Han kysser hånden hennes.

he

Breakdown of Han kysser hånden hennes.

• hennes: her
• hånden: the hand
• kysse: to kiss (neutral term)

Questions & Answers about Han kysser hånden hennes.

Why is it hånden instead of just hånd?

Because hånden is the definite form of hånd.

• hånd = hand
• hånden = the hand

In Norwegian, when a possessive comes after the noun, the noun is usually definite:

• hånden hennes = her hand
• literally: the hand her

So Han kysser hånden hennes follows a very common Norwegian pattern.

Why does hennes come after the noun?

That is one of the normal ways to express possession in Norwegian.

A very common pattern is:

• definite noun + possessive

So:

• hånden hennes = her hand
• boka mi = my book
• vennen din = your friend

English usually puts the possessive first, but Norwegian often puts it after the noun.

Could you also say hennes hånd?

Yes, you can.

Both are possible:

• hånden hennes
• hennes hånd

But they are not used in exactly the same way.

• hånden hennes is the more neutral, everyday pattern.
• hennes hånd can sound more formal, literary, or emphatic.

So in ordinary speech, Han kysser hånden hennes is the more natural choice.