6 Ways to Say Goodbye in Norwegian | Learn Norwegian A1

Saying goodbye in Norwegian goes beyond mere translation; it’s about capturing the essence of each farewell. Whether you’re chatting with friends in Oslo, concluding a business meeting in Bergen, or simply want to immerse yourself in the language, understanding these expressions is key. Here are six common ways to say goodbye in Norwegian, each with its unique context and usage.

 

1. “Ha det bra” – The Go-To Goodbye

Use it like this: After a lunch date with a friend, as you part ways, you can say, “Takk for i dag, ha det bra!”

Meaning “Have it good,” this phrase is a versatile and polite way to bid farewell. It’s suitable for almost any situation, from casual to semi-formal settings. “Ha det bra” is the safe, all-purpose goodbye that you can’t go wrong with.

 

2. “Adjø” – The Formal Farewell

Example: At the end of a formal event or a job interview, shake hands and say, “Takk for møtet, adjø.”

“Adjø” carries a formal and respectful tone, ideal for situations requiring a bit of formality. Though not as common in everyday speech, it’s an important addition to your vocabulary for those moments that call for a more dignified farewell.

 

3. “Vi ses” – The Optimistic Send-Off

Example: When leaving a regular meetup or class, you might say, “Bra jobbet i dag, vi ses neste uke!”

Translating to “We’ll see each other,” this phrase implies that you expect to meet the person again soon. It’s casual and friendly, perfect for saying goodbye to colleagues or friends when you know you’ll be seeing each other again.

 

4. “Ha det” – Casual and Easy

Example: If you’re leaving a casual gathering or a friend’s house, a simple “Ha det!” as you walk out the door is perfectly appropriate.

This is the shorter, more casual version of “Ha det bra.” It’s similar to saying “Bye” in English and is widely used in informal situations. It’s brief, easy to remember, and very common among Norwegians.

 

5. “Farvel” – The Deep Goodbye

Example: If you’re leaving Norway after an extended stay, saying goodbye to someone you might not see for a long time, “Farvel, og takk for alt,” can be fitting.

“Farvel,” meaning “farewell,” is used in more serious or emotional goodbyes. It has a sense of finality and is less common in day-to-day speech, but it’s the right choice when a significant, perhaps long-term goodbye is needed.

 

6. “Snakkes” – The Ultra-Informal

Example: Wrapping up a phone call with a friend, you might end with, “Ok, snakkes!”

Equivalent to “We’ll talk,” “Snakkes” is laid-back and suggests you’ll be in touch or continue the conversation later. It’s akin to “Catch you later” in English and is favored in very casual, friendly situations.

 

Conclusion

Knowing how to say goodbye in Norwegian isn’t just about the words; it’s about understanding when and how to use them. Each expression offers insight into the subtleties of Norwegian communication, where context and relationship often dictate the choice of farewell. So next time you find yourself in a conversation in Norway, remember these options and match your goodbye to the moment. Whether it’s a casual “Ha det” or a more heartfelt “Farvel,” your effort to use the local language will surely be appreciated. Ha det bra!