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B1🪞Passive & Reflexive
S-Passive
S-passiv
The s-passive adds -s to the verb: 'Det selges mange biler' (Many cars are sold). It's used for general statements, rules, signs, and habitual actions. More formal/written than the bli-passive.
Rule
verb stem + -s (selge → selges)
Examples
Dørene åpnes kl. 9.
The doors open at 9.
Norsk snakkes i Norge.
Norwegian is spoken in Norway.
Det selges brukte bøker her.
Used books are sold here.
Common Mistake
✗
Norsk snakker i Norge.
✓
Norsk snakkes i Norge.
Forgetting the -s creates an active sentence with wrong meaning. 'Norsk snakker' would mean 'Norwegian speaks' rather than 'Norwegian is spoken'.
English vs Norwegian
| English | Norsk |
|---|---|
| The doors open at 9. | Dørene åpnes kl. 9. |
| Norwegian is spoken in Norway. | Norsk snakkes i Norge. |
| Used books are sold here. | Det selges brukte bøker her. |
English
The doors open at 9.
Norsk
Dørene åpnes kl. 9.
English
Norwegian is spoken in Norway.
Norsk
Norsk snakkes i Norge.
English
Used books are sold here.
Norsk
Det selges brukte bøker her.