How to Use Relative Clauses in Norskprøven Writing

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Relative clauses are subordinate clauses that provide additional information about a noun (or pronoun) in the main clause. In Norwegian, these clauses are typically introduced by a relative pronoun or adverb. Mastering their use is crucial for achieving grammatical accuracy and stylistic sophistication in your Norskprøven writing. Think of a relative clause as a helpful signpost, pointing to and elaborating on a specific element within your sentence. Without them, your writing might feel like a series of short, abrupt declarations, lacking the flow and detail expected at higher proficiency levels.

The Role of Relative Pronouns in Norwegian

In Norwegian, the primary relative pronoun is ‘som’. Unlike English, where you might choose between ‘who’, ‘which’, ‘that’, or ‘whom’, ‘som’ serves most functions. This simplification can be a double-edged sword: while it reduces choice, it also means a single pronoun carries significant grammatical weight.

Use of ‘Som’ for Subjects and Objects

When ‘som’ refers to the subject of the relative clause, it acts as the performer of the action. For example:

“Mannen som snakker norsk, er læreren min.” (The man who speaks Norwegian is my teacher.)
Here, “som snakker norsk” describes “mannen,” and “som” is the subject of “snakker.”

Similarly, ‘som’ can also refer to the object of the relative clause, receiving the action. While ‘som’ is the most common and generally acceptable choice for objects, especially in spoken Norwegian and less formal writing, more advanced writers might encounter the optional use of ‘hvem’ or ‘hvilken/hvilket/hvilke’ with prepositions, though this is less common in Norskprøven contexts and often replaced by a preposition at the end of the clause with ‘som’.

“Boken som jeg leste, var veldig interessant.” (The book that I read was very interesting.)
Here, “som jeg leste” describes “boken,” and “som” is the object of “leste.” Note that the relative pronoun comes before the subject and verb in the relative clause.

Omission of ‘Som’

Just as in English, where ‘that’ or ‘which’ can sometimes be omitted (e.g., “The book I read was interesting”), ‘som’ can also be omitted in Norwegian when it functions as the object of the relative clause. This is a common and natural feature of Norwegian syntax, contributing to a more concise writing style.

“Huset (som) vi kjøpte, ligger ved sjøen.” (The house we bought is by the sea.)
In this instance, “som” refers to “huset” (the object of “kjøpte”) and its omission is perfectly grammatical and often preferred.

However, be cautious: ‘som’ cannot be omitted when it functions as the subject of the relative clause. Attempting to do so would result in an ungrammatical and confusing sentence. Always remember this rule; it’s a fundamental distinction the Norskprøven assessors will be looking for.

Relative Adverbs: Expanding Descriptive Power

While ‘som’ covers a broad range, relative adverbs provide specific contextual information, particularly regarding place, time, or manner. These adverbs help you convey nuanced details, acting like precise GPS coordinates for your descriptions.

‘Hvor’ for Place

When the relative clause refers to a place, ‘hvor’ (where) is the appropriate relative adverb.

“Byen hvor jeg bor, er ganske liten.” (The city where I live is quite small.)
“hvor jeg bor” provides information about “byen” and specifies the location.

‘Da’ or ‘Når’ for Time

The choice between ‘da’ and ‘når’ as a relative adverb for time can be a stumbling block for learners. ‘Da’ refers to a specific point or period in the past, a unique event. ‘Når’ refers to a recurring event or an unspecified time, including the present and future.

“Dagen da han ble født, var en vakker dag.” (The day when he was born was a beautiful day.) – Specific past event.
“Kveldene når jeg er alene, leser jeg ofte.” (The evenings when I am alone, I often read.) – Recurring event.

Mastering this distinction adds a layer of precision to your temporal descriptions.

Structuring Relative Clauses for Clarity and Flow

The placement and internal structure of relative clauses are crucial for effective communication. A well-placed relative clause integrates seamlessly into the main sentence, enhancing clarity rather than creating convoluted expressions.

Placement of the Relative Clause in the Sentence

Generally, the relative clause immediately follows the noun it modifies. This proximity ensures that the reader clearly understands which part of the sentence is being further described. Think of it as placing an adjective directly next to the noun it describes.

