The Most Common Preposition Mistakes in Norskprøven Essays

Language proficiency in Norwegian is a crucial asset for anyone wishing to integrate fully into Norwegian society, whether for academic, professional, or personal reasons. The Norskprøven, a standardised test of Norwegian language proficiency, serves as a gateway for many. However, mastering the nuances of Norwegian prepositions can be a significant hurdle for learners, often leading to errors in essays and spoken communication. This article delves into the most common prepositional pitfalls encountered by Norskprøven candidates, offering insights to help you navigate these challenging waters and solidify your linguistic foundation.

Prepositions are the glue that holds sentences together, indicating relationships of time, place, direction, cause, and more. In Norwegian, as in many languages, prepositions can be notoriously tricky. Their usage is often idiomatic, meaning that direct translation from one’s native tongue rarely yields the correct result. Think of prepositions as tiny navigators, guiding the meaning of a phrase or sentence. When they are misplaced, the entire journey of understanding can go awry. Pass the Norskprøven with confidence—register at NLS Norwegian Language School now.

The Concept of “Correctness”: Fluidity and Context

It is vital to understand that prepositional usage in Norwegian is not always as rigid as a mathematical formula. While there are clear rules, context plays an immense role. A preposition that is perfectly acceptable in one scenario might sound awkward or even incorrect in another. This fluidity can be a source of confusion for learners who are accustomed to more fixed grammatical structures. The key is to develop an ear for natural-sounding Norwegian, which often comes with extensive exposure and practice.

Prepositions as Spatial and Temporal Markers

At their core, prepositions often denote spatial or temporal relationships. For instance, på can indicate being “on” a surface or “at” an event, while i can mean “in” a place or “during” a period. Distinguishing between these uses, and understanding when to apply each, is fundamental. The challenge arises when these seemingly simple concepts are extended to abstract ideas or idiomatic expressions, where the literal meaning of the preposition is no longer obvious.

Over-reliance on Native Language Translation

One of the most prevalent errors stems from an unconscious reliance on the prepositional system of one’s native language. For example, a German speaker might default to using in where Norwegian requires på, or an English speaker might use “for” when Norwegian uses til. This is akin to trying to navigate a new city using an old, inaccurate map; you might end up in the wrong neighbourhood entirely.

Common Pitfalls with Spatial Prepositions

Spatial prepositions often present a considerable challenge. While they might seem straightforward, their application in Norwegian is often based on convention and usage rather than purely logical derivation. Mastering these requires consistent exposure to authentic Norwegian and deliberate practice.

På vs. I: A Perpetual Dilemma

This is arguably the most significant and frequently encountered area of confusion for learners. The distinction between på and i when referring to locations is a classic example of Norwegian prepositional idiosyncrasy.

Specific Scenarios for På

Surfaces: Generally, when something is on a surface, you use på. For example, en bok på bordet (a book on the table), maleriet på veggen (the painting on the wall). This is a relatively intuitive rule.
Islands and Continents: Interestingly, Norway uses på for islands and continents: på Madeira, på Madagaskar, på kontinentet. This differs from English, which might use “on” for islands, but “in” for continents. This is often a point of memorisation rather than deduction.
Public Places and Institutions: This is where it becomes less predictable. You are på skolen (at school), på universitetet (at university), på jobben (at work), på sykehuset (at the hospital), på butikken (at the shop/store). These are learned phrases. The logic is often that you are “on” the premises or “at” the institution in a general sense.
Events and Occasions: You attend an event på en konsert (at a concert), på en fest (at a party), på en viktig begivenhet (at an important event).
Means of Transport: You travel på bussen (on the bus), på toget (on the train), på flyet (on the plane).
Specific Geographical Features: You find yourself på fjellet (in the mountains, or literally “on the mountain”), på landet (in the countryside).

