Nynorsk vs Bokmål: Which Norwegian Should You Learn?

The Norwegian language landscape can appear complex to those unfamiliar with it, primarily due to the existence of two official written standards: Bokmål and Nynorsk. This duality is a unique feature of Norway and presents a significant decision for anyone embarking on learning the Norwegian language. This article explores the origins, characteristics, and practical considerations of both Bokmål and Nynorsk, aiming to provide a clear understanding to help prospective learners make an informed choice.

A Divided Kingdom and Lingual Divergence

The history of the Norwegian language is intrinsically linked to the political and cultural shifts that Norway experienced over centuries. For many centuries, Norway was under Danish rule, a period that profoundly influenced the development of the written language. Danish was the language of administration, education, and high culture, leading to a gradual adoption of Danish vocabulary and grammar by the Norwegian elite. While spoken Norwegian continued to evolve, the written form diverged significantly from its Old Norse roots, becoming increasingly Danish-influenced.

The Dawn of National Reawakening and the Birth of Modern Norwegian

As Norway moved towards independence in the 19th century, a strong nationalistic sentiment emerged. This cultural awakening fostered a desire to reclaim and re-establish a distinct Norwegian identity, which naturally extended to the language. Linguists and cultural figures began to question the dominance of the Danish-influenced written language. This period marked the beginning of the conscious development of modern Norwegian written standards.

Bokmål: The Majority Written Form

Decades of Danish Influence and Danish-Norwegian Compromise

Bokmål, literally meaning “book language,” has its origins in the Danish of the era when Norway was under Danish rule. While not a direct adoption of Danish, it evolved from the written language used in Norway, which was heavily influenced by Danish. Early attempts to reform the written language aimed to bring it closer to the spoken Norwegian vernacular. However, the process was gradual and often involved compromises. The Danish influence, particularly in vocabulary and some grammatical structures, remained evident. Bokmål can be seen as a direct descendant of this historically Danish-influenced written standard.

Characteristics of Bokmål: Vocabulary, Grammar, and Pronunciation

The characteristics of Bokmål are what most learners encounter when they begin studying Norwegian, as it is the dominant written form.

Vocabulary: A Blend of Danish and Norwegian Elements

Bokmål’s vocabulary is a significant point of divergence from its Scandinavian neighbors. While it shares a substantial amount of vocabulary with Danish and Swedish, it also incorporates many words and expressions that are distinctly Norwegian. This is a result of the historical development where Danish was the written standard, but spoken Norwegian continued to develop its own lexicon. Over time, there has been a conscious effort to “Norwegianize” Bokmål, leading to the adoption of more native Norwegian words, especially in official contexts and through language reforms. However, the underlying influence of Danish remains noticeable in many common words.

Grammar: Simpler Inflections and Familiar Structures

In terms of grammar, Bokmål generally exhibits simpler inflectional patterns compared to what might be found in some other Germanic languages. This can make it more accessible to learners, especially those with a background in English. Verb conjugations are relatively straightforward, and noun declensions, while present, are often less complex than in older forms of Norwegian or some closely related languages. The grammatical structures often echo those found in Danish, but with adaptations that align them more closely with everyday Norwegian speech.

Pronunciation: Regional Variations and the Pursuit of Standardisation

The pronunciation of Bokmål is a complex issue, as Norway, much like many other countries, has a rich tapestry of regional dialects. While an “official” pronunciation of Bokmål isn’t rigidly defined in the same way that one might find for, say, Received Pronunciation in English, there are generally accepted norms that are taught. These norms often lean towards the pronunciation of spoken language in and around the capital, Oslo, although this can vary. Learners often benefit from exposure to various forms of spoken Norwegian to develop a nuanced understanding of pronunciation.

Bokmål in Practice: Media, Education, and Administration

Bokmål is the more prevalent written standard in Norway. This means that the vast majority of newspapers, books, television programs, and official documents are written in Bokmål. Educational institutions, especially in urban areas, primarily use Bokmål as the medium of instruction, although this can vary depending on the region and the specific school. For a learner aiming to integrate into everyday Norwegian life and consume a wide range of Norwegian media, Bokmål offers a more extensive and readily available resource pool.

