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A1Sentences and questions

Negation and the position of ikke

Negate a simple statement, then compare it with a subordinate clause.

Bokmål · nb-NO
GRAMMATIKK · BOKMÅL

Negation and the position of ikke

In a main clause, ikke normally follows the finite verb; with an inverted subject pronoun it follows the pronoun. In a subordinate clause, it precedes the finite verb.

The rule, step by step

  1. In a simple main clause, put ikke after the finite verb: Jeg jobber ikke.
  2. With a modal: Jeg kan ikke komme. With an inverted pronoun subject: I dag kan jeg ikke komme.
  3. Subordinate clauses differ: fordi jeg ikke kan komme. This comparison is a useful B1 extension.

Sentence pattern

Jeg + kommer + ikke / at + jeg + ikke + kommer

Compare forms and usage
BokmålMeaning or use
Jeg jobber ikke.Main clause
I dag jobber jeg ikke.Inversion with a pronoun
fordi jeg ikke jobberSubordinate clause

Everyday examples

Example 1

Jeg kommer ikke i dag.

I am not coming today.

Example 2

I dag kan jeg ikke komme.

Today I cannot come.

Example 3

Hun sier at hun ikke kommer.

She says that she is not coming.

Example 4

Vi har ikke tid nå.

We do not have time now.

A common error or a difference in meaning

Form to review

Jeg ikke snakker norsk.

Correct form for the intended meaning

Jeg snakker ikke norsk.

In a main statement, snakker comes before ikke, not after it.

Put the rule into practice

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Personal review progress on this device. It does not complete a reading lesson or award XP.

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: ikke

Jeg snakker _____ norsk.

SETT I REKKEFØLGE

Rebuild the example, starting with “Jeg”: I am not coming today.

…

Continue with the same subject

Verb-second word order A1Yes/no questions A1The dummy subject det A1Subordinate clauses with at B1

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