StudyNorwegian•Grammar / Your Norwegian journey
B1Connections and meaning

Conditional clauses

Link a condition to its result with hvis or dersom.

Bokmål · nb-NO
GRAMMATIKK · BOKMÅL

Conditional clauses

Hvis or dersom introduces a condition. When the condition comes first, the main verb precedes its subject: Hvis det regner, blir vi hjemme. Dersom is common in formal writing; ikke precedes the verb inside the condition.

The rule, step by step

  1. Hvis and dersom introduce a condition. Dersom is also common in formal writing.
  2. The condition has subordinate order: Hvis du ikke kommer … . The result is a main clause.
  3. After an initial condition, invert the main clause. Hypothetical conditions can use past forms and ville.

Sentence pattern

Hvis / Dersom + subject + … , verb + subject

Compare forms and usage
BokmålMeaning or use
Hvis det regner, blir vi inne.Possible condition
Vi blir inne hvis det regner.Result first
Hvis jeg hadde tid, ville jeg komme.Hypothetical condition

Everyday examples

Example 1

Hvis det regner, blir vi hjemme.

If it rains, we will stay home.

Example 2

Dersom du ikke har billett, må du kjøpe en.

If you do not have a ticket, you must buy one.

Example 3

Hvis du ikke finner nøkkelen, kan du ringe meg.

If you cannot find the key, you can call me.

A common error or a difference in meaning

Form to review

Hvis det regner, vi blir hjemme.

Correct form for the intended meaning

Hvis det regner, blir vi hjemme.

The initial hvis clause is the first constituent, so blir precedes vi in the main clause.

Put the rule into practice

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Personal review progress on this device. It does not complete a reading lesson or award XP.

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: bli

Hvis det regner, _____ jeg hjemme.

SETT I REKKEFØLGE

Rebuild the example, starting with “Hvis”: If it rains, we will stay home.

…

Continue with the same subject

Although: selv om B1Because: fordi A2Not only … also B2Logical connectors B1

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