Knowing Norwegian gives you access to Norwegian culture, work opportunities in Norway, and the opportunity to communicate with Norwegians in their own language.
Norwegian is spoken by approximately 5.4 million people, mainly in Norway. This North Germanic language has a lot of dialects, and two official written languages (very similar, though) - bokmål and nynorsk. Most people learn bokmål when they start their Norwegian journey.
Free online tools to learn Norwegian
Duolingo is a popular platform that offers free language courses in a playful and interactive way. The Norwegian course on Duolingo covers basic grammar, vocabulary and sentence structure. The exercises are short, and you can easily adapt the learning to your own schedule.
Memrise offers free courses in Norwegian with a focus on building vocabulary through repetition and memory techniques. The platform combines videos of native speakers with quizzes, providing a more dynamic learning experience.
FutureLearn offers free online courses in Norwegian, often in collaboration with Norwegian universities. These courses cover both language and culture, which gives a deeper understanding of Norwegian society. The courses are more structured and academic, which can be useful if you want a more comprehensive learning experience. Free access to the courses is limited in time, but if you benefit from it, you can consider buying a subscription or permanent access to a specific course.
LearnNoW (Learn Norwegian on the Web) is a free online course developed by NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology). The course is designed for beginners and covers basic Norwegian grammar, vocabulary and communication. It includes texts, audio recordings, interactive tasks and grammar explanations.
This platform offers both free and paid resources. You can listen to podcasts, watch videos, and access flashcards that cover everything from beginner to advanced level. The platform also offers the opportunity to receive feedback from teachers.
NRK.no (Norwegian National Broadcasting):
Listening to Norwegian is an important part of language learning. NRK offers a wide selection of TV programmes, radio channels and news in Norwegian. Although the content is aimed at native speakers, it can be useful to improve your listening skills. You can start with children's programs or news clips, which are often easier to understand.
These apps connect you with native speakers who want to learn your language. You can practice Norwegian with real people through text, speech and video. It is a great way to gain practical experience and learn to speak Norwegian as part of a conversation.
Tips for Effective Language Learning
Set realistic goals: Start with small, achievable goals such as learning 10 new words per week or being able to hold a simple conversation after three months.
Practice every day: Language learning requires consistency. Dedicate some time every day to practice, whether through apps, reading, or watching Norwegian videos.
Use the language actively: Try to use Norwegian in your everyday life. Write small notes to yourself in Norwegian, try to think in Norwegian, or find a language partner to practice with.
Immerse yourself in the culture: Learning is more effective when you also understand the culture. Watch Norwegian films, listen to Norwegian music, and try to understand how the language is used in different contexts.
Learning Norwegian can be a challenge, but with the right tools and resources, it can also be an exciting and satisfying journey. With free online resources like those mentioned above, you have everything you need to get started. Good luck!
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