Bildene

Bildene is the definite plural form of the Norwegian noun bilde, meaning pictures or images. It is used to refer to a specific set of pictures in a given context, such as in a publication, an exhibition, or a digital gallery. In everyday and formal Norwegian, bildene typically functions as a subject or object in sentences, for example: Bildene viser landskap (The pictures show landscapes).

Grammar and usage: Bilde is a neuter noun. Its indefinite plural is bilder, while the definite plural is bildene. This form follows standard Norwegian plural patterns in Bokmål, where the definite plural ends with the suffix -ne. The term can refer to photographs, drawings, or other visual representations, depending on the context.

Etymology and cognates: Bildene derives from the Norwegian word bilde, with cognates in other North Germanic languages, such as Swedish bild and Danish billede. These terms share common Proto-Germanic roots related to image or representation. The family resemblance helps explain similar plural-definite forms like bilden, bildene, etc., across related languages.

Usage context: Bildene is widely used in media, art criticism, museums, and daily speech to denote a known collection of images. It can appear in captions, headlines, or descriptive passages discussing specific pictures or groups of pictures. Related terms include bilde (singular) and bilder (indefinite plural).