Incorrect: “Jeg har en venn er veldig flink til å lage mat som bor i Bergen.”
Correct: “Jeg har en venn som bor i Bergen og er veldig flink til å lage mat.” (I have a friend who lives in Bergen and is very good at cooking.)

Misplacing relative clauses can lead to ambiguity, where it’s unclear what the clause is referring back to. This can significantly detract from your clarity score in the Norskprøven.

Word Order within Relative Clauses

Norwegian word order in subordinate clauses, including relative clauses, generally follows the subclause word order: subjunction/relative pronoun + subject + adverbials + verb. This is sometimes referred to as the “verb-second rule” deviation for subordinate clauses.

“Mannen som alltid kjører fort, er en dårlig sjåfør.” (The man who always drives fast is a bad driver.)
Here, “som” is the relative pronoun, “alltid” is an adverbial, and “kjører” is the verb.

Adverbials of time, manner, and place typically appear after the subject but before the main verb in subordinate clauses. Negation (e.g., ‘ikke’) also follows the subject, often before the verb in subordinate clauses.

“Boka som jeg ikke har lest, ligger på bordet.” (The book that I haven’t read is on the table.)
“jeg” (subject) + “ikke” (negation) + “har lest” (verb phrase).

Maintaining correct word order within relative clauses demonstrates a solid grasp of Norwegian grammar and is a key indicator of higher proficiency.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls and Enhancing Sophistication

While the basic rules of relative clauses are straightforward, there are subtle points that differentiate an average Norskprøven writing submission from an excellent one. Awareness of these nuances can elevate your score.

Avoiding Redundancy and Overuse

Just as too many spices can overpower a dish, an overuse of relative clauses or redundant information can make your writing feel clunky and repetitive. Sometimes, a simpler adjective or an appositive phrase can achieve the same descriptive effect more elegantly.

“Jeg traff en mann som var veldig hyggelig.” (I met a man who was very nice.)
Consider: “Jeg traff en veldig hyggelig mann.” (I met a very nice man.)
While the first is grammatically correct, the second is more concise and natural for simple descriptions.

Use relative clauses to add new and significant information, not just to repeat what could be easily expressed more simply. Your goal is to add value, not just verbosity.

Distinguishing Restrictive and Non-Restrictive Clauses

Though not always explicitly marked by commas in Norwegian as consistently as in English, understanding the conceptual difference between restrictive and non-restrictive clauses is vital for correct interpretation and, sometimes, for punctuation.

Restrictive Clauses

A restrictive clause provides essential information that defines or identifies the noun it modifies. Without this clause, the meaning of the sentence would change or become ambiguous. It “restricts” the meaning of the noun.

“Studenten som besto eksamen, feiret.” (The student who passed the exam celebrated.)
Here, “som besto eksamen” tells us which student celebrated. Without it, we wouldn’t know. In Norwegian, restrictive clauses are generally not set off by commas.

Non-Restrictive Clauses

A non-restrictive clause provides additional, non-essential information. The sentence would still make sense without it, though some extra detail would be lost. These clauses often add commentary or parenthetical information. In Norwegian, non-restrictive clauses can be set off by commas, especially in more formal writing, mirroring English usage somewhat.

“Min bror, som bor i Bergen, er ingeniør.” (My brother, who lives in Bergen, is an engineer.)
Here, “som bor i Bergen” tells us more about my brother but is not essential to identify him (as “min bror” already identifies him). The commas indicate this non-essential nature.

While the Norskprøven often allows for some flexibility in comma usage for non-restrictive clauses, recognising the difference helps you understand the nuance you are conveying.

Integrating Relative Clauses in Norskprøven Themes

The Norskprøven writing tasks often revolve around specific themes: personal experiences, societal issues, opinions, and formal letters. Relative clauses are invaluable tools for enriching your narratives and arguments within these contexts.

Describing People, Places, and Things

In personal narrative or descriptive tasks, relative clauses allow you to paint a vivid picture. Instead of basic statements, you can weave in details gracefully.

