StudyNorwegian•Grammar / Your Norwegian journey
A2Connections and meaning

Because: fordi

Give a reason with fordi.

Bokmål · nb-NO
GRAMMATIKK · BOKMÅL

Because: fordi

Fordi connects an outcome to its reason. In its subordinate clause ikke precedes the verb: fordi han ikke har tid.

The rule, step by step

  1. Fordi answers why and introduces a reason with its own subject and verb.
  2. In a negative reason clause, put ikke before the finite verb: fordi jeg ikke har tid.
  3. The reason can come first; then invert the main clause. Fordi differs from the result word derfor.

Sentence pattern

fordi + subject + (ikke) + verb

Compare forms and usage
BokmålMeaning or use
fordi jeg er sykbecause I am ill
fordi jeg ikke har tidbecause I do not have time
Fordi jeg er syk, blir jeg hjemme.Reason before result

Everyday examples

Example 1

Jeg blir hjemme fordi jeg er syk.

I am staying home because I am ill.

Example 2

Hun går fordi hun ikke har bil.

She walks because she does not have a car.

Example 3

Jeg tar bussen fordi bilen ikke virker.

I take the bus because the car does not work.

A common error or a difference in meaning

Form to review

Hun går fordi hun har ikke bil.

Correct form for the intended meaning

Hun går fordi hun ikke har bil.

The clause after fordi is subordinate: use hun ikke har, not hun har ikke.

Put the rule into practice

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VELG

Choose the form that fits the rule and meaning explained in this lesson.

FYLL INN

Complete the gap using the appropriate form of the given word.

Given word: fordi

Jeg blir hjemme _____ jeg er syk.

SETT I REKKEFØLGE

Rebuild the example, starting with “Jeg”: I am staying home because I am ill.

…

Continue with the same subject

Although: selv om B1Not only … also B2Logical connectors B1Conditional clauses B1

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