Kan du løse problemet?

Can you solve the problem?

Breakdown of Kan du løse problemet?

• du: you
• kunne: can
• løse: to solve
• problemet: the problem

Questions & Answers about Kan du løse problemet?

Why does the sentence start with Kan instead of Du kan?

In Norwegian main clauses the finite verb occupies the first position (the “V2 rule”). That means in questions you put Kan first, then the subject du, and then the rest.

Why is there no å before løse?

When an infinitive follows a modal verb like kan, you omit the particle å. So you say kan løse, not kan å løse.

What form is løse here? Why not løser?

Løse is the infinitive (“to solve”). After a modal verb (kan) you use the infinitive. Løser would be the present-tense form (“solves”/“is solving”), which you’d use without a preceding modal (e.g., Du løser problemet).

What does problemet mean and why the -et ending?

Problem is a neuter noun (et problem). To make it definite (“the problem”), you add -et: problemet.

How would I say “a problem” (indefinite)?