Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Jeg vasker tallerkenen og skjeen etter at jeg har spist frokost. - I wash the plate and the spoon after I have eaten breakfast.

In Norwegian, nouns form their definite version by adding a suffix—in this case, -en. The noun tallerken means plate, and when the definite suffix is added, tallerkenen translates to the plate. Similarly, skje means spoon and skjeen means the spoon. This construction differs from English, which uses a separate word (the definite article the) instead of attaching a suffix.

What does the phrase etter at mean, and how is it used in this sentence?

The phrase etter at translates to after and is used to introduce a subordinate clause that specifies the time when the main action occurs. In this sentence, etter at jeg har spist frokost means after I have eaten breakfast, indicating that the action of washing follows once the breakfast is finished. The phrase requires a subject and a verb in the subordinate clause, as seen here with jeg har spist.

Why is the perfect tense har spist used for the subordinate clause, while the main clause uses the present tense vasker?

The use of har spist (the perfect tense) indicates that the action of eating breakfast is completed before the action in the main clause. The present tense vasker describes the current or habitual action of washing. This combination clearly indicates the order of events: first, breakfast is eaten (completed action), and then the plate and spoon are washed (ongoing or usual action).

How is the sentence structured in terms of main and subordinate clauses?

The sentence is divided into two parts. The main clause is Jeg vasker tallerkenen og skjeen, which states the primary action of washing the plate and spoon. The subordinate clause is etter at jeg har spist frokost, which provides a time reference, specifying that the washing occurs after breakfast has been eaten. The subordinate clause begins with etter at, linking it to the main clause by describing when the main action happens.

Is it acceptable to rearrange the sentence by placing the time clause at the beginning? If so, what would that look like?

Yes, rearranging the sentence is acceptable in Norwegian and can shift the emphasis of the information. For example, you could say: "Etter at jeg har spist frokost, vasker jeg tallerkenen og skjeen." This version starts with the time clause, highlighting the sequence of events—first have breakfast, then wash the dishes—while maintaining the same overall meaning.