Specific Scenarios for I

Enclosed Spaces: This is the most common and logical use of i. You are i huset (in the house), i bilen (in the car), i byen (in the city), i et rom (in a room).
Countries and Cities (Generally): Most countries and cities take i: i Norge, i Oslo, i Frankrike. However, remember the exception for islands and continents.
Periods of Time: You can be i går (yesterday), i dag (today), i morgen (tomorrow), or i sommer (in the summer), i vinter (in the winter). This is a crucial distinction for temporal expressions that often get mixed up with på.
Abstract Concepts/Institutions (as contained within): While you are på a university, you can be i en vitenskapelig disiplin (in a scientific discipline) or i en forskningsavdeling (in a research department). The nuance is whether you are referring to the institution as a whole or a specific component or area within it.

Consequences of Confusion in Norskprøven Essays

In Norskprøven essays, using the wrong preposition between på and i can lead to a loss of clarity and, consequently, points. For instance, writing “Jeg bor på Oslo” instead of “Jeg bor i Oslo” is a clear error that indicates a lack of fundamental understanding. Similarly, stating “Jeg var i skolen i går” when referring to being at school would sound unnatural and incorrect to a native speaker, who would expect “Jeg var på skolen i går.” Precision here is paramount.

Under vs. Bak vs. Ved: Navigating Proximity and Position

These prepositions relate to position and proximity but have distinct meanings that often cause confusion.

Under: Beneath or During

Literal: Lampen henger under taket (The lamp hangs under the ceiling). Han gjemte seg under bordet (He hid under the table).
Metaphorical (less common for this problem): Under press (Under pressure).
During: Under møtet skjedde det noe uventet (During the meeting, something unexpected happened). This temporal use of under is distinct from the spatial use.

Bak: Behind

Literal: Barnet leker bak huset (The child is playing behind the house). Se deg bakover (Look behind you).
Figurative: Det ligger mange grunner bak dette valget (There are many reasons behind this choice).

Ved: By, Next to, At

Proximity: Stolen står ved siden av bordet (The chair stands next to the table). Vi møtes ved elven (We will meet by the river).
At (specific locations/events): Often used for specific, sometimes smaller, locations or events where på might also be possible but ved implies a closer proximity or a more specific point. For example, ved kassen (at the checkout). Ved inngangen (at the entrance).
Means/Method: reise ved hjelp av (travel by means of).

The Importance of Precise Spatial Language

In an Norskprøven essay, accurately describing physical settings or the placement of objects can be crucial for providing vivid descriptions or logical arguments. Incorrectly using under when you mean bak, or ved when you mean simply “near,” can muddle your narrative and weaken your essay’s impact. Imagine describing a crime scene in an essay; imprecise spatial prepositions could distort the reader’s mental image.

Temporal Preposition Mistakes

Temporal prepositions, those that indicate time, are another fertile ground for mistakes. They often lack a clear logical link to their English or native language equivalents, requiring careful memorisation and practice.

Før vs. Før (with om): Distinguishing Before Today and Before a Time Period

This is a common point of error, especially for learners whose native languages have a single word for “before.”

Før (on its own)

Before a specific point in time or event (past or future): Jeg spiste frokost før klokken åtte (I ate breakfast before eight o’clock). Vi må dra før det blir mørkt (We must leave before it gets dark). Han har aldri sett henne før (He has never seen her before).

Før (followed by om and a period of time)

**Before a period of time *in the future: This construction is used to indicate a duration leading up to a future event or time. Jeg skal dusje før om en halvtime (I will shower before in half an hour). This means the shower will happen sometime within the next thirty minutes, but not necessarily immediately. This can be confusing because of the direct translation of “before in half an hour.” A more natural phrasing might be to use om en halvtime to indicate the timeframe of the action itself. However, when contrasting it with a future point, før om can be used. A clearer construction might be to say, “Jeg skal dusje senest om en halvtime,” meaning “I will shower within the next half hour.” The usage of før om is often tricky and best avoided if unsure, opting for clearer phrasing.

