Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Jeg sjekker timeplanen før jeg drar.

Norwegian often uses the present for near-future or planned actions, especially with time words/clauses like før. Jeg sjekker … før jeg drar can be habitual or about the (near) future. To stress intention, use skal: Jeg skal sjekke timeplanen før jeg drar.

Why is it før jeg drar, not før drar jeg?

After a subordinator like før, you’re in a subordinate clause, which uses normal subject–verb order: jeg drar, not verb-second. So it’s før jeg drar (not V2).

Do I need a comma before før here?

No. When the subordinate clause comes last, you normally don’t put a comma: Jeg sjekker timeplanen før jeg drar. If you front the clause, add a comma after it: Før jeg drar, sjekker jeg timeplanen.

Why is it timeplanen with the -en ending? When would I use just timeplan?

Norwegian marks definiteness with a suffix. en timeplan = “a schedule”; timeplanen = “the schedule.” You use bare timeplan only as part of the indefinite form (en timeplan) or in compounds; as a direct object you’d say either en timeplan (indefinite) or timeplanen (definite).

How do I say “my schedule”? Do I need min?

Say timeplanen min (definite noun + postposed possessive). You can also say min timeplan (preposed possessive), which is more emphatic/formal. Often context makes timeplanen effectively mean “my schedule,” but adding min is the clearest.

Does timeplan mean any kind of “schedule”?

Not always. Timeplan is common for a class/lesson schedule or a personal daily schedule. For public transport use ruteplan/rutetabell; for a work roster arbeidsplan/vaktliste; for a trip reiseplan.

What’s the difference between dra, gå, reise, and forlate?

dra: to go/leave (neutral about transport), also “to pull” in other contexts.
gå: to go/walk; often implies going on foot.
reise: to travel (a trip/journey).
forlate: to leave/abandon something or someone (takes a direct object), e.g., forlate huset/byen.

Can I say før å dra (“before to leave”)?

No. Use a full clause: før jeg drar, or a noun phrase: før avreise (“before departure”). Før å + infinitive is not idiomatic.

Where does ikke go, and how do I say “not until”?

Place ikke after the finite verb in the main clause: Jeg sjekker ikke timeplanen før jeg drar. In Norwegian, ikke … før usually means “not until”: “I don’t check the schedule until I leave.” If you mean “I never check it before leaving,” say Jeg sjekker aldri timeplanen før jeg drar.

Pronunciation tips for jeg, sjekker, før, drar?

jeg: often like “yai/yei” (regional variants exist).
sjekker: sj is “sh”; say “SHEK-ker” (double k = a clear, strong k).
før: like English “fur” but with rounded lips (the ø sound).
drar: “drah(r)”; the r can be tapped/rolled or guttural depending on dialect.

What’s the difference between før and først?

før means “before.” først means “first/firstly” (sequence or priority): Jeg drar først = “I’m leaving first,” not “before.”

Can I start the sentence with the før-clause?

Yes: Før jeg drar, sjekker jeg timeplanen. Note the comma after the subordinate clause; the main clause still has verb-second order (sjekker jeg).

How do sjekke and dra conjugate?

sjekke: sjekker (present), sjekket (past), har sjekket (perfect).
dra: drar (present), dro/drog (past), har dratt (perfect).

Is dra also “to pull”? Does that create ambiguity here?

Yes, å dra can mean “to pull,” but intransitive jeg drar in this context means “I’m leaving/I’m heading out.” Context removes ambiguity.

Any natural alternatives to say the same thing?

Jeg ser over timeplanen før jeg drar.
Jeg dobbeltsjekker timeplanen før jeg drar.
Jeg kontrollerer timeplanen før jeg drar. (more formal)
Før jeg drar, tar jeg en titt på timeplanen.

Why is timeplan written as one word?

Norwegian writes compound nouns together. time (“lesson/hour”) + plan (“plan”) → timeplan (“schedule/timetable”).