B1 Norwegian Oral Exam on Technology – A Revised Guide

Preparing for the B1 Norwegian oral exam can be both exciting and challenging, especially when the topic focuses on technology. Modern life is full of digital tools and online services, making this theme highly relevant. This revised guide is designed to help you structure your oral responses clearly, build a solid vocabulary, and learn common Norwegian phrases (with English translations) so you can communicate effectively in the exam.

We’ll also remind you of our Norskprøven course at https://nlsnorwegian.no/norskproven-course/ for those who want professional guidance in improving all aspects of the language, especially speaking skills.

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1. Why Technology Is a Common B1 Exam Topic

1.1 Modern Relevance

Technology plays a major role in our daily lives. Whether it’s using smartphones for chatting, tablets for media consumption, or computers for remote work, digital solutions have become almost unavoidable. Examiners at the B1 level want to see if you can express opinions and ideas on these everyday matters in a clear and coherent manner in Norwegian.

1.2 Opportunities and Pitfalls

Tech innovations bring numerous advantages: instant communication, global connectivity, easy access to information, and more. However, they also pose challenges such as privacy concerns, potential overuse, and the digital divide. Being prepared to discuss both sides at the B1 level shows examiners you have the vocabulary, structure, and interaction skills to handle real-life topics in Norwegian.

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2. Essential Norwegian Vocabulary for Technology (B1 Level)

Below is a set of frequently used Norwegian words and expressions related to technology, each followed by a short English explanation. Try to incorporate them into your practice dialogues and short presentations:

1. Teknologi – Technology
2. Digitale løsninger – Digital solutions (e.g., apps, online platforms)
3. Sosiale medier – Social media (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.)
4. Smarttelefon – Smartphone
5. Nettbrett – Tablet
6. Å laste ned – To download
7. Oppdatering – Update (app or software update)
8. Datasikkerhet – Data security / cybersecurity
9. Personvern – Privacy (protection of personal info)
10. Netthandel – Online shopping
11. Digital kompetanse – Digital competence / digital literacy
12. Nettvett – Good online habits / netiquette
13. Å være pålogget – To be online / logged in
14. Passord – Password
15. Ekstrem bruk – Excessive use / overuse

Use these words in sentences to commit them to memory. For example, “Jeg trenger en oppdatering av systemet på nettbrettet mitt” (“I need a system update on my tablet”). If you consistently practice such phrases, they will flow more naturally in the exam setting.

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3. Common Norwegian Phrases and Expressions (with English Translations)

Below you’ll find some short Norwegian sentences or phrases that often come in handy when discussing technology at the B1 level. Remember to practice pronouncing them accurately and embedding them into longer statements.

1. “Jeg mener at…”

   English translation: “I believe that…”
   Use this to express personal opinions, such as: “Jeg mener at sosiale medier kan være både nyttige og skadelige.”

2. “På den ene siden… / På den andre siden…”

   English translation: “On the one hand… / On the other hand…”
   This is great for weighing pros and cons: “På den ene siden kan man spare tid, men på den andre siden kan man bli avhengig.”

3. “Jeg er enig i at…”

   English translation: “I agree that…”
   Helpful for showing agreement: “Jeg er enig i at vi bør tenke på personvern når vi bruker nettet.”

4. “Jeg er uenig fordi…”

   English translation: “I disagree because…”
   Useful for politely contradicting a statement: “Jeg er uenig fordi jeg tror teknologi gjør hverdagen enklere, ikke vanskeligere.”

5. “Det kan være en ulempe når…”

   English translation: “It can be a disadvantage when…”
   Introduce negative aspects: “Det kan være en ulempe når folk glemmer å koble seg av og slappe av.”

6. “Hvordan kan vi løse dette?”

   English translation: “How can we solve this?”
   Use questions to invite suggestions: “Hvordan kan vi løse dette med for mye skjermtid?”

7. “Har du opplevd…?”

   English translation: “Have you experienced…?”
   Excellent for interactive dialogue: “Har du opplevd problemer med netthandel eller passord?”

8. “Kan du gi et eksempel på…?”

   English translation: “Can you give an example of…?”
   Encourages specific details: “Kan du gi et eksempel på hvordan du bruker nettbrettet til studier?”

Learning how to combine these phrases will not only boost your fluency but also demonstrate your capability to structure arguments, express opinions, and engage in natural conversation.

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4. Sample Dialogue in Norwegian (with English Translation)

Below is a brief conversation you might encounter or simulate in a B1 oral exam focused on technology.

