Butikken er stengt.

The store is closed.

Breakdown of Butikken er stengt.

• være: to be
• butikk: the store
• stengt: closed

Questions & Answers about Butikken er stengt.

What does "Butikken" mean, and why does it have the -en ending?

"Butikken" means "the store" in English. The ending -en is a suffix used in Norwegian to indicate that the noun is in its definite form. Instead of using a separate word like "the", Norwegian attaches the definite article directly to the noun.

What is the role of "er" in this sentence?

"Er" is the present tense form of the verb "å være" (to be). It acts as the linking verb, connecting the subject (Butikken) with the adjective or state (stengt) that describes it.

Is "stengt" an adjective or a verb form, and what does it signify here?

"Stengt" is the past participle of the verb "å stenge" (to close), and in this sentence it functions as an adjective meaning "closed". It describes the current condition of the store.

How similar is the sentence structure in Norwegian to that in English?

The structure of "Butikken er stengt" is similar to English. It follows a subject-verb-adjective pattern — just like "The store is closed" — which can make it easier for native English speakers to grasp.

How is the concept of definiteness expressed in Norwegian compared to English?

In Norwegian, definiteness is often expressed by appending a suffix to the noun. For example, the indefinite "butikk" becomes the definite "butikken". In English, definiteness is indicated by a separate word ("the"). This difference is a key point to note when learning Norwegian noun forms.

Are there any nuances between using "stengt" and other words like "lukket" when referring to something being closed?

Yes, while both "stengt" and "lukket" can translate as "closed", they are used in slightly different contexts. "Stengt" is typically used to indicate that an establishment is not open for business, whereas "lukket" often refers to something being physically closed, such as a door or window. The context usually helps determine which term is most appropriate.