A1 Norwegian GrammarBasic Prepositions
Learn essential Norwegian prepositions for location, time, and direction. Master 'i' (in), 'på' (on/at), 'til' (to), 'fra' (from), 'med' (with), and 'hos' (at someone's place). Understand how Norwegian prepositions differ from English equivalents.
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1Location Prepositions (i, på)
'I' means 'in' and is used for enclosed spaces, cities, and countries. 'På' means 'on' but also 'at' for surfaces, institutions, and activities. The choice between 'i' and 'på' doesn't always match English - some must be memorized as set phrases.
I vs På
| Preposition | Use | Example | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| i | enclosed spaces | i huset | in the house |
| i | cities/countries | i Oslo, i Norge | in Oslo, in Norway |
| på | surfaces | på bordet | on the table |
| på | institutions | på skolen | at school |
Examples
Boken ligger i sekken.
The book is in the bag.
i = in (enclosed)
Vi bor i Bergen.
We live in Bergen.
i + city name
Telefonen er på bordet.
The phone is on the table.
på = on (surface)
Hun jobber på sykehuset.
She works at the hospital.
på = at (institution)
2Direction Prepositions (til, fra)
'Til' means 'to' and indicates movement toward a destination or recipient. 'Fra' means 'from' and shows origin or source. These are straightforward and match English usage closely. 'Til' is also used with purpose ('til frokost' = for breakfast).
Til and Fra
| Preposition | Meaning | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| til | to | destination | til Oslo |
| til | for | purpose/recipient | til deg |
| fra | from | origin | fra Norge |
| fra | from | source/sender | fra min venn |
Examples
Jeg reiser til Spania.
I'm traveling to Spain.
til + destination
Dette er til deg.
This is for you.
til = for (recipient)
Hun kommer fra Sverige.
She comes from Sweden.
fra + origin
Brevet er fra mamma.
The letter is from mom.
fra + sender
3Accompaniment and Instrument (med, uten)
'Med' means 'with' and indicates accompaniment, means, or instrument. 'Uten' means 'without' - the opposite of 'med'. These prepositions are used similarly to English. 'Med' also appears in many fixed expressions.
Med and Uten
| Preposition | Meaning | Example | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| med | with (person) | med meg | with me |
| med | with (thing) | med bil | by car |
| med | with (feature) | kaffe med melk | coffee with milk |
| uten | without | uten sukker | without sugar |
Examples
Vil du gå med meg?
Do you want to come with me?
med = with (person)
Hun skriver med penn.
She writes with a pen.
med = with (tool)
Jeg tar kaffe uten melk.
I take coffee without milk.
uten = without
Han reiser med tog.
He travels by train.
med = by (transport)
4Special Prepositions (hos, ved, om)
'Hos' means 'at someone's place' - a concept requiring a whole phrase in English. 'Ved' means 'by/near' for close proximity. 'Om' has many uses: 'about' (topic), 'in' (future time), and 'around'. These prepositions add nuance to your Norwegian.
Special Prepositions
| Preposition | Meaning | Example | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| hos | at someone's place | hos legen | at the doctor's |
| ved | by/near | ved vinduet | by the window |
| om | about | om Norge | about Norway |
| om | in (future) | om en time | in an hour |
Examples
Jeg er hos bestemor.
I am at grandma's (place).
hos = at someone's
Katten sitter ved døren.
The cat sits by the door.
ved = by/near
Boken handler om kjærlighet.
The book is about love.
om = about (topic)
Vi kommer om ti minutter.
We'll arrive in ten minutes.
om = in (future time)
Practice Exercises
3 exercises
Complete: 'Boken er ___ sekken.' (The book is in the bag.)
Complete: 'Jeg reiser ___ Bergen.' (I'm traveling to Bergen.)
Complete: 'Telefonen er ___ bordet.' (The phone is on the table.)
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