Norwegian Dialogue

Sensor (S): Hei! I dag skal vi snakke om teknologi. Hvordan bruker du teknologi til daglig?
Kandidat (K): Jeg bruker mest smarttelefonen min. Jeg laster ned apper, sjekker e-post og kommuniserer på sosiale medier. Nettbrettet mitt bruker jeg ofte til å se filmer eller lese nyheter.
S: Tror du det finnes ulemper ved å være pålogget hele tiden?
K: Ja, absolutt. På den ene siden er det praktisk, men på den andre siden kan det føre til at man blir avhengig. Noen glemmer å være sosiale i virkeligheten.
S: Hva mener du om personvern?
K: Jeg mener at personvern er veldig viktig. Jeg har sterke passord, og jeg deler ikke privat informasjon på sosiale medier.
S: Bra svar. Takk for praten!

English Translation

Examiner (S): Hi! Today we will talk about technology. How do you use technology on a daily basis?
Candidate (K): I mostly use my smartphone. I download apps, check email, and communicate on social media. I also frequently use my tablet to watch movies or read the news.
S: Do you think there are drawbacks to being online all the time?
K: Yes, absolutely. On the one hand, it’s convenient, but on the other hand, it can lead to addiction. Some people forget to be social in real life.
S: What do you think about privacy?
K: I believe privacy is very important. I have strong passwords, and I don’t share personal information on social media.
S: Good answer. Thanks for the chat!

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5. Structuring a Short Oral Presentation (2-3 Minutes)

Many B1 exams will ask you to present a topic for a few minutes without interruption. Here’s a straightforward structure you can use for a presentation on technology:

1. Introduction

   • Explain your topic briefly: “I dag vil jeg snakke om hvordan teknologi påvirker hverdagen min.” (“Today, I want to talk about how technology affects my daily life.”)
   • Possibly mention why it’s relevant: “Teknologi er viktig fordi vi bruker digitale løsninger hver dag.” (“Technology is important because we use digital solutions every day.”)

2. Main Body

   • Personal usage: “Jeg bruker en smarttelefon og en datamaskin mest til jobb og sosiale medier.”
   • Advantages: “Det er enklere å holde kontakt, og man kan jobbe hjemmefra.”
   • Disadvantages: “Det kan være en ulempe når man blir for avhengig, eller glemmer personvernet.”
   • Solutions / Suggestions: “Vi bør ha nettvett og ta pauser fra skjermen.”

3. Conclusion

   • Summarize your main points: “Alt i alt mener jeg at teknologi er nyttig, men vi må finne en balanse.”
   • Possibly pose a question or end with a thought: “Er du enig i at personvern er et stort tema?” (“Do you agree that privacy is a big issue?”)

Keeping to a simple structure helps you stay focused and makes it easier for the examiner to follow your reasoning. At the B1 level, clarity is often more important than complexity.

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6. Practical Tips for Success

6.1. Build and Review Relevant Vocabulary

Use the list in Section 2 and incorporate it into your daily practice. Consider making flashcards or short dialogues to drill yourself on words like datasikkerhet (“data security”) or netthandel (“online shopping”).

6.2. Balance Pros and Cons

When you’re asked about technology, you’ll likely need to highlight both benefits and drawbacks. For instance, you could say:

• “Det er praktisk fordi…” / “It’s convenient because…”
• “Det kan være en ulempe når…” / “It can be a disadvantage when…”

6.3. Provide Personal Examples

Link your discussion to your own life. Perhaps you can mention how you got a virus on your computer once, or how social media helped you maintain friendships across distances. Personal anecdotes make your speech more engaging.

6.4. Practice Interactive Communication

If the exam includes a conversation with the examiner, ask questions in return. For example:

• “Hva synes du om dette?” (“What do you think about this?”)
• “Er du enig, eller har du en annen mening?” (“Do you agree, or do you have a different opinion?”)

This showcases your ability to maintain a dialogue, not just recite monologues.

6.5. Manage Your Nerves

It’s completely normal to feel anxious. Remember, B1-level candidates aren’t expected to speak flawless Norwegian. Minor grammar slips are acceptable if you remain understandable. Focus on calm, clear communication, and use transitional words in Norwegian to guide your thoughts.

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7. Extended Example in Norwegian (with English Translation)

Below is a slightly longer, cohesive example speech in Norwegian that might suit a 2-3 minute oral exam task. After the Norwegian version, you’ll see an English translation.

