Mastering the Som Relative Clauses for Norskprøven

The Norwegian language, with its melodic rhythm and intricate grammatical structures, presents a fascinating challenge to learners. Among the most crucial elements for achieving fluency and navigating official language proficiency tests like the Norskprøven, are relative clauses. At the heart of these clauses lies the versatile Norwegian word “som.” This article aims to provide a comprehensive exploration of “som” in relative clauses, equipping you with the knowledge to deploy it with precision and confidence, particularly in preparation for your Norskprøven. We will dissect its various functions, examine common pitfalls, and offer strategies to master its usage.

The Foundation of Relative Clauses in Norwegian

Relative clauses act as modifiers, providing additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. They function like an illuminating spotlight, adding detail and context without disrupting the core message. Imagine a sentence as a sturdy house; the relative clause is the window that allows you to see more of the scenery outside. In Norwegian, these clauses are typically introduced by a relative pronoun. While Norwegian has a few options, “som” is the most prevalent and adaptable word for this purpose. Understanding its role is paramount for constructing clear, informative, and grammatically sound sentences. Join the Norskprøven Course at NLS Norwegian Language School to improve your Norwegian skills effectively.

What Exactly is a Relative Clause?

A relative clause is a subordinate clause that modifies a noun or noun phrase (the antecedent). It tells you which noun or noun phrase you are talking about or provides more descriptive information about it. For instance, in the English sentence “The book that I am reading is interesting,” the phrase “that I am reading” is a relative clause modifying “book.” It specifies which book is interesting.

Why are Relative Clauses Important for Language Proficiency?

Mastery of relative clauses is a hallmark of advanced language ability. It signifies an ability to connect ideas, build complex sentences, and express nuanced relationships between concepts. For the Norskprøven, demonstrating a solid understanding of relative clauses is crucial as it indicates a level of linguistic sophistication beyond basic sentence construction. These clauses are frequently encountered in written Norwegian, from news articles and academic texts to everyday communication, making their comprehension and correct usage essential for effective engagement with the language.

The Role of the Antecedent

The antecedent is the noun or pronoun that the relative clause refers to. It is the anchor point around which the relative clause is built. For example, in “The woman who lives next door is a doctor,” “woman” is the antecedent of the relative clause “who lives next door.” The correct identification and grammatical agreement with the antecedent are fundamental to forming accurate relative clauses.

“Som” as the Universal Relative Pronoun

The brilliance of “som” lies in its remarkable flexibility. Unlike some languages where different relative pronouns are used depending on gender, number, or grammatical case, “som” can function as a substitute for multiple English relative pronouns, including “who,” “whom,” “whose,” “which,” and “that.” This universality makes it a cornerstone of Norwegian relative clauses, but it also requires careful attention to context to ensure clarity.

“Som” Replacing “Who” and “Whom” for People

When referring to a person, “som” can be used to introduce a relative clause, irrespective of whether the person is the subject or the object within that clause.

• Subject of the relative clause:
• “Jeg kjenner mannen som bor der.” (I know the man who lives there.)
• Here, “som” refers to “mannen” (the man) and is the subject of “bor der” (lives there).
• Object of the relative clause:
• “Dette er kvinnen som jeg snakket med i går.” (This is the woman whom I spoke with yesterday.)
• In this instance, “som” refers to “kvinnen” (the woman) and is the object of the preposition “med” (with).

“Som” Replacing “Which” and “That” for Things and Animals

Similarly, when referring to inanimate objects or animals, “som” serves as the relative pronoun.

• “Boken som ligger på bordet er min.” (The book that is lying on the table is mine.)
• “Som” refers to “Boken” (the book) and is the subject of “ligger.”
• “Huset som de kjøpte i fjor er gammelt.” (The house which they bought last year is old.)
• “Som” refers to “Huset” (the house) and is the object of “kjøpte.”

“Som” and the Possessive: A Nuance to Grasp

While “som” is incredibly versatile, it does not directly replace the possessive relative pronoun “whose.” In English, we say “the man whose car is red.” In Norwegian, a different construction is used to convey possession within a relative clause.

• Correct construction with possession:
• “Mannen hvis bil er rød.” (The man whose car is red.)
• Here, “hvis” is the possessive relative pronoun.
• Incorrect usage of “som” for possession:
• “Mannen som sin bil er rød.” (This is grammatically incorrect.)
• The tendency to directly translate “whose” with “som” needs to be consciously avoided.

Distinguishing “Som” from “At”

Norwegian also has another relative pronoun, “at,” which is less common and has more specific usage. While “som” can often be used interchangeably with “at” in certain contexts, mastering the distinction is a mark of advanced proficiency.

• “At” is often used when the antecedent is indefinite or abstract.
• “Det er en mulighet at vi kan reise.” (There is a possibility that we can travel.)
• Here, “at” introduces a clause that defines the possibility.
• However, for a significant majority of relative clauses modifying concrete nouns, “som” is the preferred and most adaptable choice.

Grammatical Considerations and Formal Usage

While “som” is forgiving in many scenarios, adhering to grammatical precision is crucial for formal writing and examinations like the Norskprøven. Understanding the grammatical role of “som” within its clause and ensuring agreement with the antecedent are key.

Subject-Verb Agreement in “Som” Clauses

The verb within a “som” clause must agree with the noun or pronoun that “som” refers to. This is a fundamental rule of grammar that applies to all clauses.

• “De studentene som leser flittig, består prøven.” (The students who study diligently pass the exam.)
• “Som” refers to “studentene” (plural), and therefore the verb “leser” (plural form, though Norwegian doesn’t have explicit plural verb forms in the present tense like English) aligns.
• “Hunden som bjeffer høyt, er min.” (The dog that barks loudly is mine.)
• “Som” refers to “Hunden” (singular), and “bjeffer” is the singular verb form.

