When is Nektelse med «ikke» used?

I leddsetninger kommer «ikke» foran verbet: «Jeg vet at han ikke snakker norsk.»

What are common mistakes with Nektelse med «ikke»?

🇬🇧 English speakers: 'ikke' is simpler than English — no 'do not / does not'. Just insert 'ikke' after the verb. Don't say 'Jeg ikke snakker' — that's the subordinate clause position. 🇷🇺 Russian speakers: Russian negation (не) comes before the verb; Norwegian 'ikke' comes after in main clauses. In subordinate clauses, 'ikke' also precedes — like Russian. 🇨🇿 Czech speakers: Czech 'ne-' prefix is very different. Norwegian uses a separate word 'ikke' placed after the verb.

Nektelse med «ikke» | Norwegian Grammar A1

Nektelse med «ikke»

A1 — Setningsstruktur

Norwegian negation uses 'ikke' placed after the verb in main clauses. With modal verbs: modal + ikke + infinitive. 'Ikke' moves before the verb in subordinate clauses.

Jeg kan bruke «ikke» riktig for å nekte påstander og med modale verb.

Norwegian negation uses 'ikke' placed after the verb in main clauses. With modal verbs: modal + ikke + infinitive. 'Ikke' moves before the verb in subordinate clauses.

Examples

Jeg snakker ikke norsk. — I do not speak Norwegian.
Jeg kan ikke svømme. — I cannot swim.
Jeg vet at han ikke er her. — I know that he is not here.

SetningsstrukturA1

Negation with «ikke»

Norwegian negation uses 'ikke' placed immediately after the finite verb in main clauses. With modals: modal + ikke + infinitive. In subordinate clauses, 'ikke' precedes the verb.

Learning Goal

I can use 'ikke' correctly to negate statements and with modal verbs.

Exam Skills:LeseforståelseLytteforståelseMuntligSkriftlig

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

Jeg snakker ikke norsk.

I do not speak Norwegian.

Jeg kan ikke svømme.

I cannot swim.

Jeg vet at han ikke er her.

I know that he is not here.

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

Negation with «ikke»

«Ikke» is placed after the finite verb in main clauses:

Positive	Negative
Jeg snakker norsk.	Jeg snakker ikke norsk.
Han er her.	Han er ikke her.
Jeg kan svømme.	Jeg kan ikke svømme.

In subordinate clauses, «ikke» comes before the verb:
«Jeg vet at han ikke snakker norsk.»

Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises

Practice Exercises

Don't place 'ikke' before the verb in main clauses — that's only correct in subordinate clauses. No 'do/does not' needed.

Common Error Patterns

Placed 'ikke' before the verb in a main clause

Used wrong negation strategy (e.g., prefix or auxiliary)

Jeg snakker ikke norsk.

I do not speak Norwegian.

'Ikke' comes directly after the finite verb in a main clause.

Jeg kan ikke svømme.

I cannot swim.

With modal verbs: modal + ikke + infinitive.

Jeg vet at han ikke er her.

I know that he is not here.

In subordinate clauses, 'ikke' comes before the verb.

Practice in course

Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises

A1 Course

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Put it into practice

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Frequently asked questions

When is Nektelse med «ikke» used?: I leddsetninger kommer «ikke» foran verbet: «Jeg vet at han ikke snakker norsk.»
What are common mistakes with Nektelse med «ikke»?: 🇬🇧 English speakers: 'ikke' is simpler than English — no 'do not / does not'. Just insert 'ikke' after the verb. Don't say 'Jeg ikke snakker' — that's the subordinate clause position. 🇷🇺 Russian speakers: Russian negation (не) comes before the verb; Norwegian 'ikke' comes after in main clauses. In subordinate clauses, 'ikke' also precedes — like Russian. 🇨🇿 Czech speakers: Czech 'ne-' prefix is very different. Norwegian uses a separate word 'ikke' placed after the verb.