Lesson 1: Complex sentences

Norwegian complex sentences: what this Norwegian lesson covers

This free interactive lesson on norwegian complex sentences is part of the Mondosol Learn to speak Norwegian course. In about ten minutes you will meet 8 essential words and phrases about Complex Sentences: og, men, fordi, at, see how they are used, and test yourself with a short quiz. Everything on this page runs in your browser, so you can practise norwegian complex sentences on your phone, tablet or laptop without installing anything.

What you will learn

• og — Og means and: Jeg spiser og drikker. (I eat and drink.)
• men — Men means but: Det er kaldt, men sola skinner. (It is cold, but the sun is shining.)
• fordi — Fordi means because: Jeg blir hjemme fordi jeg er syk. (I am staying home because I am ill.)
• når — Når means when: Når det regner, tar jeg bussen. The verb (tar) comes straight after the når-clause.
• hvis — Hvis means if: Hvis du vil, kan vi gå på kino. (If you want, we can go to the cinema.)
• at — At means that: Jeg tror at hun kommer. (I think that she is coming.)
• som — Som means who, which or that: Mannen som bor her, er lærer. (The man who lives here is a teacher.)
• …fordi jeg ikke har tid — In a subordinate clause ikke comes before the verb: fordi jeg ikke har tid (because I do not have time).

Practice questions

1. Which word means “because”? Options: men, fordi, som.
2. Complete: Jeg tror ___ hun kommer. Options: og, når, at.
3. Which word order is correct? Options: …fordi jeg ikke har tid, …fordi jeg har ikke tid, …fordi ikke jeg har tid.
4. What does “hvis” mean? Options: when, but, if.

How the lesson works

Each card shows one item with a visual cue and a clear explanation. Tap the card to flip it, say it out loud, and move on when it feels familiar. After the cards you answer a short quiz on norwegian complex sentences; a wrong answer costs a heart, and if you run out you can restart the lesson for free. Finish all the cards and the quiz to earn XP and keep your daily streak alive, exactly like a language app but built around real Norwegian situations.

Why norwegian complex sentences matters

Short sentences get you started, but real conversations need because, if and that. These linking words, and the ikke rule in subordinate clauses, are what make your Norwegian sound natural.

Keep going

Ready for more? Go back to the full Learn to speak Norwegian course to pick your next lesson, or browse all Mondosol courses. For an authoritative reference on this topic, see Språkrådet (Language Council of Norway). Mondosol is free to start; Plus unlocks all courses, unlimited hearts and offline practice.