Complex Subordination
Kompleks underordning
Multiple subordinate clauses and nested structures: 'Han sa at han trodde at det var sant' (He said that he thought that it was true). Understanding clause hierarchy is essential for advanced comprehension.
Rule
Main + at/som/fordi + sub1 + at/som + sub2
Examples
Jeg vet at han tror at det er riktig.
I know that he thinks it is right.
Boken som hun leste da hun var ung.
The book she read when she was young.
Fordi han mente at prisen var for høy.
Because he thought the price was too high.
Common Mistake
Jeg vet at han tror det er riktig. (omitting second 'at' in formal writing)
Jeg vet at han tror at det er riktig.
In formal/written Norwegian, each subordinate layer should retain its 'at'. Dropping it is fine in speech but can create ambiguity in writing.
English vs Norwegian
| English | Norsk |
|---|---|
| I know that he thinks it is right. | Jeg vet at han tror at det er riktig. |
| The book she read when she was young. | Boken som hun leste da hun var ung. |
| Because he thought the price was too high. | Fordi han mente at prisen var for høy. |
English
I know that he thinks it is right.
Norsk
Jeg vet at han tror at det er riktig.
English
The book she read when she was young.
Norsk
Boken som hun leste da hun var ung.
English
Because he thought the price was too high.
Norsk
Fordi han mente at prisen var for høy.