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Imperatives and polite requests

Give short instructions and make polite requests.

Bokmål · nb-NO
GRAMMATIKK · BOKMÅL

Imperatives and polite requests

Use an imperative for instructions or requests. Many forms drop the infinitive -e, as in vente → vent. Vowel-final verbs include gå. A question such as Kan du …? can soften the request.

The rule, step by step

  1. Learn the imperative with the verb: å vente → vent, å lese → les, å gå → gå.
  2. Negate a simple imperative by placing ikke first: Ikke vent! This basic pattern has no expressed subject.
  3. Choose Kan du …? or Kan du være så snill å …? for a softer request, depending on the situation.

Sentence pattern

Vent litt! / Kan du vente litt?

Compare forms and usage
BokmålMeaning or use
å lese → Les!Read!
å vente → Vent!Wait!
å gå → Gå!Go!
Kan du vente?Polite request

Everyday examples

Example 1

Vent her, takk.

Wait here, please.

Example 2

Ikke gå ennå!

Do not leave yet!

Example 3

Kan du lukke døra?

Could you close the door?

Example 4

Les teksten en gang til, takk.

Read the text once more, please.

A common error or a difference in meaning

Form to review

Venter her!

Correct form for the intended meaning

Vent her!

A direct instruction needs the imperative vent, not the present venter.

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: vente

_____ litt, takk!

SETT I REKKEFØLGE

Rebuild the example, starting with “Vent”: Wait here, please.

…

Continue with the same subject

Prepositions of place and direction A1Time: i, om and for … siden A2

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