People: “Jeg møtte en eldre dame som fortalte meg fascinerende historier fra krigen.” (I met an old lady who told me fascinating stories from the war.)
Places: “Fjellet som vi klatret opp, tilbød en fantastisk utsikt over fjorden.” (The mountain that we climbed offered a fantastic view of the fjord.)
Things: “Gaven som jeg fikk til bursdagen min, var en bok om norsk historie.” (The gift that I got for my birthday was a book about Norwegian history.)

These examples demonstrate how relative clauses seamlessly integrate descriptive elements, making your writing more engaging and informative.

Expressing Opinions and Arguments

When writing argumentative essays or expressing opinions, relative clauses can help you present complex ideas and support your points with richer detail. They are like a microscope, allowing you to focus on specific aspects of your argument without breaking the flow.

“Dette er et problem som mange politikere ikke har tatt seriøst.” (This is a problem that many politicians have not taken seriously.)
“Argumentet som ble presentert i debatten, manglet dessverre konkrete bevis.” (The argument that was presented in the debate, unfortunately lacked concrete evidence.)

By using relative clauses, you can concisely link a general statement to a specific detail or critique, building a more coherent and persuasive argument.

Practical Application and Norskprøven Preparation

Aspect	Description	Example	Tips for Norskprøven Writing
Definition	Clauses that provide extra information about a noun without starting a new sentence.	Personen som snakker er lærer. (The person who is speaking is a teacher.)	Use relative clauses to add detail and show language proficiency.
Relative Pronouns	Common pronouns include som, hvor, der, and hvilken.	Huset som jeg kjøpte er stort. (The house that I bought is big.)	Choose the correct pronoun based on the noun’s role in the clause.
Restrictive vs Non-restrictive	Restrictive clauses define the noun; non-restrictive add extra info and are set off by commas.	Restrictive: Boken som ligger på bordet er min. Non-restrictive: Boken, som ligger på bordet, er min.	Use commas correctly to avoid confusion in meaning.
Verb Placement	In relative clauses, the verb typically comes at the end.	Jeg kjenner mannen som bor der. (I know the man who lives there.)	Remember to place the verb at the end to maintain correct sentence structure.
Common Mistakes	Omitting the relative pronoun or incorrect verb order.	*Mannen bor der. (Incorrect without relative clause) Correct: Mannen som bor der.	Always include the relative pronoun and check verb position.
Practice Metric	Use at least 2 relative clauses in a 150-word writing task.	N/A	Helps demonstrate grammatical range and complexity.

The theoretical understanding of relative clauses must translate into practical application during the Norskprøven. This requires deliberate practice and a strategic approach.

Practice Exercises and Self-Correction

Regular practice is paramount. Read Norwegian texts (news articles, novels, informational texts) and actively identify relative clauses. Analyse their structure, the relative pronoun/adverb used, and the word order. Then, try to construct your own sentences mirroring these patterns.

Sentence combining: Take two simple sentences and combine them using a relative clause.
“Mannen er min nabo. Han har en rød bil.” -> “Mannen som har en rød bil, er min nabo.”
Error identification: Practice identifying and correcting errors in relative clause usage, especially related to ‘som’ omission, ‘da’ vs. ‘når’, and word order.

Record your own writing and review it critically, perhaps even asking a native speaker or teacher for feedback specifically on your relative clause usage.

NLS Norwegian Language School: Your Guide to Norskprøven Mastery

The Norskprøven requires not just knowledge of grammar but also the ability to apply it fluently and appropriately under timed conditions. This is precisely where the specialized Norwegian Test Preparation course at the NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo becomes an invaluable asset. Our comprehensive program goes beyond rote memorisation, focusing on deep understanding and practical application of grammatical structures like relative clauses.

Our experienced instructors, dedicated to your success, provide targeted feedback on your writing, highlighting areas for improvement in terms of grammatical accuracy, coherence, and stylistic nuance. The course includes extensive practice with mock tests, mirroring the actual Norskprøven format and content. This structured preparation helps you become comfortable with the timing, question types, and expectations of the exam. You will learn how to integrate complex sentence structures, such as relative clauses, naturally and effectively into your written responses, ensuring your language reflects a higher level of proficiency. By focusing on both the theoretical grammar and its practical application in Norskprøven-specific contexts, the NLS Norwegian Language School empowers you to not only pass but to excel, demonstrating a robust command of the Norwegian language.