The importance of learning Norwegian
Though you can get by in Oslo speaking English, learning Norwegian makes it easier to find a job, make friends, and feel more at home.
Learning the Norwegian language can make you feel more at home in Norway.
It's possible to live comfortably in Oslo while speaking English, where you'll find many people—Norwegians and internationals alike—with English proficiency. However, if you plan to stay for more than a few years, learning Norwegian can make everyday life easier, deepen your social connections, and even be a legal requirement.
This page from Welcome to Oslo explains why learning Norwegian matters, how it can benefit your life in Oslo, and what to expect from the learning process.
Why should you learn Norwegian?
Integration and social settings
Learning Norwegian gives you a more detailed perspective on the culture and makes it easier to establish connections and start friendships.
Good reasons to learn Norwegian:
- You will be able to understand what is being said around you and engange in conversations (and even eavesdrop on the bus!).
- You will be able to follow Norwegian pop culture and be able to discuss TV shows, films, books, and music with others.
- You will be better able to pick up on nuances, connect deeper with the people around you and understand the Norwegian cultural oddities.
- You’ll gain insight into how Norwegian society works, including its political systems and current events which shape everyday life here.
Whether you’re here for a short stay or planning a long-term future in Oslo, investing in the language will enrich your experience and open up new opportunities.
Can you get by with only English in Oslo?
Yes, to a certain extent. Most Norwegians have a reasonable level of English, and Oslo is also a quite international city with many foreigners also speaking English and their own mother tongues.
You will find that you can speak English in most shops and restaurants, as well as in public offices and with service providers. If you are not comfortable holding a conversation in English, it is even more important to learn Norwegian.
Permanent residence
If you should apply for permanent residence in Norway, you will most likely need to document your Norwegian skills.
- Go to The Norwegian Directorate of Immigration (UDI) to see which requirements might apply for you.
Living independently
It is easier to establish an independent life if you can understand public information, chat in a social setting, and even read road signs.
Many websites are not fully translated, and in-browser or external translation tools might not have quality check to make sure their translation is correct.
Finding a job
There is a big chance you will find language a barrier if you don't speak Norwegian, and want to apply for a job in a Norwegian speaking company or organization. Showing the motivation to learn the local language sends a powerful signal.
For international students, it can be hard learning Norwegian in addition to a full study programme, but if there is a chance you want to stay in Norway after your degree, learning Norwegian will make it easier for you to find a job and get a work visa. It may well be worth the effort!
How long does it take to learn Norwegian?
The answer depends on several factors, including:
- How much tuition are you getting? Is it every day or a couple of evening classes?
- How much are you practicing your language skills?
- Have you learned other languages previously?
- How similar to Norwegian is your mother tongue/birth language? If you speak German, for example, there are similarirites in both grammar and vocabulary.
When you reach level B1, you will have a good all-round understanding of Norwegian. At this point, it can be a good idea to invest a period of time in practicing you language skills in your everyday life. This will help your language to mature and become more intuitive before you start level B2.
If you put in the effort and work with dedication, a general estimation is that it will take around a year to get to level B2.