Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Toms kamera er det nyeste, men Annas bilder er de beste. - Tom’s camera is the newest, but Anna’s pictures are the best.

In Norwegian the possessive is formed by adding -s directly to the noun, with no apostrophe. So Toms corresponds to “Tom’s” and Annas to “Anna’s.”

Why don’t we use a separate article or a definite ending on kamera or bilder (e.g. kameraet, bildene)?

When a noun has a possessor, the -s on the possessor already marks definiteness. You omit both the indefinite article (en/ei/et) and the definite suffix (-en/-et/-a).
• Toms kamera means “Tom’s camera” (definite by possession)
• Annas bilder means “Anna’s pictures” (definite by possession)

Why is the superlative formed with det + adjective + ‑e or de + adjective + ‑e (e.g. det nyeste, de beste) rather than a bare form?

Norwegian has two superlative patterns:
• Bare superlative -est (nyest, best) used predicatively without a definite marker.
• Definite superlative det/den/de + adjective + ‑e used when you want “the most …” or when the adjective stands in for a noun.
– Neuter singular → det nyeste
– Common (m/f) singular → den nyeste
– Plural → de beste

Can we also use the bare superlative here, like Toms kamera er nyest and Annas bilder er best?

Yes. Both versions are correct:
• Toms kamera er nyest
• Annas bilder er best
The bare superlative is neutral and common in speech. The definite form (det/de + ‑e) sounds a bit more emphatic or formal.

How do you form comparatives and superlatives for adjectives like ny (“new”) and god (“good”)?

General pattern:
• Positive: ny, god
• Comparative: add -ere (nyere) or irregular change (god → bedre)
• Superlative bare: add -st (ny → nyest; god → best)
• Superlative definite: det/den/de + adjective + ‑e (det nyeste, den dyreste bilen, de beste)

What’s the role of men in this sentence?

men means “but.” It’s a coordinating conjunction used to contrast two independent clauses:
• Toms kamera er det nyeste, but
• Annas bilder er de beste.

Is the comma before men necessary?

A comma before men is recommended when it links two main clauses, as here. It clarifies the contrast but in very short sentences it can sometimes be omitted.

Why are det and de used with the superlative? How do they agree with gender and number?

They are the definite markers needed in the definite superlative:
• det = neuter singular (matching et kamera) → det nyeste
• den = common gender singular (matching ei/en bok) → den nyeste boka
• de = plural (matching bilder) → de beste