Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Vekkerklokken ringer klokken seks hver morgen. - The alarm clock rings at six every morning.

Vekkerklokken is a compound noun formed from vekker (waker) + klokken (the clock in definite form). Literally it means “the waking clock,” but in English we simply say “the alarm clock.”

Why is klokken used before seks to tell the time?

In Norwegian Bokmål it’s standard to introduce the hour with klokken (“the clock”) followed by the numeral. It’s like saying “the clock six.” You can drop klokken in casual speech (e.g. “ringer seks”), but including it makes the time expression precise.

Why does klokken appear twice in the sentence?

The first klokken is part of the compound noun Vekkerklokken (“alarm clock”). The second klokken introduces the time (klokken seks) when it rings.

Could you say Vekkerklokken ringer seks hver morgen without klokken?

Yes. In informal spoken Norwegian you can omit klokken and say “ringer seks hver morgen.” It’s understood but sounds more casual than the full form.

What’s the difference between hver morgen and om morgenen?

Hver morgen means “every morning,” emphasizing a daily routine. Om morgenen means “in the mornings” more generally, without the same sense of “each and every” day.

Why is hver morgen placed at the end of the sentence?

Norwegian word order for frequency adverbs (like hver morgen) typically comes after the verb and the time expression. Here the structure is Subject – Verb – Time – Frequency.

Why is the present tense ringer used for a future event?

Norwegian uses the present tense for habitual or scheduled actions. Since the alarm rings every morning, ringer is appropriate to express that routine.

Is there a difference between klokken and klokka?

Yes. Klokken is the standard Bokmål form, while klokka is a more informal or dialectal variant common in everyday speech. Both mean “the clock” when telling time.