Nynorsk: The Cultivated Written Form

The Linguistic Movement and the Creation of a New Standard

Nynorsk, meaning “new Norwegian,” emerged as a direct response to the perceived artificiality and foreign influence in the Danish-influenced written language. The driving force behind its creation was the linguist and politician Ivar Aasen. In the mid-19th century, Aasen embarked on an extensive linguistic survey of Norway, meticulously collecting and analyzing spoken dialects from across the country. His aim was to reconstruct a unified written language that was based on the purest and most ancient forms of Norwegian speech, free from Danish influence.

Aasen’s Vision: Synthesizing Dialects into a Unified Standard

Ivar Aasen’s work was not about choosing one dialect over another but about identifying common grammatical features and cognates across the diverse spoken Norwegian dialects. He sought to create a written language that reflected the underlying linguistic unity of Norway. Nynorsk is therefore a synthetic language, meaning it was intentionally constructed by drawing from various dialectal features. This was a deliberate effort to create a written language that was perceived as authentically Norwegian and representative of the country’s linguistic heritage.

Characteristics of Nynorsk: Vocabulary, Grammar, and Regional Diversity

Nynorsk, while sharing roots with Bokmål, possesses distinct characteristics that reflect its dialectal foundation and conscious construction.

Vocabulary: Rooted in Spoken Norwegian Dialects

The vocabulary of Nynorsk is its most immediate distinguishing feature. It draws heavily from the words and expressions found in the rural dialects of Norway, particularly those in Western Norway. This means that many words common in Nynorsk might sound unfamiliar to someone only exposed to Bokmål or other Scandinavian languages. The intention was to reclaim words that had been supplanted by Danish loanwords in Bokmål. This results in a lexicon that is often felt to be more inherently “Norwegian” by its proponents.

Grammar: Richer Inflections and Dialectal Features

Nynorsk grammatical structures often reflect a richer system of inflections than typically found in Bokmål. This can include more distinct noun cases and verb conjugations, mirroring the variations seen in the spoken dialects from which it is derived. While this might present a steeper learning curve for some, it also offers a deeper insight into the linguistic nuances of Norwegian. The grammatical rules are designed to accommodate a wide range of dialectal variations, providing a framework that is more inclusive of the spoken language.

Pronunciation: Embracing Dialectal Fluidity

The pronunciation of Nynorsk is less about a single prescribed norm and more about embracing the inherent fluidity of spoken Norwegian dialects. Learners of Nynorsk are often encouraged to engage with and understand the various regional pronunciations that inform the written standard. This can lead to a more flexible and adaptable approach to speaking Norwegian, as Nynorsk speakers may be more comfortable with carrying their regional accent forward than Bokmål speakers, who might feel more pressure to conform to a specific “standard” pronunciation.

Nynorsk in Practice: Regional Strongholds and Cultural Significance

Nynorsk is the official written standard in several counties and municipalities in Norway, particularly in Western Norway. It holds a significant cultural and symbolic importance, representing a commitment to linguistic diversity and regional identity. While its use in national media and education is less widespread than Bokmål, it is the primary written form in many local government bodies, schools in Nynorsk-speaking areas, and in specific cultural spheres. For those who wish to engage with these regions or cultural aspects, learning Nynorsk is essential.

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Deciding Which Norwegian to Learn: Practical Considerations

When embarking on the journey of learning Norwegian, the choice between Bokmål and Nynorsk is a crucial one. This decision should be guided by practical considerations and individual goals, rather than solely by abstract notions of linguistic purity.

Your Goals and Interests: Immersion and Integration

The primary factor in deciding which language standard to learn should be your intended use of Norwegian. If your goal is to integrate into the majority of Norwegian society, consume mainstream media, and engage with the broadest range of resources, Bokmål offers a more accessible entry point. The sheer volume of materials available in Bokmål makes it a highly practical choice for most learners.

