Pronouns play a large part in every language, and Norwegian is no exception. Learning the Norwegian pronouns can seem like a daunting task, especially as a beginner. But don’t worry! Pronouns in Norwegian are similar to those in English, and with some practice, you’ll quickly recognize them.  To be understood properly in Norwegian, it’s important to use the right pronouns. Keep in mind that Norwegian has three grammatical genders: male, female, and neutral. Sometimes certain pronouns will change depending on the gender of the object. How they change also depends on where in Norway you are.If you’ve read our article on telling time in Norwegian, you already know, for example, that klokke/klokka, meaning "clock," can be both feminine and... Show more

What would you say to lift the spirits of a special person you know? No doubt, you have dozens of kind words that come to mind in English, but do you know many compliments in Norwegian? A compliment can be described as a polite expression of praise, admiration, encouragement or congratulations. It’s sometimes used in absolute sincerity and sometimes to flatter, but either way, human beings love to receive compliments! Table of Contents The Importance of Compliments Compliments you always want to hear Conclusion 1. The Importance of Compliments Giving and receiving compliments is so important in society, that you can be considered rude if you’re a person who never acknowledges anyone. We all need to hear words of affirmation... Show more

Anger is a natural response to pain of some sort; when you’re angry, you’re angry with a cause and want someone to pay! It’s so much harder when you’re traveling, because your routines are off-kilter, there’s culture shock to deal with and the smallest problems can seem overwhelming. How do you handle someone who’s just pushed your last button? At home, we often have a go-to person who is good at calming us down, but emotions are tricky to deal with in a foreign country. Sometimes people may treat you unfairly, but you’re completely baffled as to why. You have to remember that people in think differently to how you do and it’s not impossible to inadvertently cause offense. Don’t stress about it too much, because you’ll adapt! Once you... Show more

In Norway, Labor Day is an important holiday for workers and is often marked by demonstrations for more employees’ rights. In this article, you’ll learn much more about how Norway observes Labor Day, what major event happened on this day in 1980, and some useful vocabulary. Let’s get started. 1. What is Labor Day? Let’s begin with a little Labor Day history. In 1947, Labor Day became an official fridag ("holiday" ) in Norway, though it was really celebrated since 1890. One of the most significant events in the history of this holiday was the Haymarket Affair in 1886 in the United States, during which people protested for an eight-hour workday. Over time, more requests and ideals have been put forth, and today, Norwegians... Show more

What is the most defining moment you will face this year? From memories that you immortalize in a million photographs, to days you never wish to remember, one thing's for certain: big life events change you. The great poet, Bukowski, said, "We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well, that death will tremble to take us." The older I get, the more I agree with him! Talking about significant events in our lives is part of every person's journey, regardless of creed or culture. If you're planning to stay in for more than a quick visit, you're sure to need at least a few 'life events' phrases that you can use. After all, many of these are shared experiences, and it's generally expected that we will show up with good manners... Show more

The Carnival holiday is a major Christian celebration in many cultures around the world. In this article, you’ll learn some Carnival holiday facts and gain some knowledge into how Norwegians, in particular, celebrate this holiday. Are you ready? Let’s get started. 1. What is the Carnival Holiday? Celebrated by Chrisitan communities around the world, Carnival (sometimes called Shrovetide) is a religious holiday that precedes the Lenten fasting period. This holiday is known for an array of celebrations and traditions, all of which tend to center on the idea of fun, indulgence, and the reversing of social order. In the past, people relied on stored and preserved food throughout the winter months, meaning that there was... Show more

Each year for its national Mother’s Day, Norway is abuzz with advertisements for the perfect Mother’s Day gifts and services. While overly commercial these days, celebrating Mother’s Day in Norway has become a huge occasion, and children—young and grown—are sure to honor their mothers with gifts and other expressions of gratitude. In this article, you’ll learn how Mother’s Day is celebrated in Norway as well as how this holiday got started here. Are you ready? Let’s go! 1. What is Mother’s Day in Norway? Like Mother’s Day in the rest of the world, this holiday in Norway is a special day dedicated to honoring one’s mother and showing her appreciation. Because mothers do so much for their children and make so many personal... Show more

Did you know there are many different types of calendars? As you probably know - a calendar is a system of organizing days in weeks and months for specific purposes, according to Wikipedia. Worldwide, most countries use the Gregorian calendar. Some just work on the same framework, meaning that time is divided into units based on the earth's movement around the sun - the "solar calendar". Other calendars keep time by observing the moon's movements, a combination of the moon and the sun's movements, and seasons. Through NorwegianClass101, you can learn all about this and so much more! Our themed, culturally relevant lessons are skillfully designed so you can do your planning perfectly for a holiday or a date. Having a good plan for a... Show more

Did you know that only some reptiles and birds don't parent their offspring? Except for crocodiles, all reptiles (and one family of bird species called megapodes) hatch from eggs and grow up alone, without any family. The rest of us need family if we are to survive and thrive - humans and animals alike! At NorwegianClass101, we know how important family is. Therefore, we take care to teach you all the important vocabulary and phrases pertaining to family. Table of Contents Why Is It Important to Know Norwegian Vocabulary about Family? Learn a New Culture? Learn its Family Vocab first How NorwegianClass101 Can Help You Learn Norwegian Family Terms 1. Why Is It Important to Know Norwegian Vocabulary about Family? Well, if... Show more

You're learning to speak Norwegian, and it's going well. Your confidence is growing! So much so that you feel ready to share your experiences on social media—in Norwegian. At Learn Norwegian, we make this easy for you to get it right the first time. Post like a boss with these phrases and guidelines, and get to practice your Norwegian in the process. 1. Talking about Your Restaurant Visit in Norwegian Eating out is fun, and often an experience you'd like to share. Take a pic, and start a conversation on social media in Norwegian. Your friend will be amazed by your language skills...and perhaps your taste in restaurants! Olav eats at a restaurant with his friends, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment: POST Let's break... Show more