Questions & Answers about Jeg ordner bordene før gjestene kommer.
Why is the noun in the definite plural: bordene? Could I say just bord?
- bordene = the specific tables (e.g., the tables in this room/venue). That’s the most natural reading here.
- bord (indefinite plural) would mean “tables” in general or an unspecified number: Jeg ordner bord før gjestene kommer = “I arrange (some) tables before the guests arrive.”
- Forms of the neuter noun bord: et bord (sg indef), bordet (sg def), bord (pl indef), bordene (pl def). In Bokmål, borda is also accepted as a less formal/colloquial definite plural.
What are the forms of gjest?
- en gjest (sg indef), gjesten (sg def), gjester (pl indef), gjestene (pl def).
- To say “some guests,” use noen gjester.
Why is kommer in the present tense when we’re talking about a future event?
Norwegian often uses the present tense for scheduled or expected future events, especially in time clauses:
- Jeg ordner bordene før gjestene kommer. = “I’m arranging the tables before the guests arrive.” You can add future in the main clause if you want: Jeg skal ordne bordene før gjestene kommer. Don’t say før gjestene skal komme in ordinary speech; it sounds odd.