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NORWEGIAN LANGUAGE

Six useful Norwegian words and expressions which are hard to translate

The Norwegian language is rich with unique expressions and terms that defy direct translation into English. Many of them are incredibly useful, despite not translating well.

Published: 20 December 2023 11:40 CET
Beer
Photo by Giovanna Gomes on Unsplash

Each language offers a captivating glimpse into a country’s culture, values, and way of life – and Norwegian is no different.

Therefore, you shouldn’t be surprised when you start encountering words and expressions that are somewhat challenging to translate into English (which is bound to happen soon after you move to the country).

READ MORE: Ten Norwegian words you need to learn to understand Norway

Investing some time into learning these phrases will allow you to gain insights into how Norwegians view the world, their relationships, and their interaction with the environment surrounding them.

So, whether you’re a language enthusiast or just someone trying to make sense of what you need to do when your neighbourhood announces a dugnad for the weekend, join us as we explore some of our favourite uniquely Norwegian words and phrases.

Seeing someone for the first time after they invited you to their house party?

Phrase: Takk for sist

Literally translated, takk for sist means “thanks for last time”. It’s a phrase Norwegians use to thank someone the next time they meet them after they have hosted them or done something nice for them.

READ MORE: Norwegian expression of the day: Takk for sist

So, if a Norwegian friend invites you to a house party or a lovely get-together on Saturday, and you happen to meet them on Monday while you’re shopping in the city centre, the polite way to start the conversation is to thank them for the effort they put into hosting and inviting you the last time you saw them, by saying takk for sist.

Enjoying yourself in front of a fireplace with a warm cup of cocoa?

Word: Koselig

At its core, the concept of koselig reflects an atmosphere or experience steeped in well-being and satisfaction. It’s the warmth you feel in a candlelit room on a cold, snowy evening or the cheerful mood shared by friends in a cosy mountain cabin.

It’s often used to describe life’s small, simple pleasures – a hot cup of coffee on a brisk morning, a soft, hand-knitted sweater, or the gentle flicker of a fireplace in a quiet room.

And yes, it’s similar to the Danish word hygge but has its own unique Norwegian context, as many Norwegians treat it as a part of their lifestyle and actively work on achieving the koselig state of mind.

Forest

The phrase gøy på landet encapsulates Norway’s love for the countryside, representing both fun countryside activities and a deeper appreciation for the tranquility and beauty of rural life. Photo by Zach Betten on Unsplash

Aching to escape the city and have some outdoor fun?

Phrase: Gøy på landet

Literally translated, gøy på landet means to have “fun in the countryside”. It refers to the nice time you have in rural, non-urban settings, and it captures a distinct aspect of Norway’s deep-rooted connection with its countryside.

This phrase goes beyond the literal enjoyment of non-urban locations; it embodies an appreciation for the simplicity, beauty, and tranquillity found in the countryside – and it has been showcased and romanticised in Norwegian culture (multiple songs and TV shows) over the decades.

The Norwegian countryside offers many outdoor adventures, from hiking and skiing to fishing. However, this expression is about more than just the activities one can engage in in rural areas.

Gøy på landet also alludes to a more profound sense of contentment. It’s about escaping the hustle and bustle of city life, finding peace in the quiet of a mountain cabin, or the joy of picking wild berries in the forest.

The phrase also touches on the social aspects of rural life in Norway, encompassing the community spirit in smaller villages and the traditions that bind these communities together.

The weather finally improves, spring arrives, and you want to grab a beer outdoors?

Word: Utepils

Ah, the Norwegian institution of utepils. Literally translated to “outdoor beer,” it’s usually used when the weather starts to warm up in the late spring or early summer, allowing people to sit outside and enjoy a beer in the sun.

READ MORE: Norwegian word of the day: Utepils

As the first rays of the spring sun warm the air, Norwegians flock to outdoor cafes and terraces, eager to soak up the sunshine and the lively atmosphere. Basking in the sun, people of all ages come together to enjoy their first outdoor beer of the year.

This moment is eagerly expected and is seen as a rite of passage into the warmer months.

After the first utepils of the season, many Norwegians will use every chance they get to enjoy an utepils in a beer garden or outdoor seating area of a bar, restaurant, or café.

Hiking

Fjellvant is a term of high respect in Norway. Use it if you want to compliment someone’s competence in navigating the nation’s mountain terrain. Photo by Edoardo Bortoli on Unsplash

Impressed by the mountaineering skills displayed by your Norwegian friend?

Word: Fjellvant

If you’re looking for a word to compliment someone who is very comfortable and skilled in navigating mountain terrain, look no further than fjellvant. By calling a person fjellvant, you’ll display your admiration for the way they know their way around the mountains.

This word is not simply a description of someone familiar with mountains; it also conveys a profound sense of competence and comfort when navigating the often challenging and rugged highland terrain.

