StudyNorwegian•Ko-fiGrammar / Your Norwegian journey
A1Nouns, adjectives and pronouns

Definite nouns

Distinguish a new item from an identifiable one.

Bokmål · nb-NO
GRAMMATIKK · BOKMÅL

Definite nouns

The definite article is added to the noun: en buss → bussen, et kort → kortet.

The rule, step by step

  1. Introduce a new item with en buss. Use bussen when the listener can identify it.
  2. Definiteness is marked at the end: masculine -en, feminine -a and neuter -et.
  3. A feminine noun may permit forms such as boka and boken. Check the noun rather than generalising one ending.

Sentence pattern

en buss → bussen · et hus → huset

Compare forms and usage
BokmålMeaning or use
en stol → stolena chair → the chair
ei bok → bokaa book → the book
en bok → bokenAnother permitted form
et rom → rommeta room → the room

Everyday examples

Example 1

Bussen kommer nå.

The bus is coming now.

Example 2

Huset er stort.

The house is big.

Example 3

Jeg kjøper en jakke. Jakka er blå.

I buy a jacket. The jacket is blue.

A common error or a difference in meaning

Form to review

Husen er stort.

Correct form for the intended meaning

Huset er stort.

Hus is neuter. Its definite form is huset, not husen.

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: et hus

Jeg har et hus. _____ er lite.

SETT I REKKEFØLGE

Rebuild the example, starting with “Bussen”: The bus is coming now.

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Continue with the same subject

Indefinite articles A1Comparisons A2Adjective agreement A1Plural nouns A1

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