Først spiser vi, deretter jobber vi videre.

to eat

Breakdown of Først spiser vi, deretter jobber vi videre.

• vi: we
• jobbe: to work
• først: first

Questions & Answers about Først spiser vi, deretter jobber vi videre.

Why is it “spiser vi” instead of “vi spiser” after “Først”?

Norwegian main clauses follow the V2 rule: the finite verb must be in second position. When you put an adverb like Først in first position, the verb comes next and the subject follows: Først spiser vi. The same happens in the second clause: Deretter jobber vi (not “Deretter vi jobber”).

Is the comma necessary before “deretter”?

Yes. You have two main clauses not linked by a conjunction, so Norwegian requires a comma: Først spiser vi, deretter jobber vi videre. You could also use a period or semicolon: Først spiser vi. Deretter jobber vi videre. / Først spiser vi; deretter jobber vi videre.

Can I add “og” before “deretter”?

Yes: Først spiser vi, og deretter jobber vi videre. Because you now have two main clauses joined by a conjunction (og), a comma before og is standard.

Why isn’t it “Deretter vi jobber videre”?

Because of the V2 rule. With initial Deretter, the verb must be second: Deretter jobber vi videre. “Deretter vi jobber …” breaks that rule.

Could I say “Vi spiser først, deretter jobber vi videre” instead?