Mastering Norskprøven Speaking – Your Definitive Guide to Structure, Skills, and Success

Introduction

For learners of Norwegian, the speaking portion of Norskprøven (often referred to as Muntlig test) is both a challenge and a golden opportunity to showcase oral proficiency. While reading, listening, and writing test your passive and written capabilities, the speaking exam requires you to produce Norwegian spontaneously in real time. This test measures your fluency, coherence, pronunciation, vocabulary range, grammatical control, and interactive communication skills—all in a short, high-stakes environment.

In this guide, we will delve deeply into how the Norskprøven speaking exam is set up, what to expect on test day, and how to best prepare for each level (A1–A2, A2–B1, B1–B2). Whether you are aiming for a basic pass at A2 for immigration purposes or an advanced demonstration of competence at B2 for academic or career reasons, understanding the Muntlig exam’s structure and criteria is vital to success.

If you are seeking a structured, professional approach to improving your oral skills in Norwegian, consider our dedicated Norskprøven preparation courses at NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo. We do not administer the official Norskprøven exam ourselves, but we specialize in helping you master each component—especially the speaking part. Learn more or sign up here:

https://nlsnorwegian.no/norskproven-course/

Let’s get started by clarifying the fundamental design of the Norskprøven speaking exam.

---

1. Structure of the Norskprøven Speaking Test

1.1 Live, Face-to-Face Format

Unlike reading and listening (which are computer-based) or writing (computer-based but individually completed), the speaking test is a live assessment typically involving:

• One examiner who leads and facilitates the discussion

• A second examiner or rater who observes and scores your performance

• Two candidates (you and another test-taker), who interact with each other during certain segments

Because it’s an interactive, face-to-face exam, you not only need language knowledge but also must navigate the dynamics of a real conversation or discussion.

1.2 Levels: A1–A2, A2–B1, or B1–B2

When you register for Norskprøven, you select a level range for speaking:

• A1–A2 (Basic user)

• A2–B1 (Intermediate user)

• B1–B2 (Upper-intermediate user)

The tasks and topics the examiner provides correspond roughly to that range. If you aim for B1–B2, expect more abstract or debate-style topics; if you’re at A1–A2, the focus is on simple daily-life exchanges.

Crucial point: The highest result you can receive is the top of your chosen band (e.g., B2 if you chose B1–B2). However, there is sometimes a possibility—depending on test center policy and the examiner’s discretion—that if you perform well above your initial level, the examiner may pose a higher-level question and potentially award you the next level. This isn’t guaranteed, so choose your level carefully.

1.3 Approximate Duration

The speaking exam typically lasts 20–25 minutes total for the pair of candidates. Within that time, each candidate will have individual opportunities to speak, as well as interactive discussion tasks together.

1.4 Typical Task Sequence

1. Introduction / Warm-up

   • The examiner greets you and the other candidate, asks for basic personal details, and ensures you both are comfortable.

   • This part primarily serves to calm nerves and get you talking with minimal pressure.

2. Individual Presentation or Description

   • You may describe a picture, narrate an experience, or respond to a short prompt alone.

   • At A1–A2, it might be describing a simple family photo or typical daily routine; at B1–B2, you might outline your opinion on a societal issue.

3. Paired Conversation / Role-play

   • You and your partner discuss a situation, express opinions, or solve a problem together.

   • Interaction is crucial—don’t just wait passively, but ask clarifying questions or respond meaningfully to your partner’s points.

4. Examiner Q&A

   • The examiner may ask follow-up or clarification questions about your statements.

   • At higher levels (B1–B2), you might need to justify your opinion or respond to hypothetical situations.

By the end of this sequence, the examiner has a holistic impression of your speaking proficiency in multiple contexts.

---

2. Scoring Criteria

2.1 CEFR-Based Evaluation

Two raters assess your performance against CEFR descriptors for speaking at your targeted level range. Key categories include:

1. Fluency and Coherence

   • How smoothly do you speak without excessive hesitation?

   • Do your ideas connect logically?

2. Pronunciation and Intonation

   • Is your speech understandable to the average Norwegian listener?

