StudyNorwegian•Ko-fiGrammar / Your Norwegian journey
B1Connections and meaning

Although: selv om

Express an unexpected contrast with selv om.

Bokmål · nb-NO
GRAMMATIKK · BOKMÅL

Although: selv om

Selv om introduces a contrast and a subordinate clause, where ikke precedes the verb: Selv om hun ikke var rolig, svarte hun tydelig.

The rule, step by step

  1. Selv om links a situation to an unexpected outcome: rain, but we went out.
  2. The selv om clause is subordinate, so ikke comes before its finite verb.
  3. When it comes first, follow it with a comma and the main-clause verb before its subject.

Sentence pattern

Selv om + subject + … , verb + subject + …

Compare forms and usage
BokmålMeaning or use
Selv om det regner, går vi ut.Although it is raining, we go out.
Vi går ut selv om det regner.Main clause first
selv om hun ikke er ferdigalthough she is not finished

Everyday examples

Example 1

Selv om det regner, går vi en tur.

Although it is raining, we go for a walk.

Example 2

Hun kommer selv om hun ikke har tid.

She is coming although she does not have time.

Example 3

Selv om jeg er trøtt, lager jeg middag.

Although I am tired, I make dinner.

A common error or a difference in meaning

Form to review

Selv om det regner, vi går en tur.

Correct form for the intended meaning

Selv om det regner, går vi en tur.

The whole selv om clause is the first constituent, so går precedes vi in the main clause.

Put the rule into practice

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VELG

Choose the form that fits the rule and meaning explained in this lesson.

FYLL INN

Complete the gap using the appropriate form of the given word.

Given word: gå

Selv om det er kaldt, _____ vi en tur.

SETT I REKKEFØLGE

Rebuild the example, starting with “Selv”: Although it is raining, we go for a walk.

…

Continue with the same subject

Because: fordi A2Not only … also B2Logical connectors B1Conditional clauses B1

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