Overview
This guide teaches the difference between å as an infinitive marker and og as the word for and.
Level 1
Å marks an infinitive verb. Og connects words or actions.
infinitive marker
connector
Use å to mark an infinitive: å spise. Use og to connect words, phrases, or coordinated actions: kaffe og te.
An English translation can reveal the answer, so the full translation belongs after your first attempt.
Examples
Jeg liker å lese.
I like to read.
kaffe og te
coffee and tea
Level 2
Use å before an infinitive verb, but use og when two actions are linked together.
before the thing you do
After words like prøver and trenger, the next verb stays in infinitive.
prøver å lære
trenger å kjøpe
when actions happen together
Use og when both sides are actions that belong together.
sitter og leser
står og snakker
Norwegian often joins simultaneous or closely linked actions with og after posture or movement verbs: sitter og leser, går og handler.
Examples
Hun sitter og leser.
She is sitting reading.
Han begynner å jobbe.
He begins to work.