Subordinate Clause Word Order
Leddsetningsrekkefølge
In subordinate clauses (after fordi, at, når, hvis, etc.), 'ikke' and other adverbs move BEFORE the verb: 'fordi jeg ikke liker fisk' (because I not like fish). This is the opposite of main clause order.
Rule
conjunction + subject + ikke/adverb + verb + object
Examples
...fordi jeg ikke liker fisk.
...because I don't like fish.
...når han alltid jobber.
...when he always works.
...hvis du ikke forstår.
...if you don't understand.
Common Mistake
...fordi jeg liker ikke fisk.
...fordi jeg ikke liker fisk.
Main clause order puts 'ikke' after the verb. In subordinate clauses, 'ikke' must move before the verb. This is a critical Norwegian grammar rule.
English vs Norwegian
| English | Norsk |
|---|---|
| ...because I don't like fish. | ...fordi jeg ikke liker fisk. |
| ...when he always works. | ...når han alltid jobber. |
| ...if you don't understand. | ...hvis du ikke forstår. |
English
...because I don't like fish.
Norsk
...fordi jeg ikke liker fisk.
English
...when he always works.
Norsk
...når han alltid jobber.
English
...if you don't understand.
Norsk
...hvis du ikke forstår.