Norwegian is spoken by around 5 million people in Norway. It has two official written forms: bokmal (majority, 85 to 90 percent) and nynorsk. From Oslo to Bergen, from Trondheim to Tromso: with this kit, you have the bare minimum to get by in Norway in bokmal, the touristic reference variant.
Norwegian (norsk) is spoken by around 5 million people in Norway. Its linguistic specificity lies in its dual official written norm: bokmal (literally "book language"), inherited from the long union with Denmark and used by 85 to 90 percent of the population, and nynorsk ("new Norwegian"), built in the 19th century from rural dialects by linguist Ivar Aasen. Both norms are taught at school and recognized administratively, but bokmal largely dominates media, publishing and urban life. Orally, Norway has no single pronunciation standard: each region defends its dialect, and keeping one's native accent is culturally valued, even in formal contexts. For French speakers, Norwegian features a tonal system with two distinctive accents, three additional letters after z (a, o, a), and largely transparent vocabulary for those who know English or German. Grammar is simple: no person conjugations, two genders depending on the dialect (common/neuter or masculine/feminine/neuter). Culturally, Norway is recognizable through friluftsliv (outdoor life), koselig (warm cocoon), and a very direct but respectful relationship with hierarchy. This kit gathers the bare essentials to handle an airport arrival, a taxi ride, a restaurant order, a medical emergency and a smooth departure. You will find indispensable greetings, survival phrases for orientation, key words for eating and sleeping, as well as cultural tips to avoid faux pas. Memorize these expressions before leaving and you will gain confidence from the very first hours on site.
Here is how these phrases play out in real life. Each scene sets the stage and gathers the useful expressions.
You land at Oslo Gardermoen in the early evening. The arrivals hall is calm and well organized. An agent meets your gaze, you greet him and ask for directions.
The taxi driver loads your suitcase and asks for your destination. You give him the hotel address, you want to check the price before leaving, then you will ask him to stop right in front of the entrance.
You enter a typical restaurant in the early evening. The waiter seats you and hands you the menu. You hesitate over the daily special and ask for advice before ordering water and the bill.
You feel sick after a meal and you need help quickly. You ask where the nearest hospital is and you mention that you are allergic to certain foods.
On the morning of departure, you want to confirm check-out time at the reception, then catch a taxi to the airport. Before leaving, you warmly say goodbye to the hotel staff.
What you need to know before travelling to a norwegian-speaking country.
In modern Norwegian, the informal "du" is universal, as in Sweden. Formal "De" is very rare and reserved for ceremonial or highly formal contexts.
The concept of "friluftsliv" (outdoor life) is a central cultural value. Walking, skiing, camping, even in bad weather, is almost a duty. The saying goes: "there is no bad weather, only bad clothing".
The concept of "koselig" (cosy, warm, welcoming) permeates the home, evenings, cafe atmosphere. Lit candles, blankets, meals around a table: it is the essence of Norwegian daily life.
Norwegians generally speak excellent English. Do not be surprised if people switch to English as soon as you hesitate. It is a kind gesture, not a rejection.
Removing shoes when entering someone's home is an almost systematic rule in Norway. Check if there are shoes in the entrance before keeping yours on.
Punctuality is highly respected. Arriving exactly on time or five minutes early is the norm. Being late without notice shocks Norwegians.
Tipping is not expected: service is included everywhere. Rounding up the bill in restaurants is appreciated but remains optional.
Nightlife and alcohol purchases are strictly regulated. Hard alcohol is sold only in state stores (Vinmonopolet) with limited hours. Plan your purchases in advance.
Preview. The full glossary (30 words) and all the phrases are in the PDF.
Ja
yah
Yes
Nei
nay
No
Takk
tahk
Thank you
Vaer sa god
vair saw goo
You're welcome / Here you go
Unnskyld
OON-shuel
Sorry
Vann
vahn
Water
Mat
maht
Food
Hotell
ho-TELL
Hotel
Flyplass
FLUE-plas
Airport
Sykehus
SUE-keh-hoos
Hospital
A hundred words, thirty key phrases, as a printable PDF. Instant download, also sent by e-mail.
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Every translation is cross-checked against at least two concordant sources among the references below.
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