Prepositional Phrases with “Som”

When a preposition governs the relative pronoun, the preposition is typically placed before “som.” This is a common construction in Norwegian.

• “Dette er boken som jeg snakket om.” (This is the book that I talked about.)
• Here, the preposition “om” (about) precedes “som.”
• “Kvinnen som han kom med, var hans kone.” (The woman with whom he came was his wife.)
• The preposition “med” (with) precedes “som.”

The Ellipsis of “Som”: When it Can Be Omitted

In certain specific circumstances, the relative pronoun “som” can be omitted, particularly when it is the object of the clause and is not preceded by a preposition. This is akin to the omission of “that” or “whom” in English. However, for learners aiming for Norskprøven, it is generally safer to include “som” to avoid grammatical errors.

• When “som” can be omitted (as the object, without a preceding preposition):
• “Boken jeg leser er interessant.” (The book [that] I am reading is interesting.)
• “Mannen jeg møtte var hyggelig.” (The man [whom] I met was nice.)
• **When “som” cannot be omitted:**
• If “som” is the subject of the clause: “Boken som ligger der er min.” (Cannot omit “som.”)
• If “som” is preceded by a preposition: “Mannen som jeg snakket med var hyggelig.” (Cannot omit “som.”)

Common Challenges and Pitfalls for Learners

Navigating the intricacies of “som” can present several hurdles for those acquiring Norwegian. Awareness of these common mistakes can facilitate targeted practice and prevent inaccuracies.

Over-reliance on Direct Translation

A frequent pitfall is the tendency to directly translate English relative clauses into Norwegian, often leading to grammatical errors. For example, directly translating “whose” as “som” is a persistent issue. Remember that Norwegian has a distinct way of expressing possession in relative clauses using “hvis.”

Confusion with “Der,” “Deres,” and “Da”

Norwegian possesses other wh-words that can sometimes be mistaken for or confused with the function of “som.”

• “Der” (there, where): This is typically used to refer to a place. “Huset der han bor.” (The house where he lives.) While “som” can also be used here (“Huset som han bor i”), “der” is often preferred for places.
• “Deres” (their): This is a possessive pronoun and not a relative pronoun.
• “Da” (then, when): This often indicates a point in time. “Den gangen da det skjedde.” (The time when it happened.) This is a temporal conjunction, not a relative pronoun introducing a descriptive clause about a noun.

Misinterpreting the Role of the Preposition

The placement of prepositions before “som” is a crucial aspect of formal Norwegian. Forgetting this can lead to awkward or incorrect sentence structures. Always consider if a preposition is needed to link the antecedent to the action described in the relative clause.

The “Dativ” Shadow (Historical Note)

For those familiar with German or other Germanic languages that retain a distinct dative case, it’s worth noting that modern Norwegian has largely shed its overt dative case marking. However, historical grammatical structures can sometimes influence sentence patterns, and understanding the underlying logic can be beneficial. In the context of relative clauses, the focus is on the function of “som” as a pronoun and its relationship to the verb and any prepositions within the clause, rather than explicit case endings on “som” itself.

Mastering “Som” for Norskprøven Success

The Norskprøven is designed to assess a learner’s comprehensive understanding of the Norwegian language, including its grammatical nuances. A robust command of “som” in relative clauses is a significant advantage.

Targeted Practice with Norskprøven-Style Sentences

Familiarize yourself with the types of sentences and vocabulary that appear in the Norskprøven. Actively seek out and create sentences that utilize “som” in various contexts, mirroring the complexity of the exam.

• Example Norskprøven-style sentence:
• “Firmaet som vi sendte søknaden til, svarte raskt.” (The company to which we sent the application replied quickly.)
• Analyzing this sentence involves identifying the antecedent (“firmaet”), the relative pronoun (“som”), and the preposition (“til”) preceding it.

Utilizing Mock Tests Effectively

The NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo emphasizes practical application through its specialized Norwegian Test Preparation course. This course includes mock tests that are invaluable for gauging your strengths and weaknesses.

• The Importance of Mock Tests: These simulated exam environments allow you to experience the pressure of timed responses and identify areas where your understanding of “som” might falter. By reviewing incorrect answers, you can pinpoint specific patterns of error and dedicate further study to those areas.
• Feedback Mechanism: Analyzing your performance on mock tests provides a clear roadmap for improvement. It’s not just about doing the tests, but about learning from them.

Focused Vocabulary Acquisition

Certain vocabulary items are more prone to appearing in contexts requiring relative clauses. Understanding how adjectives, verbs, and nouns function together in Norwegian will naturally enhance your ability to construct accurate relative clauses.

Seeking Expert Guidance

The NLS Norwegian Language School’s Norwegian Test Preparation course is specifically designed to navigate the complexities of the Norskprøven. Expert instructors can provide personalized feedback and clarify any persistent doubts regarding the usage of “som” and other grammatical elements. This is like having a seasoned guide for a challenging trek, helping you avoid hidden pitfalls and reach your destination efficiently.

Conclusion: Building Confidence Through Clarity

The effective use of “som” in Norwegian relative clauses is not merely an academic exercise; it is a gateway to more fluent, nuanced, and confident communication. By understanding its versatility, its grammatical underpinnings, and by engaging with targeted practice, you can transform this potentially challenging aspect of Norwegian grammar into a powerful tool. The NLS Norwegian Language School’s Norwegian Test Preparation course in Oslo, with its emphasis on mock tests and practical application, offers a structured and supportive environment to hone these skills. As you embark on your journey to master Norwegian, remember that every accurately constructed relative clause is a step closer to unlocking the full potential of this beautiful language.

Join the Norskprøven Course at NLS Norwegian Language School