Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Stresset forsvinner når gresset dufter nydelig etter regnet. - The stress disappears when the grass smells lovely after the rain.

stresset is the definite singular form of stress, so it means the stress. In Norwegian neuter nouns form definiteness by adding -et as a suffix instead of using a separate article like in English.

What is the function of forsvinner, and why is it in the present tense?

forsvinner is the present tense of the verb forsvinne (“to disappear” or “to vanish”). The present tense here expresses a general or habitual fact: stress always vanishes under these circumstances.

Why does the clause starting with når use Subject–Verb–Object order instead of verb‐second?

Because når is a subordinating conjunction (meaning when or whenever). In subordinate clauses, Norwegian follows standard SVO (Subject–Verb–Object), whereas the V2 (verb‐second) rule only applies in main clauses.

Can når and da both translate to “when,” and when do you use each?

Yes, but da refers to a single past event, while når is used for habitual, general, or future events. Here it’s a recurring phenomenon (every time it rains), so når is the correct choice.

What’s the difference between dufte and lukte when talking about smell?

Both mean “to smell,” but dufte implies a pleasant fragrance and is used positively (as in dufter nydelig = “smells wonderful”), whereas lukte is neutral and can describe either good or bad odors.

Why is nydelig not changed when it follows dufter? Shouldn’t it be an adverb?

In Norwegian, adjectives also serve as adverbs without any change. nydelig works both as an adjective (“lovely”) and as an adverb (“lovely” = “wonderfully”) in the same form.

Why is gresset definite? Wouldn’t gress be enough?

gress means “grass” in general. gresset is the definite form, meaning the grass. Here we refer to the particular grass that smells after the rain, so the definite form is used.

What does etter regnet mean, and why is regnet in the definite form?

etter regnet means after the rain. regnet is the definite form of regn (“rain”). In time expressions you often refer to a specific event or condition (the rain that just fell), so the definite form is required.