What Language Do They Speak in Norway?

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Norway

Norway, known for its stunning fjords and natural landscapes, is located in Northern Europe, primarily occupying the western half of the Scandinavian Peninsula. The country boasts a thriving economy largely due to its natural resources, including petroleum, hydropower, and seafood, combined with a robust welfare system ensuring a high standard of living for its citizens. Norway is also renowned for its commitment to environmental sustainability and progressive social policies.

Languages Spoken

Norway showcases a rich tapestry of languages that reflect its cultural heritage and diversity. The dominant language is Norwegian, spoken by 95% of the population. Norwegian itself is split into two written forms: Bokmål, used by the majority, and Nynorsk, preferred by the minority, yet both are mutually intelligible. Besides Norwegian, the Sami language, spoken by approximately 1.2% of the population, represents the indigenous Sami people and is recognized as an official language. The Kven language, although spoken by only 1% of the population, holds cultural significance for the Kven people, a minority group of Finnish descent.

Different Languages Spoken in Norway

Language data last updated 2024 est. from Wikipedia - Norway

LanguageUsage
Norwegian95%
Sami1.2%
Kven1%
Note: The total may add up to more than 100% as people may speak multiple languages

Useful Norwegian Phrases

Learn these phrases if you're planning on traveling to Norway

Hei, hvordan har du det?

Hello, how are you?

A common greeting to inquire about someone's well-being.

Hvor mye koster det?

How much does it cost?

Useful for asking prices when shopping.

Hvor er...?

Where is...?

Start of a question to ask for directions to a place.

Jeg forstår ikke

I don't understand

Useful when you need clarification or don't grasp what's being said.

Vær så snill og takk

Please and thank you

Polite phrases to use in various situations for requests and gratitude.

Learn to speak Norwegian

Interested in speaking Norwegian in Norway? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.

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