Passive Voice
Learn to form and use the Norwegian passive voice with 'bli' + past participle and the s-passive. Understand when to use each passive construction.
1Two Types of Passive
Norwegian has two ways to form passive: the "bli-passive" (bli + past participle) and the "s-passive" (verb + s). Both shift focus from who does the action to what is done. The bli-passive is more common for single events, while the s-passive is often used for general statements, rules, and habits.
Examples
Boka blir lest av mange.
The book is read by many.
bli-passive: bli + past participle
Boka leses av mange.
The book is read by many.
s-passive: verb + s
Huset ble bygget i 1990.
The house was built in 1990.
bli-passive in past tense
Norsk snakkes i Norge.
Norwegian is spoken in Norway.
s-passive for general facts
2Bli-Passive Formation
The bli-passive is formed with the verb "bli" (become) + past participle. "Bli" is conjugated for tense: blir (present), ble (past), har blitt (present perfect). This passive emphasizes the process or event of something happening.
Examples
Maten blir laget nå.
The food is being made now.
blir + past participle (present)
Bilen ble solgt i går.
The car was sold yesterday.
ble + past participle (past)
Vinduet har blitt knust.
The window has been broken.
har blitt + past participle (perfect)
Problemet vil bli løst.
The problem will be solved.
vil bli + past participle (future)
3S-Passive Formation
The s-passive is formed by adding -s to the verb. For infinitives ending in -e, replace -e with -es. For other verbs, add -s. This passive is simpler but has limited use. Note: The s-passive is rarely used in past tense. Use bli-passive for past events.
Examples
Dørene åpnes kl. 9.
The doors open at 9.
åpne → åpnes (infinitive -e → -es)
Her snakkes det norsk.
Norwegian is spoken here.
snakke → snakkes
Det selges brukte bøker her.
Used books are sold here.
selge → selges
Billetter kjøpes på nettet.
Tickets are bought online.
kjøpe → kjøpes
4When to Use Each Passive
Use bli-passive for: specific events, past actions, and when emphasizing the action happening. Use s-passive for: general statements, rules, signs, instructions, and habitual actions. In everyday speech, bli-passive is more common. S-passive sounds more formal or written.
Examples
Butikken åpnes kl. 10.
The store opens at 10.
s-passive for regular schedule
Butikken ble åpnet av ordføreren.
The store was opened by the mayor.
bli-passive for specific event
Røyking forbudt. (Reklame)
Smoking prohibited.
s-passive implied in signs
Pakken blir sendt i morgen.
The package will be sent tomorrow.
bli-passive for future event
5The Agent with 'av'
To mention who performs the action (the agent), use "av" (by). However, passive is often used precisely to omit the agent, so this isn't always necessary. If you need to emphasize who did something, consider using active voice instead.
Examples
Boka ble skrevet av Ibsen.
The book was written by Ibsen.
av + agent
Maten lages av kokken.
The food is made by the chef.
s-passive + av
Huset ble bygget av min bestefar.
The house was built by my grandfather.
av for agent in past
Bilen ble stjålet.
The car was stolen.
No agent (unknown who did it)