Breakdown of Vennligst ikke forstyrre; møtet har nettopp begynt.
ha
to have
møtet
the meeting
begynne
to begin
ikke
not
Questions & Answers about Vennligst ikke forstyrre; møtet har nettopp begynt.
Why is it written as forstyrre and not the imperative forstyrr?
Both are used in modern Bokmål in prohibitions:
- The true imperative is forstyrr: Vennligst ikke forstyrr.
- Signs and instructions also commonly use bare infinitive after ikke: Vennligst ikke forstyrre.
They mean the same here. Many perceive forstyrr as a bit more “command-like” and forstyrre as a neutral instruction. Do not insert å: avoid Vennligst ikke å forstyrre in this sense.
Where does ikke go in a negative command (especially with vennligst)?
Typical patterns:
- Ikke + verb: Ikke forstyrr!
- Verb + ikke: Forstyrr ikke!
- With “please”: Vennligst ikke forstyrr(e) is the most common on signs. You can also say Forstyrr vennligst ikke, which sounds a bit formal.
Is vennligst the normal way to say “please”?
It’s polite/formal and frequent on signs, emails, and public notices. In everyday speech, native speakers more often use requests like:
- Kan du (værsåsnill) la være å forstyrre?
- Vær så snill, ikke forstyrr.
- Kunne du la være å forstyrre?
Why is there a semicolon, and what else could I use?