Norwegian Language/Introduction

Alphabet

The alphabet is largely the same as the English alphabet, with the addition of three vowels. These three vowels are added to the end of the alphabet:

• Ø
• Æ
• Å

Pronunciation

• J; The Norwegian J is given the pronunciation of the English y.

For example the Norwegian word, ja(yes) is pronounced yaw.

• RS; In standard bokmål the combination of an r and an s produces a 'sh' sound.

For example the norwegian word for the month March, Mars. Mars is pronounced similar to the English word marsh.

• KJ; The norwegian KJ sounds similar to a hissing sound followed by a y, the sound can also sound similar to the ch in the German language. this sound is also known as the voiceless velar fricative

For example the norwegian verb for driving, kjøre, is pronounced chyøre.

• Ø; Ø makes a sound similar to the i in the english bird or the o in work.
• Æ; Æ makes a sound similar to the a in the english dam or cat.
• Å; Å makes a sound similar to the o in the english corn.

Word Order

Statement

Word order in a basic Norwegian sentence follows the Subject Verb Object word order. This is also the same order typically used in English. A basic sentence would go as follows; " Jeg (I) spiser (eat) epler (apples)."

Interrogative

Interrogative sentences follow Verb Subject Object word order. In norwegian, 'Spiser du epler?' Word for word, that would translate to 'Eat you apples?', but it is as grammatically correct as 'Do you eat apples?' A basic interrogative sentence might be; " Spiser (Eat) du (you) epler (apples)?"