Månelyset skinner over observasjonsstedet.

to shine

Breakdown of Månelyset skinner over observasjonsstedet.

• over: over
• månelyset: the moonlight
• observasjonsstedet: the observation site

Questions & Answers about Månelyset skinner over observasjonsstedet.

Why is månelyset written as one word?

Because Norwegian normally writes compound nouns as a single word.

Here, måne + lys becomes månelys = moonlight.
Then the definite ending is added: månelyset = the moonlight.

This is very common in Norwegian. English often uses two words where Norwegian uses one:

• moon light → månelys
• observation site → observasjonssted

So if an English speaker is tempted to split the word, Norwegian usually does not.

What does the ending -et mean in månelyset and observasjonsstedet?

The ending -et is the definite article for many neuter singular nouns.

So:

• månelys = moonlight
• månelyset = the moonlight
• observasjonssted = observation site
• observasjonsstedet = the observation site

Unlike English, Norwegian often puts the at the end of the noun instead of using a separate word before it.

What gender are these nouns, and why does that matter?