Adjective Definite Form
Adjektiv i bestemt form
When a noun is definite and has an adjective, Norwegian uses double determination: den/det/de + adjective with -e ending + noun with definite suffix. This pattern is essential for describing specific things.
Rule
den/det/de + adjective-e + noun-en/et/ene
Examples
den store gutten
the big boy
det røde huset
the red house
de små barna
the small children
Den nye bilen er fin.
The new car is nice.
Det gamle treet står i hagen.
The old tree stands in the garden.
De unge jentene spiller fotball.
The young girls play football.
Feil: den stor gutt. Riktig: den store gutten.
Wrong: the big boy (no agreement). Correct: the big boy (full agreement).
Common Mistake
den stor gutt
den store gutten
In the definite form with an adjective, you need three things: the determiner (den/det/de), the adjective with -e ending, AND the noun with its definite suffix.
English vs Norwegian
| English | Norsk |
|---|---|
| the big boy | den store gutten |
| the red house | det røde huset |
| the small children | de små barna |
| The new car is nice. | Den nye bilen er fin. |
| The old tree stands in the garden. | Det gamle treet står i hagen. |
| The young girls play football. | De unge jentene spiller fotball. |
| Wrong: the big boy (no agreement). Correct: the big boy (full agreement). | Feil: den stor gutt. Riktig: den store gutten. |
English
the big boy
Norsk
den store gutten
English
the red house
Norsk
det røde huset
English
the small children
Norsk
de små barna
English
The new car is nice.
Norsk
Den nye bilen er fin.
English
The old tree stands in the garden.
Norsk
Det gamle treet står i hagen.
English
The young girls play football.
Norsk
De unge jentene spiller fotball.
English
Wrong: the big boy (no agreement). Correct: the big boy (full agreement).
Norsk
Feil: den stor gutt. Riktig: den store gutten.