In a country where the mountains play such a central role in the national psyche and landscape, and people seem to want to head hiking as soon as their workday ends, being fjellvant is highly respected.

Community-building and volunteering

Word: Dugnad

The Norwegian concept of dugnad is a key part of the nation’s social fabric, representing a tradition of communal cooperation and volunteerism deeply embedded in its culture.

This term refers to an organised effort where members of a community (often a neighbourhood, school, or club) come together voluntarily to achieve a common goal.

READ MORE: Norwegian expression of the day: Dugnad

Whether sprucing up a local neighbourhood, preparing for a community event, or even helping someone move house, dugnad is a powerful expression of solidarity and shared responsibility.

It goes beyond the mere act of volunteering; it is a societal norm and expectation that each individual contributes to the welfare of the community.

Dugnad fosters a sense of belonging, strengthens social ties, and builds a foundation of mutual support and cooperation – so take our advice, and join in if you’re invited.

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FAMILY

‘Don’t let anything put you off’: How foreigners in Norway raise bilingual kids

Foreigners living and raising children in Norway, might want them to become native speakers of at least two languages. We asked our readers to share their tips and experiences.

Published: 9 April 2024 17:13 CEST
Updated: 27 April 2024 15:01 CEST
'Don't let anything put you off': How foreigners in Norway raise bilingual kids

Foreign residents in Norway with children spend a lot of time thinking about how to best make their offspring bilingual.

We recently put out a survey asking parents in Norway about their experiences with raising bilingual children, and many parents believed that raising their children to be bilingual or multilingual would help them succeed in life.

“I would like my son to become fluent in Norwegian from a young age so he can learn and flourish here,” Martin, who lives in Vestland, said.

While he is English, his wife is Lithuanian, meaning Martin and his wife hope for their one-year-old child to eventually be able to speak English, Lithuanian, and Norwegian.

He believed that his child would easily learn English and Norwegian and that he would attend a Norwegian language preschool once he was old enough.

However, he admitted that it would be harder for his son to pick up Lithuanian, as it isn’t taught in schools, and he would only have his mother to learn from.

Respondents also encouraged other parents to try their best to raise their children to be bilingual, especially as younger children can be adept at picking up languages.

“A child’s elastic brain can absorb languages, so it is always worth raising them bilingually or multilingually,” Russell, who lives in Oslo, said.

“Speak to your child in your native language, don’t let anyone or anything put you off,” he added when asked for advice.

READ ALSO: How to raise bilingual children: 7 language tips and tricks

Roxanne, who lives in Bergen, recommended prioritising the parents’ mother tongue, as children would absorb Norwegian just by living in the country.

Her daughter, who was 20 months old when they first moved to Bergen several years ago, is now fluent in English and Norwegian after first practising with a bilingual nanny and then attending a Norwegian preschool.

However, Roxanne and her husband also practised German, French, Spanish, and Farsi with their child, with English being the primary language at home.

Roxanne was one of several parents who said that one parent spoke to their child in one language while the other spoke in a different language. She said she was determined to raise a multilingual child to ensure that her daughter would always feel “seen and understood” by her family.

Daren lives in Bærum and moved to Norway with his three children when they were aged 8, 6 and 4. Now his kids are 21, 19 and 17 and fluent in Norwegian and English. He said that it took his children most of their childhood to master the language after moving.

He also said that going to a local school and his children making friends with Norwegian children and using the language conversationally boosted their skills.

“Try to integrate into the local community, sports teams, friendships, etc. Send your kids to local schools and avoid the international schools until VGS (high school),” Daren said.

He added that things are easier if the parents learn Norwegian, but in some cases, this is easier said than done, and he and his wife have yet to master the language.

Stef, who lives in Haugesund, warned that parents learning Norwegian alongside their kids may struggle to keep up with their children.

“Learn Norwegian as fast as you can because children will learn faster,” Stef said.

International schools are a popular option for many families who aren’t sure they will settle down in Norway, or only plan to live in the country temporarily, or who move with older children.

While many parents advised sending their children to a Norwegian school, some also pointed out kids could pick up the local language while attending an international school.

Ulrike, who lives in Oslo, said it was important that clubs and activities are in the local language.

“If they go to an international school, make sure they have extracurricular activities in Norwegian,” she said.

Her child attends the German School of Oslo, where German and Norwegian are spoken languages.

Gail, who lives in Australia but has taught at Oslo International School, recommended using a tutor and finding ways to make the Norwegian language fun.

“Use a tutor and ask the school your child attends what they suggest for integration and learning. Sports activities and social occasions help. Singing songs in Norwegian is a fun way to learn,” she said.

Paige, who lives in Sandefjord, suggested Norwegian television and language cafes to boost children’s Norwegian skills.

“If they go to an international school and they or you want them to develop their Norwegian language skills, find some programs on (Norway’s public broadcaster) NRK and watch them together, go to language cafes, go to local events, and take it one step at a time,” she said.

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