The Norskprøven, a crucial assessment of Norwegian language proficiency, requires a solid understanding of various grammatical structures. Among these, relative clauses play a vital role in constructing complex and nuanced sentences, essential for expressing oneself effectively in academic, professional, and everyday contexts in Norway. This guide aims to illuminate the intricacies of relative clauses, providing you with the knowledge and practice needed to confidently handle them in your Norskprøven.
Understanding the Foundation of Relative Clauses
Relative clauses, at their core, are subordinate clauses that provide additional information about a noun or pronoun in the main clause. Think of them as descriptive detours, enriching the journey of understanding a sentence by offering a more detailed portrait of a specific element. They are introduced by relative pronouns and, in some cases, relative adverbs, acting as linguistic bridges that connect the descriptive element to its antecedent. Réussissez votre Norskprøven avec assurance : inscrivez-vous dès aujourd’hui à la NLS Norwegian Language School.
The Role of Relative Pronouns
Relative pronouns are the most common way to introduce relative clauses. They serve a dual purpose: introducing the clause and performing a grammatical function within it, such as the subject, object, or possessive of the relative clause.
“Som” – The Versatile Navigator
In Norwegian, “som” is the most frequent and adaptable relative pronoun. It can refer to both people and things and can function as the subject or object within the relative clause. Mastering “som” is akin to having a master key that unlocks many doors of grammatical expression.
- As a Subject: When “som” acts as the subject of the relative clause, it directly follows the antecedent and is followed by the verb of the relative clause. For example, “Jeg har en venn som snakker norsk” (I have a friend who speaks Norwegian). Here, “som” is the subject of “snakker.”
- As an Object: “Som” can also function as the direct or indirect object. In these cases, its position within the relative clause might shift, but its core function remains the same. For instance, “Boken som jeg leste, var spennende” (The book that I read was exciting). Here, “som” represents “the book” and is the direct object of “leste.”
- Referring to Entire Clauses: Interestingly, “som” can also refer to an entire preceding clause, adding a layer of commentary or consequence. For example, “Han kom for sent, som jeg hadde fryktet” (He arrived late, which I had feared).
“Hvilken,” “Hvilket,” “Hvilke” – The Precise Specifiers
These relative pronouns are gender- and number-specific and are primarily used when the relative clause functions as the object of a preposition. They add a touch of precision and formality, akin to using a scalpel where a blunt instrument would suffice. Their use is more constrained than “som.”
- Agreement: “Hvilken” agrees with masculine singular nouns, “hvilket” with neuter singular nouns, and “hvilke” with plural nouns.
- Object of a Preposition: This is where these pronouns truly shine. For example, “Dette er huset hvilket vi bor i” (This is the house in which we live). The preposition “i” governs “hvilket.” Without the preposition in this position, “som” would be more common.
- Emphasis and Clarity: While “som” can also be used with prepositions, employing “hvilken/hvilket/hvilke” immediately preceding the preposition can offer greater clarity and avoid ambiguity. Consider “overfor,” “ved hjelp av,” etc.
“Der” and “Da” – The Adverbial Connectors
Relative adverbs, “der” (where) and “da” (when), introduce relative clauses that specify a place or a time, respectively. They function like specialized GPS devices, guiding the listener to a specific location or moment in time.
- “Der” for Place: “Der” replaces prepositions followed by “hvor” or demonstrative pronouns referring to a place. For instance, “Vi besøkte byen der de filmet en film” (We visited the city where they filmed a movie).
- “Da” for Time: “Da” is used when referring to a specific point in time. For example, “Husk dagen da vi møttes” (Remember the day when we met). Note that “når” is used for habitual or repeated events in the past or future, while “da” refers to a specific, singular occurrence.
The Function within the Relative Clause
The relative pronoun or adverb not only introduces the clause but also occupies a grammatical slot within it. Understanding this function is key to correctly conjugating verbs and placing other sentence elements.
Subject of the Relative Clause
When the relative pronoun is the subject of the relative clause, it is followed directly by the verb. This is a straightforward construction, much like a direct gaze.
Object of the Relative Clause
The relative pronoun can also be the direct or indirect object. If it’s the direct object, it’s often followed by the subject and then the verb of the relative clause. For indirect objects, the structure might involve prepositions.
Possessive Function
While less common with explicit relative pronouns, the possessive relationship can be implicitly conveyed or handled by prepositions.
Constructing Norwegian Relative Clauses: Step-by-Step
To build grammatically sound relative clauses, a systematic approach is beneficial. It’s like assembling a piece of IKEA furniture; each step must be followed precisely for the final product to be stable and functional.
Step 1: Identify the Antecedent
The antecedent is the noun or pronoun that the relative clause modifies. It’s the anchor around which the relative clause revolves. Ensure you clearly identify this element before proceeding.
Step 2: Choose the Correct Relative Pronoun/Adverb
Based on the antecedent (person/thing) and the function of the clause (subject, object, object of preposition, place, time), select the appropriate relative pronoun or adverb. This is where the distinctions between “som,” “hvilken/hvilket/hvilke,” “der,” and “da” become critical.
