Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Laderen deles med en venn som også trenger strøm. - The charger is shared with a friend who also needs power.

The suffix -en is the definite singular article in Norwegian. Instead of using a separate word like “the,” Norwegian tacks the article onto the end of the noun. Here, lader (charger) + -en → laderen (“the charger”).

Why is deles used instead of dele?

Deles is the present passive form (the so-called “-s passive”) of dele (“to share”). While dele is the active infinitive, deles means “is shared” or “gets shared.” You form it by taking the verb stem and adding -s.

Why is there no explicit subject performing the action?

Because the sentence uses the passive voice: Laderen deles … (“The charger is shared …”). In Norwegian passive, the agent (“we,” “they,” etc.) is often omitted when it’s obvious or unimportant.

What role does med play in deles med en venn?

Med is the preposition “with.” When you share something with someone in Norwegian, you say dele … med … just like “to share … with …” in English.

What is the function of som in en venn som også trenger strøm?

Som is the relative pronoun “who/which/that.” Here it introduces the clause som også trenger strøm (“who also needs power”) and refers back to en venn (“a friend”).

Why is også placed before trenger in the relative clause?

Adverbs of manner/frequency like også (“also”) precede the finite verb in Norwegian subordinate clauses. So in som også trenger strøm, også comes directly before trenger (“needs”).

What’s the difference between strøm and elektrisitet?

Both can mean “electricity,” but strøm is the everyday word for “power/electric current” (e.g., charging phones, turning on lights). Elektrisitet is more formal or technical, often used in physics or engineering contexts.

How would you say this in the active voice with “we” as the subject?

Switch to active and add vi (“we”):
Vi deler laderen med en venn som også trenger strøm.