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Overview

Norwegian Definite Forms

This guide teaches when nouns are indefinite or definite, and how adjectives affect the form.

Level 1

Introduce it, then refer back

Level 1 introduces new nouns with en, ei, or et. Level 2 uses a definite ending when the listener already knows which item you mean.

en bil

a car, new in the conversation

bilen

the car, already known

New versus identifiable

Use an indefinite phrase when introducing one member of a category. Use the definite ending when the listener can identify the intended referent from prior mention or the situation.

Examples

Amir ser etter en bil.

Amir is looking for a car.

Bilen står utenfor.

The car is outside.

Level 3

New and known adjective phrases

Level 3 describes an unspecified noun. Level 4 marks an identified noun with double definiteness.

en bil

a car

en rød bil

a red car

den røde bilen

the red car

Definite adjective phrases often use den/det/de, an -e adjective, and the definite noun ending.

Double definiteness

With a definite adjective phrase, Norwegian normally marks definiteness before the adjective and on the noun: den røde bilen, det store huset, de nye bøkene.

Level 5

Demonstratives and ownership

Level 5 practices denne, dette, disse, and den. Level 6 puts ownership words after a definite noun.

bilen min

my car

huset ditt

your house

nøklene hans

his keys

boka hennes

her book

Possessive position changes the noun

A possessive before the noun normally takes the indefinite noun: mitt hus. A possessive after the noun normally takes the definite noun: huset mitt.

Examples

mitt hus

my house

huset mitt

my house

postposed possessive