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Questions & Answers about Timen begynner nå.
What does Timen mean in this sentence?
The noun time in Norwegian can mean both hour (a unit of time) and lesson or class period. The suffix -en makes it definite, so timen means the lesson or the class. Context tells you which.
Why don’t we see a separate word for the, like in English?
In Norwegian, the definite article usually attaches to the noun as a suffix. So time plus -en yields timen, meaning the lesson.
I’ve seen both ei time and en time. Which one should I use?
In Bokmål you can use either. Ei time uses the feminine article ei, while en time uses the masculine en. Both are correct and share the same definite form timen.
What tense is begynner, and why is present tense used for something happening right now?
Begynner is the present tense of å begynne (to begin). Like in English, Norwegian often uses the simple present to describe actions that are occurring at the moment or are scheduled very soon.
How does the word order work here? Why is nå at the end?
Norwegian main clauses follow the V2 rule: the finite verb must be in second position. In Timen begynner nå:
1st position = Timen
2nd position = begynner (finite verb)
Then comes nå (adverb).
Can I start the sentence with nå, as in Nå begynner timen?
Yes. Putting nå first still places begynner in second position. Nå begynner timen is equally correct and shifts the emphasis onto now.
What’s the difference between begynne and starte?
They’re almost interchangeable. Begynne is a native Norwegian verb, very common in conversation. Starte is borrowed from English and can sound slightly more formal or technical in some contexts.
Do you have any pronunciation tips for Timen begynner nå?
Try this approximation:
• Timen = TEE-men (stress on TEE, i like in see)
• begynner = beh-YIN-ner (soft g, almost like a y sound)
• nå = sounds like naw but with rounded lips (the Norwegian å sound)