hvilket

Hvilket is the neuter singular form of the Norwegian interrogative determiner and pronoun meaning “which” or “which one.” It is used before neuter nouns (et-words) in Bokmål and in questions where the noun is understood or implied. Examples include “Hvilket bord vil du ha?” (Which table do you want?) and “Hvilket tema snakker vi om?” (Which topic are we talking about?). It can also function as a standalone pronoun in questions such as “Hvilket er ditt?” (Which one is yours?).

Forms and usage across gender and number follow a clear pattern. The corresponding forms are “hvilken” for common-gender singular nouns (en-words), and “hvilke” for plural nouns. These forms combine with a noun to specify which item is being referred to, for instance: “Hvilken bok er din?” (Which book is yours?) and “Hvilke bøker skal jeg lese?” (Which books should I read?). In neuter contexts, “hvilket” is used, while “hvilken” is used with common gender and “hvilke” with plural.

In practical use, “hvilket” appears in direct questions about choice, in phrases such as “hvilket av disse alternativene” (which of these options) and in idiomatic expressions like “hvilket som helst” (any). The form is primarily a standard part of Norwegian grammar and is widely used in written and spoken language.

Etymology and related forms: hvilket shares a common Germanic origin with related forms in neighboring languages, such as Danish hvilket and Swedish vilken. The set of forms for gender and number (hvilket, hvilken, hvilke) reflects Norwegian’s system of interrogative determiners that align with noun gender and plurality.