May 17th is a day of flags, children’s parades, and bunads – but also of laughter, ice cream, community, and unexpected conversations with strangers. It might be the one day a year when Norwegians are the least “typically Norwegian”: we smile, chat with strangers, and laugh out loud. Kind of like on a hiking trail […]
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Introduction Idiomatic expressions using body parts are a fascinating aspect of the Norwegian language. They express various emotions, qualities, and situations through bodily metaphors. These expressions make the language richer and more vivid, creating strong visual images that are easily understood by others. For example, when someone says they “hear with half an ear,” you […]
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Have you seen or heard people using the pronoun «hen» and are wondering what it means? Do you need a gender-neutral pronoun so you can write more inclusive texts in Norwegian, or because you know someone who is nonbinary? Read on and find out everything you need to know about «hen» and why it’s important! […]
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As warmer times approach, one of Norway’s most visible signs of spring emerges: the Russefeiring (Russ celebration). If you’re new to Norway, you might start wondering: Who are all these teenagers in red pants? What does it mean to be a “russ” in Norway? What are russeknuter, russedress, russegruppe, and russebuss? And what does Russefeiring […]
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Do you find yourself fascinated by the diverse variations of the Norwegian language? You are not alone! With even Norwegians sometimes struggling to understand each other’s dialects, it can be challenge for expats to find their way in Norway’s linguistic landscape. If you’re wondering how the many dialects of Norway differ from each other, and […]
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