Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Hun snakker langsomt når hun forklarer.

Norwegian main clauses follow the V2 rule: the finite verb comes in the second slot. Here the order is Subject (Hun) + Verb (snakker) + the rest.

Where should the adverb langsomt go?

As a manner adverb, langsomt normally comes after the finite verb (and typically after any object). So:

Main clause: Hun snakker langsomt ...
With an object: Hun forklarer det langsomt. It should not be placed before the verb in a main clause.

Is langsomt the same as sakte?

Yes—both mean “slowly.” Nuance:

sakte is very common and slightly more informal.
langsomt can sound a bit more formal/literary in some contexts. Both are fully correct here.

So is Hun snakker sakte når hun forklarer also correct?

Yes, it’s perfectly correct and means the same.

Why does langs-omt end in -t?

It’s the adverbial form of the adjective langsom. Many adjectives form adverbs with the neuter -t ending (e.g., rask → raskt, rolig → rolig/rolig can function as both). sakte is an exception: it’s used as both adjective and adverb without adding -t.

Should there be a comma before når here?

No. In Norwegian you normally do not put a comma before a subordinate clause that follows the main clause:

Correct: Hun snakker langsomt når hun forklarer. If the subordinate clause comes first, you add a comma after it:
Når hun forklarer, snakker hun langsomt.

What’s the difference between når and da?

når = “when/whenever” (present/future, or repeated/habitual past).
da = “when” for a single, specific event in the past. Past example: Hun snakket langsomt da hun forklarte.

Could I use mens instead of når?

mens means “while” (simultaneous actions). It also works: Hun snakker langsomt mens hun forklarer = She speaks slowly while she is explaining. når emphasizes the time/occasion; mens emphasizes simultaneity.

What is the word order inside the når-clause?

In subordinate clauses, the verb does not move to second position. The pattern is:

Subject + sentence adverb + verb + … Example with negation: når hun ikke forklarer (not: ✗ når hun forklarer ikke).

How do I front the når-clause correctly?

Say: Når hun forklarer, snakker hun langsomt.

Subclause first, comma, then V2 in the main clause (snakker hun).

Where does ikke go in this sentence?

In the main clause, after the finite verb: Hun snakker ikke langsomt når hun forklarer.
In the når-clause, before the verb: Hun snakker langsomt når hun ikke forklarer. (Different meaning.)

Does forklarer need an object?

Not necessarily. å forklare can be:

Transitive: Hun forklarer det langsomt.
With an indirect object using for: Hun forklarer det langsomt for dem.
Intransitive/implicit object: Hun forklarer (context supplies what).

Is there subject–verb agreement? Why no special ending with hun?

Norwegian verbs don’t change with person/number. Present tense is typically formed with -r for everyone: jeg/du/han/hun/vi/dere/de snakker.

Can Hun snakker also mean “She is speaking”?

Yes. Norwegian has one present tense for both simple and progressive meanings. Context tells you whether it’s habitual or ongoing. For ongoing emphasis you can say Hun holder på å snakke.

Could I use another verb instead of snakker?

prater = chat/talk (more informal): Hun prater sakte ...
taler = speak (formal/public speaking).
sier = say (takes a direct quote/object, not used like snakker here).

Any quick pronunciation tips for these words?

snakker: the kk is a hard k; final -er is often a weak schwa-like sound.
langsomt: pronounced roughly “LANG-somt”; ng = [ŋ], cluster ngs = [ŋs].
forklarer: stress on the second syllable: for-KLAR-er; Norwegian r is often a tap/trill (varies by dialect).

Could I say Hun forklarer langsomt instead?

Yes, that shifts the focus to her explaining slowly (rather than speaking slowly). Both are natural; choose the verb that matches what you want to emphasize.

How do I make this a yes/no question?

Invert subject and verb in the main clause: Snakker hun langsomt når hun forklarer?

How do I ask “When does she explain?” using når?

Når forklarer hun? Note: Here når is a question word, not a conjunction.

Is når ever used like “if”?

No. Use hvis or om for “if.” når = when/whenever.

Hypothetical: Hvis/Om hun forklarer, snakker hun langsomt.
Temporal: Når hun forklarer, snakker hun langsomt.

Can I add så after the når-clause?

Colloquially you might hear: Når hun forklarer, så snakker hun langsomt. It’s acceptable in speech, but many style guides prefer dropping så in writing.