Fordelingsnøkkelen følger vedtektene.

Because Norwegian normally writes compound nouns as a single word.

So fordelingsnøkkelen is made up of:

• fordeling = distribution / allocation
• nøkkel = key

Together, fordelingsnøkkel means something like distribution key, allocation key, or allocation formula depending on context.

This is very normal in Norwegian. Where English often uses two words, Norwegian often uses one:

• bank account → bankkonto
• school bus → skolebuss
• distribution key → fordelingsnøkkel

In this sentence, the word appears in the definite form: fordelingsnøkkelen = the distribution key.

The ending -en marks the noun as definite singular for a common-gender noun.

The forms are:

• en fordelingsnøkkel = a distribution key
• fordelingsnøkkelen = the distribution key

So instead of putting a separate word like the in front, Norwegian often adds the definite ending directly to the noun.

This is one of the biggest differences from English.

The dictionary form is å følge = to follow.

In the sentence, følger is the present tense:

• å følge = to follow
• følger = follows / is following

Norwegian present tense is usually quite simple: the verb does not change for different persons.

• jeg følger = I follow
• du følger = you follow
• han følger = he follows
• de følger = they follow

So følger works for all subjects.

Usually not in this kind of sentence.

While å følge can mean literal following, as in going after someone, it can also mean:

• to comply with
• to be in accordance with
• to be based on
• to follow the rules

In Fordelingsnøkkelen følger vedtektene, the natural meaning is that the allocation rule or formula is in accordance with the bylaws/articles/statutes.

So this is more about rules or conformity than physical movement.

Because vedtektene is the definite plural form.

The base noun is:

• en vedtekt = a bylaw / provision / statute

Its forms are:

• en vedtekt = a bylaw
• vedtekten = the bylaw
• vedtekter = bylaws
• vedtektene = the bylaws

So -ene here tells you the noun is plural definite.

Because Norwegian usually expresses definiteness by adding an ending to the noun.

In this sentence:

• fordelingsnøkkelen = the distribution key
• vedtektene = the bylaws

English uses a separate article, the.
Norwegian often uses a suffix instead:

• boken = the book
• huset = the house
• bilene = the cars

So the sentence already contains the twice, but it is built into the noun forms.

The sentence has standard subject–verb–object order:

• Fordelingsnøkkelen = subject
• følger = verb
• vedtektene = object

So the structure is:

Subject + Verb + Object

This is the normal order in a simple Norwegian main clause.

Grammatically, yes, but it changes the meaning.

• Fordelingsnøkkelen følger vedtektene = The distribution key follows the bylaws
• En fordelingsnøkkel følger vedtektene = A distribution key follows the bylaws

The first version refers to a specific distribution key already known from the context.
The second sounds more general or introduces one for the first time.

In many real contexts, the definite form fordelingsnøkkelen is more natural, because people are usually talking about a specific allocation method.

Vedtekter usually refers to formally adopted rules for an organization, company, association, housing cooperative, and similar bodies.

Depending on context, it can be translated as:

• bylaws
• articles
• articles of association
• statutes

So the best English word depends on what kind of organization is being discussed.

That is why vedtektene may feel slightly broader than a single fixed English translation.