Learn Norwegian on a budget in Oslo

If you’re looking for free or affordable ways to learn Norwegian in Oslo, through apps, libraries, or community meetups, this guide will help you get started.

People taking notes on laptop
Image: Nikolai Kobets Freund / Oslo kommune

Though Oslo is a diverse city where many people speak English and other languages, you may find that learning Norwegian is still an important way to feel more at home here.

More resources from Welcome to Oslo:

Lykke til! Good luck!

Start building good language habits

You can learn a surprising amount by making Norwegian part of your daily routine. Try writing down new words or expressions you hear—even the ones that make people laugh, since you’ll understand the joke later.

Other helpful habits include:

  • Reading newspaper headlines each day.

  • Watching TV with Norwegian subtitles.

  • Listening to radio shows and podcasts.

  • Using a dictionary rather than Google Translate, so you see examples of how words are used in context.

Once you have some basic understanding, try reading easy-to-read editions of books, or children’s books, or read the same text in both Norwegian and your own language. These small habits add up over time.

Digital learning tools and resources

If you would like to start learning Norwegian without committing to a formal course, there are a number of free or low-cost digital resources available. These can be a good starting point for building vocabulary, practicing pronunciation, or testing whether self-study suits you.

Digital tools are also especially useful if you’ve just arrived and want to start learning before committing to a formal class.

Free online courses

The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) offers Norwegian on the Web (NoW), a well-regarded free online course. Both NTNU and UiO also provide structured Norwegian courses on the platform FutureLearn, which are free to access.

Together, these free Norwegian courses are a practical starting point for internationals who want to learn the language without the formal course commitment.

Popular language learning apps

Language apps and online channels can help you build vocabulary and practice conversational skills in short, regular sessions. Some are completely free, while others offer a mix of free and paid content.

  • Duolingo - free app, great to check if learning through an appi is for you. Learn basic vocabulary and phrases.
  • Memrise - flashcard based app, with video segments with native speakers.
  • Drops - focus on vocabulary, will help you becoming conversational quickly.
  • Babbel - for having everyday conversations quickly.

Norwegian teachers on YouTube

There are several private language schools or instructors who offer free resources online. YouTube lessons are a flexible way for internationals to hear Norwegian spoken naturally, build listening skills, and learn cultural context at your own pace.

Dictionary (ordbok)

The Language Council (Språkrådet) has a free online dictionary with both forms of written Norwegian (bokmål and nynorsk). It's also useful to know that Bokmål is the form most widely used in Oslo, while nynorsk is more common in some other regions.

In the app version of the dictionary, you can chose English as the app language, which means that all the support and navigational texts are in English.

These digitall resources are a great part of building daily habits that improve your language skills little by little.

Books & libraries

Oslo’s 22 public libraries, run by Deichman, are an excellent resource for learners. In addition to borrowing books, films, and games, many libraries organize events such as language cafés, homework help, and job search support.

Textbooks for learning Norwegian

Norwegian language textbooks can be borrowed from the library or purchased secondhand. Do a search for "brukte bøker" (used books) on platforms like Finn.no, Tise, or Facebook groups and Facebook market.

Some keywords for your search: "norsk som andrespråk" (Norwegian as a second language) or "lærebok i norsk" (textbook in Norwegian).

Books about Norwegian language

For those curious about idioms and Norway's many dialects, there are also entertaining books about Norwegian language and expressions, including:

Entertaining books like these not only explain Norwegian expressions and dialects, but also give newcomers cultural insight while practicing reading skills.

Meetups and language cafés (språkkaffeer)

There are groups and organizations organising different types of language training. They will usually be advertised in social media, so follow groups for expats or Norwegian learners on Facebook and in other social media channels. Some places to start:

Language cafés are one of the most welcoming places for internationals in Oslo to practice Norwegian conversation, meet locals, and build confidence in daily life.

Other helpful links and resources