Ikke glem syltetøyet når du kjøper brød.

Don't forget the jam when you buy bread.

Breakdown of Ikke glem syltetøyet når du kjøper brød.

• du: you
• brødet: the bread
• kjøpe: to buy
• når: when
• ikke: not
• glemme: to forget
• syltetøyet: the jam

Questions & Answers about Ikke glem syltetøyet når du kjøper brød.

What does ikke do in this sentence, and why is it placed before glem?

Ikke is the negation particle meaning “not,” and here it negates the imperative glem (“forget”). In Norwegian negative imperatives, you place ikke directly before the verb: ikke glem = “don’t forget.” Placing it elsewhere (e.g. glem ikke) is also possible but sounds more formal or old-fashioned.

Why is syltetøyet in the definite form (“the jam”) and not just syltetøy (“jam”)?

Using the definite form syltetøyet (“the jam”) indicates a specific jar or type of jam already known in the context. If you say Ikke glem syltetøy, it means “don’t forget jam” in general (indefinite). Both are correct, but syltetøyet points to “the one we talked about” or “the usual one.”

Why is there no article before brød? Shouldn’t it be et brød for “a bread”?

In Norwegian, brød can be uncountable when you mean “bread” as a food in general, so no article is needed: når du kjøper brød = “when you buy bread.” If you meant “a whole loaf of bread,” you would say et brød, which is countable and refers to a single loaf.

Can you explain the word order in når du kjøper brød?

Når is a subordinating conjunction meaning “when.” In Norwegian subordinate clauses, the finite verb normally remains in second position within the clause, after the subject. So we get:
1) når (conjunction)
2) du (subject)
3) kjøper (verb)
4) brød (object)

Is du necessary in når du kjøper brød, or can you drop the subject?

You cannot drop du here. In subordinate clauses (and most non-imperative contexts), Norwegian requires an explicit subject. Imperative clauses can omit the subject (e.g. Glem syltetøyet!), but in når du kjøper brød, you need du.

Could I start with the time clause and then the imperative? For example: Når du kjøper brød, ikke glem syltetøyet?

Yes. Both orders are acceptable:

• Ikke glem syltetøyet når du kjøper brød.
• Når du kjøper brød, ikke glem syltetøyet.
  The meaning stays the same; the choice is a matter of style and emphasis.

What’s the difference between når and hvis in this context?

Når means “when” in the sense that you will definitely buy bread at some point (“whenever you buy bread”). Hvis means “if,” introducing a condition (“if you happen to buy bread”). So:

• Når du kjøper brød = “when you buy bread” (certain)
• Hvis du kjøper brød = “if you buy bread” (possible)