Det er / Det finnes | Norwegian Grammar A1

Det er / Det finnes

A1 — Setningsstruktur

Expressing existence with 'det er' (there is/are, specific) and 'det finnes' (there exist/are, general) in Norwegian.

I can use 'det er' and 'det finnes' to express existence and location.

Expressing existence with 'det er' (there is/are, specific) and 'det finnes' (there exist/are, general) in Norwegian.

Examples

SetningsstrukturA1

Expressing existence with 'det er' (specific) and 'det finnes' (general) in Norwegian.

Learning Goal

I can use 'det er' and 'det finnes' to express existence.

Exam Skills:LeseforståelseLytteforståelseMuntligSkriftlig

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

Det er en restaurant i nærheten.

There is a restaurant nearby.

Det finnes mange fjorder i Norge.

There are many fjords in Norway.

Det er ikke noen kafé her.

There is no café here.

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

Norwegian uses two expressions for existence:

Det er = there is/are (specific, located): 'Det er en bok på bordet.'
Det finnes = there exist(s) (general, as a fact): 'Det finnes mange fjorder i Norge.'

Negation: Det er ikke... / Det finnes ikke...

Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises

🇬🇧 Both map to 'there is/are' in English. Use 'det er' for locations, 'det finnes' for general facts.

Confusing 'det er' (specific) with 'det finnes' (general)

det er = there is (specific location); det finnes = there exists (general truth)

Incorrect negation of existence sentences

Add 'ikke' after 'er/finnes': Det er ikke... / Det finnes ikke...

Det er en restaurant i nærheten.

There is a restaurant nearby.

'Det er' for specific/local existence

Det finnes mange fjorder i Norge.

There are many fjords in Norway.

'Det finnes' for general existence (a fact about the world)

Det er ikke noen kafé her.

There is no café here.

Negation of 'det er' with 'ikke noen'

Practice in course

Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises