som

Understanding 'Som' in Norwegian

The Norwegian word 'som' is a highly versatile word, functioning primarily as a conjunction and a relative pronoun. At its core, 'som' often translates to 'as' or 'that' in English, but its exact meaning and usage can shift depending on the context. It's one of those fundamental building blocks of the Norwegian language, essential for constructing more complex sentences and connecting ideas. You'll encounter 'som' in everyday conversations, written texts, and pretty much any form of Norwegian communication. Its prevalence makes it a crucial word for learners to master early on, typically introduced at the A1 CEFR level. Think of it as a bridge, allowing you to link clauses, introduce descriptions, and make comparisons.

Core Meanings

As (comparison, role), That (relative pronoun), Who (relative pronoun).

Common Functions

Connecting clauses, introducing subordinate clauses, indicating comparisons, specifying identity.

Let's break down its most frequent uses. As a relative pronoun, 'som' introduces a clause that provides more information about a noun. For instance, in the sentence 'Mannen som bor der er min venn' (The man who lives there is my friend), 'som bor der' is a relative clause giving us more information about 'mannen' (the man). It's very similar to how 'who' or 'that' works in English. Another significant use is for comparisons, where 'som' acts like 'as'. For example, 'Hun er like gammel som meg' (She is as old as me). Here, 'som' establishes the equivalence in age. It can also denote a role or function, akin to 'as' in English: 'Han jobbet som lærer' (He worked as a teacher). This highlights the multifaceted nature of 'som', making it indispensable for expressing a wide range of relationships between words and ideas in Norwegian sentences.

Another common scenario is when 'som' is used to introduce a clause that explains or defines something. 'Det er viktig å lære ord som er nyttige.' (It is important to learn words that are useful.) Here, 'som er nyttige' clarifies which words are important. The word 'som' is so fundamental that you'll find it woven into the fabric of countless Norwegian sentences, making your understanding of it a significant step in your language learning journey. It's the glue that holds many sentence structures together, allowing for nuanced expression and clear communication. Mastering its various applications will greatly enhance your ability to comprehend and produce natural-sounding Norwegian.

Consider the sentence 'Hun er en person som alle liker.' (She is a person whom everyone likes.) Here, 'som' acts as a relative pronoun referring to 'person'. The structure is very similar to English. In contrast, 'Han snakker som en ekspert.' (He speaks like an expert.) In this case, 'som' is used for comparison, indicating the manner of speaking. The ability to distinguish between these uses is key to fluency. Don't be discouraged if it seems confusing at first; with practice, the different roles of 'som' will become intuitive. It's a word that truly unlocks a deeper understanding of Norwegian sentence construction.

Key takeaway

'Som' is a versatile connector, meaning 'as' or 'that' (and sometimes 'who'), used for comparisons, relative clauses, and defining roles.

Putting 'Som' to Work in Norwegian

Mastering 'som' involves understanding its placement and function within different sentence structures. We've already touched upon its role as a relative pronoun and in comparisons, but let's delve deeper into practical sentence construction. Remember, 'som' is your go-to word for introducing clauses that add descriptive information or specify relationships.

'Som' as a Relative Pronoun (Connecting Clauses)

When 'som' acts as a relative pronoun, it connects a subordinate clause to a main clause, referring back to a noun or pronoun in the main clause. This is very similar to 'who', 'which', or 'that' in English. The subordinate clause provides additional details about the subject or object of the main clause.

Structure

Main Clause + som + Subordinate Clause

Examples:

Translation: I have a dog that loves to play.

Translation: The car that is standing there is blue.

In these examples, 'som' introduces information about the dog and the car, respectively. It's crucial to note that in Norwegian, 'som' is often used where English might use 'who', 'which', or 'that' interchangeably, making it a very convenient connector.

'Som' for Comparisons (Meaning 'As')

When 'som' is used for comparisons, it's typically preceded by words like 'like' (as), 'like' (similar to), or 'samme' (same). It establishes an equivalence or similarity between two things.

Structure

Thing 1 + like/samme + som + Thing 2

Examples:

Translation: He is as strong as his brother.

Translation: This house is the same as the one we saw yesterday.

The use of 'like' before 'som' is critical for comparisons. Without 'like', 'som' would likely be interpreted as a relative pronoun.

'Som' to Indicate Role or Function (Meaning 'As')

'Som' can also be used to state someone's job, role, or function, similar to 'as' in English.

Structure

Person/Thing + verb + som + Role/Function

Examples:

Translation: She works as a doctor at the hospital.

Translation: The water functions as a solvent.

Practice constructing sentences using these different functions. Try to create your own examples for each category. This hands-on approach is the most effective way to internalize the usage of 'som'.

'Som' in Real-Life Norwegian

The word 'som' is an absolute workhorse in the Norwegian language. You will hear it constantly, in virtually every type of spoken and written communication. Its ubiquity means that recognizing and understanding its various functions is key to comprehending everyday Norwegian.

Everyday Conversations

In casual conversations, 'som' is used frequently to connect thoughts and provide details. For instance, when talking about people or things:

Translation: 'Have you seen the movie that we talked about?'

Translation: 'I know a person who lives in Bergen.'

It's also common in comparisons:

Translation: 'This is as expensive as the previous one.'

Media and News

News articles, documentaries, and radio broadcasts are saturated with 'som'. It's essential for conveying factual information and linking different parts of a story.

Translation: 'The government has launched a new plan that will improve public transport.'

Translation: 'The scientists, who conducted the study, found surprising results.'

Literature and Formal Writing

In books, essays, and formal documents, 'som' is used to create complex sentences and maintain a clear flow of information. It's the connective tissue of sophisticated writing.

