Benkeforslaget kan godkjennes, gitt at flertallet støtter det.

The proposal from the floor can be approved, given that the majority supports it.

Breakdown of Benkeforslaget kan godkjennes, gitt at flertallet støtter det.

• det: it
• kan: can
• flertallet: the majority
• støtte: to support

Questions & Answers about Benkeforslaget kan godkjennes, gitt at flertallet støtter det.

What does benkeforslaget mean, and why is it one long word?

Benkeforslaget is a compound noun, which is very common in Norwegian.

It is made up of:

• benk = bench
• forslag = proposal
• -et = the definite ending

In political or meeting language, benkeforslag usually means a proposal made directly during the meeting, often “from the floor,” rather than submitted in advance.

So:

• et benkeforslag = a floor proposal / a proposal made during the meeting
• benkeforslaget = the floor proposal

Norwegian often joins nouns together into one word where English would use several words.

Why does the sentence use benkeforslaget and not et benkeforslag?

Because benkeforslaget is the definite form: the proposal rather than a proposal.

Compare:

• et benkeforslag = a floor proposal
• benkeforslaget = the floor proposal

The sentence is talking about a specific proposal that is already known in context, so the definite form is used.

What does kan godkjennes mean exactly?