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A1Sentences and questions

Verb-second word order

Put the finite verb in the correct position.

Bokmål · nb-NO
GRAMMATIKK · BOKMÅL

Verb-second word order

In a main statement the finite verb is the second constituent, not necessarily the second word. After an initial time phrase, the subject follows the verb: Om kvelden leser jeg en bok.

The rule, step by step

  1. First identify the finite verb: in skal lese, it is skal.
  2. In a main statement, the finite verb is the second constituent. I morgen is one constituent.
  3. After an initial adverbial or subordinate clause, place the subject after the verb. Subordinate clauses have a different pattern.

Sentence pattern

Om kvelden | leser | jeg | en bok.

Compare forms and usage
BokmålMeaning or use
Jeg | leser | avisen.Subject first
I dag | leser | jeg avisen.Time first
Etter jobb | skal | jeg lese.Finite auxiliary second

Everyday examples

Example 1

Om kvelden leser jeg en bok.

In the evening I read a book.

Example 2

I dag tar vi bussen.

Today we take the bus.

Example 3

Etter frokost drikker vi kaffe.

After breakfast we drink coffee.

A common error or a difference in meaning

Form to review

I dag vi tar bussen.

Correct form for the intended meaning

I dag tar vi bussen.

I dag is the first constituent, so tar must precede vi.

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: jobbe

I morgen _____ jeg hjemme.

SETT I REKKEFØLGE

Rebuild the example, starting with “Om”: In the evening I read a book.

…

Continue with the same subject

Yes/no questions A1The dummy subject det A1Subordinate clauses with at B1Indirect questions B1

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