30 Must-Know Norwegian Phrases (Plus Cultural Tips for Tourists)

Travelling to Norway? To truly connect with the locals and experience the culture, learning a few key Norwegian phrases is essential. While many Norwegians speak excellent English, making the effort to use their native language shows respect and can make your trip more enriching. It’s both practical and rewarding, helping you navigate daily interactions and leaving a lasting impression. Along with these phrases, we’ve included useful cultural tips to help you understand Norwegian customs and make the most of your visit.

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In this blog, we’ve compiled 30 simple Norwegian phrases perfect for travelers and learners eager to explore Norway one day.

Norwegian Greetings

1. Hei – Hello
2. God morgen – Good morning
3. God kveld – Good evening
4. Ha det – Goodbye
5. Takk – Thank you

Greetings in Norway: Cultural Tip

In Norway, greetings are often kept simple and polite. A firm handshake is the most common form of greeting, whether meeting someone for the first time or seeing a friend. Norwegians tend to maintain personal space, and physical gestures such as kissing on the cheek or hugs are generally reserved for close friends or family. Keep it brief but friendly!

Norwegian Phrases for Shopping

1. Hvor mye koster dette? – How much does this cost?
2. Kan jeg få en kvittering? – Can I get a receipt?
3. Hvor finner jeg grønnsakene/kjøttet/meieriproduktene? – Where can I find the vegetables/meat/dairy products?
4. Jeg bare ser. – I’m just looking.
5. Kan jeg betale med kort? – Can I pay with a card?

Grocery Shopping in Norway: Cultural Tip

In Norway, the supermarket scene is dominated by chains like Rema 1000, Kiwi, and Coop, with similar prices across stores. Coop has multiple store types, from small shops like Prix to larger ones like Obs, which is often compared to Walmart. To save money, download the store apps to track discounts and promotions. Using the Coop or Trumf loyalty cards can also earn you extra savings, especially around holidays like Christmas. For even better deals, check out products close to their expiration date or explore local immigrant shops for bargains.

Simple Norwegian Phrases to Use While Eating Out

1. Kan jeg få menyen, takk? – Can I have the menu, please?
2. Hva anbefaler du? – What do you recommend?
3. Kan jeg få regningen, takk? – Can I get the bill, please?
4. Har dere glutenfri mat / veganske alternativer? – Do you have gluten-free food / vegan options here?
5. Jeg er allergisk mot nøtter / løk / melk / skalldyr. – I am allergic to nuts / onions / milk / shellfish.

Eating Out in Norway: Cultural Tip

Tipping in Norway is not expected, as service charges are generally included in the bill. While some locals may round up the total in restaurants, it’s entirely optional and not a common practice. Most Norwegians believe tipping encourages poor business practices, so feel free to skip it without worry. If service has been exceptional or you want to round up a bit, that’s fine—but there’s no pressure to do so.

Norwegian Phrases for Emergencies

1. Hjelp! – Help!
2. Ring ambulanse! – Call an ambulance!
3. Hvor er nærmeste sykehus? – Where is the nearest hospital?
4. Jeg trenger en lege. – I need a doctor.
5. Jeg har mistet passet mitt. – I’ve lost my passport.

What to do during an emergency in Norway: Cultural Tip

Norway has an efficient emergency service system, and the universal emergency number is 112. You can call this number for police, fire, or medical emergencies. If you’re in a medical emergency but don’t require immediate hospitalization, 113 is the number for direct access to ambulance services. It’s always a good idea to know these numbers, and English is widely understood by emergency personnel in most urban areas.

Norwegian Phrases for Socializing

1. Hva heter du? – What’s your name?
2. Hvordan har du det? – How are you?
3. Kan jeg sitte her? – Can I sit here?
4. Vil du bli med på en kaffe? – Would you like to join me for a coffee?
5. Hyggelig å møte deg! – Nice to meet you!

Socializing in Norway: Cultural Tip

In Norway, social interactions tend to be a bit reserved at first, but once you break the ice, people are friendly and warm. Don’t be surprised if conversations start off more formal or brief, especially with strangers. Inviting someone for a coffee is a great way to bond, as coffee culture is huge in Norway.

Norwegian Sayings

1. Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlige klær. – There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.
2. Å være midt i smørøyet. – To be in the middle of the butter eye (to be in a good place).
3. Man skal ikke skue hunden på hårene. – You shouldn’t judge a dog by its hairs (don’t judge a book by its cover).
4. Det var helt Texas. – It was totally Texas (it was wild/crazy).
5. Ugler i mosen. – Owls in the moss (something suspicious is going on)

Norwegian Sayings: Cultural Tip

Norwegian sayings often reflect the country’s practical mindset and deep connection to nature. For example, the phrase “there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing” captures Norwegians’ love for outdoor life, no matter the conditions. Learning these phrases not only helps you understand the language but also gives you insight into Norwegian culture.

Norwegian Phrases: FAQs

1.   How do you greet someone in Norway?

In Norway, the most common way to greet someone is by saying “Hei” (Hello) or “God dag” (Good day). In formal situations, a firm handshake is often used, while more casual greetings involve a simple verbal exchange, usually accompanied by a smile. Norwegian greetings tend to be polite and brief.

2.   How do they toast in Norway?

When Norwegians make a toast, they say “Skål!” while making eye contact with everyone at the table before taking a sip. This tradition of eye contact is important as it shows respect and connection among the group.

3.   How to swear in Norway?

Swearing in Norway includes phrases like “Faen!” (Damn!) and “Helvete!” (Hell!). These expressions are used similarly to how swearing is used in English but are generally considered inappropriate in public settings. While Norwegians do swear, it’s best to reserve these words for private or informal situations to avoid offending others.

4.   What are some common Norwegian idioms?

Norwegian has many idioms that reflect its unique culture. Some common examples include “Det er ugler i mosen” (There are owls in the moss), meaning something suspicious is happening, and “Å få blod på tann” (To get blood on your tooth), which refers to becoming highly motivated.”Å ha is i magen”, another common Norwegian idiom, translates to “To have ice in the stomach,” meaning to stay calm under pressure, similar to the expression “keep your cool.”

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Learning a few simple Norwegian phrases can greatly enhance your travel experience, helping you connect with locals and navigate daily interactions with ease. If you’re ready to take your Norwegian skills to the next level, why not learn with us at Language Trainers? Our personalized, in-person Norwegian lessons in Toronto and other cities are tailored to your needs, whether you’re a beginner or looking to advance. With experienced native-speaking teachers, you’ll receive one-on-one attention to help you reach your language goals. Contact Language Trainers today to schedule your first lesson and start your journey to mastering Norwegian!