Discourse Markers
Diskursmarkører
Words that organize speech and text: 'altså' (so/that is), 'liksom' (like/sort of), 'dessuten' (besides), 'derimot' (on the other hand), 'nemlig' (namely). Essential for natural-sounding Norwegian.
Rule
Marker + clause (some trigger V2 inversion)
Examples
Dessuten er det for dyrt.
Besides, it is too expensive.
Han er nemlig lege.
He is, namely, a doctor.
Derimot liker hun kaffe.
On the other hand, she likes coffee.
Common Mistake
Dessuten det er for dyrt.
Dessuten er det for dyrt.
Many discourse markers occupy position 1 and trigger V2 inversion. After 'dessuten', the verb must come second, inverting with the subject.
English vs Norwegian
| English | Norsk |
|---|---|
| Besides, it is too expensive. | Dessuten er det for dyrt. |
| He is, namely, a doctor. | Han er nemlig lege. |
| On the other hand, she likes coffee. | Derimot liker hun kaffe. |
English
Besides, it is too expensive.
Norsk
Dessuten er det for dyrt.
English
He is, namely, a doctor.
Norsk
Han er nemlig lege.
English
On the other hand, she likes coffee.
Norsk
Derimot liker hun kaffe.