Calling in sick in Norwegian | Everyday Norwegian | Norsk i hverdagen | Learn Norwegian A2-B1

When living or working in Norway, it’s important to understand everyday life’s social and legal aspects, and calling in sick is no exception. Whether you are an expat or a student temporarily residing in Norway, knowing the process and terminology for calling in sick can help you navigate the Norwegian workplace more efficiently.

 

Essential Vocabulary

• syk – sick
• en sykemelding – a sick leave certificate
• en egenmelding – a self-declaration of illness
• en arbeidsgiver – an employer
• en fastlege – general practitioner
• NAV – The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration

 

Basic Dialogues

Informing Your Employer via Phone

Employee: Hei, det er [Ditt navn]. Jeg føler meg ikke bra i dag og kan ikke komme på jobb.
Employer: Å, det var synd å høre. Er det alvorlig?
Employee: Jeg har feber og vondt i halsen.
Employer: Da er det best at du blir hjemme. Er det en egenmelding, eller trenger du en sykemelding fra legen?
Employee: Det er bare for i dag, så en egenmelding er nok.
Employer: Greit, god bedring!

Translation:
Employee: Hi, this is [Your name]. I’m not feeling well today and can’t come to work.
Employer: Oh, that’s unfortunate to hear. Is it serious?
Employee: I have a fever and a sore throat.
Employer: In that case, it’s best that you stay home. Is this a self-declaration, or do you need a sick leave certificate from the doctor?
Employee: It’s just for today, so a self-declaration should suffice.
Employer: Alright, get well soon!

 

Visiting the Doctor for a Sykemelding

Doctor: Hva feiler det deg?
Patient: Jeg har hatt høy feber og kraftig hodepine i flere dager nå.
Doctor: Det høres ut som du trenger en sykemelding.
Patient: Ja, jeg tror det er det beste.
Doctor: Her er sykemeldingen din. Husk å gi den til arbeidsgiveren din og sende del C til NAV.

Translation:
Doctor: What’s the matter with you?
Patient: I’ve had a high fever and severe headache for several days now.
Doctor: It sounds like you need a sick leave certificate.
Patient: Yes, I think that’s best.
Doctor: Here is your sick leave certificate. Remember to give it to your employer and send part C to NAV.

 

Examples – Using the Vocabulary

1. syk:

• Jeg er for syk til å gå på jobb i dag.
  (I’m too sick to go to work today.)

2. en sykemelding:

• Jeg har fått en sykemelding fra legen min.
  (I’ve got a sick leave certificate from my doctor.)

3. en egenmelding:

• Dette er bare en egenmelding; jeg kommer tilbake til jobb i morgen.
  (This is just a self-declaration; I’ll be back at work tomorrow.)

4. en arbeidsgiver:

• Jeg må informere arbeidsgiveren min om at jeg er syk.
  (I need to inform my employer that I’m sick.)

5. en fastlege:

• Jeg har en time hos fastlegen min senere i dag.
  (I have an appointment with my general practitioner later today.)

6. NAV:

• Hvis jeg er syk i mer enn 16 dager, må jeg kontakte NAV.
  (If I’m sick for more than 16 days, I’ll need to contact NAV.)

Learning these terms and how to use them in context can be incredibly helpful when you’re navigating the Norwegian healthcare and employment systems. This focused understanding of the language involved in calling in sick can make the process much smoother and less stressful.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Calling in Sick in Norway

What is “Sykemelding”?

“Sykemelding” is a medical certificate issued by a doctor that confirms you’re unable to work due to illness. It’s required for longer periods of sickness and must be provided to your employer and NAV.

 

What is “Egenmelding”?

“Egenmelding” is a self-declaration of illness, which allows you to be absent from work without a medical certificate for a short period. The duration varies but is often 1-3 days.

 

Do I need to visit a doctor for a one-day sickness?

No, generally, for short-term sickness, you can use an “egenmelding” (self-declaration) and do not need to visit a doctor. However, policies can differ between companies.

 

How do I notify my employer?

The method of notification can vary by company. Some may require a phone call, while others accept a text or email. The key Norwegian phrase here is “Jeg er syk og kan ikke komme på jobb i dag” (I am sick and can’t come to work today).

 

How long does my employer cover my salary when I’m sick?

Your employer generally covers your salary for the first 16 calendar days of your sick leave. After that, NAV takes over.

 

When do I need to contact NAV?

You will need to contact NAV if your illness extends beyond the initial 16 days, as they will take over your sick pay after that period.

 

What is “Fastlege”?

“Fastlege” is your general practitioner (GP) in Norway. If you’re ill for an extended period, you’ll likely need to consult your fastlege for a sykemelding.

 

What is the role of NAV in sick leave?

NAV (The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration) is responsible for financial benefits during extended sick leave, generally after the first 16 days. They require a copy of your sykemelding for this process.

 

What is “Arbeidsgiver”?

“Arbeidsgiver” means employer in Norwegian. You’re required to notify your arbeidsgiver as soon as you realize you can’t go to work due to sickness.

 

How do I say “get well soon” in Norwegian?

The phrase for “get well soon” is “God bedring!”

 

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