A1 Norwegian GrammarCommon Verbs (være, ha)
Master the two most essential Norwegian verbs: 'være' (to be) and 'ha' (to have). These irregular verbs appear in almost every sentence and are crucial for basic communication. Learn their present tense forms and common expressions.
1The Verb 'å være' (to be)
'Å være' is the most important Norwegian verb. Unlike English, Norwegian uses the same form 'er' for all persons in present tense. This makes conjugation easy! The infinitive is 'være' and the past tense is 'var'. Use 'er' to describe states, identities, and locations.
Conjugation of 'å være'
| Form | Norwegian | English |
|---|---|---|
| Infinitive | å være | to be |
| Present (all) | er | am/is/are |
| Past | var | was/were |
| Perfect | har vært | have/has been |
Examples
Jeg er student.
I am a student.
er = am
Hun er fra Norge.
She is from Norway.
er = is
Vi er glade.
We are happy.
er = are
Det var kaldt i går.
It was cold yesterday.
var = was
2The Verb 'å ha' (to have)
'Å ha' means 'to have'. Like 'være', it uses one form 'har' for all persons in present tense. The past tense is 'hadde'. 'Ha' is also used as an auxiliary verb to form perfect tenses. It's essential for expressing possession and experiences.
Conjugation of 'å ha'
| Form | Norwegian | English |
|---|---|---|
| Infinitive | å ha | to have |
| Present (all) | har | have/has |
| Past | hadde | had |
| Perfect | har hatt | have/has had |
Examples
Jeg har en hund.
I have a dog.
har = have
Han har tid.
He has time.
har = has
Vi hadde det gøy.
We had fun.
hadde = had
Har du barn?
Do you have children?
question with har
3Common Expressions with 'være'
Norwegian uses 'være' in many fixed expressions. 'Det er' (it is/there is) introduces existence or descriptions. 'Være + adjective' describes states. Some expressions use 'være' where English might use other verbs, like 'være sulten' (to be hungry) instead of 'to feel hungry'.
Expressions with 'være'
| Norwegian | English | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Det er... | There is.../It is... | Existence, description |
| Hvor er...? | Where is...? | Location questions |
| Er det...? | Is there...? | Yes/no questions |
| Det var det! | That's it! | Conclusion |
Examples
Det er mange mennesker her.
There are many people here.
det er = there is/are
Hvor er toalettet?
Where is the toilet?
essential question
Er det ledig?
Is it available?
ledig = free/available
Det var hyggelig!
That was nice!
common reaction
4Common Expressions with 'ha'
'Ha' appears in many everyday expressions. 'Ha det!' is the common way to say goodbye. 'Ha lyst til' means 'to feel like/want to'. 'Ha rett' means 'to be right'. Learn these phrases as fixed expressions for natural Norwegian.
Expressions with 'ha'
| Norwegian | English | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Ha det (bra)! | Goodbye! | Farewell |
| Ha lyst til | feel like, want to | Desires |
| Ha rett | to be right | Correctness |
| Ha det gøy! | Have fun! | Wishes |
Examples
Ha det bra!
Goodbye! (Take care!)
common farewell
Jeg har lyst til å reise.
I feel like traveling.
ha lyst til = want to
Du har rett.
You are right.
ha rett = be right
Ha en fin dag!
Have a nice day!
common wish