fordi

fordi is a conjunction used in Danish and Norwegian to mean "because" or "for the reason that." It introduces a subordinate clause that explains the cause or justification for the action or state described in the main clause. In written text, it is common to place the main clause first and follow it with the fordi-clause.

In Danish and Norwegian, fordi is one of the primary subordinating conjunctions for expressing causation. The word is spelled identically in both languages, and the subordinate clause typically follows the main clause, with the finite verb at the end of that clause in many constructions. For example: "Jeg kan ikke komme fordi jeg er syk" (Norwegian) or "Jeg kan ikke komme fordi jeg er syg" (Danish). Note that Swedish uses different constructions such as "därför att" or "för att," rather than fordi.

Although fordi is widespread in everyday speech and writing, its use can be influenced by style guides and regional conventions. In formal prose, a comma often precedes the fordi clause to clearly separate the main clause from the reason clause, though punctuation rules may vary by country and publication.

Etymology traces fornecedores to the Scandinavian language family, with its form and meaning preserved in contemporary Danish and Norwegian. Because the word is tightly bound to the concepts of cause and justification, it is typically learned early in language study for both Danish and Norwegian.

See also: därför att, eftersom, för att.