B1 Norwegian GrammarSubjunctive II (Konjunktiv II)
Master Norwegian conditional expressions for hypothetical situations, wishes, and polite requests. Learn to use 'ville' + infinitive, understand hvis-clauses, and express politeness in Norwegian conversation.
1Forming the Conditional with 'Ville'
Norwegian conditional is formed with 'ville' (would) + infinitive. This expresses what would happen under hypothetical conditions. For past conditional, use 'ville ha' + past participle. The infinitive goes at the end in subordinate clauses.
Ville + Infinitive
| Subject | Present | Past Conditional |
|---|---|---|
| jeg | ville gjøre | ville ha gjort |
| du | ville komme | ville ha kommet |
| han/hun | ville hjelpe | ville ha hjulpet |
| vi | ville arbeide | ville ha arbeidet |
Examples
Jeg ville gjerne ha en kaffe.
I would like to have a coffee.
polite request
Kunne du hjelpe meg?
Could you help me?
polite question with kunne
Det ville være fint.
That would be nice.
hypothetical
Vi ville gjerne komme.
We would like to come.
polite wish
2Conditional Sentences (Hvis-Clauses)
Norwegian conditional sentences use 'hvis' (if). For hypothetical present: hvis + past tense → ville + infinitive. For hypothetical past: hvis + past perfect → ville ha + past participle. V2 word order applies in main clauses.
Conditional Patterns
| Type | Hvis-Clause | Main Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Real | hvis + present | present/future |
| Unreal present | hvis + past | ville + infinitive |
| Unreal past | hvis + past perfect | ville ha + participle |
Examples
Hvis jeg var rik, ville jeg reise.
If I were rich, I would travel.
hypothetical present
Hvis jeg hadde visst det, ville jeg ha hjulpet.
If I had known, I would have helped.
hypothetical past
Hvis hun kom, ville vi bli glade.
If she came, we would be happy.
unreal present
Hva ville du gjort hvis du vant?
What would you do if you won?
hypothetical question
3Conditional Past
The conditional past expresses what would have happened. Form it with 'ville ha' + past participle. Use it for past hypotheticals, regrets, and unfulfilled possibilities. This often pairs with past perfect in hvis-clauses.
Conditional Past Forms
| Infinitive | Past Participle | Conditional Past |
|---|---|---|
| gjøre | gjort | ville ha gjort |
| komme | kommet | ville ha kommet |
| være | vært | ville ha vært |
| se | sett | ville ha sett |
Examples
Jeg ville ha likt å se deg.
I would have liked to see you.
unfulfilled wish
Hun ville ha kommet hvis mulig.
She would have come if possible.
conditional past
Vi burde ha dratt tidligere.
We should have left earlier.
burde ha = should have
Han ville aldri ha gjort det.
He would never have done it.
negative conditional past
4Polite Expressions and Wishes
The conditional makes requests polite in Norwegian. Use 'ville' with 'gjerne' for polite wishes. 'Kunne' (could) and 'skulle' (should) also express politeness. 'Bare' + past expresses strong wishes (if only...).
Polite Forms
| Direct | Polite | English |
|---|---|---|
| Jeg vil ha... | Jeg ville gjerne ha... | I would like... |
| Kan du...? | Kunne du...? | Could you...? |
| Du må... | Du burde... | You should... |
| Gi meg... | Ville du gi meg...? | Would you give me...? |
Examples
Kunne du gjenta det?
Could you repeat that?
polite request
Jeg ville gjerne bestille et bord.
I would like to book a table.
polite wish
Du burde ringe moren din.
You should call your mother.
polite advice
Bare jeg kunne norsk bedre!
If only I knew Norwegian better!
strong wish