Norskprøven – The Norwegian Test: Which Level Is Right for You? (A2, B1, or B2)

So, you’ve decided to take the Norskprøven, the official Norwegian test. Congratulations! This is a significant and commendable step on your journey to mastering the Norwegian language and integrating into Norwegian society. Whether your goal is to secure permanent residency, apply for Norwegian citizenship, pursue higher education, or enhance your professional prospects, the Norskprøven is your key to unlocking those doors.

But before you dive headfirst into textbooks and practice tests, you’re faced with a crucial, and sometimes confusing, question: Which level of the Norskprøven should you take? Choosing between A2, B1, and B2 can feel like a daunting task. Selecting a level that is too low might not meet the requirements for your application, while aiming too high could lead to unnecessary stress and a disappointing result.

This ultimate guide is here to demystify the Norskprøven levels. We will break down exactly what is expected at each stage—A2, B1, and B2—across all four parts of the test: reading comprehension (leseforståelse), listening comprehension (lytteforståelse), written production (skriftlig framstilling), and oral production (muntlig framstilling). By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of your own abilities and be able to confidently choose the level that is the perfect fit for your current skills and future goals.

 

Understanding the CEFR Framework: The Foundation of Norskprøven

 

First, it’s important to know that the Norskprøven is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). This is an international standard for describing language ability. It uses a six-point scale, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery). The Norskprøven focuses on the intermediate levels that are most often required for official purposes:

• A2: The Wayfarer. At this level, you can handle simple, routine interactions and exchange information on familiar topics. You are no longer just a tourist; you can navigate daily life.
• B1: The Independent User. You are now independent. You can understand the main points of clear texts on familiar matters, handle most situations likely to arise whilst travelling, and describe experiences, events, dreams, and ambitions.
• B2: The Confident Communicator. You can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialization. You can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.

The Norskprøven is an “adaptive” test for the reading and listening portions. This means the test adjusts its difficulty based on your answers. However, you must register for a specific level for the written and oral exams. Therefore, understanding these levels is paramount.

 

Level A2: Building the Foundation for Daily Life

 

The A2 level is the first major milestone for many learners. Passing this level demonstrates that you have a basic command of the Norwegian language, sufficient for navigating the essentials of daily life. It often serves as the minimum requirement for certain family immigration applications and for some jobs that require basic communication skills.

 

Who Should Choose Level A2?

 

You should consider registering for the A2 level if you can:

• Understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
• Communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
• Describe in simple terms aspects of your background, immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need.
• You are still building your vocabulary and your grammar is focused on the present and simple past tenses.

 

A2 Reading Comprehension (Leseforståelse)

 

At the A2 level, the reading test will present you with short, simple texts. The goal is to see if you can find specific, predictable information.

• What you’ll read: Short advertisements, simple personal emails, signs and notices in public places (e.g., at the library or a train station), short, simplified news articles, and product descriptions.
• Task examples:
  • Reading a short ad for a used bicycle and answering questions about its price, color, and location.
  • Looking at a simple weekly schedule for a fitness center and identifying when the yoga class takes place.
  • Reading a short text message from a friend and understanding the main purpose of the message (e.g., to change a meeting time).
• Skills needed: The ability to scan a text for key information like numbers, names, places, and times. You don’t need to understand every word, but you must grasp the main message.

 

A2 Listening Comprehension (Lytteforståelse)

 

The listening part at this level tests your ability to understand clear, slow, and simple speech about everyday topics.

• What you’ll hear: Short, simple announcements (e.g., a platform change at a train station), simple instructions, short and clear voicemails, or conversations where people talk about their family, hobbies, or daily routines.
• Task examples:
  • Listening to a weather forecast and identifying the predicted temperature for tomorrow.
  • Hearing a short message about a store’s opening hours and answering a question about when it closes on Saturdays.
  • Listening to two people planning to meet and identifying the agreed-upon time and place.
• Skills needed: Picking out key details from slow and clearly articulated speech. The conversations will be straightforward, without complex idioms or slang.

