A2 Norwegian GrammarImperative (Commands)
Learn to give commands and instructions in Norwegian using the imperative mood. The imperative is formed from the verb stem and is the same for singular and plural. Master both polite and direct commands, negative imperatives, and common everyday expressions.
1Forming the Imperative
The Norwegian imperative is simply the verb stem - the infinitive without 'Ã¥' and without the final '-e'. For most verbs, just remove the '-e' ending. Verbs ending in a consonant keep their form unchanged. The imperative is the same whether addressing one person or many.
Imperative Formation
| Infinitive | Stem/Imperative | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| å snakke | snakk | speak! |
| å komme | kom | come! |
| å gå | gå | go! |
| å se | se | look! |
| å høre | hør | listen! |
| å stoppe | stopp | stop! |
Examples
Kom hit!
Come here!
komme → kom
Vent et øyeblikk.
Wait a moment.
vente → vent
Se på meg!
Look at me!
se stays as se
Hør godt etter.
Listen carefully.
høre → hør
2Negative Commands
To make negative commands, simply add 'ikke' before the imperative verb. This tells someone NOT to do something. The structure is: 'Ikke' + imperative. For emphasis, 'aldri' (never) can be used instead of 'ikke'.
Negative Imperative Pattern
| Positive | Negative | English |
|---|---|---|
| Gå! | Ikke gå! | Don't go! |
| Snakk! | Ikke snakk! | Don't speak! |
| Glem det! | Ikke glem det! | Don't forget it! |
| Bekymre deg! | Ikke bekymre deg! | Don't worry! |
Examples
Ikke glem nøklene!
Don't forget the keys!
Ikke + imperative
Ikke rør det!
Don't touch it!
røre → rør
Aldri si aldri!
Never say never!
aldri for emphasis
Ikke vær redd.
Don't be afraid.
være → vær
3Polite Commands and Softeners
To make commands more polite, Norwegians often add 'vær så snill' (please) or use a question form with 'kan du'. Soften imperatives with 'bare' (just) or by adding the subject 'du'. These softeners make requests sound less direct and more friendly.
Polite Command Patterns
| Pattern | Norwegian | English |
|---|---|---|
| Imperative + vær så snill | Kom hit, vær så snill. | Please come here. |
| Vær så snill og + imperative | Vær så snill og vent. | Please wait. |
| Kan du + infinitive? | Kan du hjelpe meg? | Can you help me? |
| Bare + imperative | Bare vent. | Just wait. |
Examples
Vær så snill og lukk døra.
Please close the door.
Polite form with vær så snill
Kan du sende meg saltet?
Can you pass me the salt?
Question form (very polite)
Bare slapp av!
Just relax!
bare softens the command
Sitt du ned her.
You sit down here.
du added for gentle emphasis
4Common Everyday Commands
Many everyday expressions use the imperative. These include greetings, wishes, and practical instructions. Learning these fixed phrases helps you sound natural. Note that 'ha det' (bye), 'god tur' (have a good trip), and 'lykke til' (good luck) are common imperative-based expressions.
Common Imperative Expressions
| Norwegian | English | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Ha det! | Bye! / Take care! | Farewell |
| God tur! | Have a good trip! | Travel wishes |
| Lykke til! | Good luck! | Encouragement |
| Pass på! | Be careful! / Watch out! | Warning |
| Kos deg! | Enjoy yourself! | Well-wishes |
| Sov godt! | Sleep well! | Bedtime |
Examples
Ha det bra!
Take care! / Goodbye!
Very common farewell
Ta deg en kaffe.
Have a coffee.
Friendly invitation
Pass på deg selv!
Take care of yourself!
Caring farewell
Gi meg beskjed.
Let me know.
Common request