Norskprøven Writing Tips Mastering Prepositions

Navigating the intricacies of Norwegian prepositions can feel like charting a course through a dense fog. For those preparing for the Norskprøven, a solid understanding of these small, yet powerful, words is not merely advantageous; it’s a cornerstone of effective communication. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to mastering Norwegian prepositions, offering practical strategies and insights to bolster your confidence for the exam.

Prepositions, in their essence, are the glue that binds words together, establishing relationships of place, time, direction, and more. In Norwegian, as in many languages, they are crucial for constructing clear and accurate sentences. Overlooking their proper usage can lead to misunderstandings, much like mistaking a clear landmark for a shadow. Pass the Norskprøven with confidence—register at NLS Norwegian Language School now.

The Foundation: What is a Preposition?

At its core, a preposition is a word or group of words used before a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase to show direction, time, place, location, spatial relationships, or to introduce an object. They form a prepositional phrase, which functions as an adverb or an adjective.

Examples of Common Prepositional Phrases

“på bordet” (on the table) – indicates location.
“i går” (yesterday) – indicates time.
“til Oslo” (to Oslo) – indicates direction.

Why Prepositions Matter for the Norskprøven

The Norskprøven assesses a candidate’s ability to use Norwegian effectively in various contexts. Errors in preposition usage can significantly impact your score, especially in the writing and speaking sections. Demonstrating a nuanced understanding of prepositions signals a higher level of linguistic competence, moving you beyond basic sentence construction to more sophisticated expression.

Impact on Written Communication

In written tasks, incorrect prepositions can transform a well-intentioned message into something ambiguous or nonsensical. For instance, saying someone is “i Norge” (in Norway) when you mean they are “i Norge” (in Norway – often used for being inside the country) can subtly alter the meaning. The Norskprøven writing section requires precision, and prepositions are a key area where this precision is tested.

Impact on Spoken Communication

Similarly, in oral assessments, the incorrect use of prepositions can lead to communication breakdowns. A native speaker or examiner will notice these slips, which can detract from the overall impression of fluency and accuracy.

Common Norwegian Prepositions and Their Meanings

Norwegian prepositions, while sharing some similarities with their English counterparts, also possess distinct uses and idiomatic applications. Mastering these nuances is a vital step in preparing for the Norskprøven.

Key Prepositions and Their Variations

The following prepositions are frequently encountered and require careful attention:

I: Often translates to “in” or “at.” It signifies being inside something, within a place, or at a specific time.
I huset (in the house)
I byen (in the city)
I ferien (during the holiday)
I dag (today), i morgen (tomorrow), i går (yesterday)

På: Frequently translates to “on” or “at.” It is used for surfaces, events, and institutions.
På bordet (on the table)
På konsert (at a concert)
På skolen (at school)
På nett (online)

Til: Typically translates to “to,” “for,” or “until.” It indicates direction, destination, purpose, or a point in time.
Til Oslo (to Oslo)
Til deg (for you)
Til mandag (until Monday)

Av: Generally translates to “of,” “from,” or “by.” It can indicate origin, cause, or agency.
En gave av meg (a gift from me)
Laget av tre (made of wood)
Slått av [en person] (defeated by [a person])

Med: Generally translates to “with” or “by.” It denotes accompaniment, method, or instruments.
Med venner (with friends)
Med tog (by train)
Skrevet med penn (written with a pen)

Før: Translates to “before.” It is used for time and, less commonly, for order.
Før klokken fem (before five o’clock)
Før meg (before me)

Etter: Translates to “after.” It is used for time, sequence, and consequence.
Etter middag (after dinner)
Etter ulykken (after the accident)

Om: Has a variety of uses, including “about,” “around,” “in,” and “every.”
Snakke om været (to talk about the weather)
Rundt hjørnet (around the corner)
Hver dag (every day – used with certain time expressions)

Idiomatic Expressions and Fixed Phrases

Norwegian, like any language, is peppered with idiomatic expressions where prepositions are fixed and cannot be substituted. These are often learned through exposure and memorisation.

Examples of Idiomatic Usage

Være glad i noen (to be fond of someone; literally “to be glad in someone”)
Være lei av noe (to be tired of something; literally “to be sad of something”)
Å tenke på noe (to think about something)

Strategies for Mastering Norwegian Prepositions for the Norskprøven

Approaching the learning of prepositions systematically will yield better results than haphazard memorisation. Employing a range of strategies will solidify your understanding and application.

