Introducing Yourself in a Business Setting in Norwegian | Learn Norwegian A1-B1

Introduction

When venturing into the Norwegian business arena, whether you’re networking, attending a conference, or setting foot in a new office, a proper self-introduction can make a significant difference in how you are perceived. Here’s a guide to introduce yourself appropriately in a business setting, using the Norwegian language and cultural norms.

1. Formal Greetings:

In Norway, formal greetings are a must, especially in business contexts. The most common greeting is:

• God dag! (Good day!)

When you first meet someone, a firm handshake, maintaining eye contact, and a slight nod is a common gesture. Avoid being overly effusive or expressive, as Norwegians often appreciate subtlety and straightforwardness.

2. State Your Name:

• Jeg heter [Your Name]. (My name is [Your Name].)
• Mitt navn er [Your Name]. (My name is [Your Name].) – Another variation.

While it’s typical in English to say “Hello, I am [Your Name],” Norwegians usually use “Jeg heter.”

3. Share Your Profession or Role:

If you’re in a business setting, it’s important to mention your role or profession. Here’s how you can do it:

• Jeg jobber som [Your Job Title] i [Your Company Name]. (I work as a [Your Job Title] at [Your Company Name].)

For instance:

• • Jeg jobber som markedsfører i NordicTech. (I work as a marketer at NordicTech.)

4. Express Gratitude or Pleasure to Meet:

It’s a kind gesture to express that you’re happy to meet the person:

• Hyggelig å møte deg! (Nice to meet you!)
• Det er en glede å møte deg! (It’s a pleasure to meet you!) – A slightly more formal variation.

5. Basic Conversation Starters:

After your introduction, you might want to engage in small talk. Here are some phrases that can be useful:

• Hvordan går det? (How are you?)
• Hvordan har du det? (How are you doing?)
• Hvordan har dagen din vært? (How has your day been?)
• Har du hatt en bra dag så langt? (Have you had a good day so far?)
• Er dette ditt første besøk til Oslo? (Is this your first visit to Oslo?) – A great question if you’re meeting someone in the capital or another city.

6. Closing Remarks:

When you’re wrapping up your conversation or introduction, it’s polite to use closing phrases. For instance:

• Takk for praten! (Thanks for the talk!)
• Vi snakkes senere. (We’ll talk later.)
• Gleder meg til vårt neste møte. (Looking forward to our next meeting.)

7. Cultural Tips:

• Punctuality: Norwegians take punctuality very seriously. Whether it’s a business meeting or a casual get-together, being on time is important.
• Modesty: Norwegians are generally modest and down-to-earth. Avoid bragging or sounding too self-important during introductions or conversations.
• Directness: Norwegians appreciate direct communication. It’s not seen as rude, but rather as a way of being clear and efficient.

Conclusion:

While the language is crucial, understanding the cultural nuances is just as important when introducing yourself in a Norwegian business setting. By ensuring you’re polite, direct, and aware of the values and norms, you’ll make a positive first impression and pave the way for successful professional relationships in Norway.

If you want to learn Norwegian, you can register for classes here. If you want to check your Norwegian level for free, you can do that here. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you become fluent in Norwegian!