Learn Hardcore Norwegian: Vi leser hverandres tekster før prøven i norsk på torsdag. - We read each other's texts before the Norwegian test on Thursday.

Hverandres is the genitive (possessive) form of hverandre (“each other”), so it means “each other’s.”
It expresses mutual possession within the group referred to by vi (“we”).
No apostrophe is used in Norwegian possessives, so not hverandre’s.

Is hverandre sine tekster also correct?

Could I use deres instead of hverandres?

Deres tekster = “their texts” (belonging to some other group) or “your (plural, formal) texts,” depending on context.
Hverandres tekster = “each other’s texts” (mutual within the group). That’s the meaning you want here.

Why is prøven definite, and could I say norskprøven?

Prøven is definite because it’s a specific, known exam.
You can say norskprøven (compound noun) instead of prøven i norsk. Both are natural.
Capitalized Norskprøven can refer to the official Norwegian language test; use lowercase if you just mean a regular exam in Norwegian.

Why is norsk lowercase? Are days lowercase too?

In Norwegian, names of languages and nationalities are written in lowercase: norsk.
Days of the week are also lowercase: torsdag.

Why is it i norsk and not på norsk?

With school subjects after prøve/eksamen, use i: prøve i norsk, eksamen i matematikk.
På norsk means “in Norwegian (language)” as in “speak/write in Norwegian.”

Does på torsdag modify the exam or the reading? Is the sentence ambiguous?

As written, på torsdag most naturally attaches to prøven i norsk: “the Norwegian exam on Thursday.” The reading happens before that exam (not necessarily on Thursday).
To say the reading is on Thursday, move the time phrase:
- På torsdag leser vi hverandres tekster før prøven i norsk. (Reading on Thursday, before the exam.)
- Vi leser hverandres tekster på torsdag før prøven i norsk.

Can I front Før… or På torsdag…? What happens to word order?

Yes. Norwegian is verb-second (V2) in main clauses.
Examples:
- Før prøven i norsk på torsdag leser vi hverandres tekster.
- På torsdag leser vi hverandres tekster før prøven i norsk.
  In both, leser (the verb) comes right after the fronted adverbial.

Why is the present tense leser used for a future plan?

Norwegian often uses the present to talk about scheduled or near-future events: Vi leser… = “We’re reading / We will read…”
Alternatives:
- Vi skal lese… (we are going to read; plan/intention)
- Vi kommer til å lese… (likely outcome/prediction)

What’s the difference between på, til, innen, and før with Thursday?

På torsdag = on Thursday (point in time).
Til torsdag = by/until Thursday (deadline).
Innen torsdag = by Thursday (no later than Thursday; a bit more formal/explicit).
Før torsdag = before Thursday (strictly earlier).

Why plural tekster and not tekstene?

Tekster (indefinite plural) = some texts, not a specifically identified set; default when speaking generally.
Tekstene (definite plural) points to a specific known set (e.g., “the texts we submitted yesterday”). Both are possible depending on context.

Does hverandre only work for two people?

Hverandre works for two or more people. It just means mutual reciprocity within the group.

What’s the difference between andres tekster and hverandres tekster?

Andres tekster = other people’s texts (not necessarily mutual, could be outsiders).
Hverandres tekster = each other’s texts (reciprocal within the group).

Why not Vi leser teksten til hverandre?

Teksten til hverandre means “the text to each other” (recipient), not possession.
To show mutual possession, use hverandres: hverandres tekster.

Is før here a preposition or a conjunction? Any comma rules?

In your sentence, før is a preposition governing a noun phrase: før prøven… (no comma).
As a conjunction, it introduces a clause: før vi tar prøven…
- After the main clause: Vi leser … før vi tar prøven … (no comma in modern punctuation).
- If fronted: Før vi tar prøven, leser vi … (comma after the subordinate clause).

Any quick pronunciation tips for tricky letters?