Mastering Predicatives in Norwegian Grammar (A2 Level)

Predicatives often appear after linking verbs like være (to be), bli (to become), and har vært (has been). They provide descriptive or identifying information about the subject and play a key role in constructing meaningful sentences. In this article, we will explain predicatives in detail, explore their grammatical rules, and offer practical exercises to help you fully grasp the concept.

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What is a Predikativ?

In Norwegian, a predikativ is used to describe or define the subject of a sentence. Unlike objects, which are directly affected by the verb, predicatives reflect back on the subject and explain what it is, has been, or will become.

Predicatives typically follow specific linking verbs, including:

• være (to be)
• bli (to become)
• har vært (has been)
• virke (seem)
• føles (feel)

How to Identify a Predikativ

To identify a predicative in a sentence, ask the following question:
Hva er eller blir subjektet? (What is or will the subject be?)

For example:

• Ola er lærer.
  (Ola is a teacher.)
  Hva er Ola?
  (What is Ola?)
  The answer, lærer (teacher), is the predicative because it describes what Ola is.
• Været føles kaldt ut.
  (The weather feels cold.)
  Hva føles været ut?
  (What does the weather feel like?)
  The answer, kaldt (cold), is the predicative because it describes the weather.

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Types of Predikativ

In Norwegian, predicatives can be a noun, an adjective, or a phrase. Let’s break down each type.

1. Predicative as a Noun

A predicative noun identifies or categorizes the subject. It often represents a role, title, or general classification. For example:

• Per er lege.
  (Per is a doctor.)
  Here, lege (doctor) defines what Per is.
• De er studenter.
  (They are students.)
  In this case, studenter (students) categorizes the subject.
• Hunden er en valp.
  (The dog is a puppy.)
  The noun valp (puppy) identifies the subject.

2. Predicative as an Adjective

A predicative adjective describes the subject’s state or characteristic. For example:

• Huset er stort.
  (The house is big.)
• Barna blir glade.
  (The children become happy.)
• Kaka er god.
  (The cake is good.)

3. Predicative as a Phrase

Sometimes, the predicative can take the form of a longer phrase that provides additional detail about the subject. For example:

• Han ser ut som en vennlig person.
  (He looks like a friendly person.)
• Det føles kaldt ut.
  (It feels cold.)
  Here, kaldt ut acts as a predicative phrase that describes the subject, det.

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Rules for Using Predicatives

1. Adjective Agreement

In Norwegian, adjectives used as predicatives must agree with the gender and number of the subject. The rules for adjective agreement are as follows:

Singular Subjects

• Masculine and feminine nouns take the base form of the adjective:
  • Mannen er høy. (The man is tall.)
  • Kvinnen er høy. (The woman is tall.)
• Neuter nouns require an -t ending on the adjective:
  • Huset er høyt. (The house is tall.)

Plural Subjects

For plural subjects, the adjective takes the -e ending, regardless of the subject’s gender:

• Barna er høye. (The children are tall.)
• Husene er høye. (The houses are tall.)

2. Placement of Predicatives

The predicative always follows the linking verb. For example:

• Hunden er stor. (The dog is big.)
• Foreldrene mine er hyggelige. (My parents are nice.)

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Common Verbs Associated with Predicatives

The most common verbs that use predicatives are være (to be), bli (to become), and har vært (has been). These verbs link the subject to its description or identity. Examples include:

1. Være (to be):
   • Bilen er ny.
     (The car is new.)
2. Bli (to become):
   • Jeg blir sulten.
     (I become hungry.)
3. Har vært (has been):
   • Hun har vært trøtt.
     (She has been tired.)

Other less frequent verbs include virke (seem), føles (feel), and se ut som (look like). For example:

• Det føles kaldt ut.
  (It feels cold.)
• Han virker trøtt.
  (He seems tired.)
• Det ser ut som en fin dag.
  (It looks like a nice day.)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Confusing Predicatives with Objects
   Predicatives describe the subject, while objects are affected by the verb. Compare these examples:
   • Correct: Hun er lærer. (She is a teacher.)
   • Incorrect: Hun underviser lærer. (She teaches a teacher.)
2. Forgetting Adjective Agreement
   Adjectives used as predicatives must match the gender and number of the subject.
   • Correct: Katten er liten. (The cat is small.)
   • Incorrect: Katten er lite.

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Exercises to Practice Predikatives

Exercise 1: Identify the Predicative

Find the predicative in each sentence:

1. Maren er norsk.
2. Huset er gammelt.
3. Barna er flinke.
4. Det føles kaldt ut.
5. Katten blir stor.

Answers:

1. Norsk
2. Gammelt
3. Flinke
4. Kaldt ut
5. Stor

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Exercise 2: Complete the Sentences

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the adjective:

1. Bilen er ____. (stor)
2. Kattene er ____. (liten)
3. Huset blir ____. (ny)
4. Boka er ____. (interessant)
5. Foreldrene mine er ____. (streng)

Answers:

1. stor
2. små
3. nytt
4. interessant
5. strenge

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Exercise 3: Translate the Sentences

Translate these sentences into Norwegian:

1. The dog is small.
2. The house is big.
3. My parents are nice.
4. It feels cold.
5. The children are happy.

Answers:

1. Hunden er liten.
2. Huset er stort.
3. Foreldrene mine er hyggelige.
4. Det føles kaldt ut.
5. Barna er glade.

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Improve Your Norwegian with Private Lessons

Mastering predicatives is a critical part of building your fluency in Norwegian, especially at the A2 level. By understanding how to use nouns, adjectives, and phrases as predicatives, you can create sentences that are descriptive, precise, and grammatically correct.

To accelerate your learning, consider signing up for private one-on-one classes at NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo. Our experienced teachers provide tailored instruction to help you meet your language goals. Learn more and register here: Private Norwegian Classes.

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By practicing predicatives regularly and incorporating them into your speech and writing, you’ll enhance your ability to express yourself in Norwegian. Keep practicing, and enjoy the journey toward fluency!