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Questions & Answers about Er plassen ledig?
Why is it plassen and not plass?
Because plassen is the definite form (the seat/place), used for a specific, visible seat. Norwegian usually marks definiteness with a suffix on the noun. plass = a place/seat (indefinite), plassen = the place/seat (definite). In context, you’re pointing at or standing by a particular seat, so the definite form is natural.
Could I say Er denne plassen ledig? What’s the difference?
Yes. Er denne plassen ledig? is slightly more explicit (Is this seat free?) because denne means this. Without denne, Er plassen ledig? still usually means this seat, since the context makes it obvious.
Can I use sete instead of plass?
You can: Er setet ledig? sete (neuter) is a physical seat and appears in technical contexts (airplane seat numbers, manuals). plass is more everyday and also covers spot/space. In casual interactions (bus, cafe, train), plass is more idiomatic.
What does each word do grammatically?
- Er = present tense of the verb to be (å være).
- plassen = definite singular of plass (common gender).
- ledig = adjective meaning available/vacant. Word order is Verb + Subject + Predicative adjective, the normal pattern for yes/no questions.
How would the corresponding statement look?
Plassen er ledig. Statements are typically Subject–Verb–Complement; yes/no questions put the verb first.
Do adjectives agree here? Why not ledige?
In predicative position (after er), singular adjectives don’t take -e: Plassen er ledig. In the plural they do: Plassene er ledige. Attributively before a definite noun, you add -e and a demonstrative: den ledige plassen.
Is there a more polite way to ask?
Add a softener: Unnskyld, er plassen ledig? or Beklager, er det ledig her? A friendly tone and a slight rise in intonation also signal politeness.
How do I ask the opposite (Is this seat taken)?
Use opptatt (occupied): Er plassen opptatt? or more commonly Er det opptatt her? Another natural option is Sitter det noen her?
When should I use Er det ledig? vs Er plassen ledig? vs Er det ledig her?
- Er plassen ledig? targets a specific seat you’re indicating.
- Er det ledig her? targets the spot/area near you (here).
- Er det ledig? asks more generally if there is any free space.
Is Er plassen ledig? acceptable in both Bokmål and Nynorsk?
Yes, it works in both standards.
What’s the gender and full paradigm of plass?
Common gender. Forms:
- Indefinite singular: en plass
- Definite singular: plassen
- Indefinite plural: plasser
- Definite plural: plassene
Can I drop words and say just Plassen ledig? like in some languages?
Not in standard Norwegian. You need the verb: Er plassen ledig? On signs and displays you may see single words like Ledig or Opptatt, but in conversation include er.
Could I say Er det en ledig plass? How does that differ?
Yes. It asks about availability in general (Is there a free seat?) rather than about the particular seat you’re indicating.
Is it natural to say Er det ledig på denne plassen?
It’s acceptable and understood, especially if you’re echoing location phrasing, but everyday speech more often uses Er denne plassen ledig? or Er det ledig her? The preposition på is optional and can sound a bit heavier in casual conversation.
Is fri a synonym of ledig here?
No. For seats/space and jobs, use ledig. fri usually means free as in off work or free/liberated: for example, Jeg er fri i morgen (I’m off tomorrow). Say ledig plass, not fri plass.
Any tips on pronunciation?
Approximate guide:
- Er: like English “air” but shorter; the r is tapped or rolled (regional variation).
- plassen: PLAH-ssen. Short a; double s keeps the vowel short.
- ledig: LEH-dee(g). Many pronounce final -ig as just -i; others have a light -ig. Use a gentle rise at the end for a yes/no question.
How would I respond to this question?
Typical replies:
- Positive: Ja, vær så god! / Ja, det er ledig. (and gesture or move your bag)
- Negative: Nei, den er opptatt. / Beklager, det sitter noen her.
Why is there no separate the before plassen?
Norwegian marks definiteness primarily with a suffix: plassen means the seat/place. A separate article appears only when an adjective or demonstrative comes before the noun: den ledige plassen, denne plassen.
Should I refer to the seat as den or det when answering?
For plass (common gender), use den: Den er ledig or Den er opptatt. Many speakers also use det in casual speech to refer to the situation: Det er ledig, which is also fine.