Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Du liker å spise mat.

In Norwegian, å in front of a verb indicates the infinitive form (similar to “to eat” in English). Whenever you use liker (like) to say you like doing something, it is followed by å plus the infinitive form of the verb, e.g. liker å spise (like to eat).

Is 'liker' always used with the same form regardless of the subject?

Yes. In Norwegian, verbs follow a simpler pattern than in English. The present tense form of many verbs, including liker, does not change with the subject. So whether the subject is jeg (I), du (you), or han/hun (he/she), we still say liker.

What’s the difference between ‘du’ and ‘dere’?

Both mean you, but du refers to one person (singular), while dere refers to two or more people (plural). In the sentence Du liker å spise mat, we’re talking to a single person.

Does ‘mat’ need an article in Norwegian?

Not necessarily. Mat can be a general concept meaning food, and in Norwegian, such general or uncountable nouns often appear without an article. If you wanted to be specific about the food, you could say maten (the food), but here it’s just food in general.

Can I say ‘Du liker spise mat’ without ‘å’?

No. In Norwegian, whenever you say you like doing something, you must use å before the verb in the infinitive form. Leaving out å is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is always Du liker å spise mat.