Learn Hardcore Norwegian: For å beholde arbeidsroen, slår jeg av telefonen. - To keep the peace for work, I turn off the phone.

for å means “in order to” and introduces a purpose. You use it before an infinitive. Without for, the å would only mark the infinitive and you would lose the purpose meaning, so Å beholde arbeidsroen, slår jeg av telefonen is not idiomatic. Keep for å.

When do I use for å versus for at?

for å
- infinitive, when the subject is the same in both parts: For å beholde arbeidsroen, slår jeg av telefonen.
for at
- a full clause (subject + finite verb), typically when the subject changes: For at barna skal ha arbeidsro, slår jeg av telefonen.
You can use for at even with the same subject for emphasis or formality: For at jeg skal beholde arbeidsroen, slår jeg av telefonen.

Why is the word order slår jeg (verb before subject) and not jeg slår?

Norwegian main clauses follow the V2 (verb-second) rule. Because the adverbial For å beholde arbeidsroen is fronted, the finite verb slår must come next (second position), and the subject jeg follows: [Adverbial] + [Verb] + [Subject] + …

Is the comma after the first phrase required?

It’s optional here. A fronted subordinate clause normally takes a comma, but for å beholde arbeidsroen is an infinitive phrase, not a full clause. Many writers still include the comma for readability. Both are fine:

For å beholde arbeidsroen, slår jeg av telefonen.
For å beholde arbeidsroen slår jeg av telefonen.

Why does slår av mean “turn off”? Are there alternatives?

slå av is a common particle verb meaning “turn/switch off” (devices, lights). Alternatives:

skru av = “switch off/turn off” (very common for devices)
Opposite: slå på / skru på = “turn on” Note: slå av en prat means “have a chat,” a different idiom.

Where do I put the particle av in a sentence?

With a full noun object, the natural order is particle before object: slå av telefonen.
With a pronoun object, put the particle after the pronoun: slå den av (not usually slå av den).
Without an object: slå av. You may see slå telefonen av, but it’s less common in everyday speech.

Why is it arbeidsroen (definite) and not just arbeidsro?

Using the definite form arbeidsroen (“the work-quiet”) fits with beholde (“keep/retain”), which implies you already have that quiet and want to maintain it. If your goal is to obtain quiet, you’d normally say:

for å få arbeidsro (“to get some quiet to work”)
for å ha arbeidsro (“to have quiet to work”)

What exactly does arbeidsro mean?

It’s the “quiet/peace you need to work,” i.e., a calm environment free from disturbances. Common in homes and schools: Vi trenger arbeidsro (“We need quiet to work”). Don’t confuse it with arbeidsfred, which usually refers to “industrial peace” (no strikes).

Can I move the purpose phrase to the end?

Yes, that’s very common and perhaps more neutral:

Jeg slår av telefonen for å beholde arbeidsroen.

Is telefonen the right everyday word? What about mobilen?

Both are fine:

telefonen = “the phone” (general)
mobilen = “the mobile/cell phone” (very common in everyday speech) Many people would naturally say Jeg slår av mobilen.

Is beholde the best verb here? How about holde, bevare, or opprettholde?

beholde = keep/retain something you already have (fits well here).
holde roen / holde arbeidsroen = “keep (the) calm/quiet” (very idiomatic).
bevare roen = “preserve the calm” (slightly more formal/literary).
opprettholde arbeidsroen = “maintain the work-quiet” (formal/administrative).

Any pitfalls with for å vs for og?

Yes: Never write for og here. og = “and,” while å is the infinitive marker. Purpose requires for å.

How is arbeidsroen formed and spelled?

It’s a compound: arbeid + linking -s- + ro + definite -en → arbeidsroen. No hyphen in normal writing: not arbeids-roen and not two words.

Pronunciation tips?

Varies by dialect, but in standard East Norwegian:

for å: roughly “for oh” (the å is a long “o” sound).
beholde: be-HÓL-de (the o like in British “hot”).
arbeidsroen: ÁR-beids-ro-en (first syllable stressed; ei like English “ay”).
slår: “slor” (long “o” sound).
av: “ahv”.
telefonen: te-le-FÓ-nen (stress on the “fo”). Focus on clarity; slight variations are normal.