Han skjelver fordi han er kald.

to be

Breakdown of Han skjelver fordi han er kald.

• han: he
• kald: cold
• fordi: because

Questions & Answers about Han skjelver fordi han er kald.

What does skjelver mean, and what is its base form?

Skjelver means is shivering / trembles here. Its infinitive (base form) is å skjelve.

In this sentence:

• å skjelve = to shiver, to tremble
• skjelver = shivers / is shivering

Norwegian often uses the simple present where English may use either shivers or is shivering.

Why is han used twice?

Because there are two clauses, and each clause needs its own subject.

• Han skjelver = He is shivering
• fordi han er kald = because he is cold

English does the same:

• He is shivering because he is cold

You cannot normally leave out the second han in Norwegian.

What does fordi mean, and how is it used?

Fordi means because.

It introduces a clause that gives the reason for something:

• Han skjelver = He is shivering
• fordi han er kald = because he is cold

So the whole sentence means:

• He is shivering because he is cold

A very common pattern is:

• [main clause] + fordi + [reason]

Example:

• Jeg blir hjemme fordi jeg er trøtt. = I’m staying home because I’m tired.