Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Du kan trygt sende e-posten nå.

kan is the present tense of the modal verb å kunne (to be able). It functions like English “can” or “may,” indicating ability, permission or possibility. In this sentence, it tells the listener that it’s possible (and permissible) to send the email now.

Why is sende used instead of sender?

After a modal verb in Norwegian (such as kan, må, vil), the main verb appears in the infinitive form. In colloquial and standard usage you drop the infinitive marker å, so you get kan sende (can send), not kan sender.

What does trygt mean and why is it placed before sende?

trygt is an adverb meaning “safely.” In Norwegian, short adverbs of manner normally precede the verb they modify. When there’s a modal verb, the order is: modal + manner-adverb + main verb. Hence kan trygt sende.

Why is the noun written e-post with a hyphen, and why does it become e-posten here?

e-post (e-mail) is a common-gender noun (en e-post) that in the definite singular takes the suffix -en: e-posten (“the e-mail”). The hyphen simply reflects that it’s a compound of “elektronisk” and “post.” We use the definite form because we’re talking about a specific email that the speaker and listener know about.

Why does nå appear at the end of the sentence?

Adverbs of time (like nå = “now”) commonly go after the object or at the end of a main clause in Norwegian. This placement also respects the V2 (verb-second) rule by keeping the finite verb in second position.

What is the V2 rule and how does it apply here?

Norwegian main clauses follow the V2 rule: the finite (conjugated) verb must be the second element in the sentence. In Du kan trygt sende e-posten nå:

First position = Du (subject)
Second position = kan (finite verb)
All other elements (adverb, main verb, object, time adverbial) follow.