Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Piloten sier at det er en liten forsinkelse. - The pilot says that there is a small delay.

Piloten is the definite form of pilot. We use the definite form when referring to a specific pilot (the one speaking on the intercom). In English we say the pilot instead of a pilot.

What is the function of sier at in this sentence?

sier at means says that. sier is the present tense of si (to say), and at is a conjunction introducing an indirect statement (subordinate clause). So sier at det er en liten forsinkelse = says that there is a slight delay.

Could we omit at and still be correct?

Yes, informally you can drop at: Piloten sier det er en liten forsinkelse is acceptable in spoken Norwegian. However, including at is more formal and clear.

Why do we need det before er? Can't we just say er en liten forsinkelse?

In Norwegian, like English, you often need a dummy subject in existential sentences. det er functions like English there is or it is. Without det, the sentence would be incomplete (er en liten forsinkelse doesn't stand on its own). det doesn't refer to anything specific—it just fills the subject slot.

What is the word order in the clause at det er en liten forsinkelse? Is it the same as in main clauses?

In subordinate clauses introduced by at, Norwegian uses Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order, just like English. Here det is the subject, er is the verb, and en liten forsinkelse is the object. In main clauses, Norwegian has the verb‐second rule, but that doesn't affect subordinate clauses.

Why do we say en liten forsinkelse and not en lite forsinkelse? Shouldn't liten agree with something?

In Norwegian Bokmål, adjectives agree in gender and number with their noun. forsinkelse is a common‐gender (en‐word) noun. The indefinite singular form of liten stays as liten, not lite (which is the neuter form). So you say en liten forsinkelse. If the noun were neuter (like hus), you would say et lite hus.

What gender is forsinkelse, and could we use ei forsinkelse instead of en?

forsinkelse is common gender (historically feminine). In Bokmål you normally use en forsinkelse, but some dialects and Nynorsk writers may use ei. In standard Bokmål, en is the correct indefinite article: en forsinkelse.

Is there a nuance between translating en liten forsinkelse as a small delay versus a slight delay?

Yes. liten can be translated as small or slight. In the context of delays, slight delay or short delay often sounds more natural in English, emphasizing that the delay is minor.

Why does the sentence use er (to be) instead of blir (to become)? Could we say det blir en liten forsinkelse?

Both are possible but carry a small nuance. det er en liten forsinkelse states a fact: there is a small delay right now. det blir en liten forsinkelse focuses on the process: we'll have a small delay or a small delay is going to happen. Airlines often use det blir when announcing upcoming delays.

How do you pronounce forsinkelse, and where is the stress?

forsinkelse is pronounced [fuhr-SIN-kəl-sə] (approx.). The main stress falls on the second syllable SIN. The r is lightly rolled or tapped, depending on dialect. The e at the end is a schwa sound.