uttaleA1
Vokallengde og dobbeltkonsonant
[Vowel Length and Double Consonants]The core rule of Norwegian phonology: one consonant after a vowel produces a LONG vowel (tak, mat). Two or more consonants create a SHORT vowel (takk, matt). Vowel length distinguishes meaning!
1. The Fundamental Vowel Length Rule
Pattern
Vokal + 1 konsonant(Vowel + 1 consonant)
Vowel Duration
LANG vokal (trukket ut)(LONG vowel (extended))
Word Examples (with translation)
tak, mat, pen, like, bake(roof, food, pretty, like, bake)
Pattern
Vokal + 2+ konsonanter (dobbeltkonsonant)(Vowel + 2+ consonants (double consonant))
Vowel Duration
KORT vokal (kort og kontant)(SHORT vowel (abrupt))
Word Examples (with translation)
takk, matt, penn, lykke, bakke(thanks, dull, pen, happiness, hill)
| Pattern | Vowel Duration | Word Examples (with translation) |
|---|---|---|
Vokal + 1 konsonantVowel + 1 consonant | LANG vokal (trukket ut)LONG vowel (extended) | tak, mat, pen, like, bakeroof, food, pretty, like, bake |
Vokal + 2+ konsonanter (dobbeltkonsonant)Vowel + 2+ consonants (double consonant) | KORT vokal (kort og kontant)SHORT vowel (abrupt) | takk, matt, penn, lykke, bakkethanks, dull, pen, happiness, hill |
2. Minimal Pairs Distinguishing Meaning
Long Vowel (1 Consonant)
tak /ta:k/(roof / ceiling)
Short Vowel (2 Consonants)
takk /tak/(thanks)
Long Vowel (1 Consonant)
mat /ma:t/(food / meal)
Short Vowel (2 Consonants)
matt /mat/(dull / faint)
Long Vowel (1 Consonant)
pen /pe:n/(pretty / handsome)
Short Vowel (2 Consonants)
penn /pen/(pen)
Long Vowel (1 Consonant)
hat /ha:t/(hatred)
Short Vowel (2 Consonants)
hatt /hat/(hat)
| Long Vowel (1 Consonant) | Short Vowel (2 Consonants) |
|---|---|
tak /ta:k/roof / ceiling | takk /tak/thanks |
mat /ma:t/food / meal | matt /mat/dull / faint |
pen /pe:n/pretty / handsome | penn /pen/pen |
hat /ha:t/hatred | hatt /hat/hat |