Conversely, if your interests lie in specific regions of Norway, particularly Western Norway, or if you have a particular scholarly or cultural interest in the nuances of Norwegian dialects and their historical development, Nynorsk might be a more fitting choice. Engaging with Nynorsk can open doors to a particular subset of Norwegian culture and intellectual discourse.

Accessibility of Learning Resources: Finding Your Path

The availability of learning resources is a significant practical consideration. Currently, the vast majority of Norwegian language learning materials, including textbooks, online courses, and language exchange partners, are based on Bokmål. This means that if you opt for Bokmål, you will likely find a wider array of readily available and well-established learning tools.

While Nynorsk learning resources are growing, they are still considerably less numerous than those for Bokmål. However, this does not mean that learning Nynorsk is impossible. Dedicated learners can find specialized courses and materials. The NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo, for example, offers valuable Nynorsk courses. These courses are designed to equip learners with a strong foundation in Nynorsk, providing them with the necessary tools and guidance to master this unique written standard. The existence of such institutions highlights the commitment to promoting and teaching Nynorsk.

The Interplay Between Bokmål and Nynorsk: Mutual Intelligibility

A common question for learners is the extent to which Bokmål and Nynorsk speakers understand each other. Fortunately, there is a high degree of mutual intelligibility between the two written standards, especially in spoken form. Norwegians are generally accustomed to encountering both written forms and can usually understand texts written in the other standard. When speaking, many Norwegians can adapt their speech to be more easily understood by someone unfamiliar with their specific dialect or written standard. This is a testament to the shared linguistic heritage and the efforts made to maintain a degree of national linguistic unity.

The Reality of Linguistic Symbiosis

Criteria	Nynorsk	Bokmål
Usage	Primarily used in western and central parts of Norway	Most widely used in urban areas and eastern parts of Norway
Official Status	One of the two official written forms of Norwegian	One of the two official written forms of Norwegian
Similarity to Old Norse	Closer to Old Norse	More influenced by Danish
Written Standard	Less standardized	More standardized
Literary Tradition	Strong literary tradition	Strong literary tradition

Acknowledging the Two-Tiered System

Norway’s linguistic landscape is not a battleground between Bokmål and Nynorsk, but rather a system of linguistic symbiosis. Both standards are officially recognized and hold legal status. While Bokmål is more prevalent, Nynorsk plays a vital role in preserving linguistic diversity and providing a distinctly Norwegian alternative. Understanding this dynamic is key to appreciating the Norwegian approach to language.

The NLS Norwegian Language School: A Hub for Norwegian Language Learning

For individuals committed to learning the Norwegian language, regardless of their chosen standard, institutions like the NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo play a pivotal role. While the school caters to a broad spectrum of learners, its offerings in Nynorsk courses are particularly noteworthy for those who wish to delve into this distinct written form. These courses are not merely about grammar and vocabulary; they are designed to foster an appreciation for the cultural and historical context of Nynorsk, providing students with a comprehensive understanding. The NLS Norwegian Language School’s commitment to offering dedicated Nynorsk courses ensures that learners have access to structured, expert-led instruction, enabling them to confidently navigate and master this important aspect of Norwegian linguistic heritage.

The existence and quality of these Nynorsk courses at the NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo are a testament to the understanding that a comprehensive education in Norwegian should encompass both its dominant and its unique written forms. For learners specifically interested in Nynorsk, the school provides a valuable and specialized learning environment.

Conclusion: Making Your Informed Choice

The decision of whether to learn Bokmål or Nynorsk is ultimately a personal one, driven by individual circumstances and aspirations. Both standards offer pathways to understanding and communicating in Norwegian. Bokmål provides broader access to mainstream resources and everyday communication for the majority of the population. Nynorsk offers a connection to a rich dialectal heritage and is essential for engaging with specific regional and cultural spheres.

By understanding the historical context, characteristics, and practical implications of each written standard, and by leveraging resources such as the Nynorsk courses offered at institutions like the NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo, prospective learners can make an informed decision that aligns with their linguistic goals and enriches their experience of the Norwegian language. The duality of Norwegian is not a barrier but an invitation to explore a unique and fascinating linguistic world.

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