Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Flyplassen er stor, men det er lett å finne riktig utgang. - The airport is big, but it is easy to find the correct exit.

Because this sentence refers to a specific airport. In Norwegian, most common-gender nouns add the suffix -en to become definite singular: flyplass → flyplassen.

What role does det play in men det er lett å finne riktig utgang?

This det is a dummy or expletive pronoun, used as a formal subject in impersonal structures. It works like English it in it’s easy to find and doesn’t refer to anything concrete.

Why is there a comma before men?

Norwegian typically uses a comma between two main clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction such as men (but). The comma marks the division between the clauses.

What is the function of lett å finne?

Lett is an adjective meaning easy, and it takes an å-infinitive clause (å finne riktig utgang) as its complement, similar to English easy to find.

Why do we include å before finne?

In Norwegian, the infinitive is normally marked with å. You need å to introduce the infinitive of most verbs, so å finne is the correct form.

Why isn’t riktig inflected to riktige?

When an adjective modifies an indefinite, singular, common-gender noun without a separate article (as in riktig utgang), the adjective remains in its basic form with no ending. It would take -e in a definite or plural context.

How would you say the correct exit in Norwegian?

You could say den riktige utgangen: den (definite article) + adjective with -e (riktige) + definite noun utgangen (utgang → utgangen).

Why is er repeated in the second clause?

Each independent clause in Norwegian generally requires its own finite verb. You cannot omit the verb in the second clause, so you keep er for grammatical correctness.