Det virker absurd.

it

Breakdown of Det virker absurd.

• virke: to seem
• absurd: absurd

Questions & Answers about Det virker absurd.

What does det mean here?

Here det means it, but it often works as a general subject rather than pointing to a specific physical thing.

So Det virker absurd can mean:

• It seems absurd
• That seems absurd
• The situation seems absurd

Norwegian often uses det the same way English uses it in broad statements.

What does virker mean in this sentence?

Here virker means seems or appears.

The verb is å virke, and it can have several meanings depending on context:

• to seem / appear → Det virker absurd
• to work / function → Maskinen virker ikke
• to have an effect → Medisinen virker

In this sentence, the meaning is clearly seems.

What form is virker, and does it change depending on the subject?

Virker is the present tense of å virke.

A useful thing for English speakers: Norwegian verbs do not change for person the way English verbs do. So you get:

• jeg virker
• du virker
• han virker
• det virker
• vi virker
• de virker

The verb form stays the same.