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Questions & Answers about Vannet er giftig.
What does vannet mean exactly, and why does it end in -et?
Vannet means the water.
The noun is vann = water. In Norwegian, the definite article is usually attached to the end of the noun instead of appearing as a separate word like English the.
- vann = water
- vannet = the water
The ending -et is the definite ending for many neuter nouns.
Why is it vannet instead of just vann?
Using vannet makes the sentence mean the water is poisonous/toxic, referring to a specific water source or the water being discussed.
If you said:
- Vann er giftig — this would sound more like water is poisonous in a general sense, which is not usually what you mean.
- Vannet er giftig — the water is poisonous, referring to particular water.
So the definite form is important here because it points to specific water.
What does er mean?
Er means is / am / are.
It is the present tense of the verb å være = to be.
Examples:
- Jeg er trøtt = I am tired
- Hun er her = She is here
- Vannet er giftig = The water is poisonous
Norwegian uses the same present-tense form er for all subjects.