A2 Norwegian GrammarSubordinate Clauses (fordi, at, når)
Master Norwegian subordinate clauses using conjunctions like 'fordi' (because), 'at' (that), and 'når' (when/if). Learn the crucial word order change in subordinate clauses where adverbs like 'ikke' move before the verb. Build complex, natural-sounding sentences.
1Common Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions introduce dependent clauses that cannot stand alone. The most common ones are 'at' (that), 'fordi' (because), 'når' (when), 'hvis' (if), 'om' (if/whether), and 'selv om' (even though). These conjunctions trigger a change in word order.
Key Subordinating Conjunctions
| Norwegian | English | Use | Example Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| at | that | Statements | Jeg vet at... |
| fordi | because | Reasons | ...fordi jeg... |
| når | when | Time | ...når du kommer |
| hvis | if | Condition | Hvis det regner... |
| om | if/whether | Questions | ...om han kommer |
| selv om | even though | Concession | Selv om det regner... |
Examples
Jeg vet at hun er hjemme.
I know that she is home.
at introduces a fact/statement
Han er trøtt fordi han jobbet sent.
He is tired because he worked late.
fordi explains the reason
Ring meg når du kommer hjem.
Call me when you come home.
når indicates time
Hvis det regner, blir vi hjemme.
If it rains, we'll stay home.
hvis states a condition
2Word Order in Subordinate Clauses
In subordinate clauses, adverbs like 'ikke', 'aldri', 'alltid', and 'ofte' move to a position BEFORE the verb. This is the opposite of main clause word order. The pattern is: conjunction + subject + adverb + verb. This rule is essential for correct Norwegian.
Word Order Comparison
| Clause Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Main clause | Subj + Verb + ikke | Hun spiser ikke |
| Subordinate | ...at + Subj + ikke + Verb | ...at hun ikke spiser |
| Main clause | Subj + Verb + alltid | Vi kommer alltid |
| Subordinate | ...når + Subj + alltid + Verb | ...når vi alltid kommer |
Examples
Jeg vet at han ikke kommer.
I know that he is not coming.
ikke moves BEFORE kommer
Hun sier at hun aldri spiser kjøtt.
She says that she never eats meat.
aldri moves BEFORE spiser
Fordi jeg ikke har tid, kan jeg ikke komme.
Because I don't have time, I can't come.
ikke before har in fordi-clause
Selv om han alltid jobber hardt, er han trøtt.
Even though he always works hard, he is tired.
alltid before jobber
3Using 'at' Clauses
The conjunction 'at' (that) introduces noun clauses often used after verbs of thinking, knowing, saying, and believing. Unlike English, 'at' is rarely omitted in Norwegian. Common verbs that take at-clauses include: vite, tro, si, synes, håpe, and mene.
Verbs Taking 'at' Clauses
| Norwegian | English | Example |
|---|---|---|
| å vite | to know | Jeg vet at... |
| å tro | to believe | Han tror at... |
| å si | to say | Hun sier at... |
| å synes | to think/feel | Vi synes at... |
| å håpe | to hope | De håper at... |
| å mene | to mean/think | Jeg mener at... |
Examples
Jeg tror at det blir fint vær.
I think (that) it will be nice weather.
at rarely dropped in Norwegian
Hun sier at hun ikke kan komme.
She says (that) she can't come.
ikke before kan in at-clause
Vi håper at dere har det bra.
We hope (that) you are doing well.
at-clause as object
De vet at vi alltid er her.
They know (that) we are always here.
alltid before er in at-clause
4Time and Condition Clauses
Time clauses use 'når' (when), 'da' (when/then - past), 'mens' (while), 'før' (before), and 'etter at' (after). Condition clauses use 'hvis' or 'om' (if) and 'dersom' (if/provided that). When the subordinate clause comes first, the main clause often starts with the verb.
Time & Condition Conjunctions
| Norwegian | English | Type | Tense Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| når | when | Time (future) | Present/future |
| da | when | Time (past) | Past |
| mens | while | Simultaneous | Any |
| hvis/om | if | Condition | Present |
Examples
Når jeg kommer hjem, skal jeg spise.
When I come home, I will eat.
når for future 'when'
Da jeg var ung, bodde vi i Oslo.
When I was young, we lived in Oslo.
da for past 'when'
Mens hun jobber, hører hun musikk.
While she works, she listens to music.
mens for simultaneous actions
Hvis du ikke kommer, blir jeg skuffet.
If you don't come, I will be disappointed.
Inverted main clause after hvis