Language/Norwegian-bokmal/Grammar/Question-Words

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Norwegian Bokmål → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Questions and Negation → Question Words

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the topic of forming questions using question words in Norwegian Bokmål. Asking questions is an essential part of communication, and understanding how to use question words will greatly enhance your ability to engage in conversations in Norwegian Bokmål. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently ask questions using common question words and understand the responses you receive.

We will begin by introducing the various question words in Norwegian Bokmål, and then we will delve into the specific rules and structures for forming questions using these words. Throughout the lesson, we will provide numerous examples and exercises to help you practice and reinforce your learning. Additionally, we will explore any regional variations in the usage of question words and share interesting cultural facts related to this topic. So let's get started!

Common Question Words

In Norwegian Bokmål, there are several question words that are commonly used to ask different types of questions. These question words include:

• Hvem (Who)
• Hva (What)
• Hvor (Where)
• Når (When)
• Hvorfor (Why)
• Hvordan (How)
• Hvilken/Hvilket/Hvilke (Which)
• Hvor mange (How many)
• Hvor mye (How much)
• Hvilken farge (Which color)
• Hvilken størrelse (Which size)
• Hvilken type (Which type)

Each question word serves a specific purpose and is used in different contexts. Let's explore each question word in more detail.

Hvem (Who)

The question word "hvem" is used to ask about a person or people. It can refer to both the subject and the object of the sentence. Here are a few examples:

Norwegian Bokmål	Pronunciation	English
Hvem er han?	Hvem er hahn?	Who is he?
Hvem kjenner du?	Hvem kjenner doo?	Who do you know?

In the first example, the question "Hvem er han?" asks for the identity of a person. In the second example, the question "Hvem kjenner du?" asks for the people the person knows.

Hva (What)

The question word "hva" is used to ask about things, actions, or ideas. It can refer to both the subject and the object of the sentence. Here are a few examples:

Norwegian Bokmål	Pronunciation	English
Hva gjør du?	Hva yur doo?	What are you doing?
Hva er det?	Hva er deh?	What is that?

In the first example, the question "Hva gjør du?" asks about the action the person is currently doing. In the second example, the question "Hva er det?" asks about the identity or nature of an object.

Hvor (Where)

The question word "hvor" is used to ask about locations or places. It can also be used to ask about the distance between two places. Here are a few examples:

Norwegian Bokmål	Pronunciation	English
Hvor bor du?	Hvor bor doo?	Where do you live?
Hvor er toalettet?	Hvor er toaletet?	Where is the bathroom?

In the first example, the question "Hvor bor du?" asks about the person's place of residence. In the second example, the question "Hvor er toalettet?" asks about the location of the bathroom.

Når (When)

The question word "når" is used to ask about time, dates, or events. Here are a few examples:

Norwegian Bokmål	Pronunciation	English
Når kommer du?	Når kommer doo?	When are you coming?
Når er festen?	Når er festen?	When is the party?

In the first example, the question "Når kommer du?" asks about the time of arrival. In the second example, the question "Når er festen?" asks about the date or time of the party.

Hvorfor (Why)

The question word "hvorfor" is used to ask about the reason or cause of something. Here are a few examples:

Norwegian Bokmål	Pronunciation	English
Hvorfor gråter du?	Hvorfor growter doo?	Why are you crying?
Hvorfor gikk han hjem?	Hvorfor gikk hahn hehm?	Why did he go home?

In the first example, the question "Hvorfor gråter du?" asks about the reason for the person's tears. In the second example, the question "Hvorfor gikk han hjem?" asks about the reason for the person's departure.

Hvordan (How)

The question word "hvordan" is used to ask about the manner or way in which something is done. Here are a few examples:

Norwegian Bokmål	Pronunciation	English
Hvordan har du det?	Hvordan har doo deh?	How are you?
Hvordan lager man kake?	Hvordan lager mann kake?	How do you make a cake?

In the first example, the question "Hvordan har du det?" asks about the person's well-being. In the second example, the question "Hvordan lager man kake?" asks about the process of making a cake.

Hvilken/Hvilket/Hvilke (Which)

The question words "hvilken," "hvilket," and "hvilke" are used to ask about a specific choice or selection from a group. The form of the question word depends on the gender and number of the noun it refers to. Here are a few examples:

Norwegian Bokmål	Pronunciation	English
Hvilken bok liker du best?	Hvilken bohk leeker doo best?	Which book do you like the most?
Hvilket språk snakker du?	Hvilket sprehk snahkker doo?	Which language do you speak?

In the first example, the question "Hvilken bok liker du best?" asks about the person's preference among a group of books. In the second example, the question "Hvilket språk snakker du?" asks about the language the person speaks.

Hvor mange (How many)

The question phrase "hvor mange" is used to ask about the quantity or number of something. Here are a few examples:

Norwegian Bokmål	Pronunciation	English
Hvor mange søsken har du?	Hvor mange suhsken har doo?	How many siblings do you have?
Hvor mange bøker har du?	Hvor mange buker har doo?	How many books do you have?

In the first example, the question "Hvor mange søsken har du?" asks about the number of siblings the person has. In the second example, the question "Hvor mange bøker har du?" asks about the number of books the person has.

