Conjunctions

Question 1

da

Answer 1

Conjunction

1. when
2. because

Usage notes

når is used either to refer to regular occurrences or to a specific time in the future.

To refer to a specific time in the past, da is used.

Når and da are often confused in informal speech, and in some spoken dialects their use may be the opposite of the norm for written Norwegian.

Question 2

når

Answer 2

Conjunction

when, whenever, every time (of regular occurrences)

• Jeg ble alltid glad når jeg møtte Erik på gaten. I was always happy when I met Erik on the street.
• Når jeg er i Oslo, besøker jeg ofte Vikingskipmuseet. When in Oslo, I often visit the Viking Ship Museum.

when (at a specific time in the future)

• Når det slutter å regne, går vi ut.

When it stops raining, we’ll go outside.

Usage notes

• When used as a question word, “when” always translates to “når”.
• når is used either to refer to regular occurrences or to a specific time in the future.
• To refer to a specific time in the past, da is used.

Når and da are often confused in informal speech, and in some spoken dialects their use may be the opposite of the norm for written Norwegian.