A2 Norwegian GrammarSeparable Verbs
Unlike German, Norwegian does not have true separable verbs with prefixes. Instead, Norwegian uses verb + particle combinations where the particle is a separate word (adverb or preposition). Learn common verb-particle combinations and their placement in sentences.
1Verb-Particle Combinations
Norwegian uses verb + particle (adverb/preposition) combinations similar to English phrasal verbs. The particle is a separate word that follows the verb and often changes its meaning. Common particles include: opp, ned, inn, ut, av, på, bort, and tilbake.
Common Verb-Particle Pairs
| Verb | Particle | Combined Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| stå | opp | get up | stå opp |
| gå | ut | go out | gå ut |
| komme | tilbake | come back | komme tilbake |
| ta | på | put on | ta på seg |
| ta | av | take off | ta av seg |
| skrive | ned | write down | skrive ned |
Examples
Jeg står opp klokka syv.
I get up at seven o'clock.
stå opp = get up
Hun går ut hver kveld.
She goes out every evening.
gå ut = go out
De kommer tilbake i morgen.
They are coming back tomorrow.
komme tilbake = come back
Kan du skrive ned adressen?
Can you write down the address?
skrive ned = write down
2Particle Position in Sentences
In main clauses, the particle comes directly after the verb. If there is a pronoun object, it usually comes between the verb and the particle. With noun objects, the particle typically comes before the object for emphasis or after for neutral meaning.
Particle Placement Patterns
| Pattern | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Verb + particle | Han ringte opp. | He called up. |
| Verb + pronoun + particle | Han ringte meg opp. | He called me up. |
| Verb + particle + noun | Han ringte opp broren. | He called up his brother. |
| Verb + noun + particle | Han ringte broren opp. | He called his brother up. |
Examples
Jeg tar på meg jakken.
I put on my jacket.
ta på seg = put on (reflexive)
Hun slo av lyset.
She turned off the light.
slå av = turn off
Vi legger barna ned klokka åtte.
We put the children to bed at eight.
legge ned = put to bed
Kan du hente ham opp?
Can you pick him up?
Pronoun between verb and particle
3Common Particle Verbs for Daily Life
Many everyday actions use verb-particle combinations. These are essential for describing routines, household activities, and social interactions. The particles often indicate direction or completion of an action.
Everyday Verb-Particle Combinations
| Norwegian | English | Category |
|---|---|---|
| våkne opp | wake up | Morning routine |
| legge seg ned | lie down | Rest |
| rydde opp | clean up/tidy | Household |
| låse opp/igjen | unlock/lock | Security |
| slå på/av | turn on/off | Devices |
| fylle ut | fill in/out | Forms |
Examples
Barna må rydde opp etter seg.
The children must clean up after themselves.
rydde opp = clean up/tidy
Husk å låse igjen døra!
Remember to lock the door!
låse igjen = lock (again/back)
Jeg slo på TVen.
I turned on the TV.
slå på = turn on
Du må fylle ut skjemaet.
You must fill out the form.
fylle ut = fill in/out
4Particle Position in Subordinate Clauses
In subordinate clauses, the particle stays with the verb and comes after any adverbs like 'ikke'. This differs from German where separable prefixes move to the end. The word order in subordinate clauses is: subject + adverb + verb + particle.
Particles in Subordinate Clauses
| Clause Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Main clause | Verb + particle | Han står opp. |
| Subordinate | ...at + S + V + particle | ...at han står opp |
| Main + ikke | V + ikke + particle | Han står ikke opp. |
| Sub + ikke | ...at + S + ikke + V + particle | ...at han ikke står opp |
Examples
Jeg vet at hun våkner opp tidlig.
I know that she wakes up early.
våkner opp stays together
Fordi han ikke står opp, kommer han for sent.
Because he doesn't get up, he arrives late.
ikke before står opp
Hun sa at de ikke ryddet opp.
She said that they didn't clean up.
ikke before ryddet opp
Hvis du ikke slår av lyset...
If you don't turn off the light...
ikke before slår av