Imperativ (Imperative)

The Imperativ in Norwegian Bokmål is used to give direct commands, instructions, invitations, or encouragement. It addresses one or more people directly and usually has a firm, clear tone, though it can be softened with polite words.

Mood:

The Imperativ uses the imperative mood, which expresses direct requests, commands, or encouragement.

• Mood: Imperative (used to instruct, invite, or command)

Usage:

• To give direct commands:
  Kom hit! (Come here!)
• To give instructions:
  Skriv navnet ditt her. (Write your name here.)
• To make invitations:
  Bli med oss! (Join us!)
• To encourage or motivate:
  Fortsett! (Keep going!)
• In the negative to tell someone not to do something:
  Ikke snakk! (Don’t speak!)

Formation:

The imperative form is normally based on the verb stem (the infinitive without the ending -e).

1. Regular verbs ending in -e:

   • Drop the final -e from the infinitive.
     • å snakke → snakk! (speak!)
     • å spise → spis! (eat!)

2. Verbs without -e ending in the infinitive:

   • Keep the form as is.
     • å bo → bo! (live!)
     • å gå → gå! (go!)

3. Irregular verbs:

   • Some verbs have irregular imperative forms.
     • å være → vær! (be!)
     • å gjøre → gjør! (do!)
     • å si → si! (say!)

Negative Imperative:

• Use ikke + imperative form.
  • Ikke løp! (Don’t run!)
  • Ikke glem boken din! (Don’t forget your book!)

Examples:

• Les boka! (Read the book!)
• Spis opp maten din! (Eat your food!)
• Vær stille! (Be quiet!)
• Kom inn! (Come in!)
• Ikke drikk vannet! (Don’t drink the water!)

Notes:

• The imperative form is the same for singular and plural.
• Politeness can be added with words like vær så snill (please) or a softer intonation:
  • Vær så snill, lukk døra. (Please close the door.)