Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Brillene ligger på bordet.

Brillene is the definite plural form of briller (glasses). In Norwegian you indicate definiteness by adding a suffix to the noun rather than placing a separate word like “the” in front. For most plural nouns you add -ne, so:

briller = glasses (indefinite)
brillene = the glasses (definite)

Why is briller always plural?

Briller is a plurale tantum in Norwegian, meaning it only exists in the plural form when referring to eyeglasses. If you really need the singular idea, you’d say et par briller (a pair of glasses), but you never say en brille.

Why aren’t there separate words for “the” before brillene or bordet?

Norwegian uses post-positive articles attached as suffixes to the noun. Instead of saying the table, you adjust bord (table) to bordet. Similarly, briller becomes brillene.

What’s the difference between ligger and legger?

ligge (ligger) = to lie, to be located (intransitive)
legge (legger) = to lay, to put something down (transitive)
Here the glasses are simply lying on the table (location), so you use ligger. If you were placing them there, you might say Jeg legger brillene på bordet.