Signification
Stating inability to locate something.
Contexte culturel
Norwegians are generally very organized. If you say 'Jeg finner dem ikke' regarding something you were supposed to bring, it's polite to follow up with 'Beklager' (Sorry). In the mountains, finding the 'stien' (the path) is crucial. If a hiker says 'Jeg finner den ikke,' it's a signal to stop and check the GPS/map immediately. Norway is one of the most digitized countries. This phrase is used constantly in IT support and office Slack channels. The 'rote-skuff' (junk drawer) is a staple of Norwegian homes. It's the place where things go when you say 'Jeg finner dem ikke' everywhere else.
The 'Can't' Shortcut
Remember that you don't need to say 'kan ikke' (can't). Just 'finner ikke' is more natural in Norwegian.
Watch the Object
Always check if the thing you lost is plural. If it's just one thing, 'dem' is wrong!
Signification
Stating inability to locate something.
The 'Can't' Shortcut
Remember that you don't need to say 'kan ikke' (can't). Just 'finner ikke' is more natural in Norwegian.
Watch the Object
Always check if the thing you lost is plural. If it's just one thing, 'dem' is wrong!
Spoken Norwegian
Try saying 'Jeg finner'em ikke' to sound like a local in Oslo.
Politeness
If you're in a store, start with 'Unnskyld' (Excuse me) before saying you can't find something.
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word to say 'I can't find them'.
Jeg ______ dem ikke.
We use the present tense 'finner' for a current situation.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct word order:
In a main clause, the verb must come second, and 'ikke' follows it.
Match the Norwegian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
Dem = Plural, Den = Sing (m/f), Det = Sing (n).
Complete the dialogue.
A: Hvor er nøklene mine? B: Jeg vet ikke. Jeg ______ ______ ______.
The full phrase 'finner dem ikke' fits perfectly here.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesJeg ______ dem ikke.
We use the present tense 'finner' for a current situation.
Choose the correct word order:
In a main clause, the verb must come second, and 'ikke' follows it.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Dem = Plural, Den = Sing (m/f), Det = Sing (n).
A: Hvor er nøklene mine? B: Jeg vet ikke. Jeg ______ ______ ______.
The full phrase 'finner dem ikke' fits perfectly here.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo. In a normal sentence, the verb 'finner' must come before 'ikke'.
'De' is 'they' (subject), 'dem' is 'them' (object). Use 'dem' here because you are the one doing the finding.
Since 'bil' is masculine, you say 'Jeg finner den ikke'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
Since 'hus' is neuter, you say 'Jeg finner det ikke'.
Yes, if you are looking for a group of people, 'Jeg finner dem ikke' is perfect.
Yes, but in this specific phrase, it translates best to 'can't find'.
Add 'fremdeles': 'Jeg finner dem fremdeles ikke'.
Mostly, but in some places you might hear 'døm' or 'de'. Stick to 'dem' for standard Norwegian.
Yes, but 'Jeg finner dem ikke' is more common for short pronouns like 'dem'.
Expressions liées
Jeg leter etter dem
similarI am looking for them
De er borte
similarThey are gone
Jeg har mistet dem
similarI have lost them
Jeg fant dem!
contrastI found them!
De er her
contrastThey are here
