4.9 Definite Form
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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.)

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