10 Ways to Say Goodbye in Norwegian

One of the fundamental phrases to learn in any language, including Norwegian, is how to say “goodbye”. This article aims to enhance your Norwegian communication skills by discussing ten distinctive ways to say goodbye.

1. Ha det – The standard and most common way to say goodbye in Norwegian, “ha det”, can be used in virtually any setting, regardless of formality. Its literal translation is “have it”, but in the context of a farewell, it expresses a sentiment closer to “be well” or “farewell”. You might use this in everyday settings, such as concluding a meeting or parting ways with a friend after a coffee catch-up.
2. Adjø – If you’re in a more formal setting or bidding goodbye for a long time, you may choose to use “adjø”. This term, with roots in the French word “adieu”, has an air of finality and gravity to it, much like “farewell” in English.
3. Vi sees – Perfect for casual and friendly contexts, “vi sees” carries the essence of “see you”. It suggests an upcoming meeting, making it ideal to use with friends, colleagues, or family members when you plan to see each other again soon.
4. Ha det bra – A warmer, well-wishing phrase to use in farewells is “ha det bra”. It translates to “have it good” and carries an undertone of “take care” or “be well”. Use it when you want to express care for the person you’re parting from.
5. Farvel – Another formal goodbye phrase in Norwegian, “farvel”, is suitable for formal situations or when you’re parting ways with someone for a considerable period. It reflects a sense of solemnity in the farewell.
6. God natt – When bidding goodbye late in the evening or at night, Norwegians commonly use “god natt”, which translates to “good night”. It’s equivalent to the English “good night” and is commonly used before bed or after a late-night conversation.
7. Snakkes – Popular among younger Norwegians, “snakkes” is an informal way of saying “talk later” or “let’s speak again”. It’s a casual phrase, ideal for friends and peers, indicating a continuation of the conversation at a later time.
8. Ha en fin dag – If you’re parting ways during the day, you could use “ha en fin dag”, a considerate phrase meaning “have a nice day”. You might use it when leaving a café in the morning, bidding the barista a good day ahead.
9. Takk for nå – After spending time with someone, it’s customary to use “takk for nå”, meaning “thanks for now”. This phrase shows your gratitude for the shared time and can be used in a variety of contexts – after a shared meal, a meeting, or a visit to a friend’s house.
10. Ses senere – Similar to “see you later” in English, “ses senere” is a casual and friendly phrase indicating a short-term departure. It’s commonly used among acquaintances, friends, or colleagues in informal settings.

To summarize, the Norwegian language offers a rich variety of ways to express goodbye, each with its own connotations and suitable settings. Your relationship with the person and context determines which phrase to use. By familiarizing yourself with these ten phrases, you will be well-equipped to navigate different farewell scenarios in Norwegian and leave an enduring impact.