åbestemme

Å bestemme is a Norwegian verb meaning to decide, to determine, or to set something. It is used for making a choice, establishing rules or conditions, and determining outcomes. The verb can take a direct object, as in "Laget bestemmer hvem som spiller," and it is also used with reflexive forms to express personal decisions, for example with "å bestemme seg for" meaning to decide to do something.

Etymology and related forms: The modern Norwegian verb derives from Old Norse bestemma and has cognates in Danish bestemme and Swedish bestämma. In Bokmål and Nynorsk, the verb maintains similar meaning across contexts, including both decisive acts and administrative or juridical determinations.

Conjugation and forms: Infinitive: å bestemme; present: bestemmer; past: bestemte; supine (used to form perfect tenses): bestemt; present perfect: har bestemt; imperative: bestem; passive present: bestemmes. The verb can be used with the reflexive pronoun: bestemme seg. A common construction is "å bestemme seg for å + infinitive," meaning to decide to do something, as in "Jeg bestemmer meg for å dra."

Usage notes: Bestemme is often used with direct objects (something to decide) and with "seg" for personal decisions. The phrase "å bestemme seg for" emphasizes choosing among alternatives. In formal contexts, synonyms such as "beslutte" or "fastsette" may be used, with "fastsette" tending toward setting rules or standards, and "beslutte" often signaling a formal decision.

Examples: "Laget bestemmer hvem som spiller." "Jeg bestemmer meg for å dra i kveld." "Kommunen bestemmer prisene." "Reglene bestemmes av nasjonale lover."