Translation: 'This is a concept that has been discussed for centuries.'

Translation: 'The author, who won the prize, is known for their unique style.'

To truly internalize the usage of 'som', expose yourself to as much authentic Norwegian as possible. Watch Norwegian TV shows, listen to Norwegian podcasts, read Norwegian news, and engage in conversations. You'll quickly notice how frequently and naturally 'som' appears, solidifying its importance in your vocabulary.

Navigating Pitfalls with 'Som'

While 'som' is a fundamental word, learners can sometimes make mistakes in its application, particularly when translating directly from English or when its nuances aren't fully grasped. Understanding these common errors can help you avoid them and use 'som' more accurately.

Mistake 1: Overusing 'Som' as a Direct Translation of 'That'

English uses 'that' very broadly, both as a relative pronoun and as a demonstrative pronoun. Norwegian often uses 'som' for relative clauses, but not always for demonstrative purposes. Learners might incorrectly insert 'som' where a demonstrative pronoun like 'det' or 'den' is needed.

Incorrect

'Jeg liker som bilen.'

Correct

'Jeg liker den bilen.' (I like that car.)

Here, 'den' is the demonstrative pronoun referring to 'bilen' (car). 'Som' would imply a relative clause, which doesn't fit here.

Mistake 2: Confusing 'Som' with 'Hva' or 'Hvilken'

In questions, learners might mistakenly use 'som' when they need interrogative pronouns like 'hva' (what) or 'hvilken' (which). 'Som' is generally not used to start direct questions asking for information.

Incorrect

'Som er navnet ditt?'

Correct

'Hva er navnet ditt?' (What is your name?)

Similarly, for 'Which one is it?', you'd use 'hvilken'.

Mistake 3: Incorrect Placement in Comparisons

When making comparisons with 'like' (as), the structure needs to be correct. Forgetting 'like' or misplacing 'som' can lead to grammatically incorrect sentences.

Incorrect

'Hun er sterk som broren.'

Correct

'Hun er like sterk som broren.'

The phrase 'like ... som' is essential for this type of comparison.

Mistake 4: Omitting 'Som' When It's Necessary

Conversely, learners might omit 'som' when it is required to form a proper relative clause, leading to fragmented or unclear sentences.

Incorrect

'Mannen jeg møtte var hyggelig.'

Correct

'Mannen som jeg møtte var hyggelig.' (The man whom I met was nice.)

In this case, 'som' is needed to connect the clause 'jeg møtte' to 'mannen'.

The best way to overcome these mistakes is through consistent practice and by paying close attention to how native speakers use 'som' in various contexts. Reviewing grammar rules and actively seeking feedback on your writing and speaking can also be very beneficial.

Navigating 'Som' and Its Relatives

While 'som' is incredibly common, Norwegian has other words that can sometimes overlap in meaning or serve similar grammatical functions. Understanding these distinctions will help you choose the most precise word for your sentence.

'Som' vs. 'At'

'At' is another conjunction, often translating to 'that'. It's used to introduce subordinate clauses, but typically when the subordinate clause is the object of the main verb, or expresses a thought, belief, or statement, rather than describing a noun. 'Som' introduces relative clauses that modify a noun.

'Som' (Relative Pronoun)

'Jeg har en venn som er lege.' (I have a friend who is a doctor.) - Describes the friend.

'At' (Conjunction)

'Jeg tror at han er lege.' (I believe that he is a doctor.) - Introduces a belief.

Think of 'som' as pointing to a noun, and 'at' as introducing a statement or a fact.

'Som' vs. 'Hvilken/Hvilke' (Which)

In Norwegian, 'hvilken' (singular) and 'hvilke' (plural) translate to 'which' and are used to ask questions or to introduce restrictive relative clauses when referring to specific choices or items. While 'som' can often translate to 'which' in English, 'hvilken/hvilke' are more precise for asking 'which one(s)?' or when specifying among a group.

'Som' (General Relative Pronoun)

'Boken som jeg leser er interessant.' (The book that I am reading is interesting.) - General reference.

'Hvilken/Hvilke' (Specific Choice/Question)

'Hvilken bok leser du?' (Which book are you reading?) - Asking for a specific choice.

'Hvilken/Hvilke' (Alternative Relative Pronoun)

'Av disse bøkene, er dette den hvilke jeg anbefaler.' (Of these books, this is the one which I recommend.) - Often used for more formal or specific choices, though 'som' is also common here.

In many cases, 'som' is perfectly acceptable where English might use 'which'. However, when you are specifically asking 'which one?' or making a very precise selection, 'hvilken/hvilke' is often preferred.

'Som' vs. 'Der'/'Hvor' (Where)

'Der' (there, where) and 'hvor' (where) are adverbs that can function similarly to relative pronouns when referring to places. 'Som' is not typically used to refer to locations in this manner.

'Som' (General)

'Huset som er gammelt.'

'Der' (Referring to a Place)

'Huset der vi bor er rødt.' (The house where we live is red.)

'Hvor' (Question/Relative)

'Hvor er butikken?' (Where is the shop?) OR 'Jeg vet ikke hvor butikken er.' (I don't know where the shop is.)

When referring to a place as a location, 'der' or 'hvor' is the correct choice, not 'som'.

'Som' vs. 'Når' (When)

Similar to locations, 'når' is used to refer to time. 'Som' is not used for temporal clauses in the same way.

'Som' (General)

'Dagen som var lang.'

'Når' (Referring to Time)

'Dagen når alt skjedde var spesiell.' (The day when everything happened was special.)

Use 'når' when you are referring to a specific time or event.

By understanding these subtle differences, you can refine your Norwegian and communicate with greater precision and naturalness. Always consider the context and the specific grammatical function required.