Introduction
Norwegian is a beautiful and versatile language with a unique vocabulary for different seasons and their characteristic elements. Talking about the summer, or “sommeren” as it’s called in Norwegian, can be an enriching experience if you understand the right words and phrases. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to talk about the summer in Norwegian, with words, phrases, and sentences to get you started.
1. Basic Summer Vocabulary
Let’s start with some simple summer-related Norwegian words:
- a summer: en sommer
- a sun: ei sol
- a beach: ei strand
- to swim: å svømme
- a vacation: en ferie
- a geat: en varme
- an ice cream: en iskrem
- a picnic: en piknik
- sunglasses: solbriller
- a sunscreen: en solkrem
2. Descriptive Phrases and Sentences
Knowing individual words is important, but understanding how to use them in sentences is what will really improve your communication. Here are some sentences and phrases to talk about summer experiences:
- Det er varmt i dag. (It’s hot today.)
- Jeg liker å svømme i havet om sommeren. (I like to swim in the sea in the summer.)
- Vi skal på ferie neste uke. (We’re going on vacation next week.)
- Jeg trenger solkrem for å beskytte huden min. (I need sunscreen to protect my skin.)
- Det er deilig å spise iskrem om sommeren. (It’s lovely to eat ice cream in the summer.)
3. Discussing Summer Activities
Talking about what you or others are doing or planning to do during the summer is a common conversation topic. Here are some phrases to help:
- Hva skal du gjøre i sommer? (What are you going to do this summer?)
- Jeg skal på en lang ferie til fjells. (I’m going on a long vacation to the mountains.)
- Barna liker å bygge sandslott på stranden. (The children like to build sandcastles on the beach.)
- Vi skal ha en piknik i parken i morgen. (We are having a picnic in the park tomorrow.)
4. Weather Conversations
Discussing the weather is a universal conversation starter. Here’s how to do it in Norwegian:
- Hvordan er været i dag? (How’s the weather today?)
- Det er sol og varme. Perfekt for en dag på stranden! (It’s sunny and warm. Perfect for a day at the beach!)
- Været er så varmt, jeg trenger en dukkert i sjøen. (The weather is so hot, I need a dip in the sea.)
5. Celebrating the Summer Solstice
In Norway, celebrating the summer solstice, known as “Sankthansaften” or “Midtsommer,” is an integral part of summer. Learning to talk about this event will make your conversations more engaging:
- Feirer du Sankthansaften? (Are you celebrating the summer solstice?)
- Vi tenner et bål for å feire Midtsommer. (We light a bonfire to celebrate Midsummer.)
- Midtsommer er den lyseste dagen i året. (Midsummer is the brightest day of the year.)
Conclusion
Understanding and using these Norwegian words and phrases can greatly enhance your ability to talk about the summer in Norwegian. Remember, practice is key to mastering a language, so try to incorporate these new words and phrases into your conversations.
If you want to learn Norwegian or have further questions about our Norwegian classes, please do not hesitate to contact our head teacher Jan Erik Christensen, at janerik@nlsnorwegian.no. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you become fluent in Norwegian!
