20 Common Norwegian Oral Expressions: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning Norwegian is an exciting and rewarding journey, especially when you start understanding and using common expressions in everyday conversations. Mastering these expressions not only helps you communicate more effectively but also provides deeper insight into Norwegian culture and the nuances of the language. In this article, we’ll explore 20 common Norwegian oral expressions that are frequently used in daily conversations. We’ll delve into their meanings, the contexts in which they are used, and how you can incorporate them into your speech. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, understanding these expressions will enhance your fluency and make you sound more like a native speaker.

If you’re eager to immerse yourself in Norwegian and take your language skills to the next level, consider enrolling in classes at NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo. Our courses are designed to help you master the language and use expressions like these with confidence.

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1. Hvordan går det? (How are you?)

This is one of the most basic and common greetings in Norwegian. It literally translates to “How does it go?” but is used to ask someone how they are doing. A typical response could be “Det går bra, takk” (I’m doing well, thanks) or simply “Bra, takk” (Good, thanks). This expression is a great way to start a conversation and shows that you are interested in the well-being of the person you are speaking with.

Example:

• Person A: Hvordan går det? (How are you?)
• Person B: Det går bra, takk. Og med deg? (I’m doing well, thanks. And you?)

2. Takk for sist (Thanks for last time)

Norwegians often use this expression when they meet someone they haven’t seen for a while, particularly if they enjoyed their last encounter. It’s a polite and friendly way to acknowledge the previous meeting.

Example:

• Person A: Takk for sist! Det var hyggelig å se deg igjen. (Thanks for last time! It was nice to see you again.)
• Person B: I like måte, det var en fin kveld. (Likewise, it was a great evening.)

3. Ikke sant? (Right?/Isn’t it?)

This phrase is often used at the end of a statement to seek agreement or confirmation from the listener. It’s similar to the English “right?” or “isn’t it?” and can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

Example:

• Person A: Det er virkelig kaldt i dag, ikke sant? (It’s really cold today, isn’t it?)
• Person B: Jo, det er iskaldt! (Yes, it’s freezing!)

4. Å være på bærtur (To be on a berry-picking trip)

Literally meaning “to be on a berry-picking trip,” this expression is used metaphorically to describe someone who is completely off track or clueless in a situation. It’s a humorous way to point out that someone is not making sense or is way off base.

Example:

• Person A: Hva mente han egentlig med det han sa? (What did he really mean by what he said?)
• Person B: Jeg vet ikke, han var helt på bærtur. (I don’t know, he was completely off track.)

5. Å ta det med ro (To take it easy)

This phrase is often used to advise someone to relax or not worry too much. It’s similar to the English phrase “take it easy.” Norwegians value a balanced lifestyle, so this expression reflects their cultural emphasis on not overworking and taking time to relax.

Example:

• Person A: Jeg er så stresset med eksamenene. (I’m so stressed about the exams.)
• Person B: Du må ta det med ro, alt kommer til å gå bra. (You need to take it easy; everything will be fine.)

6. Det ordner seg (It will work out)

This is a reassuring phrase used to comfort someone who is worried or stressed. It reflects the Norwegian attitude of staying calm and positive in the face of difficulties. It’s often said with a sense of optimism, implying that everything will be fine in the end.

Example:

• Person A: Jeg vet ikke hvordan jeg skal klare dette. (I don’t know how I’m going to manage this.)
• Person B: Slapp av, det ordner seg alltid. (Relax, it always works out.)

7. Å være glad i (To be fond of/To love)

Norwegians use this phrase to express affection for someone or something. It’s a gentler way of saying “I love you” compared to “Jeg elsker deg,” which is reserved for more intense emotions or romantic contexts. “Å være glad i” can be used among family, friends, and even pets.

Example:

• Person A: Jeg er så glad i deg. (I’m so fond of you.)
• Person B: Jeg er glad i deg også. (I’m fond of you too.)

8. Det er ikke så farlig (It’s not a big deal)

This phrase is used to downplay a situation, indicating that something isn’t as serious as it might seem. It’s often used to comfort someone or to suggest that they shouldn’t worry too much about something minor.

Example:

• Person A: Beklager at jeg kom for sent. (Sorry that I was late.)
• Person B: Det er ikke så farlig, det skjer. (It’s not a big deal, it happens.)

9. Å gå på trynet (To fall flat on your face)

This expression is used both literally and figuratively. Literally, it means to trip and fall on your face, but it’s often used metaphorically to describe a situation where someone fails miserably at something.

Example:

• Person A: Hvordan gikk eksamenen? (How did the exam go?)
• Person B: Jeg gikk helt på trynet, det var mye vanskeligere enn jeg trodde. (I completely messed up, it was much harder than I thought.)

10. Å ha det travelt (To be busy)

This is a common expression to describe being busy or having a lot on your plate. It’s used in both personal and professional contexts.

Example:

• Person A: Kan du hjelpe meg med dette? (Can you help me with this?)
• Person B: Beklager, jeg har det travelt akkurat nå. (Sorry, I’m busy right now.)

