Questions & Answers about Jeg venter utenfor bygningen.
Why is venter used instead of an –ing form like waiting?
In Norwegian there is no continuous/progressive aspect the way English has. The simple present tense (e.g. venter) covers both habitual actions (“I wait”) and ongoing actions (“I am waiting”). So Jeg venter can mean either I wait or I am waiting, depending on context.
Why isn’t there a på between venter and utenfor? I thought you always wait på something.
Vente takes på only when you wait for someone or something:
• venter på deg = I’m waiting for you.
When you specify where you wait, you use a location preposition directly (here utenfor). So you say venter utenfor bygningen = waiting outside the building, without inserting på.
What exactly does utenfor mean, and could I use a different preposition like foran or ved?
• Utenfor = outside (of); you’re physically on the outside of something.
• Foran = in front of; usually right in front of an entrance or facade.
• Ved = by/at; indicates general proximity.
Examples:
– venter foran bygningen (standing at the front door)
– venter ved bygningen (somewhere near the building)
But venter utenfor bygningen is the most neutral way to say “waiting outside the building.”