StudyNorwegian•Grammar / Your Norwegian journey
B1Connections and meaning

Purpose with for å

Express purpose with for å or for at.

Bokmål · nb-NO
GRAMMATIKK · BOKMÅL

Purpose with for å

For å means in order to when both verbs have the same subject: Jeg leser for å lære. For different subjects, use for at and a full clause.

The rule, step by step

  1. Use for å with an infinitive when the same subject performs the action and its purpose.
  2. When the purpose has its own subject, use for at followed by a full subordinate clause.
  3. Do not inflect the verb after å. With for at, use subordinate word order, including the position of ikke.

Sentence pattern

for å + infinitive · for at + clause

Compare forms and usage
BokmålMeaning or use
Jeg øver for å lære.Same subject
Jeg forklarer for at du skal forstå.Different subject in the purpose
for å bli bedrein order to improve

Everyday examples

Example 1

Jeg leser for å lære norsk.

I read in order to learn Norwegian.

Example 2

Hun sparer penger for å kjøpe en sykkel.

She saves money to buy a bicycle.

Example 3

Jeg snakker sakte for at du skal forstå.

I speak slowly so that you can understand.

Example 4

Hun skriver sakte for at alle skal forstå.

She writes slowly so that everyone will understand.

A common error or a difference in meaning

Form to review

Jeg leser for å lærer norsk.

Correct form for the intended meaning

Jeg leser for å lære norsk.

After for å, use the infinitive lære, not the present lærer.

Put the rule into practice

0/3

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: lære

Jeg leser for å _____ flere ord.

SETT I REKKEFØLGE

Rebuild the example, starting with “Jeg”: I read in order to learn Norwegian.

…

Continue with the same subject

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

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