B1 Norwegian GrammarDouble Infinitive Construction
Master Norwegian double infinitive constructions used in perfect tenses with modal verbs. Learn when to use the infinitive form instead of the past participle, and understand verb chain patterns for expressing past abilities and obligations.
1Perfect Tense with Modal Verbs
In Norwegian, when modal verbs (kunne, ville, skulle, måtte, burde) are used in the perfect tense with another verb, the modal keeps its infinitive form instead of becoming a past participle. This creates a double infinitive: 'har kunnet gjøre' (have been able to do).
Modal Verbs in Perfect
| Modal | Perfect Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| kunne (can) | har kunnet | har kunnet gjøre |
| ville (will) | har villet | har villet reise |
| skulle (shall) | har skullet | har skullet arbeide |
| måtte (must) | har måttet | har måttet vente |
Examples
Jeg har ikke kunnet komme.
I have not been able to come.
kunnet stays as infinitive
Han har villet hjelpe oss.
He has wanted to help us.
villet + hjelpe
Vi har skullet arbeide hele dagen.
We have had to work all day.
skullet in perfect
De har måttet vente i timevis.
They have had to wait for hours.
måttet keeps infinitive form
2Word Order with Double Infinitive
In main clauses, 'har/hadde' takes second position (V2), with the double infinitive at the end. In subordinate clauses, the word order changes: subject first, then adverbs/negation, then 'har', then the double infinitive. Adverbs like 'ikke' go before the verb group.
Word Order Patterns
| Clause Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Main | S + har + ... + modal + inf | Jeg har kunnet svømme |
| Negation | S + har + ikke + modal + inf | Jeg har ikke kunnet svømme |
| Subordinate | at S + ikke + har + modal + inf | at jeg ikke har kunnet |
| Question | Har + S + modal + inf? | Har du kunnet gjøre det? |
Examples
Jeg har alltid villet lære norsk.
I have always wanted to learn Norwegian.
adverb before double infinitive
Hun sier at hun har skullet gå.
She says that she has had to leave.
subordinate clause
Har du kunnet finne veien?
Have you been able to find the way?
question form
Jeg vet at han ikke har villet komme.
I know that he has not wanted to come.
negation in subordinate
3Past Perfect with Modals
The past perfect (pluperfect) uses 'hadde' instead of 'har'. The same double infinitive rule applies: 'hadde kunnet gjøre'. Use this for abilities or necessities that existed before another past event, often in conditional sentences.
Pluperfect Modal Forms
| Modal | Pluperfect | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| kunne | hadde kunnet | had been able to |
| ville | hadde villet | had wanted to |
| skulle | hadde skullet | had been supposed to |
| burde | hadde burdet | should have |
Examples
Jeg hadde kunnet hjelpe hvis du hadde spurt.
I could have helped if you had asked.
conditional meaning
Hun hadde villet bli, men hun måtte gå.
She had wanted to stay, but she had to leave.
past wish vs necessity
Vi hadde skullet være der klokka ti.
We had been supposed to be there at ten.
past obligation
De hadde aldri kunnet forestille seg det.
They had never been able to imagine it.
aldri + pluperfect
4Common Expressions and Usage
Double infinitive constructions appear frequently in Norwegian, especially for expressing past abilities, unfulfilled wishes, or obligations. They are common in storytelling and when explaining what should or could have happened. Listen for these patterns in spoken Norwegian.
Common Double Infinitive Phrases
| Norwegian | English | Context |
|---|---|---|
| har kunnet se | have been able to see | past ability |
| har villet ha | have wanted to have | past desire |
| har skullet gjøre | have had to do | past necessity |
| har burdet si | should have said | past advice |
Examples
Jeg har aldri kunnet like kaffe.
I have never been able to like coffee.
lifelong inability
Han har hele tiden villet fortelle deg det.
He has wanted to tell you all along.
ongoing past desire
Vi har dessverre ikke kunnet finne løsningen.
Unfortunately, we have not been able to find the solution.
polite negative
Du har burdet ringe til henne.
You should have called her.
giving past advice