Understanding Adverbs in Norwegian: How to Form and Position Them

What are Adverbs in Norwegian?

Adverbs in Norwegian, much like in English, modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. They provide additional information about how, when, where, and to what extent an action is performed.

Forming Adverbs in Norwegian

Unlike English, where many adverbs end in "-ly", Norwegian often uses the same word forms for adjectives and adverbs. For example, both fort (fast) and sakte (slowly) function as both adjectives and adverbs.

Regular Formation

In some cases, adding "-t" to the base form of an adjective can create an adverb. For instance, høflig (polite) becomes høfligt when used as an adverb. But this rule comes with exceptions and depends heavily on context.

Positioning Adverbs in a Sentence

Adverbs usually follow the verb they modify in Norwegian sentences. However, when an adverb modifies an adjective or another adverb, it precedes the word it modifies. For instance, De løp fort (They ran fast) and Det er mye vakkert (It is very beautiful).

Sentence Structure Importance

Sentence structure in Norwegian sometimes dictates adverb placement, especially when using verbs and complex clauses. Consider direct and indirect structures when choosing your adverb position.

Common Norwegian Adverbs and Examples

To become comfortable with adverbs in Norwegian, familiarize yourself with some common adverbs and their usage in typical contexts.