Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Motivet på veggen er vakkert. - The motif on the wall is beautiful.

Motivet is the definite singular of the neuter noun motiv (meaning “motif” or “subject” in an artistic context). In Bokmål, neuter nouns add -et when you make them definite. So you have motiv (indefinite), motivet (definite).

Why does veggen end with -en?

Vegg (“wall”) is a common-gender noun (traditionally feminine) in Bokmål. Common-gender nouns form the definite singular by adding -en. Thus en vegg (“a wall”) becomes veggen (“the wall”).

Why does the adjective vakkert end with -t here?

In Norwegian, predicate adjectives agree in gender with the noun they describe. Since motiv is neuter, its adjective also takes the neuter ending -t: the base form is vakker (common), neuter is vakkert.

Why is på used instead of i or om?

På indicates location on a surface (“on the wall”). I would mean “inside” something (i rommet = in the room), and om doesn’t express spatial location.

Can we change the word order and say På veggen er motivet vakkert?

Yes. Norwegian follows the V2 rule: the finite verb (er) must be the second element. Starting with På veggen triggers inversion, so you get På veggen er motivet vakkert (“On the wall, the motif is beautiful”).

How would you say this sentence with indefinite articles?

Use et for neuter and en for common gender:
Et motiv på en vegg er vakkert.
(“A motif on a wall is beautiful.”)

What’s the nuance of motiv compared to subject?

While subject in English can be general, motiv in Norwegian often refers specifically to an artistic theme, pattern or visual element. It highlights the design or theme of what’s depicted.

Could you use a different adjective instead of vakkert?

Yes. Other common choices (neuter form) include fint (nice), pent (pretty), flott (splendid). For example: Motivet på veggen er flott.