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Questions & Answers about Jeg vasker strømpebuksen i dag.
What does strømpebuksen mean, and why is it singular in Norwegian?
strømpebuksen is the definite singular of strømpebukse, meaning “a pair of tights” or “pantyhose.” Even though English uses the plural word “tights,” Norwegian treats the garment as a single item, so it’s singular. The ending -en is the definite article suffix.
Why don’t we use a separate word for “the” before strømpebuksen?
Norwegian adds the definite article as a suffix to the noun. Instead of saying den strømpebuksen, you simply say strømpebuksen. If you wanted the indefinite form, you’d use en strømpebukse (“a pair of tights”).
Why is vasker in the present tense instead of a future form?
Norwegian often uses the simple present to talk about planned or imminent actions. Jeg vasker strømpebuksen i dag literally is “I wash the tights today,” but in context it means “I’m washing the tights today.” To emphasize future intention you could say Jeg skal vaske strømpebuksen i dag (“I’m going to wash the tights today”).
What does i dag mean and why is it placed at the end of the sentence?
i dag means “today.” Norwegian word order is typically Subject–Verb–Object–Adverbial, so placing the time adverbial i dag at the end is perfectly natural.
Does Norwegian have a progressive “-ing” form like “am washing”?
No, Norwegian does not have a separate progressive aspect. The simple present (for example, vasker) covers both “wash(es)” and “is washing.” If you really want to emphasize that you’re in the middle of washing, you could use holder på å vaske.
Could I say Jeg vasket strømpebuksen i dag instead?
You can, but that changes the tense to past. vasket is the past tense of vasker, so Jeg vasket strømpebuksen i dag means “I washed the tights today.” Use vasker to indicate you’re doing it right now or later today.
Can I add a possessive like “my” and say Jeg vasker mine strømpebukser i dag?
Yes, but note two things:
- mine strømpebukser is plural (“my tights,” multiple pairs).
- If you mean one pair, you’d say min strømpebukse (indefinite) or rely on context/definite form strømpebuksen.
Choose singular or plural based on how many pairs you’re washing.
What’s the difference between strømpebukse and bukse?
bukse means “trousers” or “pants.” strømpebukse is a compound of strømpe (stocking) + bukse, so it literally means “stocking-pants” and refers to “tights” or “pantyhose.”