Listening to Norwegian music can be an excellent supplement to a language course. However, you may find it difficult to understand everything. I have written this blog post to make it easier for you.
I have chosen songs that are easier to understand. The videos are with lyrics included, quality controlled by myself. I will just say, watch and listen – and enjoy!
Music for Norwegians of all ages
The twins Marcus & Martinus were children’s stars some years ago. Ei som dei (One like you) is about love for a girl. It is partly in dialect, but perfectly possible to understand with some knowledge of spoken Norwegian:
Needless to say – Marcus & Martinus have grown up now. The guys from the band Innertier helped the twins to make the tune we just saw. But Innertier has also made some successful hits themselves, like this one about friendship, “Ingen er sånn som du” (Nobody is like you)
Tre nøtter til Askepott (Three Wishes for Cinderella) is a modern remake of a Czech film. Astrid S is both acting and singing in that movie. The following tune is Når snøen smelter (When the snow is melting). Open YouTube to see the Norwegian lyrics.
Every year, the Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK) organizes the friendship campaign BlimE! (Stylization of “bli med!” (join in!) The purpose is to inspire children to include each other. This is the BlimE! dance from 2024 (subtitles available).
And this was the BlimE! dance from 2022. But there is also a lot more to be found on the site of NRK. The programs have subtitles in Norwegian, and a large amount of programs are freely available abroad outside of Norway.
Sing along in Norwegian
Looking for some good party music? The next tune is a good candidate if you are planning a beach vacation. The artist’s stage name is Fredy Kalas, and kalas means “party”.
The next video with Tix was made during the pandemic, However, people are still singing along, and you are welcome to join.
The video above was made in Halden next to the Swedish border. But now, we will move on to Oslo. Morgan Sulele’s Høyt over Oslo (High above Oslo) can be considered a tribute to the capital of Norway.
However, Norwegians tend to have a love-hate relationship to the capital. Halva priset has made this tune about a guy who hates Oslo:
Former prime minister Gro Harlem Brundtland once said, “It is typically Norwegian to be good”. You can hear her voice in the next tune, but the actual performers are Alexander Rybak (winner of Eurovison 2009) and Katastrofe. Subtitles in English are also available.
Some Norwegian children’s songs
Until now, you have heard some popular music. But I would like to introduce some children’s songs to you as well. Maybe you will like this one by Torbjørn Egner, dyrene i Afrika. Once again, you will hear the voice of Alexander Rybak. Open YouTube to see the lyrics.
Torbjørn Egner has also written many books for children, like Karius and Baktus and Dyrene i hakkebakkeskogen.
Songs for children have an easier language and can be useful at an early stage in the learning process. I would also like to share this Christmas song with you. It is about the Norwegian version of Santa Claus, who is more like a gnome and lives in a barn.
And here is another song that many children (and adults) love.
The two previous videos are from PuddingTV, a website dedicated to Norwegian children’s songs. You can also find some easier songs there, including the lyrics.
How to learn more
I hope that you enjoyed this selection of Norwegian music. If you are learning the language, it can hopefully help you come further. Do you want some more inspiration? Maybe you will also enjoy this post about popular Norwegian music. If you want to see even more lyric videos, you can look at the Norwegian version of the post you just read.
Music can never replace a language course – it is only a supplement. Are you interested in going more in-depth? I offer private Norwegian courses online. On this site, you will find extended information.
Interested in a trial lesson? Don’t hesitate to get in touch!