Norwegian Version

Innledning
“I dag vil jeg gjerne snakke om hvordan teknologi påvirker hverdagen min. De fleste av oss bruker digitale løsninger daglig, enten det er smarttelefoner, nettbrett eller bærbare PC-er. Det er et interessant tema fordi vi lever i en stadig mer tilkoblet verden.”

Hoveddel
“Jeg bruker en smarttelefon for å kommunisere med venner og familie på sosiale medier. Dessuten sjekker jeg ofte e-post, og jeg har apper for netthandel. På mange måter synes jeg det er en fordel å ha tilgang til alt på ett sted. Likevel er det en ulempe når jeg blir distrahert av varsler og meldinger. For eksempel glemmer jeg noen ganger å gjøre skolearbeid i tide fordi jeg surfer på nettet.

Jeg tenker også en del på personvern. Jeg mener at vi bør ha sterke passord, og ikke dele for mye privat informasjon. Mange bryr seg ikke før de opplever ID-tyveri eller hackerangrep. Datasikkerhet er derfor et tema som angår alle.

En annen ting er at eldre mennesker kan ha problemer med ny teknologi. Jeg mener at samfunnet bør hjelpe dem med å utvikle digital kompetanse, slik at de ikke faller utenfor. I Norge har vi mange elektroniske tjenester, som nettbank og offentlige skjemaer, og da må man føle seg trygg på å bruke Internett.”

Avslutning
“Alt i alt synes jeg at teknologi gir store fordeler, men vi bør bruke den med fornuft. Jeg prøver å ta noen pauser fra skjermen hver dag og huske på sikkerhet. Hvis vi finner en god balanse, kan vi virkelig dra nytte av moderne teknologiske løsninger.”

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English Translation

Introduction
“Today, I’d like to talk about how technology affects my everyday life. Most of us use digital solutions daily—whether smartphones, tablets, or laptops. It’s an interesting topic because we live in an increasingly connected world.”

Main Body
“I use a smartphone to communicate with friends and family on social media. Moreover, I often check emails, and I have apps for online shopping. In many ways, I find it an advantage to have everything accessible in one place. Still, it can be a drawback when I get distracted by notifications and messages. Sometimes, for example, I forget to do my schoolwork on time because I’m browsing the internet.

I also think a lot about privacy. I believe we should have strong passwords and not share too much personal data. Many people don’t care until they experience identity theft or a hacking attack. Data security is therefore a topic that concerns everyone.

Another point is that older people can struggle with new technology. I think society should help them develop digital competence, so they don’t get left behind. In Norway, we have many electronic services, such as online banking and government forms, so you have to feel confident using the Internet.”

Conclusion
“All in all, I think technology offers huge advantages, but we should use it wisely. I try to take a few breaks from the screen each day and remember security. If we find a good balance, we can truly benefit from modern technological solutions.”

This kind of structured, personal narrative is exactly what you might deliver in a B1 exam setting. Notice how it addresses benefits, downsides, and real-life examples. You don’t need to be flawless—just coherent, relevant, and understandable.

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8. The Value of Professional Guidance

If you want to accelerate your progress or feel uncertain about how to prepare effectively, consider enrolling in a specialized Norwegian course. Our Norskprøven course, for instance, offers:

• Comprehensive Skills Training: Speaking, listening, reading, and writing, all geared toward the B1 (and beyond) exam format.
• Tailored Feedback: Small group or one-on-one sessions let you receive personalized corrections on grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary usage.
• Realistic Simulations: Practice real exam tasks and dialogues, ensuring you’re comfortable and confident.
• Flexible Scheduling: Online and/or in-person options to suit different needs and time zones.

Learn more at https://nlsnorwegian.no/norskproven-course/. Being guided by experienced instructors can significantly reduce stress and help you master exam strategies more quickly.

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9. Final Words

A B1 oral exam on technology is an excellent opportunity to show your ability to connect Norwegian language skills with a modern, relatable topic. To succeed, focus on:

1. Relevant Vocabulary: Make sure you have a strong grasp of common words like smarttelefon, personvern, datasikkerhet, etc.
2. Balanced Perspective: Discuss both positive and negative aspects of technology use.
3. Personal Experience: Offer short anecdotes about how technology affects your own life.
4. Interaction: If you’re in a dialogue situation, ask questions and respond to the examiner’s points.
5. Calm Confidence: Don’t be afraid of small mistakes. Aim to be clear, structured, and engaged.

With regular practice, strategic use of the vocabulary and phrases provided here, and perhaps some professional coaching, you’ll be well on your way to giving an impressive performance in your Norwegian B1 oral exam. Lykke til! (Good luck!)