   • Do you demonstrate basic control over intonation patterns?

3. Grammar and Syntax Accuracy

   • Do you form sentences correctly (e.g., V2 word order, correct conjugation of verbs)?

   • Are your errors minor enough not to impede comprehension?

4. Vocabulary Range

   • Do you have the words needed to express your thoughts on everyday topics (A1–A2) or more abstract issues (B1–B2)?

   • Do you avoid excessive English or “invented” Norwegian words?

5. Interaction

   • Do you respond appropriately to questions or prompts?

   • Can you keep a conversation going by asking follow-ups or clarifications?

Remember, you are not penalized for the specific viewpoint you hold on a topic—examiners only care how you express it in Norwegian. The final rating is either A1, A2, B1, or B2, depending on which level you solidly demonstrate.

---

3. Task Variations by Level

3.1 A1–A2

• Topics: Everyday life (family, shopping, weather, routines).

• Tasks: Simple picture descriptions, responding to questions about daily activities, short dialogues.

• Language: Short sentences, basic verb tenses (present, simple past).

• Interactivity: The examiner may ask lots of guiding questions if you get stuck.

3.2 A2–B1

• Topics: Daily life plus personal opinions about familiar situations (school, jobs, leisure).

• Tasks: Possibly describing a sequence of events or giving reasons for preferences.

• Language: More variety of tenses (present, preterite, perfect), basic connectors (“fordi,” “derfor,” “men,” “i tillegg”).

• Interactivity: Expect a conversation or role-play requiring you to express opinions and react to your partner’s comments.

3.3 B1–B2

• Topics: Can include community or social issues, pros and cons of technology, lifestyle debates, current events.

• Tasks: Explaining viewpoints, defending or challenging a statement, responding to hypothetical questions.

• Language: Expect to show more complex sentence structures (“hvis,” “slik at,” “likevel,” “dessuten,” “til tross for…”), along with a broader vocabulary.

• Interactivity: A mini debate or problem-solving discussion with the other candidate, plus deeper follow-ups from the examiner.

---

4. Overcoming Common Challenges

1. Nervousness / Stage Fright

   • Accept that slight anxiety is normal. Practice short dialogues repeatedly with friends or tutors to build confidence.

   • Focus on communication rather than perfection—examiners appreciate a genuine effort to interact, even with minor mistakes.

2. Limited Vocabulary

   • If you forget a word, use synonyms or describe the concept. For instance, if you can’t recall “fuglebur” (birdcage), say “der fuglen bor” (where the bird lives).

   • Build a personal list of everyday words plus some key advanced ones if you’re B1–B2.

3. Pauses and Fillers

   • Occasional pauses are natural. If you’re stuck, short “tenkeord” like “hmm,” “vel,” “la meg se” (let me see) are fine.

   • Avoid letting your mind go blank; keep speaking with simpler language if needed.

4. Interaction with the Other Candidate

   • Don’t just wait for the examiner to ask questions. For instance, if the other candidate says they like a certain hobby, follow up: “Hvorfor liker du det?” or “Hvordan begynte du med det?”

   • Show active listening: “Jeg skjønner,” “Det var interessant,” “Kan du fortelle mer?”

---

5. Preparation Strategies

5.1 Practice with a Partner

A live conversation is the best simulation of the exam. If you don’t have a Norwegian-speaking friend:

• Join language exchange groups (in-person or online).

• Use conversation apps or communities dedicated to Norwegian learners.

• Sign up for NLS Norwegian Language School’s specialized speaking courses to practice exam-relevant tasks with peers and instructors:

https://nlsnorwegian.no/norskproven-course/

Remember, we’re not an official testing site, but our curated role-play scenarios, mock tests, and feedback can greatly sharpen your speaking skills.

5.2 Focus on Typical Topics

Review broad themes: family, work, free time, Norwegian culture, social issues, environmental concerns (for B1–B2). Prepare a mental “lexical bank” of relevant words and phrases you might need. You don’t want to be caught off-guard if asked about, for example, “fordeler og ulemper ved elbiler” (pros and cons of electric cars) at B1–B2 level.

