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B1Sentences and questions

Relative clauses with som

Describe a noun with a relative clause using som.

Bokmål · nb-NO
GRAMMATIKK · BOKMÅL

Relative clauses with som

Som describes a preceding noun: en bok som jeg liker. Negation precedes the verb inside the relative clause.

The rule, step by step

  1. Som refers to a preceding noun, whether a person or a thing: en venn som … .
  2. Som may act as subject in som bor her, or be followed by a subject in som jeg kjenner.
  3. Use subordinate negation order: som jeg ikke kjenner. Do not add han or den to duplicate a subject represented by som.

Sentence pattern

noun + som + (subject) + (ikke) + verb

Compare forms and usage
BokmålMeaning or use
en venn som bor herSom as subject
en venn som jeg kjennerJeg as subject
en bok som jeg ikke har lestSubordinate negation

Everyday examples

Example 1

Jeg har en venn som bor i Bergen.

I have a friend who lives in Bergen.

Example 2

Dette er en bok som jeg ikke har lest.

This is a book that I have not read.

Example 3

Dette er naboen som hjalp meg i går.

This is the neighbour who helped me yesterday.

A common error or a difference in meaning

Form to review

Dette er en bok som jeg har ikke lest.

Correct form for the intended meaning

Dette er en bok som jeg ikke har lest.

In the relative clause, put ikke before har rather than after it.

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: som

Jeg har en venn _____ bor i Oslo.

SETT I REKKEFØLGE

Rebuild the example, starting with “Jeg”: I have a friend who lives in Bergen.

…

Continue with the same subject

Verb-second word order A1Yes/no questions A1The dummy subject det A1Subordinate clauses with at B1

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