Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Jeg tror at beslutningen er riktig.

at is a subordinating conjunction that introduces the clause beslutningen er riktig. It functions just like English that in “I believe that the decision is right.”

Can you omit at and still be correct?

Yes. In spoken and informal written Norwegian, you can drop at and say
• Jeg tror beslutningen er riktig.
This is perfectly natural. In very formal contexts you might keep at, but omission is common.

Why does beslutningen end in -en?

The suffix -en marks the noun as definite (“the”).
• beslutning = “a decision”
• beslutningen = “the decision”

Why is the verb er placed right after beslutningen? Shouldn’t it go at the end?

In Norwegian subordinate clauses, the word order is normally Subject-Verb-Object (SVO), just like in main clauses. Only in main clauses do you get the V2 (verb‐second) rule under certain conditions. Here, beslutningen (subject) is followed by er (verb), then riktig (adjective).

What’s the difference between tror, mener, and synes?

These three verbs can all express opinions but with subtle shades:
• tror – “believe” or “guess,” often based on incomplete info (“I think/believe”)
• mener – “mean” or “hold the opinion,” more reasoned (“I am of the opinion”)
• synes – “seem/feel,” more personal impression (“I feel that…/I think that…”)
So Jeg tror at… suggests you’re stating a belief; Jeg mener at… feels slightly stronger or more considered.

How do I pronounce beslutningen?

Approximate English‐style phonetics:
beh-SLOOT-ning-en
Breakdown:
• be- (like “beh”)
• slut- (like “sloot,” with a long u)
• ningen (reduce the g: “ning-en”)

Could I front the clause and say “At beslutningen er riktig, tror jeg”?

Yes. That’s grammatically correct and more formal or emphatic. You’ve placed the subordinate clause first; the main clause tror jeg follows. No additional changes are needed.

Do I need a comma before at?

Modern Norwegian does not require a comma before at in subordinate clauses. You will commonly see:
“Jeg tror at beslutningen er riktig.”
Occasionally writers add a comma for clarity, but it is optional.

If I wanted to say “a decision” instead of “the decision,” how would it look?

Use the indefinite form en beslutning. For example:
• Jeg tror en beslutning er riktig.
However, without context that sounds odd in English too (“I believe a decision is right”). You’d usually specify which decision or keep it definite.