Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Jeg forventer ikke at alt skal være enkelt, men jeg prøver likevel. - I do not expect everything to be simple, but I try anyway.

Forventer translates to “expect” in English. In this sentence, it signifies that the speaker does not anticipate that everything will be easy. It is a straightforward use of the verb to express an expectation (or lack thereof) about future events or conditions.

Why is ikke placed immediately after forventer instead of at the end of the clause?

In Norwegian, the negation ikke is typically positioned right after the main verb to negate the action directly. So, forventer ikke properly conveys “do not expect.” Placing it immediately after forventer ensures clarity by closely linking the negation to the verb rather than implying a broader negation over the entire clause.

What role does at play in this sentence?

The word at functions as a conjunction here, introducing a subordinate clause. It links the main clause Jeg forventer ikke with the subordinate clause alt skal være enkelt, thereby specifying what is not expected. This structure is common in Norwegian when providing details about an expectation or a statement.

How does the modal verb skal operate in the subordinate clause, and what nuance does it add?

Skal acts as a modal verb that can indicate future intention or a normative state. In alt skal være enkelt, it suggests that there is an implied expectation—or an ideal—about how things ought to be, even though the speaker refutes this expectation. Thus, it adds a subtle layer of meaning, expressing that although things are supposed to be easy, the speaker is aware they might not be.

What does the phrase men jeg prøver likevel mean, and what is the significance of likevel?

The phrase men jeg prøver likevel translates to “but I try nonetheless.” The word likevel means “nevertheless” or “still,” indicating that despite not expecting everything to be easy, the speaker continues to put in effort. It emphasizes a contrast between the expectation and the action, highlighting persistence in the face of anticipated difficulties.

Can you explain the overall structure of the sentence and how the two clauses relate to each other?

The sentence is divided into two contrasting parts. The first part, Jeg forventer ikke at alt skal være enkelt, lays out the speaker’s lack of expectation regarding simplicity. The second part, men jeg prøver likevel, introduces a contrasting action using the conjunction men (meaning “but”), which indicates that despite the skeptical expectation, the speaker is still making an effort. This structure effectively communicates a realistic yet determined attitude.

Why is the word order in the subordinate clause at alt skal være enkelt important?

Norwegian subordinate clauses generally follow a subject–verb order. In at alt skal være enkelt, alt (everything) is clearly the subject, followed by skal (the modal verb) and then være (the main verb), finally modified by enkelt. This clear order helps maintain the sentence’s coherence and ensures that the function of each word is understood, distinguishing the subordinate clause from the main clause.

What tenses are used in each part of the sentence, and how do they contribute to its meaning?

The main verbs forventer and prøver are in the present tense, indicating current attitudes and actions. The modal verb skal in the subordinate clause hints at a future state or an expected norm (“everything should be easy”). This mix of tenses supports a nuanced meaning: although the speaker does not expect things to be easy (a present attitude toward future possibilities), they continue to try (an ongoing action in the present).