Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Jeg gjør deg glad.

The sentence follows a common Subject–Verb–Object–Complement pattern. "Jeg" is the subject ("I"), "gjør" is the verb (from "å gjøre"), "deg" is the object ("you"), and "glad" is the adjective complement ("happy") that describes the state induced by the action.

How does the verb "gjør" work in this sentence, especially since it translates to both "do" and "make" in English?

In Norwegian, the verb "å gjøre" can mean either "to do" or "to make," depending on the context. In the sentence "Jeg gjør deg glad," it functions like the English "to make." Although a literal translation might suggest "I do you happy," the established idiom in both languages is to use "make" when indicating causation of a state—in this case, causing someone to be happy.

Why is "deg" used as the object instead of using the same form as the subject pronoun?

Norwegian distinguishes between subject and object pronouns. "Du" is the subject form ("you"), while "deg" is the object form ("you"). In this sentence, "deg" correctly shows that "you" are the recipient of the action. This is different from English, where "you" serves as both subject and object.

What is the role of "glad" in the sentence, and why is it placed at the end?

"Glad" is an adjective serving as an object complement. It describes the state that results from the action expressed by the verb. Its placement after the object ("deg") is standard in both Norwegian and English for sentences that use a causative construction—similar to "I make you happy," where "happy" follows the object.

Can this sentence be modified to emphasize the process of feeling happy, and if so, how?