StudyNorwegian•Grammar / Your Norwegian journey
B1Connections and meaning

The difference between da and når

Choose a time conjunction by repetition and time.

Bokmål · nb-NO
GRAMMATIKK · BOKMÅL

The difference between da and når

Da normally refers to a single past event or period. Når refers to habits and repetition, including repeated past events, and to future events. Both introduce subordinate clauses when connecting clauses.

The rule, step by step

  1. Choose da for a single past occasion or period: Da jeg var barn … .
  2. Choose når for repetition, even in the past, and for a future event: Når jeg er ferdig … .
  3. After an initial subordinate clause, invert the main clause: Når jeg kommer, ringer jeg. The subordinate order stays unchanged.

Sentence pattern

Da jeg kom, … / Når jeg kommer, …

Compare forms and usage
BokmålMeaning or use
Da jeg kom i går, …Single past occasion
Når jeg kommer hjem, …Habit
Når jeg kom hjem, pleide jeg å lese.Repeated past action
når kurset er ferdigFuture time

Everyday examples

Example 1

Da jeg kom hjem, var det mørkt.

When I came home, it was dark.

Example 2

Når jeg kommer hjem, lager jeg mat.

When I come home, I usually cook.

Example 3

Jeg ringer når jeg er ferdig.

I will call when I am finished.

Example 4

Da vi flyttet hit, kjente vi ingen.

When we moved here, we knew no one.

A common error or a difference in meaning

Form to review

Jeg ringer i morgen da jeg er ferdig.

Correct form for the intended meaning

Jeg ringer i morgen når jeg er ferdig.

I morgen refers to the future. Use når rather than da in this time 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: da

_____ jeg kom hjem i går, var det mørkt.

SETT I REKKEFØLGE

Rebuild the example, starting with “Da”: When I came home, it was dark.

…

Continue with the same subject

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

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