SubstantivA1

Definite Singular

Norwegian definite articles are suffixed to the noun. Masculine: -en, feminine: -a or -en, neuter: -et.

Learning Goal

I can form the definite singular of Norwegian nouns with the correct suffix.

Exam Skills:LeseforståelseLytteforståelseMuntligSkriftlig

Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?

Bordet er stort.

The table is big.

Stolen er brun.

The chair is brown.

Boka er interessant.

The book is interesting.

Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?

Definite Singular

Norwegian adds the definite article as a suffix to the noun:

GenderIndefiniteDefinite
Masculineen stolstolen
Feminineei bokboka / boken
Neuteret bordbordet

Nouns ending in -e keep it: en gate → gaten.

Don't put 'en/ei/et' before the definite form — that's double-definite, only used with adjectives (den store stolen).

Common Error Patterns

Used incorrect definite suffix (-en vs -a vs -et)

Wrote 'en stolen' instead of 'stolen'

Bordet er stort.

The table is big.

et bord → bordet (neuter definite suffix -et).

Stolen er brun.

The chair is brown.

en stol → stolen (masculine definite suffix -en).

Boka er interessant.

The book is interesting.

ei bok → boka (feminine definite suffix -a; boken also accepted).

Practice in course

Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises

A1 Course
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