B1Norwegiannb.b1.042

hans/hennes/deres vs sin/sitt/sine — the key contrast

hans/hennes/deres vs sin/sitt/sine — the key contrast

Structure:

hans/hennes = non-reflexive possessive; sin = reflexive (refers to subject)

This distinction is one of the most common errors for foreign learners of Norwegian.

Example:

Per besøkte vennens hus. Han likte huset hans. / Per besøkte sitt eget hus. **Translation:** Per visited the friend's house. He liked his (the friend's) house. / Per visited his own house.

Examples

Per besøkte vennens hus.

Per visited the friend's house.

Han likte huset hans.

He liked his (the friend's) house.

/ Per besøkte sitt eget hus.

/ Per visited his own house.

Practice

Question 1 of 30 correct

Which grammar pattern does this sentence use? "Per besøkte vennens hus."

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