Questions & Answers about Katten går over bordet.
Why is it katten and not just katt?
In Norwegian, the definite article (the) is usually added as an ending on the noun:
- katt = a cat
- katten = the cat
So katten literally means the cat. Norwegian normally does not put a separate word in front like English the cat; instead, the -en ending marks the definite form for many masculine and feminine nouns.
Why is it bordet and not bord?
Same reason as with katten: -et is the definite ending for many neuter nouns.
- bord = a table
- bordet = the table
English says the cat walks over the table, so both nouns (cat, table) are definite. Norwegian mirrors that by making both nouns definite: katten and bordet.
How do I know that bord is neuter and takes -et in the definite form?