Are you planning a trip to Norway? Or would you like to just learn some basics of the language? These are some of the top Norwegian words and phrases for travellers.
You’ll be relieved to know that English is taught in schools in Norway from an early age and most Norweigians are fluent in English. In tourist hotspots like Oslo tourist information is usually available in English too.
But, it is still polite to be able to speak some of the local language and you’ll really impress native people if you try to speak in Norwegian.
We have put together a list of some of the most important words and phrases you should try to learn.
Where is Norwegian Spoken
Norwegian, (or ‘Norsk’ in Norwegian) is the official language of Norway, and this is where it is mainly spoken. Worldwide there are around 5,000,000 speakers of Norwegian.
Is Norwegian Hard to Learn
Norwegian is a Germanic language and is very similar to Danish and Swedish. People from Scandinavian countries can converse and understand each other easily even though there are slight differences between the languages in this region. For English speakers.
Norwegian pronunciation can be a challenge but it is fairly easy to grasp and memorise the essential introduction words and phrases. Most of the phrases featured on our list are easy-to-remember and if you practise you can really remember them quite quickly. Even if you just learn the most easy initial greetings and polite phrases this is already a good start.
Why Visit Norway
Norway is one of the most peaceful countries in the world with a high standard of living and friendly local people. There are lots of places to visit in Norway, popular destinations include the capital Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø and Stavanger.
Norway is also a fantastic year round destination, you can go skiing in winter or explore the great outdoors in summer seeing the mountains and spectacular fjords. Visiting Norway can be expensive, so you will need to budget ahead even for a short weekend break.
100+ Essential Norwegian Phrases to Know
These words and phrases are perfect for travellers heading to Norway for the first time, but they are also a good base for anyone looking to learn Norwegian and pick up the basics.
Greetings
Hello – Hallo
Good morning – God morgen
Good afternoon – God ettermiddag
Good night – God natt
Goodbye – Ha de
Conversational
How are you? – Hvordan går det?
I’m well, and you? – Bra, med deg?
Good, thanks – Bra, takk
I am very pleased to meet you – Det er så hyggelig å treffe deg
Do you speak English? – Snakker du engelsk?
Does anyone here speak English? – Finnes det noen her som snakker engelsk?
I only speak a little Norwegian – Jeg snakker bare litt norsk
What is your name? – Hva heter du?
My name is… – Jeg heter…
I don’t understand – Jeg forstår ikke
What did you say? – Hva sa du?
Can you speak more slowly? – Kan du snakke saktere?
I understand perfectly – Jeg forstår det veldig godt
How do you say this in Norwegian – Hvordan sier man dette på norsk?
Commonly Used Words & Phrases
English Word/Phrase Norwegian Word/Phrase
Yes – Ja
No – Nei
Thank you – Takk
Thank you very much – Tusen takk
You’re welcome – Vær så god
Please – Vær så snill
Excuse me – Unnskyld meg
Directions, Transport & Sightseeing
Where is …? – Hvor er …?
How much is the fare? – Hvor mye koster billetten?
One ticket to…, please – En billett til …, takk
Train – Tog
Bus – Buss
Tourist Information – Turistinformasjon
Train station – Jernbanestasjon
Bus station – Busstasjon
Museum – Museum
Hotels
Are there any vacancies? – Er det noe ledig?
No vacancies – Alt opptatt
Shopping
Shop – Butikk
Bank – Bank
How much does this cost? Hvor mye koster dette?
What is this? Hva er dette?
I would like to buy … Jeg vil gjerne ha …
Do you have… – Har du…
Restaurants & Eating Out
Restaurant – Restaurant
Restroom – Toalett
Beer – Øl
Red wine / white wine – Rødvin / Hvitvin
Water – Vann
I don’t eat… – Jeg spiser ikke…
I’m a vegetarian – Jeg er vegetarianer
Can we have the bill? – Kan vi få regningen?
Do you accept credit cards? – Tar dere kredittkort?
Emergencies
Help! – Hjelp!
Call the police! – Ring politiet!
Police Station – Politistasjon
Hospital – Sykehus
I need a doctor – Jeg trenger lege
I don’t feel well – Jeg er dårlig
Numbers
One – En
Two – To
Three – Tre
Four -Fire
Five – Fem
Six – Seks
Seven – Sju
Eight – åtte
Nine – Ni
Ten – Ti
20 – Tju
30 – Tretti
40 – Førti
50 – Femti
60 – Seksti
70 – Søtti
80 – Åtti
90 – Nitti
100 – Hundre
Days of the Week
Monday – Mandag
Tuesday – Tirsdag
Wednesday – Onsdag
Thursday – Torsdag
Friday – Fredag
Saturday – Lørdag
Sunday – Søndag
Today – I dag
Yesterday – I går
Tomorrow – I morgen
Day – Dag
Week – Uke
Month – Måned
Year – År
We hope our guide to the best Norwegian phrases you need to know has been useful to you. Norwegian people are very friendly and will really love to see you trying to speak their language.
