The Reality of Arriving in Norway
You have just landed. Everyone speaks English. You might wonder — do I even need Norwegian? The short answer: yes, absolutely. English will get you through the first weeks, but Norwegian is essential for making friends, understanding your rights, and advancing your career.
The good news: you do not need to be fluent on day one. Here is exactly what to learn in your first month.
30 Phrases to Memorize This Month
Week 1: Basic Survival
Hei!— Hi!Takk— ThanksTusen takk— Thank you very muchUnnskyld— Excuse me / SorrySnakker du engelsk?— Do you speak English?Jeg forstår ikke— I do not understandKan du gjenta?— Can you repeat?Hvor er...?— Where is...?
Week 2: Shopping and Food
Jeg vil gjerne ha...— I would like...Hvor mye koster det?— How much does it cost?Kan jeg betale med kort?— Can I pay by card?En pose, takk— A bag, pleaseRegningen, takk— The bill, pleaseJeg er allergisk mot...— I am allergic to...Har dere...?— Do you have...?Ingen kvittering, takk— No receipt, thanks
Week 3: Getting Around
Hvilken buss går til...?— Which bus goes to...?Er dette riktig holdeplass?— Is this the right stop?Kan du hjelpe meg?— Can you help me?Til venstre / til høyre— To the left / to the rightRett fram— Straight aheadJeg skal til...— I am going to...
Week 4: Social Basics
Jeg heter...— My name is...Hvor kommer du fra?— Where are you come from?Jeg kommer fra...— I come from...Hva gjør du?— What do you do? (occupation)Jeg jobber med...— I work with...Hyggelig å møte deg— Nice to meet youVi snakkes!— Talk to you later!Ha det bra!— Goodbye! (Have it good!)
All of these (and more) are available in our survival phrases section with audio and practice exercises.
Where You Will Need Norwegian
At the grocery store (Rema 1000, Kiwi, Coop)
Cashiers may greet you in Norwegian. Knowing Hei, Pose? (Bag?), and Ha det is enough for week one. Signs are in Norwegian — learn food vocabulary early.
At the doctor (fastlege)
You have the right to an interpreter, but basic medical vocabulary helps: Jeg har vondt i... (I have pain in...), Jeg trenger en time (I need an appointment).
At the kommune (municipality office)
Registration, tax card, and residence permit conversations happen in Norwegian. Bring a Norwegian-speaking friend or request an interpreter. Our guides section covers these scenarios.
At work
Many tech and international companies use English, but Norwegian is expected in social settings — lunch, coffee breaks, Friday gatherings. This is where friendships form.
At barnehage (kindergarten) pick-up
If you have children, the daily small talk with staff and other parents is in Norwegian. This is high-motivation learning — your children will learn faster than you!
What Level Do You Need?
| Situation | Level Needed |
|---|---|
| Daily shopping | A1 (basic phrases) |
| Doctor visits | A2 (simple explanations) |
| Work in Norwegian | B1-B2 |
| Reading contracts/official letters | B1 |
| Following the news | B2 |
| University studies | B2-C1 |
Apps and Tools to Install
- HjemVei — Structured Norwegian lessons with grammar and culture (start here)
- Ordbøkene (ordbokene.no) — The official Norwegian dictionary
- NRK TV / NRK Radio — Free Norwegian media with subtitles
- Google Translate — For emergencies (not for studying!)
Your First Month Plan
Week 1: Learn the 8 survival phrases above. Use them at every opportunity. Greet people in Norwegian even if they switch to English.
Week 2: Add shopping vocabulary. Read food labels in Norwegian. Complete the first HjemVei lesson module.
Week 3: Navigate public transport in Norwegian. Ask for directions. Start the grammar basics.
Week 4: Have your first short conversation entirely in Norwegian. It will be clumsy — that is perfect. Review the grammar cheat sheet and take the grammar quiz.
The Most Important Rule
Do not let Norwegians switch to English. When they hear your accent, many will helpfully switch. Politely say: Kan vi snakke norsk? Jeg øver. (Can we speak Norwegian? I am practicing.) Most Norwegians will be delighted.
Your first month is about building habits, not perfection. Start with our survival phrases and beginner lessons. Velkommen til Norge! (Welcome to Norway!)