Kommer du tidlig, rekker vi middagen.

If you come early, we will make it to dinner.

Breakdown of Kommer du tidlig, rekker vi middagen.

• du: you
• vi: we
• komme: to come
• tidlig: early
• middagen: the dinner
• rekke: to make it

Questions & Answers about Kommer du tidlig, rekker vi middagen.

Is this a conditional sentence even though there’s no explicit word for if?

Yes. Norwegian can express a condition by putting the verb first in the initial clause. Kommer du tidlig, rekker vi middagen means the same as:

• Hvis du kommer tidlig, rekker vi middagen.
• Om du kommer tidlig, rekker vi middagen.
• Kommer du tidlig, så rekker vi middagen.

Why is there a comma after the first clause?

Because a fronted dependent (conditional) clause is followed by a comma in Norwegian. The comma separates the condition from the main clause: Kommer du tidlig, [pause] rekker vi middagen.

Why does the first clause start with the verb (Kommer du …)?

Verb-first order here marks a conditional clause without using hvis/om. It looks like a yes/no question, but with a following clause and comma it functions as a condition, not a question.

Why is it rekker vi and not vi rekker after the comma?

Norwegian main clauses obey the V2 rule: the finite verb is in second position. When you put any element (here, an entire clause) in first position, the verb comes before the subject in the following main clause: …, rekker vi … (not …, vi rekker …).

Can I add hvis, om, or så?

• Hvis and om are both fine: Hvis/Om du kommer tidlig, rekker vi middagen.
• Så after the conditional is optional and common in speech: Hvis du kommer tidlig, så rekker vi middagen. Note that om can also mean whether, but here it clearly means if.

Does the present tense (kommer, rekker) refer to the future here?

Yes. Norwegian often uses the present for near-future or scheduled events. Kommer du tidlig, rekker vi middagen = If you come early, we will make it to dinner.

Exactly what does rekker mean here?

Å rekke means to make it in time/to catch. With a direct object it often means making a set event:

• rekke middagen = make it to dinner (on time)
• rekke bussen/toget = catch the bus/train It also has other meanings in different constructions:
• rekke opp hånda = raise your hand
• rekke til = be sufficient (e.g., Pengene rekker ikke til = The money isn’t enough)

Why is it middagen (definite) and not middag?

Use the definite when referring to a specific, known event: middagen = that particular dinner (e.g., tonight’s planned dinner). Use the bare form for the meal type/activity: spise middag = to eat dinner (in general).

Can I say rekker vi å spise middag instead? What’s the difference?

• Rekker vi middagen? focuses on making it to a scheduled dinner event.
• Rekker vi å spise middag? focuses on having enough time to perform the activity of eating dinner. Both are correct; choose based on what you want to emphasize. Rekker vi middag? (without article or å) is generally not idiomatic here.

What’s the difference between tidlig and tidligere?

• tidlig = early.
• tidligere = earlier (comparative of tidlig). Superlative: tidligst = earliest. For sufficiency: tidlig nok = early enough.

Could Kommer du tidlig be interpreted as a question? How do I tell?

Alone with rising intonation and a question mark, Kommer du tidlig? is a yes/no question. In your sentence, it’s followed by a comma and another clause, and spoken with a continuation pause—not question intonation—so it’s conditional.

Where do I put ikke if I want to negate the sentence?

• With inversion-conditional: Kommer du ikke tidlig, rekker vi ikke middagen.
• With hvis/om: Hvis/Om du ikke kommer tidlig, rekker vi ikke middagen.

Is så required after the conditional clause?

No. Så is optional. It adds a mild “then”/resumptive feel, common in speech: Kommer du tidlig, (så) rekker vi middagen. In formal writing, it’s often left out.

What other natural word orders can I use for the same meaning?

• Hvis/Om du kommer tidlig, rekker vi middagen.
• Vi rekker middagen hvis/om du kommer tidlig.
• Kommer du tidlig, (så) rekker vi middagen. Avoid: Kommer du tidlig, vi rekker middagen (missing inversion in the main clause).

Should I use vil or skal for the future here?

No. Norwegian doesn’t need a future auxiliary here. Vil usually expresses willingness or a prediction nuance, and skal expresses plan/obligation. Rekker in the present is the normal, neutral choice. If you want a clear prediction, you can say kommer til å rekke, but it’s heavier: Kommer du tidlig, kommer vi til å rekke middagen.

What are the principal parts of rekke?

• Infinitive: å rekke
• Present: rekker
• Preterite: rakk
• Past participle: har rukket
• Imperative: rekk!

Does middag mean dinner as in the evening meal?

In Norway, middag is the main hot meal, typically in the late afternoon or evening. Lunsj is lunch (midday), and kveldsmat is a lighter late-evening meal.

Is the comma mandatory here?

Yes. Under standard Norwegian comma rules, a dependent clause placed before the main clause is followed by a comma: Kommer du tidlig, rekker vi middagen.