How to Learn Key Phrases in Norwegian

By eHow Education Editor

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Even if you don't speak a word of Norwegian, it takes only a few minutes to learn some basic phrases that will help you communicate. Native speakers will appreciate even the most basic attempts to speak their language.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Local Guidebooks To Scandinavia
Plane Tickets To Scandinavia

Step1

Use "hei" (pronounced "hi") for hello, and "ha det" (ha-da) for saying a casual good-bye. For a very formal good-bye, use "farvel" (far-vel).

Step2

Introduce yourself by saying "Mitt navn" (meet na-ven), which means "My name is," and then add your name.

Step3

Make use of "vær så snill" (var saw snil) for "please" and "takk" (tack) for "thank you."

Step4

Say "ja" (ya) for yes and "nei" (nii) for"no" or just nod or shake your head.

Step5

Say "hvor" (vur), which means where, if you're looking for something.

Step6

Use "Jeg vil" (Yi vil) for "I would like" (e.g., in a store) or "Jeg ønsker" (Yi uns-ker) for "I want."

Step7

Strike up a longer conversation by asking, "Snakker du Engelsk?" (sna-ker do Eng-elsk?) which means, "Do you speak English?" Many Norwegians do.

Tips & Warnings

Carry a small, basic Norwegian phrase book or dictionary. You can look up words you don't know, and even point to them if you can't pronounce them.
Be adventurous. The best way to learn the language and get into the spirit of the country is to use it.
Norwegians don't use first names as extensively as English speakers do.
Be modest and more reserved. Norwegians shake hands, so reserve a hug or kiss only if you are on very close terms.
Be quiet. The Norwegians consider Americans loud, especially in public.

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Comments

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 "V├ªr s├Ñ snill" is "please" in Norwegian.

Anonymous said

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on 2/8/2006 I'd just like to clear up the issue of the word jeg and it's pronunciation. It is not normally said as "yii" but as it is spelled "jeg."

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 The Norwegian people are extremely shy. Be the one to approach then for a conversation since it will be rare for them to start a conversation with a stranger. Once they get to know you better they become a lot more friendly.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 "VÃ¦r sÃ¥ snill" is "please" in Norwegian.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Norwegians don't use first names as extensively as English speakers do--I guess this would've been true 20 years ago. But today, everybody's on a first name basis.

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