Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Hjernen lærer nye ting hver dag. - The brain learns new things every day.

Hjernen is the definite singular form of hjerne (a brain), so hjernen means the brain. In Norwegian, you add the definite article (here -en, since hjerne is a common-gender noun) at the end of the noun.

How do I say a brain instead of the brain?

Use the indefinite singular: en hjerne (a brain). So if you wanted “a brain learns,” you’d say En hjerne lærer…

Why is the verb lærer used here, and what tense is it?

Lærer is the present-tense form of å lære (to learn). In Norwegian, you form the present by adding -r to the infinitive: å lære → lærer.

Does lærer ever mean teaches instead of learns?

Yes. Å lære can mean both to learn and to teach depending on context, and the present form (lærer) looks the same. To avoid ambiguity, you can use undervise (to teach) when you specifically mean “teach.”

Why is it nye ting instead of ny ting?

Here ting is in the indefinite plural, and indefinite plural adjectives take the form nye (not ny). Hence nye ting = new things.

Does ting change form in the plural?

No. Ting is one of those nouns whose indefinite singular and plural are identical:
• one thing = en ting
• two (or more) things = ting
You tell it’s plural by context, adjectives like nye, or numerals.

What does hver dag mean, and why is dag singular?

Hver means each/every, and it always takes a singular noun. So hver dag translates to every day.

How can I turn this into a question or emphasize hver dag at the front?

Norwegian follows the V2 rule (verb-second):
• Yes/no question: invert subject and verb → Lærer hjernen nye ting hver dag?
• Emphasis on “every day”: move hver dag to position one, keep verb second → Hver dag lærer hjernen nye ting.