Refer a friend and get $150.Join the program here