substantivA1
Bestemt eller ubestemt form
[Definite vs. Indefinite Form]Use the indefinite form for new or unfamiliar information. Use the definite form when the noun is known from context, previously mentioned, or unique.
1. When to Use the Indefinite Form
A. First mention (new information):
Jeg har kjøpt en ny jakke.I bought a new jacket.
Det står en mann utenfor butikken.There is a man standing outside the shop.
B. After numbers and quantifiers (mange, noen, ingen, flere, få):
Jeg har tre søstre og to brødre.I have three sisters and two brothers.
Det er mange turister i Oslo om sommeren.There are many tourists in Oslo in the summer.
Har du noen spørsmål?Do you have any questions?
C. Professions and nationalities (without adjective):
Han er lege. (IKKE: Han er en lege)He is a doctor.
Hun er ukrainer. / Han er nordmann.She is Ukrainian. / He is Norwegian.
MEN med adjektiv: Han er en flink lege.BUT with adjective: He is a skilled doctor.
2. When to Use the Definite Form
A. Previously mentioned / Known from context:
Jeg så en film i går. Filmen var veldig spennende.I saw a movie yesterday. The movie was very exciting.
Hun kjøpte ei bok. Boka kostet 200 kroner.She bought a book. The book cost 200 kroner.
B. Unique things or evident in the situation:
Sola skinner i dag.The sun is shining today.
Kan du lukke vinduet? (det vinduet i dette rommet)Can you close the window? (in this room)
Statsministeren holdt en tale.The Prime Minister gave a speech.
C. Body parts and personal clothing items:
Jeg har vondt i hodet. (IKKE: i mitt hode)I have a headache.
Han tok på seg jakka. (IKKE: si jakke)He put on his jacket.
Hun vasker hendene.She washes her hands.
Remember: after demonstratives 'denne / dette / disse', Norwegian nouns must be in DEFINITE form: denne bilen, dette huset, disse bøkene.