Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Hvis vi beskytter miljøet i dag, vil himmelen og luften være klar for barna i morgen. - If we protect the environment today, the sky and the air will be clear for the children tomorrow.

Hvis means “if”. It introduces a conditional (subordinate) clause. After hvis, you use normal subject–verb order (e.g. hvis vi beskytter…). The main clause follows, usually separated by a comma.

Why is there a comma after i dag before the main clause?

In Norwegian, when a subordinate clause (here the hvis-clause) comes first, you place a comma before the main clause. So Hvis vi beskytter miljøet i dag, is the subordinate clause, and the comma marks the break before the main clause vil himmelen….

Why is the word order in the main clause vil himmelen og luften være klar instead of himmelen og luften vil være klar?

Because Norwegian follows the verb-second (V2) rule: the finite verb must be in second position. When a subordinate clause starts the sentence, the entire clause counts as “first position,” so the verb comes next, before the subject. Hence vil (verb) + himmelen og luften (subject).

What are i dag and i morgen, and why are they placed there?

i dag = “today”, i morgen = “tomorrow”. In the subordinate clause, time adverbs often come at the end: beskytter miljøet i dag. In the main clause you can also place i morgen at the end for clarity: …være klar for barna i morgen.

What is å beskytte, and why is it beskytter here?

Å beskytte is the infinitive “to protect.” In the present tense for vi (we), you use beskytter (we protect / are protecting): hvis vi beskytter miljøet….

Why does miljøet have the suffix -et?

The suffix -et marks the definite form of a neuter noun. miljø means “environment,” and miljøet means “the environment.” In Norwegian you add a suffix instead of a separate article.

What does klar mean here, and does it change form?

Klar means “clear” (in the sense of unpolluted). As a predicate adjective following være, it does not change form regardless of number or gender of the subject: himmelen og luften er klare would be a full sentence, but here it stays være klar after vil.

Why use vil være instead of just er to talk about tomorrow?

Because you want to express a future outcome: “will be clear.” Although Norwegian can use the present tense for future events, vil + infinitive is a clear way to mark a prediction or inevitable result.

What’s the difference between vil and skal when talking about the future?

vil expresses a prediction or what will happen.
skal often expresses a plan, intention, or obligation (“shall/going to”).
Here vil være klar focuses on the predicted state of sky and air.

Why is it barna instead of barn, and why is the preposition for used?

barn = “child/children” (indefinite).
barna = “the children” (definite plural). We refer to a specific group (future generations).
The preposition for in for barna means “for the benefit of” or “on behalf of” rather than direction (til). It shows the children are the ones who will enjoy a clear sky and air.