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

Plural nouns

Form noun plurals without assuming one universal ending.

Bokmål · nb-NO
GRAMMATIKK · BOKMÅL

Plural nouns

Many plurals end in -er: en venn → venner. Some nouns are irregular, such as barn, which does not change.

The rule, step by step

  1. Many nouns take -(e)r in the plural: bil → biler. This is not a rule for every noun.
  2. Many short neuter nouns stay unchanged, such as hus → hus. Others change their stem, as in mann → menn.
  3. Learn four noun forms: indefinite singular, definite singular, indefinite plural and definite plural.

Sentence pattern

en venn → venner · et barn → barn

Compare forms and usage
BokmålMeaning or use
en bil → bilen → biler → bilenecar
et hus → huset → hus → husenehouse
et barn → barnet → barn → barnachild
en mann → mannen → menn → menneneman

Everyday examples

Example 1

Jeg har to venner i Oslo.

I have two friends in Oslo.

Example 2

Hun har tre barn.

She has three children.

Example 3

Det er mange biler utenfor huset.

There are many cars outside the house.

A common error or a difference in meaning

Form to review

Hun har tre barner.

Correct form for the intended meaning

Hun har tre barn.

The plural of barn is barn. Barner is not the standard form.

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 barn

Hun har to _____.

SETT I REKKEFØLGE

Rebuild the example, starting with “Jeg”: I have two friends in Oslo.

…

Continue with the same subject

Indefinite articles A1Comparisons A2Definite nouns A1Adjective agreement A1

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