 

A2 Written Production (Skriftlig framstilling)

 

For the A2 written exam, you will need to write short, simple texts. The focus is on your ability to convey basic information.

• What you’ll write: You will typically be given two tasks. The first is often a very short descriptive task, and the second is a slightly longer narrative or descriptive text.
• Task examples:
  • Task 1 (Description): You see a picture of a room. Your task is to describe it in a few sentences, mentioning what you see (e.g., “På bildet ser jeg et bord og fire stoler. Det er en lampe på bordet.”).
  • Task 2 (Narrative/Email): Write a short email to a friend (around 50-80 words). You could be asked to tell them about your weekend, invite them to your birthday party, or describe your apartment.
• Skills needed: Basic sentence structure (subject-verb-object), correct use of present tense and simple past tense (presens and preteritum), and a foundational vocabulary for everyday objects, activities, and personal information. Perfect grammar is not expected, but your message must be understandable.

 

A2 Oral Production (Muntlig framstilling)

 

The A2 oral test is a conversation designed to see if you can handle basic social interactions.

• What you’ll do: The test usually has two parts. First, a conversation with an examiner about personal topics. Second, you might be given a picture or a simple situation to talk about.
• Task examples:
  • Conversation: The examiner will ask you simple questions like: “Hva heter du?” (What is your name?), “Hvor kommer du fra?” (Where are you from?), “Hva liker du å gjøre på fritiden?” (What do you like to do in your free time?).
  • Picture description: You are shown a picture of a family having dinner, and you are asked to describe what you see. You should be able to say things like, “Jeg ser en familie. De spiser middag. Moren drikker vann.”
• Skills needed: The ability to answer simple questions about yourself and your life. Your pronunciation should be clear enough to be understood, even if you have a strong accent. The goal is simple, direct communication.

Feeling that A2 might be your level, but want to ensure you are fully prepared to pass with confidence? A structured course can make all the difference. The NLS Norwegian Language School offers a dedicated Norskprøven preparation course designed to sharpen your skills for every part of the test. Learn more and secure your spot here: https://nlsnorwegian.no/norskproven-course/.

 

Level B1: Becoming an Independent User

 

Reaching the B1 level is a significant achievement and is the most common requirement for permanent residency (permanent oppholdstillatelse) and Norwegian citizenship (norsk statsborgerskap). At this level, you are no longer just surviving in Norwegian; you are starting to live independently in the language. You can handle most common situations, express your own opinions in a simple way, and understand texts that are not overly specialized.

 

Who Should Choose Level B1?

 

You should register for the B1 level if you can:

• Understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, and leisure.
• Deal with most situations likely to arise while travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
• Produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest.
• Describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
• Your grammar is more flexible, and you can use different tenses to talk about the past, present, and future.

 

B1 Reading Comprehension (Leseforståelse)

 

The reading tasks at B1 require you to understand the main ideas and some important details in texts about familiar topics.

• What you’ll read: Newspaper articles on general interest topics, official emails from a municipality or employer, product reviews, personal blogs, and informational texts about Norwegian society or culture.
• Task examples:
  • Reading an article about the benefits of recycling and answering questions about the author’s main arguments.
  • Reading an email from your boss outlining a new work schedule and understanding the key changes.
  • Going through a blog post where someone describes their trip to Lofoten and identifying the activities they did and their opinion of the trip.
• Skills needed: The ability to distinguish between main ideas and supporting details. You need to understand the writer’s attitude and purpose. Your vocabulary must be broad enough to handle texts on a variety of everyday subjects.

 

B1 Listening Comprehension (Lytteforståelse)

 

At the B1 level, you need to understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar matters.

