Norwegian plural: indefinite plural adds -er (most nouns) or -r (nouns ending in -e); et-nouns are unchanged. Definite plural: -ene (most), -a (et-nouns).
I can form indefinite and definite plurals of Norwegian nouns.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Jeg ser tre stoler.
I see three chairs.
Mange barn leker ute.
Many children are playing outside.
Barna sover allerede.
The children are already sleeping.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
| Type | Indef. Sing. | Indef. Plural | Def. Plural |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masculine | en stol | stoler | stolene |
| Feminine | ei jente | jenter | jentene |
| Neuter | et barn | barn | barna |
| Ending -e | en gate | gater | gatene |
Note: Many neuter nouns have zero plural (barn→barn). Definite plural of neuters: -a (barna).
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises
Practice ExercisesEt-nouns (barn, hus) have zero indefinite plural — don't add -er. Definite plural of et-nouns is -a, not -ene.
Added -er to et-noun or used -ene for et-noun definite plural
Used indefinite plural where definite is required
Jeg ser tre stoler.
I see three chairs.
en stol → stoler (indefinite plural with -er).
Mange barn leker ute.
Many children are playing outside.
et barn → barn (zero plural for neuter nouns).
Barna sover allerede.
The children are already sleeping.
barn → barna (definite plural of neuter nouns: -a).
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Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises