trenger

Trenger is a Norwegian verb meaning to need or to require. It is commonly used with a direct object, such as a person or thing, or with an infinitive clause introduced by å (to). Examples include Jeg trenger hjelp (I need help) and Vi trenger å komme i gang (We need to get started).

Usage and grammar: Trenger expresses necessity or lack of something in the present, past, and perfect tenses. It can take a direct object (something you need) or introduce an infinitive clause with å (Jeg trenger å gå nå). The verb is typically used with the subject in the present tense and matches the subject in number: jeg trenger, du trenger, han/hun trenger, vi trenger, dere trenger, de trenger. In the past tense, forms are trengte for all persons. The past participle is trengt, used with perfect constructions such as har trengt or hadde trengt. The infinitive form is å trenge; a present participle form trengende exists mainly as an adjective meaning “needy” or describing someone in need.

Conjugation (typical forms): Present — jeg trenger; du trenger; han/hun trenger; vi trenger; dere trenger; de trenger. Past — jeg trengte; du trengte; han/hun trengte; vi trengte; dere trengte; de trengte. Past participle — trengt. Infinitive — å trenge. Example sentences: Jeg trenger litt tid. Hun trenger ikke å bekymre seg. Jeg har trengt hjelp før.

Translations and usage notes: The core meaning is “to need.” It is common in daily Norwegian and can be used with negate not (ikke) to express lack of necessity. In English, translations include to need, to require, or to be in need.