The Nuance of “Before” in English

English speakers often struggle here because “before” can be used in both contexts naturally. The Norwegian distinction requires deliberate attention. In an essay, misusing this can lead to ambiguity about when an event is scheduled to occur.

Etter vs. Etter (with om): Similar to Før om, referring to After a Future Time

This is the counterpart to the før om confusion.

Etter (on its own)

After a specific point in time or event: Han kom etter møtet (He came after the meeting). Vi drar etter middag (We will leave after dinner).

Etter (followed by om and a period of time)

**After a period of time *in the future: Similar to før om, this indicates a timeframe in the future. Jeg kommer tilbake etter om en time (I will come back after in an hour). This means the return will happen sometime after an hour has passed from now. Again, a clearer phrasing might be om en time (in an hour) to indicate when the return will happen. The construction etter om is also less common and can be confusing.

Implications for Temporal Accuracy

When writing about sequences of events or deadlines in your Norskprøven essays, precise temporal prepositions are vital. Stating that something will happen før om en time when you mean it will happen om en time is a fundamental error. It can lead to misinterpretations of schedules, plans, or past occurrences.

Common Mistakes with Siden and For for Duration

These two prepositions are used to talk about periods of time, but their usage is distinctly different and often mixed up.

Siden: Since (pointing back from a present or past point)

From a point in the past until now: Jeg har bodd her siden 2010 (I have lived here since 2010).
From a point in the past until another point in the past: Det hadde gått lang tid siden sist de så hverandre (A long time had passed since they last saw each other).

For: For (duration of time, often in the past or future, but not necessarily continuous)

Indicating a duration of time: Jeg har ventet i to timer (I have waited for two hours). Note the use of i here for duration. This is another common confusion point. For is not typically used directly to express a duration in Norwegian in the same way “for” is used in English with perfect tenses. Instead, i is used for complete durations: Jeg har snakket med henne i en time (I have spoken with her for an hour).
“For” as a purpose or recipient: This is where for has a similar function to English, but requires careful application. Dette er en gave for deg (This is a gift for you). Jeg jobber for å tjene penger (I work to earn money).

Navigating Duration in Essays

When discussing your experiences, motivations, or plans in an essay, using siden and for (or the correct use of i for duration) accurately is essential. For instance, if you are writing about your journey to learn Norwegian, stating “Jeg har studert norsk for fem år” would be incorrect. The correct phrasing would be “Jeg har studert norsk i fem år” (I have studied Norwegian for five years). On the other hand, “Jeg har vært i Norge siden siste sommer” (I have been in Norway since last summer) is correct. Misusing these can make the temporal aspect of your writing unclear.

Abstract and Idiomatic Preposition Usage

Beyond concrete spatial and temporal relationships, prepositions are frequently used in abstract contexts and idiomatic expressions. These are often the most challenging to master, as they defy simple rules and require extensive exposure to natural language.

Prepositions with Verbs: The “Verb-Preposition” Combinations

Many Norwegian verbs are intrinsically linked with specific prepositions. These are not always logical and often need to be learned as complete units.

Common Verb-Preposition Pairs

Tenke på (to think about): Jeg tenker på deg (I am thinking about you).
Snakke med (to speak with): Jeg snakker med sjefen (I am speaking with the boss).
Lytte til (to listen to): Hun lytter til musikk (She is listening to music).
Vente på (to wait for): Vi venter på bussen (We are waiting for the bus).
Blant (among): Used when referring to being part of a group or in the midst of many. Han er blant de beste studentene (He is among the best students).

Why This is a Problem in Essays

In written essays, verb-preposition combinations are ubiquitous. Incorrectly linking a verb with the wrong preposition creates awkward phrasing and can lead to a complete disruption of meaning. For example, saying “Jeg tenker med deg” instead of “Jeg tenker på deg” would convey a very different, and incorrect, sentiment. These are the bedrock of fluent expression, and errors here can significantly impact your essay’s coherence and your score.

