Planning to learn Norwegian? You should know this first!

Norwegian is not the hardest language for English speakers

Norwegian and English share parts of the vocabulary, and there are similarities in grammar and sentence structure. If you know Dutch or German, you will find even more similarities in the vocabulary. Experienced language learners often find that Norwegian is not the most difficult language. The basic grammar is easier to learn than in German, Russian, or in the Romance languages. However, like in any language, achieving a higher level takes a lot of time, which people typically underestimate.

Norwegian pronunciation: You will learn it with some practice!

The Norwegian alphabet has three extra vowels: æ, ø, å. Some time is needed to get used to Norwegian spelling and learn the correct pronunciation. Pronouncing the vowels is often challenging for native English speakers—and for many other people. However, most foreign learners manage well after a while, although some practice is needed. Your ability to learn it also depends on the sounds in your mother tongue.

Thanks to the different regional accents and dialects, some variation in pronunciation is accepted. A foreign accent can also be considered charming and does not necessarily cause any problem. However, you will need to master the main pronunciation rules. After all, people need to be able to understand you. 

How much time is needed to learn Norwegian? That is hard to say!

How fast a student learns depends on personal factors and on the situation. You are likely to learn faster if you already know other languages and you have experience in studying foreign languages. However, the most important factor is the time and energy put into the language study. You can probably reach level A1 (see below) within half a year if you spend the necessary time and effort every week. You can also speed up progress if you work hard, like following an intensive course. 

Following a private Norwegian course could be a good option. You pay more for that, but you will also learn faster.

Set up a plan and a goal when learning Norwegian

Learning a language is a lot easier if you have structure in your language learning process. You can set up a goal and see how much you intend to work to achieve that goal. However, some flexibility is important, since you will not be aware of all the challenges before you start. Discussing your goals with your teacher will make it a lot easier for you to see what you realistically can achieve.

Which level should you aim for?

Knowledge of languages is measured on six different levels—from A1 to C2—according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. At level A1, you will have just basic communication skills. Many textbooks lead up to level A2. At that level, you can communicate with people in everyday situations about simple topics.

To obtain Norwegian citizenship, you need to be at least at level B1 orally. For that purpose, or for other reasons, you can sign up to the language test Norskprøve. 

For work purposes, level B1 (or higher) is often needed or even required. A potential employer can easily evaluate your oral Norwegian skills during a normal job interview.

A Norwegian language test: often necessary, but not always

Norskprøve is the official test to document your knowledge of Norwegian. For any studies in Norwegian at a university or a university college, you need to document knowledge of Norwegian at level B2 (see previous question).

The same level applies if you come from a non-EU/EEA country and apply for authorization as a nurse or a doctor. In Oslo and Drammen, similar documentation is also needed for personnel from EU countries.

This is an explanation of the situation in general. However, rules may change, and you will have to do some research if you are planning to work in health care.  For kindergartens, national rules apply, but exceptions are sometimes made.

The language test is far from being compulsory everywhere. However, the Norskprøve is also useful just to see if you have reached the goal that you have set for yourself.

There are two kinds of written Norwegian, but you only need to learn Bokmål

Norwegian has two official written standards: Bokmål and Nynorsk. They are both official at a national level, but Bokmål is by far the most used language. Nynorsk is mostly used in remote areas, and its users also know Bokmål. If you start studying Norwegian as a foreign language, it will almost certainly be Bokmål—and you will soon be able to understand Nynorsk as well.

The dialects of Norway are a (nice) challenge

Whenever you visit an area outside the Oslo region, you will notice that people use their local dialect. For a foreign learner, this can be challenging, especially if you settle in an area where most people speak a dialect. You don’t need to learn to speak a dialect, but you will need to learn how to understand the people of the area where you live.

As a learner of Norwegian, you will understand some Swedish and Danish

The Scandinavian languages are considered mutually intelligible. With the necessary will and effort, people from Denmark, Norway and Sweden can understand each other reasonably well.

Foreign learners must struggle more to cope with the differences between these three languages. The vocabulary is surprisingly similar, but the same word is often spelled differently. However, there are many false friends, and also words that are used only in one or two of the Scandinavian languages. Another challenge is the Danish pronunciation; it is difficult for most foreigners, and even for many Norwegians and Swedes. Communication across Scandinavian languages only works smoothly when people are aware of the differences. Otherwise, misunderstandings can easily occur. And while talking about the Nordic region: Finnish is not Scandinavian, it is a completely different language.

Where and how can I learn Norwegian?

You can enrol in a Norwegian language course in many cities around the world, not only in Norway. You can also learn Norwegian by self-teaching. There are many language-learning apps—Duolingo and others—that you can use to learn Norwegian. These apps are good for learning vocabulary and sentences, but they don’t explain the logic behind it, nor can you exercise with a real person. They work well as a supplement to a language course, not as a replacement.  

Working with textbooks is certainly not old-fashioned, but you do need to choose a good one, and it works best under the guidance of a good Norwegian teacher.

I will give you the necessary guidance so that you can reach your goals. You will receive the support you need, during the lessons and between the lessons. You will find more information about my private Norwegian courses on this site.