Whether you’re sailing into the fjords or exploring the charming streets of Bergen, knowing a few key Norwegian phrases can make your adventure even more special. Norway is known for its stunning landscapes, but its people are just as lovely—and they’ll truly appreciate your efforts to speak their language.
Here’s our handy guide to some basic Norwegian words and phrases. You don’t need to be fluent to get by, but mastering these will help you connect with the locals and make your cruise that little bit smoother.
The Basics
Let’s start with the essentials. These are the phrases you’ll need every day, whether you’re onshore or onboard.
Yes – Ja (yah)
No – Nei (nigh)
Please – Vær så snill (vaer shoh sneel)
Thank you – Takk (tahk)
You’re welcome – Vær så god (vaer shoh goo)
Excuse me / Sorry – Unnskyld (oon-shild)
Greeting People
First impressions matter, even in Norway! Greet locals with these phrases, and you’ll get a smile in return:
Hello – Hei (hi)
Good morning – God morgen (goo mor-en)
Good afternoon – God ettermiddag (goo et-er-mee-dahg)
Good evening – God kveld (goo kvel)
Goodbye – Ha det (hah deh)
How are you? – Hvordan har du det? (voor-dahn hahr doo deh?)
I’m fine, thank you – Jeg har det bra, takk (yai hahr deh brah, tahk)
Ordering Food and Drinks
Whether you’re tucking into a delicious seafood platter or warming up with a cuppa, these phrases will come in handy:
I would like… – Jeg vil gjerne ha… (yai veel yar-neh hah)
Menu, please – Kan jeg få en meny? (kahn yai foh en meh-nee?)
Coffee – Kaffe (kah-feh)
Tea – Te (teh)
Beer – Øl (uhl)
The bill, please – Kan jeg få regningen? (kahn yai foh rai-ning-en?)
Asking for Directions
If you’re wandering through Norway’s charming towns or hiking its beautiful trails, these phrases will be a lifesaver:
Where is…? – Hvor er…? (voor ehr?)
The cruise port – Cruisehavnen (kroos-hahv-nen)
The port – Havnen (hahv-nen)
The train station – Togstasjonen (tohg-stah-shoh-nen)
How far is it? – Hvor langt er det? (voor lahngt ehr deh?)
Left – Venstre (ven-streh)
Right – Høyre (hoy-reh)
Straight ahead – Rett frem (reht frem)
Thanking People
Norwegians are polite and reserved, so a heartfelt “thank you” goes a long way. Here’s how to express your gratitude:
Thank you very much – Tusen takk (too-sen tahk)
I really appreciate it – Jeg setter stor pris på det (yai seht-ter stohr prees poh deh)
Bonus Tips
Norwegians are generally fluent in English, so don’t worry if you get stuck—they’re happy to help!
That said, giving these phrases a go shows respect for the local culture and will likely earn you some brownie points.
So there you have it - your Norwegian language crash course! Whether you’re ordering a tea in a cosy café or asking for directions to the cruise port, these phrases will make your trip more memorable.
Heading to Norway soon? Let us know in the comments what you’re most excited about—or share your favourite Norwegian word!
Safe travels and happy cruising!
George & Dan
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