A2 Norwegian GrammarSeparable Verbs
Unlike German, Norwegian does not have true separable verbs with prefixes. Instead, Norwegian uses verb + particle combinations where the particle is a separate word (adverb or preposition). Learn common verb-particle combinations and their placement in sentences.
1Verb-Particle Combinations
Norwegian uses verb + particle (adverb/preposition) combinations similar to English phrasal verbs. The particle is a separate word that follows the verb and often changes its meaning. Common particles include: opp, ned, inn, ut, av, pÄ, bort, and tilbake.
Common Verb-Particle Pairs
| Verb | Particle | Combined Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| stÄ | opp | get up | stÄ opp |
| gÄ | ut | go out | gÄ ut |
| komme | tilbake | come back | komme tilbake |
| ta | pÄ | put on | ta pÄ seg |
| ta | av | take off | ta av seg |
| skrive | ned | write down | skrive ned |
Examples
Jeg stÄr opp klokka syv.
I get up at seven o'clock.
stÄ opp = get up
Hun gÄr ut hver kveld.
She goes out every evening.
gÄ ut = go out
De kommer tilbake i morgen.
They are coming back tomorrow.
komme tilbake = come back
Kan du skrive ned adressen?
Can you write down the address?
skrive ned = write down
2Particle Position in Sentences
In main clauses, the particle comes directly after the verb. If there is a pronoun object, it usually comes between the verb and the particle. With noun objects, the particle typically comes before the object for emphasis or after for neutral meaning.
Particle Placement Patterns
| Pattern | Example | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Verb + particle | Han ringte opp. | He called up. |
| Verb + pronoun + particle | Han ringte meg opp. | He called me up. |
| Verb + particle + noun | Han ringte opp broren. | He called up his brother. |
| Verb + noun + particle | Han ringte broren opp. | He called his brother up. |
Examples
Jeg tar pÄ meg jakken.
I put on my jacket.
ta pÄ seg = put on (reflexive)
Hun slo av lyset.
She turned off the light.
slÄ av = turn off
Vi legger barna ned klokka Ă„tte.
We put the children to bed at eight.
legge ned = put to bed
Kan du hente ham opp?
Can you pick him up?
Pronoun between verb and particle
3Common Particle Verbs for Daily Life
Many everyday actions use verb-particle combinations. These are essential for describing routines, household activities, and social interactions. The particles often indicate direction or completion of an action.
Everyday Verb-Particle Combinations
| Norwegian | English | Category |
|---|---|---|
| vÄkne opp | wake up | Morning routine |
| legge seg ned | lie down | Rest |
| rydde opp | clean up/tidy | Household |
| lÄse opp/igjen | unlock/lock | Security |
| slÄ pÄ/av | turn on/off | Devices |
| fylle ut | fill in/out | Forms |
Examples
Barna mÄ rydde opp etter seg.
The children must clean up after themselves.
rydde opp = clean up/tidy
Husk Ä lÄse igjen dÞra!
Remember to lock the door!
lÄse igjen = lock (again/back)
Jeg slo pÄ TVen.
I turned on the TV.
slÄ pÄ = turn on
Du mÄ fylle ut skjemaet.
You must fill out the form.
fylle ut = fill in/out
4Particle Position in Subordinate Clauses
In subordinate clauses, the particle stays with the verb and comes after any adverbs like 'ikke'. This differs from German where separable prefixes move to the end. The word order in subordinate clauses is: subject + adverb + verb + particle.
Particles in Subordinate Clauses
| Clause Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Main clause | Verb + particle | Han stÄr opp. |
| Subordinate | ...at + S + V + particle | ...at han stÄr opp |
| Main + ikke | V + ikke + particle | Han stÄr ikke opp. |
| Sub + ikke | ...at + S + ikke + V + particle | ...at han ikke stÄr opp |
Examples
Jeg vet at hun vÄkner opp tidlig.
I know that she wakes up early.
vÄkner opp stays together
Fordi han ikke stÄr opp, kommer han for sent.
Because he doesn't get up, he arrives late.
ikke before stÄr opp
Hun sa at de ikke ryddet opp.
She said that they didn't clean up.
ikke before ryddet opp
Hvis du ikke slÄr av lyset...
If you don't turn off the light...
ikke before slÄr av
Practice
Get 3 of 4 right to learn this lesson
Complete: 'Jeg ___ klokka syv.' (I get up at seven o'clock.)
Complete: 'Hun ___ lyset fÞr hun gÄr.' (She turns off the light before leaving.)
Complete: 'Maria ___ kÄpen.' (Maria puts on her coat.)
Which shows correct particle position? 'Fordi han ikke...'
See Real Examples in Stories
Now that you've practiced, see this grammar in context
