Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Vi møtes nøyaktig klokken åtte.

Vi møtes = We meet each other.
Without -s, møte is transitive and needs an object: Vi møter dem klokka åtte = We meet them at eight.
The -s form can also be passive in other contexts (e.g., Vi møtes av applaus = We are met by applause), but the more common passive is with bli
- past participle: Vi blir møtt av applaus.

Can I say Vi møter klokka åtte?

Not by itself. Å møte needs an object, so you’d say:

Vi møter dem klokka åtte. If you mean “we meet each other,” use the reciprocal:
Vi møtes klokka åtte.

Why is the present tense used for a future meeting?

Norwegian often uses the present for scheduled/arranged future events.

Vi møtes klokka åtte = We’re meeting at eight (plan/arrangement). You can add future markers, but they’re not required:
Vi skal møtes klokka åtte (adds explicit “will/shall”).
Vi kommer til å møtes klokka åtte (more predictive).

Klokken vs klokka — which is correct?

Both are correct in Bokmål. Klokke can be masculine or feminine:

Masculine definite: klokken
Feminine definite: klokka Everyday speech: klokka is very common. Formal writing often prefers klokken. Nynorsk uses klokka.

Why is there no preposition like “at” before the time?

Norwegian typically uses the time phrase by itself:

Vi møtes klokka åtte. You add prepositions for parts of the day or other details:
klokka åtte om morgenen (in the morning)
klokka åtte om kvelden (in the evening)

Is nøyaktig the best word for “exactly/sharp”? Alternatives?

All of these work, with small nuance differences:

Where should I place nøyaktig/presis in the sentence?

Common, natural options:

Before the time: Vi møtes nøyaktig/presis klokka åtte.
After the time (very idiomatic with presis): Vi møtes klokka åtte presis. Using nøyaktig after the time is less idiomatic: ?Vi møtes klokka åtte nøyaktig (sounds odd).

Can I omit klokka/klokken and just say Vi møtes åtte?

In casual speech or texts, people sometimes say Vi møtes åtte. In neutral speech and in writing, include klokka/klokken:

Vi møtes klokka åtte. In writing, you can also use the abbreviation: Vi møtes kl. 08.00.

How do I say “around/by/before” eight?

Around eight: rundt klokka åtte, omtrent klokka åtte, or ved åttetiden.
By eight (deadline): innen klokka åtte.
Before eight: før klokka åtte.
About eight-ish: i åttetiden or sånn rundt åtte (colloquial).

How do I specify morning vs evening, or use 24‑hour time?

klokka åtte om morgenen = 8 a.m.
klokka åtte om kvelden = 8 p.m. 24-hour:
Speech: klokka tjue (for 20:00) is understood, but most still say klokka åtte om kvelden.
Writing: kl. 20.00 is standard. Tip: Norwegian halves count to the next hour: halv ni = 8:30.

Pronunciation tips for the sentence?

Vi: like English “vee.”
møtes: ø is a rounded “e” sound (shape your lips as for “oo” but say “eh”); roughly “MEU-tes.” Stress on the first syllable.
nøyaktig: øy is a diphthong (round your lips) like a rounded “oy” in “boy”; “nøy-AK-ti(g).”
klokken/klokka: first syllable stressed; “KLOK-ken / KLOK-ka.”
åtte: “OT-te,” with a doubled “t” (short stop between t’s). Approximate IPA (Eastern Norwegian): [vi ˈmøːtəs nœʏˈɑkti ˈklɔkːa ˈɔtːə]

Is Vi ses/Vi sees interchangeable with Vi møtes?

Vi ses!/Vi sees! = “See you!” (common as a sign-off).
You can also schedule with it: Vi ses klokka åtte.
Vi møtes emphasizes the act of meeting each other (often a planned meet-up). Both are fine; møtes is a bit more explicit about the arrangement. Spelling: both ses and sees occur; ses is often preferred.

How do I suggest it politely, like “Let’s meet exactly at eight”?

How do I negate it or ask the yes/no question?

Any difference in Nynorsk?

Yes, the reciprocal -s is -ast in Nynorsk, and klokka is used: