Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Jeg hører lyden fra nabobordet. - I hear the sound from the neighbouring table.

Because here you’re referring to a specific sound that you hear. In Norwegian, you make a noun definite by adding an ending: for a common gender noun like lyd, you add -en, so lyd → lyden (“the sound”). Saying en lyd would mean “a sound” (indefinite), while lyden means “the sound” (definite).

What does fra mean, and why is it used here?

fra is a preposition meaning from in English. It indicates the origin or source of the sound. So fra nabobordet translates as “from the neighbor’s table.”

Why is nabobordet written as one word? Shouldn't it be two words?

In Norwegian, compound nouns are written together. Here you have nabo (“neighbor”) + bord (“table”) with the definite ending -et → nabobordet (“the neighbor’s table”). You don’t split the parts with a space.

What does the -et in bordet indicate?

bord is a neuter noun. To form the definite singular of a neuter noun, you add -et. So et bord (“a table”) becomes bordet (“the table”).

Can I say Jeg hører en lyd fra nabobordet? How does that change the meaning?

Yes. Jeg hører en lyd fra nabobordet means “I hear a sound from the neighbor’s table,” with en lyd (“a sound”) indefinite. The original sentence uses lyden (“the sound”) to refer to one particular, identifiable sound.

What’s the difference between å høre and å lytte?

å høre means “to hear” (passively perceiving sound). å lytte means “to listen” (actively paying attention to sound). For example:
• Jeg hører lyden = “I hear the sound” (it reaches me).
• Jeg lytter til lyden = “I am listening to the sound” (I focus on it).

Why isn’t it Jeg hører på lyden fra nabobordet?

Adding på (making høre på) gives the sense of “tune in to” or “listen to” something deliberately (like music). Here you’re simply perceiving the sound, so you use høre without på.

Is fra part of the verb phrase hører fra, or is it linked to lyden?

It’s linked to lyden, not the verb. The object of the verb hører is the entire noun phrase lyden fra nabobordet. You’re hearing “the sound from the neighbor’s table,” not “hearing from” as a single verb.

How would you express hearing multiple sounds from that table?

Use the plural indefinite lyder:
Jeg hører lyder fra nabobordet
= “I hear sounds from the neighbor’s table.”
If you wanted to specify particular sounds, you could say lydene (“the sounds”).