• What you’ll hear: Radio news summaries, podcasts on general topics, everyday conversations between colleagues or friends, and presentations at work or school. The speech will be at a more natural pace than at A2.
• Task examples:
  • Listening to a segment from a radio program about healthy eating and understanding the main advice given.
  • Hearing a conversation between two friends discussing which movie to see and identifying the final decision and the reasons for it.
  • Listening to a manager give instructions for a new task and understanding the key steps you need to follow.
• Skills needed: The ability to follow a conversation or monologue and grasp the gist, even if you don’t understand every single word. You should be able to identify the speaker’s feelings and opinions.

 

B1 Written Production (Skriftlig framstilling)

 

The B1 writing exam asks you to write coherent and structured texts on familiar topics. You need to express your own opinion and provide arguments to support it.

• What you’ll write: You will typically have two tasks. One is often an informal or formal email. The second, and more important, task is to write an opinion piece (en meningsytring) or a formal complaint (en klage).
• Task examples:
  • Task 1 (Email): Write an email to your landlord explaining that your refrigerator is broken and requesting a repair.
  • Task 2 (Opinion Piece): Write a text of about 100-150 words giving your opinion on a topic like, “Should all stores be closed on Sundays?” or “The advantages and disadvantages of living in a big city.” You are expected to state your opinion, provide a few arguments, and write a simple conclusion.
• Skills needed: Good text structure with an introduction, main body, and conclusion. You need to use connecting words (for eksempel, fordi, men, derfor) to link your ideas logically. Your grammar should be reasonably accurate, and you should be able to use different tenses correctly.

 

B1 Oral Production (Muntlig framstilling)

 

The B1 oral test assesses your ability to actively participate in a conversation and to speak continuously on a familiar topic.

• What you’ll do: The test is usually divided into two parts. The first is a conversation with the examiner, which is more in-depth than at the A2 level. The second part requires you to speak independently on a given topic for a minute or two.
• Task examples:
  • Conversation: The examiner might ask you to talk about your job or studies, your future plans, or your opinion on a social issue. The questions are designed to elicit more than just simple facts, encouraging you to explain your reasoning.
  • Independent Task: You are given a topic like “Describe a person you admire” or “Talk about an important tradition in your home country.” You will have a minute to prepare and then you must speak about it, structuring your thoughts into a coherent monologue.
• Skills needed: The ability to speak in a continuous flow, not just short answers. You should be able to express and justify your opinions. Your vocabulary should be wide enough to discuss familiar topics in some detail, and your pronunciation should be clear.

The B1 level is the gateway to so many opportunities in Norway. If this sounds like the level you need, ensuring you pass is crucial. Don’t leave it to chance. The Norskprøven preparation course at NLS Norwegian Language School provides targeted training, focusing on the specific skills and task types you will face in the B1 exam. Our experienced teachers will give you the feedback and strategies you need to succeed. Register today at: https://nlsnorwegian.no/norskproven-course/.

 

Level B2: Communicating with Confidence and Fluency

 

Achieving a B2 level signifies a high degree of proficiency in Norwegian. It is often a requirement for admission to Norwegian universities and for professional jobs that demand nuanced and effective communication. At this level, you can communicate with a fluency and spontaneity that makes interaction with native speakers effortless for both parties.

 

Who Should Choose Level B2?

 

You are likely ready for the B2 level if you can:

• Understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialization.
• Interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
• Produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
• You have a good command of grammar and can use complex sentence structures with confidence.

 

B2 Reading Comprehension (Leseforståelse)

 

The B2 reading test will challenge you with longer, more complex, and more abstract texts.

• What you’ll read: Authentic newspaper and magazine articles, academic texts, official reports, and literary excerpts. The texts will contain more complex vocabulary, sentence structures, and implicit meaning.
• Task examples:
  • Reading a newspaper editorial about a political issue and identifying the author’s underlying assumptions and tone.
  • Understanding a detailed report from a company and being able to summarize its key findings.
  • Reading a review of a book or film and understanding the critic’s nuanced arguments.
• Skills needed: The ability to read between the lines, understand irony, and grasp the subtleties of a writer’s argument. You need to be able to synthesize information from different parts of a long text.