Active Learning and Practice

Passive reading or listening is insufficient. You must actively engage with the material.

The Power of Sentence Building

Construct new sentences using target prepositions. Aim for variety in your sentence structures and vocabulary.

Exercise: Constructing Sentences with ’til’

Write five sentences about your weekend plans using the preposition “til.” For example: “Jeg skal reise til hytta.” (I am going to travel to the cabin.)

Using Flashcards Effectively

Create flashcards with a Norwegian preposition on one side and its English translation and common usage examples on the other. Regularly review these cards until the usage becomes second nature.

Contextual Learning

Prepositions rarely exist in isolation. Their meaning and usage are heavily influenced by the surrounding words and the overall context of the sentence.

Analysing Textual Examples

When reading Norwegian texts (books, articles, websites), consciously identify prepositions and analyse their function within the sentence and the broader meaning. Highlight them and make notes.

Observing Prepositions in News Articles

Choose a recent Norwegian news article and identify all the prepositions used. Write down the sentences containing them and try to explain why that specific preposition was chosen.

The Role of Verbs in Preposition Choice

Certain verbs are often followed by specific prepositions. Learning these verb-preposition collocations is a highly effective strategy.

Common Verb-Preposition Collocations

Å snakke med/om (to speak with/about)
Å spørre om (to ask about)
Å le av (to laugh at)
Å bekymre seg for (to worry about)

Understanding Grammatical Structures

While rote memorisation plays a part, a deeper understanding of how prepositions interact with other grammatical elements will prove invaluable.

Prepositions and Case Usage

In Norwegian, prepositions govern certain grammatical cases, although this is less pronounced than in languages like German. However, understanding the noun or pronoun that follows the preposition is still important for clarity.

The Definite Article and Prepositions

Pay attention to how prepositions combine with definite articles, particularly when the preposition ends in a vowel and the article begins with one (e.g., “på” + “en” often becomes “på en”).

Prepositional Phrases as Adverbs and Adjectives

Recognise how prepositional phrases modify other parts of speech. This understanding helps in both comprehending and constructing complex sentences.

Identifying Adverbial vs. Adjectival Phrases

“Han bor i Oslo.” (He lives in Oslo.) – “i Oslo” acts as an adverb, telling us where he lives.
“Boken på bordet er min.” (The book on the table is mine.) – “på bordet” acts as an adjective, describing “boken.”

Tackling Common Pitfalls

Certain prepositional usages can be particularly challenging for learners. Identifying and actively addressing these can prevent common errors.

‘I’ vs. ‘På’ for Locations and Time

This is a perennial challenge. While general rules exist, there are many exceptions and idiomatic uses that require memorisation.

Rule of Thumb for ‘I’ vs. ‘På’

‘I’ for enclosed spaces, countries, cities, continents, and periods of time (days of the week, months, seasons).
‘På’ for surfaces, names of islands, specific events, institutions, and certain abstract concepts.

Exceptions to the Rule

På fjellet (in the mountains) – despite being enclosed, “på” is used.
På mandag (on Monday) – “på” is used for days of the week, contrary to the “i” rule for periods.

Directional Prepositions: ‘Til’, ‘Inn i’, ‘Ut av’

Understanding the subtle differences between direct movement and movement into/out of a space is critical.

When to Use ‘Til’

Use “til” for a destination, a general direction, or to indicate “for” someone.

“Vi skal til stranden.” (We are going to the beach.)

When to Use ‘Inn i’ and ‘Ut av’

Use “inn i” for moving into an enclosed space and “ut av” for moving out of an enclosed space.

“Han gikk inn i huset.” (He went into the house.)
“Hun kom ut av bilen.” (She came out of the car.)

The NLS Norwegian Language School: Your Ally in Preparation

For learners seeking a structured and expert-guided approach to mastering Norwegian, especially for the Norskprøven, the NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo offers a specialised solution.

The Norskprøven Preparation Course: A Deep Dive

The NLS Norwegian Language School stands out with its specialised Norwegian Test Preparation course. Designed for those aspiring to master the Norwegian language, this course is a beacon for learners aiming to conquer the Norskprøven, a pivotal test for proving language proficiency in Norway. This program is tailored for students at various stages of language mastery, aligning with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) standards.

Focused Curriculum on Norskprøven Requirements

This course is meticulously crafted to cover all aspects of the Norskprøven, with a particular emphasis on areas that frequently pose challenges to candidates, such as prepositions. Instructors are experienced in identifying common errors and providing targeted instruction to rectify them.

