Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Hvis forbindelsen er dårlig, bruker jeg en lykt for å justere antennen ute. - If the connection is bad, I use a flashlight to adjust the antenna outside.

Hvis introduces a real conditional (“if this happens…”). Om is used for indirect questions (“I wonder if…”) or to talk about uncertainty. In a straight “if, then” sentence like this, you always choose hvis.

In Norwegian, do we need a comma after a subordinate clause starting with hvis?

Yes. When a subordinate clause (for example one introduced by hvis, fordi, når, hvorfor, etc.) comes first, you separate it from the main clause with a comma: • “Hvis forbindelsen er dårlig, bruker jeg en lykt…” Omitting it is considered informal or a typo.

Why is forbindelsen in the definite form? Could I say en forbindelse?

Here you refer to a specific, known connection (for example your Internet link). In Norwegian you make that definite by suffixing -en. Saying en forbindelse would mean “a connection (any connection),” which sounds odd if you’re talking about your own setup.

Why isn’t dårlig inflected as dårlige, since forbindelsen is definite?

Because dårlig stands in predicate position (after the verb er). In Norwegian, adjectives after være (to be) remain in their basic form: • Attributive (before noun): en dårlig forbindelse
• Predicative (after verb): forbindelsen er dårlig

What does for å mean, and why do we need it before justere?

for å + infinitive = “in order to” (purpose). You cannot use å alone for this function.
• Correct: bruker jeg en lykt for å justere antennen
• Incorrect: bruker jeg en lykt å justere antennen

Why is antenne in the definite form antennen with the suffix -en?

You’re adjusting a specific antenna (the one on your roof, for example). In Norwegian, you signal that by adding -en to the noun: • en antenne → antennen

What kind of word is ute, and could I place it somewhere else in the sentence?

ute is an adverb meaning outside. It typically comes at the end of a clause. You could restate the sentence as:
“Hvis forbindelsen er dårlig, bruker jeg en lykt og justerer antennen ute.”
But putting ute at the very end (after antenne) is most natural.

Can I use lommelykt instead of lykt here?

Yes.
• lommelykt = flashlight/torch (specifically handheld)
• lykt = more general “lamp,” “lantern” or “light”
Both are understood, though lommelykt zeroes in on the idea of a flashlight.

Is justere a regular verb in Norwegian? How do I conjugate it?

Yes. It’s a weak -e-re verb.
• Infinitive: å justere
• Present: justerer
• Past: justerte
• Supine (perfect): justert