How to Make a Complaint in Norwegian | Learn Norwegian B1 – B2

If you’re living, traveling, or doing business in Norway, there might come a time when you need to make a complaint. Whether it’s about a product, service, or another matter, expressing your concerns effectively and respectfully is essential. This article will guide you through the nuances of making a complaint in Norwegian, from the language to the cultural considerations.

1. Starting With Polite Expressions

In Norwegian culture, it’s crucial to remain polite, even when upset or disappointed. To start your complaint softly:

• Beklager (I’m sorry) – Use this to open your complaint politely.
• Unnskyld (Excuse me) – Another polite opener, especially if you’re trying to get someone’s attention.

2. State Your Complaint Clearly

Use the following phrases to clearly and concisely explain your complaint:

• Det er noe galt med … (There’s something wrong with …)
• Jeg er ikke fornøyd med … (I’m not satisfied with …)
• Dette er ikke det jeg bestilte. (This is not what I ordered.)

3. Explain the Problem

Go into more detail about your complaint:

• Produktet virker ikke. (The product doesn’t work.)
• Tjenesten var forsinket. (The service was delayed.)
• Jeg føler meg lurt. (I feel cheated.)

4. Expressing Stronger Discontent

If you feel that your complaint isn’t being addressed properly, you can use these phrases:

• Dette er uakseptabelt! (This is unacceptable!)
• Jeg forventet bedre fra deres selskap. (I expected better from your company.)
• Kan jeg snakke med sjefen? (Can I speak to the manager?)

5. Seeking a Resolution

After stating your complaint, you may wish to suggest or ask for a solution:

• Hva kan gjøres med dette? (What can be done about this?)
• Jeg vil gjerne ha en erstatning/refusjon. (I’d like a replacement/refund.)
• Kan dere fikse dette? (Can you fix this?)

6. Thanking and Closing

Always end your complaint politely:

• Takk for hjelpen. (Thanks for the help.)
• Jeg håper dette kan løses snart. (I hope this can be resolved soon.)

7. Cultural Considerations

• Be Direct, But Polite: Norwegians appreciate directness. You can be straightforward with your complaint but always maintain a level of politeness.
• Stay Calm: It’s essential to remain calm and composed, even if frustrated. Raising your voice or becoming overly emotional can be considered impolite and counterproductive.
• Listen Actively: If someone is trying to explain or provide a solution, give them your full attention. Listening is a sign of respect.

Conclusion

Making a complaint in Norwegian doesn’t have to be daunting. You can effectively address your concerns with the right phrases and clearly understand the cultural context. Remember to remain polite, direct, and patient for the best results.