Step 3: Construct the Relative Clause
Now, form the subordinate clause, remembering that the verb in a subordinate clause typically comes after its subject. In relative clauses, the relative pronoun or adverb effectively acts as the “glue,” and its position dictates the structure that follows.
Relative Clauses with “Som”
- Example: “Jeg har en bil som er rød.” (I have a car that is red.)
- Antecedent: “bil”
- Relative pronoun: “som” (referring to “bil”)
- Relative clause: “som er rød”
- Function of “som”: Subject of “er rød.”
Relative Clauses with “Hvilken/Hvilket/Hvilke” (Object of Preposition)
- Example: “Han snakket om boken hvilken jeg hadde skrevet.” (He talked about the book which I had written.)
- Antecedent: “boken”
- Relative pronoun: “hvilken” (referring to “boken,” masculine singular)
- Relative clause: “hvilken jeg hadde skrevet”
- Function of “hvilken”: Direct object of “skrevet.” (Note: “som” could also be used here, but “hvilken” emphasizes the book as the direct object of the writing action).
- Example: “Dette er datamaskinen hvilket jeg bruker til jobb.” (This is the computer which I use for work.)
- Antecedent: “datamaskinen” (neuter singular)
- Relative pronoun: “hvilket”
- Relative clause: “hvilket jeg bruker til jobb”
- Function of “hvilket”: Direct object of “bruker.”
Relative Clauses with “Der” and “Da”
- Example: “Vi besøkte huset der de bodde.” (We visited the house where they lived.)
- Antecedent: “huset” (place)
- Relative adverb: “der”
- Relative clause: “der de bodde”
- Example: “Den gangen da jeg var barn, lekte jeg mye ute.” (The time when I was a child, I played a lot outside.)
- Antecedent: “Den gangen” (time)
- Relative adverb: “da”
- Relative clause: “da jeg var barn”
Step 4: Ensure Correct Word Order
The presence of a subordinate clause, including a relative clause, often affects word order in the main clause if the subordinate clause precedes it. However, within the relative clause itself, standard subordinate clause word order (subject then verb) applies, with the relative pronoun/adverb occupying its grammatical position.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Navigating the nuances of relative clauses can be treacherous, much like a ship sailing through fog. Awareness of common errors can help you steer clear of them.
The “Double Subject” Trap
A frequent mistake is accidentally including both the relative pronoun and a separate subject pronoun referring to the antecedent within the relative clause.
- Incorrect: “Jeg kjenner mannen som han er lege.” (I know the man who he is a doctor.)
- Correct: “Jeg kjenner mannen som er lege.” (I know the man who is a doctor.)
In the correct version, “som” itself acts as the subject.
Misusing “Hvilken/Hvilket/Hvilke”
These pronouns are not interchangeable with “som” in all situations. They are primarily for objects of prepositions and add a specific emphasis. Overusing them where “som” is perfectly adequate can sound stilted.
Confusion Between “Da” and “Når”
Remember that “da” refers to a specific past event, while “når” is used for habitual actions (past or future) or conditions.
- “Da”: “Husker du den dagen da vi gikk på tur?” (Do you remember the day when we went for a walk?)
- “Når”: “Jeg liker å gå på tur når det er sol.” (I like to go for a walk when it is sunny.)
Missing Antecedents
Always ensure your relative clause has a clear noun or pronoun to refer to. An isolated relative clause is like a compass without a map, leaving the listener lost.
Practice Exercises for the Norskprøven
To solidify your understanding and prepare for the Norskprøven, consistent practice is paramount. Engage with exercises that specifically target relative clauses.
Exercise 1: Sentence Combining
Combine the following pairs of sentences using relative clauses. Pay attention to the antecedent and the function of the relative clause.
- Jeg har en hund. Hunden min er veldig snill.
- Hun kjøpte en ny bil. Bilen er elektrisk.
- Vi besøkte museet. Mange viktige kunstverk er utstilt der.
- Han fortalte en historie. Jeg likte historien veldig godt.
- De jobber i en stor bedrift. Bedriften er kjent for sine innovasjoner.
Exercise 2: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the sentences with the correct relative pronoun or adverb (“som,” “hvilken,” “hvilket,” “hvilke,” “der,” “da”).
- Dette er leiligheten \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ jeg bor i.
- Han fant en gammel bok \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ han ikke hadde lest før.
- Vi dro til kafeen \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ vi møttes første gang.
- De diskuterte problemet \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ de sto overfor.
- Husk den dagen \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ du fikk jobben.
- Hun anbefalte filmen \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ hun hadde sett på kino.
- Jeg foretrekker å bo et sted \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ det er mye natur.
- Elevene \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ bestod eksamen, fortjener gratulasjoner.
Exercise 3: Identifying Errors
Identify and correct the errors in the following sentences related to relative clauses.
- Jeg så filmen som jeg hadde hørt om.
- Han har en venn som han er lege.
- Dette er huset hvilken de kjøpte i fjor.
- Jeg liker å gå på tur når det regner. (Use “da” if it refers to a specific past instance)
- Vi dro til byen der vi vokste opp.
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