kjende

Kjende is a past tense form of the Norwegian verb kjenne, used in nynorsk and in many dialects to express knowing or recognizing something in the past. In standard Bokmål, the corresponding past tense is kjente. The form kjende therefore functions as a grammatical marker of past knowledge or recognition rather than as a standalone noun or adjective.

Etymology and cognates: kjenne originates in Old Norse kenna, with related forms in other Scandinavian languages. The development of kjende as a past tense reflects historical phonology and spelling patterns in nynorsk and regional speech. The root is linked to the broader family of Germanic words for knowing, recognizing, or perceiving.

Usage and examples: Kjende occurs mainly in nynorsk writing and in dialectal speech. It is used to recount past knowledge or familiarity, for example, Eg kjende henne då eg møtte henne første gong—“I knew/recognized her when I met her for the first time.” In formal or contemporary Bokmål texts, speakers typically use kjente for the past tense.

Relation to standard language varieties: Kjende is characteristic of nynorsk grammar and some Norwegian dialects. Speakers of Bokmål may encounter the form primarily in historical texts, regional literature, or when reading nynorsk translations. For language learners, recognizing kjende as the past tense of kjenne helps distinguish it from the present tense forms, which vary across dialects and standard practice.

See also: kjenne, kjente, nynorsk, Norwegian verb conjugation.