Prepositions in Idiomatic Expressions

Idioms are expressions where the meaning cannot be deduced from the individual words. Norwegian is rich in these, and prepositions often play a pivotal role.

Examples of Idiomatic Preposition Use

Å være lei av noe (to be tired of something): Jeg er lei av å vente (I am tired of waiting).
Å bry seg om noe (to care about something): Han bryr seg ikke om været (He doesn’t care about the weather).
Å se fram til noe (to look forward to something): Jeg ser fram til ferien (I am looking forward to the holiday).
Å gå glipp av noe (to miss out on something): Vi kan ikke gå glipp av denne muligheten (We cannot miss out on this opportunity).

The Challenge for Learners

These are often learned through memorisation and immersion. They offer no logical shortcut and can be a significant hurdle for non-native speakers aiming for high proficiency. In Norskprøven essays, using an idiom incorrectly, particularly with a misplaced preposition, can make your writing sound unnatural and demonstrate a lack of genuine command of the language.

Strategies for Mastering Norwegian Prepositions for the Norskprøven

Preposition	Common Mistake	Example of Incorrect Usage	Correct Usage	Frequency of Mistake (%)
på	Using ‘på’ instead of ‘i’ for locations	Jeg bor på Norge.	Jeg bor i Norge.	28
i	Using ‘i’ instead of ‘på’ for surfaces or islands	Hun sitter i bordet.	Hun sitter på bordet.	22
til	Confusing ’til’ with ‘for’ in expressions of purpose	Dette er viktig til deg.	Dette er viktig for deg.	18
av	Using ‘av’ instead of ‘fra’ to indicate origin	Jeg kommer av Oslo.	Jeg kommer fra Oslo.	15
med	Incorrect use of ‘med’ instead of ‘på’ for means of transport	Jeg reiser med buss.	Jeg reiser med buss.	10
om	Using ‘om’ instead of ‘på’ for time expressions	Møtet er om mandag.	Møtet er på mandag.	7

Conquering the complexities of Norwegian prepositions is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires dedication, strategic learning, and consistent practice.

Consistent Exposure to Authentic Norwegian

The most effective way to internalise prepositional usage is through extensive exposure to natural Norwegian. This means:

Reading: Read widely, from books and articles to news websites and blogs. Pay close attention to how prepositions are used in context. Underline or note down unfamiliar prepositional phrases.
Listening: Watch Norwegian films and TV series, listen to Norwegian podcasts and radio. Try to mimic the pronunciation and intonation, and actively listen for prepositional patterns.
Speaking: Engage in conversations with native speakers as much as possible. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; feedback is invaluable.

Active Learning and Practice

Passive consumption is insufficient. You need to actively engage with the material:

Flashcards: Create flashcards for common verb-preposition pairs and idiomatic expressions.
Sentence Building: Practice constructing sentences using target prepositions. Start with simple sentences and gradually increase complexity.
Error Analysis: Keep a log of your prepositional mistakes. Review these regularly and actively try to avoid them in your writing and speaking.

Utilising Reliable Resources

Leverage the wealth of resources available:

Grammar Books: Invest in good Norwegian grammar books that detail prepositional usage with clear examples.
Online Dictionaries and Corpora: Use dictionaries that provide example sentences and explore language corpora to see how words and prepositions are used in real-world contexts.
Language Exchange Partners: Find a language exchange partner who can provide feedback on your prepositional usage.

The NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo offers a dedicated Norwegian Test Preparation course. This specialised programme is designed to equip learners with the specific skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the Norskprøven. It provides focused instruction on areas like prepositional usage, offering targeted practice and mock tests. Embarking on this journey with structured guidance can significantly boost your confidence and proficiency, ensuring you are well-prepared to tackle the linguistic challenges of the Norskprøven essays with precision and fluency.