Norwegian online
Common questions about my courses and about learning Norwegian in general
Questions about learning Norwegian
For people who are fluent in English, learning the basics of Norwegian is not very difficult. As they both belong to the Germanic language group, English and Norwegian have some overlap in vocabulary. There are also some similarities in grammar, as well as in sentence structure.
Read this to have a better idea of what the Norwegian language is like.
Some exercise is needed to get used to the Norwegian spelling and to learn the correct pronunciation of the vowels. However, after some time, most foreign learners manage reasonably well to master Norwegian pronunciation.
This, of course, varies from person to person. It also depends on the time and energy that you put into the language study. However, based on my own experiences, I can give you a general idea of how fast people can learn Norwegian. You can reach level A1 (see next question) within half a year if you study the language several hours every week. A complete beginner who studies harder can also reach level A2 within half a year. However, the learning proces will always depend on your own abilities and how much time and energy you dedicate to learning.
Knowledge of languages is measured on six different levels, from A1 to C2, according to the Common European framework of Reference for languages. A1 is a simple conversational level, and often sufficient for “vacation purposes”. Level A2 is usually enough to be able to communicate with people in everyday situations. For work purposes, level B1 (or higher) is often needed, although this depends on the requirements of the employer. According to the latest Norwegian regulations, you need to be at least at level B1 in spoken language to obtain citizenship.
Are you not sure about your own level? If you sign up for a Norwegian course with Lynganor, I will evaluate your level during the trial lesson. You can also do a self-evaluation of your level of Norwegian online. Your level of Norwegian can be documented by taking Norskprøve or Bergenstesten (see the last question).
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. Lynganor offers Bokmål language courses, but we also offer advice concerning the similarities and differences between these two written languages. Once you are fluent in bokmål, you will understand a good deal of Nynorsk as well.
Here you can learn more about the two official languages of Norway.
Norwegian, Swedish and Danish are very close to each other. With the necessary will and effort, native speakers can understand each other when each speaks their own language. Norwegian is close in spoken language to Swedish, and in written language to Danish. Norwegian is therefore a good basis to have to communicate across Scandinavia.
However, there are a few differences that foreign learners need to be aware of. Much of the vocabulary is more or less the same, but there are many differences in spelling and pronunciation. There are also some differences in vocabulary – either words that mean different things or words that are only used in one of the three languages.
Here you can read about the language situation in Scandinavia.
Whenever you come to an area outside the Oslo region, you will notice that many people speak their own local dialect. For a foreign learner, this can be challenging, but you can learn how to deal with it. You don’t need to learn to speak any dialect yourself, but you need to understand people in the area where you live. If you follow a Norwegian course with Lynganor, I will customize your lessons to incorporate the understanding of dialects depending on your learning goals, such as a where you plan to live, work or visit.
Questions about the courses at norwegian.online
I offer private lessons in Norwegian. The courses are for everyone who wants to learn Norwegian or who wants to improve his or her knowledge of it. No matter what your level is, you are welcome at norwegian.online.
The price for one lesson (50 miunutes) is 44 euros. You will get a discount if you purchase a package of four or ten lessons ahead of time – for four lessons you pay 165 euros, for ten lessons you pay 390. Lynganor is based in the Netherlands, which is why the amounts are mentioned in euros. But you can also pay in Norwegian kroner to a Norwegian account, based on the current exchange rate. The first lesson is always a free trial lesson. Payment can be made via bank transfer (bank account in Norway or the Netherlands), or via PayPal.
Absolutely! You can ask your partner or a friend to join, although you will need to be at approximately the same level. You also need to have the same program and be present during the same lessons.
Group lessons for more than two people are also possible! Please contact me for a customized offer.
A standard lesson lasts 50 minutes. Breaks should preferably be included if we have longer lessons. For many students, one lesson per week is enough. However, some people have lessons more often, while others do it less often. It all depends on your own preference as well as your learning goal! You should be aware that studying via the computer screen can be intense. Therefore, it is usually better to take two short lessons per week rather than one long lesson on the same day. Thanks to online exercises and the extra online resources, it is also possible to work independently between the lessons.
I teach Norwegian via an online learning platform that is 100% interactive. All kinds of texts, documents, videos and other resources can be shared via screen-sharing.
Do you want to see how this works? Contact me today to make an appointment for a free trial lesson.
From the very beginning, you will be trained in both the spoken and the written language. I focus on all aspects, including pronunciation.
I lay much weight on developing communicative skills. If you are a beginner, we start by making simple sentences, both orally and in writing. At higher levels, we will work with suitable texts and exercises.
In most cases, I use a textbook, usually from the publisher CappelenDamm. Sometimes, it is suitable to work with another book instead. At the highest levels, working without a textbook can also be an option.
I advise you to consult me before buying a book. There are different editions and every student needs another approach.
As a supplement, I have developed online resources for norwegian.online. They make it possible for you to work more independently between the lessons.
In many cases, a language test is useful, in other cases compulsory. Of course, a potential employer can easily evaluate your verbal Norwegian skills and listening comprehension during a normal job interview. However, in many cases, a language test can help you document your level of Norwegian, which can be useful when applying for a job. In some sectors, like in health care, non-native speakers need to pass Norskprøve at level B1-B2 for any position. To work as a doctor or to apply for higher education, level B2-C1 is required. This can be documented by taking Bergenstesten.
I am ready to advise you depending on your goals, help you prepare for any of these tests, and coach you to succeed!
Don’t hesitate to get in touch, for a trial lesson or for other queries.