4.9 Definite Form
The definite (bestemt) form of the noun is used:
1) when referring to something already mentioned or assumed to exist in the context:
Vi skal flytte inn i et nytt hus. Huset er mye større enn det vi har nå.
(We are moving into a new house. The house is much larger than the one we have now.)
2) in possessive constructions when the noun is placed before a possessive adjective or prepositional phrase showing ownership:
huset vårt (our house)
huset til naboene (our neighbors’ house)
3) usually after a demonstrative:
det huset (that house)
dette huset (this house)
den boka (that book)
de menneskene (those people)
4) when referring to body parts or family members, where English would use a possessive:
Jeg har vondt i hodet. (I have a pain in the head (headache))
Hun pusser tennene tre ganger om dagen. (She brushes her teeth three times a day)
Den lille gutten kysset moren. (The little boy kissed his mother)
5) in certain time expressions using om and til.:
om vinteren (in the winter)
om dagen (during the day)
til sommeren (this coming summer)
6) with abstract phenomena or generic categories
Naturen er vakker i Norge. (Nature is beautiful in Norway.)
Sånn er livet. (Such is life.)
Samfunnet trenger dyktige lærere. (Society needs competent teachers.)