Hvor mye (How much)

The question phrase "hvor mye" is used to ask about the quantity or amount of something. Here are a few examples:

Norwegian Bokmål	Pronunciation	English
Hvor mye koster det?	Hvor mye kohster deh?	How much does it cost?
Hvor mye tid har du?	Hvor mye teed har doo?	How much time do you have?

In the first example, the question "Hvor mye koster det?" asks about the price or cost of something. In the second example, the question "Hvor mye tid har du?" asks about the amount of time the person has.

Hvilken farge (Which color)

The question phrase "hvilken farge" is used to ask about the color of something. Here are a few examples:

Norwegian Bokmål	Pronunciation	English
Hvilken farge har bilen?	Hvilken fahrghe har beelen?	What color is the car?
Hvilken farge liker du best?	Hvilken fahrghe leeker doo best?	Which color do you like the most?

In the first example, the question "Hvilken farge har bilen?" asks about the color of the car. In the second example, the question "Hvilken farge liker du best?" asks about the person's favorite color.

Hvilken størrelse (Which size)

The question phrase "hvilken størrelse" is used to ask about the size of something. Here are a few examples:

Norwegian Bokmål	Pronunciation	English
Hvilken størrelse bruker du?	Hvilken storrehlse brooker doo?	What size do you wear?
Hvilken størrelse har skoen?	Hvilken storrehlse har skoehn?	What size is the shoe?

In the first example, the question "Hvilken størrelse bruker du?" asks about the size of the person's clothing. In the second example, the question "Hvilken størrelse har skoen?" asks about the size of the shoe.

Hvilken type (Which type)

The question phrase "hvilken type" is used to ask about the type or category of something. Here are a few examples:

Norwegian Bokmål	Pronunciation	English
Hvilken type musikk liker du?	Hvilken teepeh moozeek leeker doo?	What type of music do you like?
Hvilken type film foretrekker du?	Hvilken teepeh feelm forrehktehr doo?	Which type of movie do you prefer?

In the first example, the question "Hvilken type musikk liker du?" asks about the person's preference for a certain type of music. In the second example, the question "Hvilken type film foretrekker du?" asks about the person's preference for a certain type of movie.

Exercises

Now that we have covered the various question words in Norwegian Bokmål, let's practice forming questions using these words. Choose the appropriate question word to complete each question.

1. _________________ bor du? (Where) 2. _________________ er toalettet? (Where) 3. _________________ gjør du? (What) 4. _________________ er det? (What) 5. _________________ gråter du? (Why) 6. _________________ har du det? (How) 7. _________________ bok liker du best? (Which) 8. _________________ språk snakker du? (Which) 9. _________________ søsken har du? (How many) 10. _________________ koster det? (How much)

Solution: 1. Hvor 2. Hvor 3. Hva 4. Hva 5. Hvorfor 6. Hvordan 7. Hvilken 8. Hvilket 9. Hvor mange 10. Hvor mye

Cultural Insights

In Norwegian Bokmål, the usage of question words is similar to other Germanic languages, such as Danish and Swedish. However, there may be slight variations in the usage of specific question words across different regions of Norway.

For example, in some regions, the question word "hva" is used more frequently than "hvilken" when asking about preferences or choices. Similarly, the question word "hvor" may be used interchangeably with "hvorhen" in some dialects to ask about the direction or destination of a person or object.

It is also interesting to note that the question word "hvorfor" can sometimes be perceived as impolite or intrusive in certain contexts. Norwegians tend to value privacy and personal boundaries, so it is important to consider the cultural context when using this question word.

In terms of historical reasons for these differences, the regional variations in the usage of question words can be attributed to the diverse dialects and language traditions that have developed over time in different parts of Norway. These variations reflect the rich linguistic heritage and cultural diversity within the country.

Conclusion

In this lesson, we have explored the topic of forming questions using question words in Norwegian Bokmål. We have learned about the different question words and their specific usage in various contexts. By understanding how to use question words, you will be able to ask questions and engage in conversations more effectively in Norwegian Bokmål.

Remember to practice forming questions using question words in your daily interactions with native speakers or language partners. This will help you become more comfortable and proficient in using these question words. Additionally, continue building your vocabulary and grammar knowledge to enhance your overall language skills.

Congratulations on completing this lesson! You are now one step closer to achieving proficiency in Norwegian Bokmål. Keep up the great work!

Table of Contents - Norwegian Bokmål Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Norwegian Bokmål

• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Basic Sentence Structure

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Gender and Definite Articles
• Personal Pronouns

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

  ---

Daily Activities

• Daily Routine
• Hobbies and Interests

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Agreement
• Comparatives and Superlatives

  ---

Food and Drink

• Common Foods
• Eating Out

  ---

Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Common Prepositions
• Coordinating Conjunctions

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

  ---

Questions and Negation

• Question Words
• Negation

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Expressing Emotions

  ---

Norwegian Customs and Traditions

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Etiquette and Social Norms

Other Lessons

• Comparatives and Superlatives
• Nouns and adjectives
• Give your Opinion
• Academic writing and research skills
• Definite and indefinite forms of nouns
• Conditional Mood
• Advanced sentence structure and syntax
• Negation
• Adjectives

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