5.3 Record Yourself

• Use your phone or computer to record short monologues on random topics.

• Listen back to note stumbles, repeated errors, or unclear pronunciation.

• Self-correction fosters faster improvement.

5.4 Learn Conversation Fillers and Transition Words

• A2–B1: “i tillegg,” “dessuten,” “på grunn av,” “men,” “derfor.”

• B1–B2: “imidlertid,” “til tross for at,” “på den ene siden … på den andre siden …,” “derav,” “likevel,” “like fullt.”

• Polite interaction: “Jeg er enig / uenig,” “Jeg tror at… fordi…,” “Hva mener du?” “Hva synes du?”

Using these effectively raises your perceived fluency and ability to connect ideas.

---

6. The Day of the Speaking Exam

1. Arrive Early

   • Give yourself time to find the test room, handle ID checks, and settle your nerves.

2. Stay Relaxed

   • The examiner usually starts with easy questions (“Hva heter du?”, “Hvor bor du?”) to break the ice.

3. Speak Clearly and Naturally

   • Don’t rush. Enunciate and give yourself a moment to think before answering more complex questions.

4. Look at Both the Examiner and Your Partner

   • Show you’re engaged. This fosters a more authentic conversational dynamic.

5. Correct Yourself if Necessary

   • If you catch a mistake, calmly restate the corrected form. This shows awareness and often impresses examiners more than ignoring an obvious error.

6. Use Body Language

   • Normal gestures and facial expressions can help convey meaning and comfort. Just ensure you’re not overdoing it or overshadowing your speech.

---

7. What Happens After?

When the exam ends, you can breathe a sigh of relief. The examiner and the second rater will compare notes and agree on your CEFR level (A1, A2, B1, or B2). You won’t typically get immediate feedback or a grade on the spot—official results may take a few weeks to process, especially when combined with the other sections of Norskprøven.

If you meet your goal (say, B1 for a job requirement or B2 for university admissions), congratulations! If not, reflect on which aspects caused difficulty: was it lack of vocabulary, grammar slip-ups, or simply nerves? You can always retake the exam at a future session.

---

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I have to interact with another candidate?

   • Yes, in most cases you will be paired with another test-taker. The exam is designed to assess your ability to hold a conversation.

2. What if the other candidate dominates the conversation?

   • The examiner is trained to balance speaking time. If needed, politely interject: “Unnskyld, kan jeg også si noe om det?” The examiner wants to hear both voices.

3. Can I bring notes or dictionaries?

   • No. Norskprøven’s speaking test does not allow external aids. It measures spontaneous speech.

4. Is there a “right” or “wrong” opinion?

   • No. The content of your opinion is not judged, only how effectively you express it in Norwegian.

5. Do I need a perfect accent?

   • Norwegian has many dialects, and examiners are accustomed to non-native accents. Pronunciation should be intelligible, but a perfect accent is not required.

---

9. Conclusion and Next Steps

The Norskprøven Muntlig test is a vibrant, face-to-face assessment that goes beyond rote memorization of grammar rules. By preparing diligently, you can demonstrate your Norwegian speaking skills in real-life conversation scenarios—an invaluable asset for work, studies, or day-to-day life in Norway.

Key Takeaways:

• Familiarize yourself with the format and sequence of tasks.

• Improve your ability to respond spontaneously to questions and prompts.

• Practice interactive dialogue skills, not just monologues.

• Broaden your vocabulary relevant to everyday life and common Norskprøven themes.

• Keep calm under pressure: mistakes are normal, and examiners appreciate efforts to clarify.

If you’re serious about honing your oral proficiency, consider enrolling in a targeted program. NLS Norwegian Language School in Oslo offers comprehensive speaking-focused courses that simulate exam conditions and provide personalized feedback to ensure you’re well-prepared:

https://nlsnorwegian.no/norskproven-course/

Though we do not host the official exam, our mission is to give you the confidence and communicative competence to excel when you do take it at an authorized test center. Combined with consistent self-study and real-life practice, these steps will empower you to shine during the Muntlig test. Lykke til (good luck)!