 

B2 Listening Comprehension (Lytteforståelse)

 

At the B2 level, you’ll be expected to understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument, provided the topic is reasonably familiar.

• What you’ll hear: University lectures, radio documentaries, political debates, and fast-paced, natural conversations between native speakers that may include colloquialisms.
• Task examples:
  • Listening to a lecture on a topic like Norwegian history or environmental science and answering detailed questions about the content.
  • Following a panel debate on the radio and understanding the different viewpoints of the participants.
  • Understanding the specifics of a news report, including the details of the events and the perspectives of the people involved.
• Skills needed: High-level comprehension skills. You need to be able to follow the structure of a complex argument and understand a wide range of vocabulary on various topics.

 

B2 Written Production (Skriftlig framstilling)

 

The B2 written exam requires you to write clear, well-structured, and detailed texts, demonstrating a strong command of the language.

• What you’ll write: The tasks are more demanding than at B1. You will need to write a well-argued essay, a formal letter, or a report. The focus is on argumentation, structure, and linguistic precision.
• Task examples:
  • Essay: Write a detailed essay of about 250-300 words on a topic such as: “The impact of social media on modern society. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages.” You are expected to develop a clear line of argument, use a wide range of vocabulary, and employ complex grammatical structures.
  • Formal Letter: Write a formal letter of application for a job, clearly outlining your qualifications and motivation for the position.
• Skills needed: The ability to construct a sophisticated argument with a clear thesis, supporting paragraphs, and a strong conclusion. You must use a broad vocabulary and varied sentence structures. Your grammar, spelling, and punctuation should be highly accurate.

 

B2 Oral Production (Muntlig framstilling)

 

The B2 oral test is a measure of your fluency, spontaneity, and ability to discuss complex topics in detail.

• What you’ll do: Similar to B1, it has a conversation and an individual presentation part, but the expectations are much higher. The conversation will be more abstract, and the individual task will require a more structured and detailed presentation.
• Task examples:
  • Conversation: The examiner will engage you in a discussion on a complex or controversial topic, for example, climate change, immigration policy, or the welfare state. You will be expected to defend your viewpoint with well-reasoned arguments.
  • Independent Task: You will be given a topic that requires you to present and justify an opinion, such as “Is it better to work for a large company or a small one? Present your view and argue for it.” You need to speak fluently and coherently for several minutes.
• Skills needed: Fluency and spontaneity. You should be able to express yourself clearly and without much hesitation. Your pronunciation must be very good, and you should use a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures to express nuanced ideas effectively.

 

How to Choose the Right Level for You: A Self-Assessment

 

Still unsure? Ask yourself these questions:

1. What is my primary goal? Check the specific language requirements for the job, university, or residency permit you are applying for. This is often the deciding factor.
2. How do I handle daily conversations? Do I stick to simple, familiar topics (A2), or can I discuss my experiences and opinions (B1)? Can I engage in debates on complex issues with native speakers (B2)?
3. What can I read and understand? Short ads and messages (A2)? Newspaper articles and official emails (B1)? Academic texts and editorials (B2)?
4. How is my writing? Can I write a short, simple email (A2)? Can I write a structured opinion piece with arguments (B1)? Can I write a detailed, well-argued essay (B2)?
5. Take a practice test! The best way to know for sure is to try a sample test (prøveeksamen) for the level you are considering. Kompetanse Norge provides sample tests that can give you a realistic idea of the tasks.

Choosing the right level is the first step toward success on the Norskprøven. The next, and most important, step is preparation. Acing the exam, especially at the B1 and B2 levels, requires more than just general language knowledge; it requires a strategic approach.

At NLS Norwegian Language School, our Norskprøven preparation course is specifically designed to give you that strategic edge. We don’t just teach you Norwegian; we teach you how to pass the test. Our expert instructors know the exam inside and out and will provide you with the tools, practice, and personalized feedback you need to walk into the exam room with confidence. Don’t wait to start your journey to success. Enroll in our course today: https://nlsnorwegian.no/norskproven-course/. Your future in Norway is waiting.