Questions & Answers about Koppen står i skapet.
Why is it koppen instead of kopp or en kopp?
Because -en is the usual definite ending for a masculine noun in Norwegian.
- en kopp = a cup
- koppen = the cup
So Koppen står i skapet means the cup stands/is in the cabinet.
Why is it skapet?
For the same reason: skapet is the definite form of et skap.
- et skap = a cabinet / a cupboard
- skapet = the cabinet / the cupboard
Here the noun is neuter, so the usual definite ending is -et.
Why does Norwegian use står here instead of a verb meaning is?
Norwegian often uses position verbs where English just uses is. The most common ones are:
- stå = stand
- ligge = lie
- sitte = sit
So with objects that are upright or thought of as standing in place, Norwegian often says står.
That means Koppen står i skapet is literally The cup stands in the cabinet, but in natural English we usually just say The cup is in the cabinet.
How do I know when to use står, ligger, or sitter?