Your questions about learning Norwegian

Why should I learn Norwegian?

In Norway, knowing the language is certainly an advantage. Most Norwegians can communicate in English, which makes it a lot easier for many foreigners. However, if you move to Norway, you will soon discover that you will benefit from learning Norwegian. Knowing the language, you more easily understand the society and the social codes. You can get a more active social life and you more easily find a job.

Is Norwegian a difficult language?

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, at least to reach just a basic level. However, like in any language, achieving a higher level takes time.

Is Norwegian easy or difficult? Read this to learn more.  

Is Norwegian pronunciation difficult?

The Norwegian alphabet has three extra letters – the vowels æ, ø and å. Some time is needed to get used to Norwegian spelling and learn the correct pronunciation. Pronouncing the vowels is often a challenge for native English speakers—and for many other people. However, most foreign learners manage well after a while, although some practice is needed. Some people have more difficulties than others, and it also depends on the sounds in your mother tongue. However, Norway has a large variation of regional accents and dialects, and some variation in pronunciation is accepted. And nobody expects a foreigner to speak without a foreign accent.

How much time is needed to learn Norwegian?

This varies a lot—some people learn faster, others more slowly. Your progress depends on your existing knowledge of other languages and your 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.

Which Norwegian language should I learn, Bokmål or Nynorsk?

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.

Which level of Norwegian should I aim for?

This depends on your situation and your aspirations. 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. At level A2, you can communicate with people in everyday situations about simple topics. 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. However, in many cases, a language test is required (see below). 

To obtain Norwegian citizenship, you need to be at least at level B1 orally, which can be proven by taking Norskprøve (see next question)

Should I take a Norwegian language test?

Norskprøve is the official test to document your knowledge of Norwegian, and it is often required for work or study purposes. 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).

If you come from a non-EU/EEA country and apply for authorization as a nurse or a doctor, you need to document the knowledge of Norwegian (or Swedish or Danish) at B2 level. In Oslo and Drammen, similar documentation is also needed for personnel from EU countries. For kindergartens, national rules apply, but exceptions are sometimes made.  

Can I understand Swedish and Danish if I speak Norwegian?

The Scandinavian languages are mutually intelligible to a large extent. With the necessary will and effort, people from Norway, Sweden, and Denmark 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 spelt 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.

Are the accents and dialects of Norway a challenge?

Whenever you visit an area outside the Oslo region, you will notice that many people speak 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.

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. Here, you can read about the teaching materials that I use for my courses.  

You may also feel the need to have a teacher who guides and corrects you. That is what I offer. I let you study independently between the lessons, but I also ensure to give you the necessary support during the lessons. There is more information to be found about my courses on this site.