Common Prepositions
Master the essential Norwegian prepositions for expressing location, time, and direction. Learn which prepositions to use in common everyday situations.
1Location Prepositions
Norwegian uses specific prepositions for describing where things are located. The most common are: i (in), på (on/at), ved (by/near), under (under), over (over), mellom (between), foran (in front of), bak (behind). "I" is used for enclosed spaces and countries/cities. "På" is used for surfaces, islands, and many institutions.
Examples
Boka er på bordet.
The book is on the table.
på = on (surfaces)
Jeg bor i Oslo.
I live in Oslo.
i = in (cities, countries)
Katten sitter under stolen.
The cat is sitting under the chair.
under = under
Hun står ved vinduet.
She is standing by the window.
ved = by/near
2Time Prepositions
Time expressions use different prepositions: i (in/for duration), på (on days), om (in the future/about), til (until), fra (from), siden (since). Choosing the right one depends on the type of time expression. Days use "på" (på mandag), parts of day use "på" or "om" (på morgenen, om kvelden), and months/years use "i" (i januar, i 2024).
Examples
Jeg kommer på mandag.
I'm coming on Monday.
på + days of the week
Vi reiser i juli.
We're traveling in July.
i + months
Hun jobber om natten.
She works at night.
om + parts of day (natten, morgenen)
Jeg har bodd her siden 2020.
I have lived here since 2020.
siden = since (point in time)
3Direction and Movement
For movement and direction, Norwegian uses: til (to), fra (from), gjennom (through), mot (towards), langs (along), over (across). These indicate where someone or something is going. Note: "til" is used for destinations, while "i" indicates being inside something.
Examples
Jeg går til butikken.
I'm going to the store.
til = to (destination)
Han kommer fra Bergen.
He comes from Bergen.
fra = from (origin)
Vi kjørte gjennom tunnelen.
We drove through the tunnel.
gjennom = through
De gikk langs stranden.
They walked along the beach.
langs = along
4Prepositions with Verbs
Many Norwegian verbs require specific prepositions, which may differ from English. These verb + preposition combinations must be learned as units. Common combinations: tenke på (think about), snakke om (talk about), vente på (wait for), se på (look at), høre på (listen to).
Examples
Jeg tenker på deg.
I'm thinking about you.
tenke på = think about
Vi snakker om været.
We're talking about the weather.
snakke om = talk about
Hun venter på bussen.
She's waiting for the bus.
vente på = wait for
Hør på meg!
Listen to me!
høre på = listen to
5Tricky Prepositions: I vs. PÃ¥
The choice between "i" and "på" often confuses learners. Generally: use "i" for enclosed spaces (i huset, i bilen) and "på" for open surfaces or institutions (på gulvet, på skolen, på jobb). Some must be memorized: på kino, på restaurant, på ferie - but i butikken, i kirken.
Examples
Jeg er på jobb.
I'm at work.
på jobb (not 'i jobb')
Barna er på skolen.
The children are at school.
på skolen = at school (institution)
Vi er i butikken.
We're in the store.
i butikken (enclosed space)
Hun er på ferie.
She's on vacation.
på ferie = on vacation