11. Å ta seg vann over hodet (To bite off more than you can chew)

This expression translates literally to “to take water over your head,” meaning to take on more than you can handle. It’s used when someone is overwhelmed by the responsibilities they’ve taken on.

Example:

• Person A: Jeg har sagt ja til å organisere festen og skrive rapporten samtidig. (I’ve agreed to organize the party and write the report at the same time.)
• Person B: Du må være forsiktig, det høres ut som om du har tatt deg vann over hodet. (You need to be careful, it sounds like you’ve bitten off more than you can chew.)

12. Å være på hugget (To be on the ball)

This phrase is used to describe someone who is sharp, alert, and ready to take action. It’s a compliment indicating that someone is quick to respond or perform well in a given situation.

Example:

• Person A: Hun svarte på alle spørsmålene riktig. (She answered all the questions correctly.)
• Person B: Ja, hun var virkelig på hugget i dag! (Yes, she was really on the ball today!)

13. Å slå på tråden (To give someone a call)

This is a casual way of saying that you will call someone. It literally means “to strike on the wire,” referring to the telephone wire, though it’s used in the context of modern phone calls as well.

Example:

• Person A: Jeg har noe å fortelle deg. (I have something to tell you.)
• Person B: Slå på tråden senere, så snakker vi. (Give me a call later, and we’ll talk.)

14. Det var jammen på tide (It’s about time)

This expression is used when something has finally happened after a long wait. It’s often said with a sense of relief or mild frustration that something took so long.

Example:

• Person A: Nå er bussen endelig her! (The bus is finally here!)
• Person B: Det var jammen på tide, jeg trodde vi skulle fryse i hjel. (It’s about time, I thought we were going to freeze to death.)

15. Å være i farta (To be on the go)

This phrase is used to describe someone who is very busy or constantly on the move. It can be used in both positive and negative contexts, depending on the tone.

Example:

• Person A: Du er alltid i farta, hvordan klarer du det? (You’re always on the go, how do you manage?)
• Person B: Jeg trives med å ha mye å gjøre. (I enjoy having a lot to do.)

16. Å ta kaka (To take the cake)

Similar to the English expression, this phrase is used to describe something as the most extreme example of its kind, often with a negative connotation. It’s used when someone or something has gone beyond what is considered reasonable or expected.

Example:

• Person A: Han brukte opp alle pengene på en dag. (He spent all the money in one day.)
• Person B: Det tar virkelig kaka, jeg kan ikke tro det. (That really takes the cake, I can’t believe it.)

17. Å stå på egne bein (To stand on one’s own two feet)

This expression means to be independent and self-reliant. It’s often used to describe someone who has learned to take care of themselves without relying on others.

Example:

• Person A: Hvordan går det med flyttingen? (How’s the move going?)
• Person B: Det går bra, jeg må bare lære meg å stå på egne bein nå. (It’s going well, I just need to learn to stand on my own two feet now.)

18. Å være på samme bølgelengde (To be on the same wavelength)

This phrase is used to describe when two or more people have a mutual understanding or share the same ideas and opinions. It’s often used to describe good communication or compatibility between people.

Example:

• Person A: Vi er alltid enige om de viktigste tingene. (We always agree on the most important things.)
• Person B: Ja, vi er virkelig på samme bølgelengde. (Yes, we’re really on the same wavelength.)

19. Å ha is i magen (To have ice in your stomach)

This phrase is used to describe someone who remains calm and composed under pressure. It’s the equivalent of “keeping your cool” in English. It’s often used in situations where someone needs to stay calm and patient.

Example:

• Person A: Jeg er nervøs før presentasjonen i morgen. (I’m nervous about the presentation tomorrow.)
• Person B: Du må ha is i magen, det kommer til å gå bra. (You need to keep your cool, it’s going to be fine.)

20. Å slå to fluer i en smekk (To kill two birds with one stone)

This phrase is similar to the English “to kill two birds with one stone.” It’s used when you manage to accomplish two things at once, efficiently saving time or effort.

Example:

• Person A: Jeg planlegger å jogge til butikken for å handle, så får jeg både trening og gjort innkjøpene. (I’m planning to jog to the store to do some shopping, so I’ll get both exercise and the shopping done.)
• Person B: Det høres ut som en god idé, du slår to fluer i en smekk. (That sounds like a good idea, you’re killing two birds with one stone.)

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Mastering these common expressions will not only improve your conversational skills but also help you feel more integrated into Norwegian culture. By using these phrases, you’ll sound more like a native speaker and connect more easily with Norwegians in daily interactions. To deepen your understanding and gain more confidence in using Norwegian, consider enrolling in a course at NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo. Our experienced instructors will guide you through the intricacies of the language, ensuring you master both the basics and the nuances of everyday conversation.

Learning these expressions is just the beginning. As you continue your journey in mastering Norwegian, you’ll discover even more about the richness of the language and culture, making your experience in Norway truly rewarding.