Spørgesætninger

Spørgesætninger, often translated as "question tags" or "tag questions" in English, are short interrogative phrases added to the end of a declarative statement. Their primary function is to seek confirmation or elicit agreement from the listener. They are commonly used in informal spoken language across many languages, including Norwegian, where the term originates.

The formation of spørgesætninger typically involves repeating the auxiliary verb or modal verb from the main clause and adding a pronoun that refers to the subject. For example, in English, "It's a nice day, isn't it?" uses the auxiliary "is" and the pronoun "it." In Norwegian, a similar structure exists, often using verbs like "er" (is) or "har" (has). The intonation at the end of the question tag also plays a crucial role; a rising intonation suggests genuine uncertainty, while a falling intonation implies the speaker expects confirmation.

Spørgesætninger can serve various social functions beyond simply asking for information. They can be used to soften a statement, encourage interaction, or express a degree of surprise or disbelief. Their presence can make a statement sound more conversational and less assertive. Mastering the correct usage of these linguistic devices is important for effective communication in many contexts.