Mock Tests for Realistic Exam Simulation

Crucially, our Norskprøven course includes mock tests to help students prepare and pass. These simulations are designed to replicate the actual exam conditions, allowing students to familiarise themselves with the format, time constraints, and types of questions they will encounter. This practical experience is invaluable in building confidence and identifying areas for further study.

Expert Instruction and personalised Feedback

The NLS school prides itself on providing high-quality instruction from experienced teachers who understand the nuances of the Norwegian language and the specific demands of the Norskprøven.

Individualised Attention

Class sizes are kept manageable, enabling instructors to provide individual attention and personalised feedback. This allows for the identification of each student’s unique strengths and weaknesses, particularly in the often-tricky domain of prepositions.

Targeted Practice and Remediation

Based on performance in mock tests and classroom exercises, instructors can offer targeted practice sessions and remedial instruction to shore up any perceived gaps in knowledge, especially concerning prepositional usage.

Advanced Topics and Nuances

Once you have a firm grasp of the fundamentals, delving into more advanced aspects of Norwegian prepositions will further refine your proficiency and prepare you for the more demanding sections of the Norskprøven.

Prepositions in Complex Sentence Structures

Mastering how prepositions function within subordinate clauses, relative clauses, and with participial phrases is key to achieving higher-level fluency.

Subordinate Clauses and Prepositions

Prepositions can introduce subordinate clauses, influencing the overall structure and meaning of the sentence.

Example: Using ‘før’ and ‘etter’ in subordinate clauses

“Jeg vil ringe deg før jeg drar.” (I will call you before I leave.)
“Vi kan spise etter at vi har ryddet opp.” (We can eat after we have cleaned up.)

The Passive Voice and Prepositions

The passive voice in Norwegian often involves different prepositional constructions than the active voice.

Common Passive Constructions

“Boken ble skrevet av en kjent forfatter.” (The book was written by a famous author.)
“Saken blir diskutert med politikerne.” (The matter is being discussed with the politicians.)

Idiomatic Prepositional Phrases in Advanced Contexts

Beyond simple phrases, there are more complex idiomatic expressions that are crucial for advanced learners.

Metaphorical and Abstract Uses

Prepositions often take on metaphorical meanings in abstract contexts. For instance, “å være uten håp” (to be without hope).

Exploring Figurative Language

Pay attention to how prepositions are used in literature, poetry, and formal speeches to convey abstract ideas and emotions.

Conclusion: Consolidating Your Knowledge for Success

Tip	Description	Example	Common Mistake
Understand Preposition Usage	Learn the correct prepositions that commonly follow verbs, nouns, and adjectives.	“Jeg er interessert i norsk.” (I am interested in Norwegian.)	Using incorrect prepositions like “interessert på” instead of “interessert i”.
Practice Fixed Expressions	Memorise common phrases and collocations with prepositions.	“på skolen” (at school), “til byen” (to the city)	Mixing up prepositions in fixed expressions, e.g., “i skolen” instead of “på skolen”.
Use Context Clues	Determine the correct preposition by understanding the context of the sentence.	“Han går til butikken.” (He goes to the shop.)	Choosing prepositions that do not fit the context, e.g., “på butikken” when indicating movement.
Review Prepositional Phrases	Study common prepositional phrases to improve fluency and accuracy.	“i løpet av dagen” (during the day)	Omitting prepositions or using wrong ones in phrases.
Practice Writing Sentences	Write sentences using different prepositions to reinforce learning.	“Vi snakker om været.” (We talk about the weather.)	Incorrect preposition usage leading to unclear meaning.

Mastering Norwegian prepositions for the Norskprøven is a journey that requires dedication, strategic learning, and consistent practice. By understanding their fundamental roles, exploring common usages, employing effective learning strategies, and seeking expert guidance, you can navigate this linguistic terrain with confidence. The NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo, with its specialised Norwegian Test Preparation course, offers an unparalleled opportunity to refine your skills, particularly through its inclusion of mock tests designed to simulate the actual Norskprøven. This dedicated programme is tailored for learners at various stages of language mastery, aligning with CEFR standards, and serves as a vital resource for anyone aiming to successfully pass the Norskprøven and demonstrate their proficiency in the Norwegian language. Remember, each accurate preposition is a step closer to clear, effective, and confident communication in Norwegian.