The NLS Norwegian Language School focuses exclusively on Bokmål, the most commonly used written standard of Norwegian. As such, we do not currently offer Nynorsk courses. Our curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive instruction in Bokmål, covering all aspects of grammar, vocabulary, and practical usage for learners of all levels.

Nynorsk Prepositions: Tricky Rules and How to Remember Them

Prepositions are the glue that holds sentences together, indicating relationships of time, space, direction, and more. In Norwegian, this holds true, and Nynorsk, one of the two official written standards, presents its own unique set of challenges when it comes to prepositions. While many prepositions function similarly to their Bokmål counterparts or even English equivalents, Nynorsk often employs different forms, or its usage can be more nuanced, leading to confusion for learners. This article delves into some of the trickiest aspects of Nynorsk prepositions, offering explanations and strategies to help you master them.

Before diving into the specifics of Nynorsk, it’s essential to reaffirm the fundamental role of prepositions in any language. They are invariably placed before a noun, pronoun, or noun phrase, forming a prepositional phrase that modifies another part of the sentence. This modification can provide crucial context.

Spatial Relationships

Prepositions are perhaps most commonly associated with indicating location. Where is something? Where is it going? These questions are answered by spatial prepositions.

Fixed Locations

• på: This preposition often denotes being on a surface or within a specific enclosed space like a building or an island. In Nynorsk, like Bokmål, “på” is versatile.

• Example: Eg bur på ein gard. (I live on a farm.)
• Example: Boka ligg på bordet. (The book lies on the table.)
• Example: Vi er på kino. (We are at the cinema.) Note the usage with institutions and entertainment venues.
• Example: Ho er på ein øy. (She is on an island.)

• i: This preposition signifies being inside something or within a larger geographical area like a country, city, or region.

• Example: Han arbeider i butikken. (He works in the shop.)
• Example: Dei bur i Noreg. (They live in Norway.)
• Example: Vatnet er i elva. (The water is in the river.)

Direction and Movement

Prepositions also indicate the direction of movement.

• til: This preposition signifies movement towards a destination.

• Example: Eg skal til Oslo. (I am going to Oslo.)
• Example: Gi boka til henne. (Give the book to her.)

• frå: This preposition indicates origin or moving away from a place.

• Example: Han kjem frå Bergen. (He comes from Bergen.)
• Example: Flyet lettar frå rullebana. (The plane takes off from the runway.)

Temporal Relationships

Prepositions are equally vital for expressing when events occur.

Specific Times

• klokka: Used for specific times on a clock.

• Example: Møtet startar klokka ti. (The meeting starts at ten o

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