Around the time of the summer solstice, Norway begins its celebration of Midsummer. With the weather warm and the days long, there couldn’t be a better time to enjoy the Midsummer festival Norway puts on each year. On Midsummer, Norway’s traditions have lost much of their original meaning and significance, but Norwegians still find Midsummer Day a time of fun and merriment.

In learning about Midsummer’s Eve traditions in Norway, you’re opening your eyes to some unique facets of the country’s culture. And as any successful language-learner can attest to, understanding a country’s culture is essential in mastering its language.

At NorwegianClass101.com, we aim to make this learning journey both fun and informative!

1. What is Midsummer Day?

On Midsummer Day, Norway remembers the birth of John the Baptist and celebrates midsummer or the summer solstice. Midsummer’s Eve can also be called jonsok, which originates from Norse and means “vigil for Jon.”

A long time ago, people believed that witches and other supernatural elements were abnormally strong on Midsummer’s Eve, since the sun turns that day. People gathered herbs and made a bonfire to keep the witches away. This was the origin of the Midsummer’s Eve bonfire.

Even if St. John’s Eve as a folk tradition isn’t so strong anymore, Norwegians still appreciate this summer holiday.

2. When is Midsummer?

Norway celebrates Midsummer (and the birth of John the Baptist) each year on June 23.

3. Reading Practice: Midsummer’s Eve Traditions

How do Norwegians celebrate Midsummer today? On Midsummer night, Norway is known for its record-breaking bonfires, but that’s not all. Learn more about this Midsummer holiday Norway so enjoy by reading the Norwegian text below. You can find the English translation directly below it.

—

De aller fleste nordmenn starter feiringen av Sankthansaften på ettermiddagen. Venner og familie samles for å spise og drikke sammen, og det vanligste er å grille. Etter dette leker barn og voksne , eller bare slapper av med prating. Dagen etter Sankthansaften er ikke lenger en fridag, så det finnes en del nordmenn som nå lar være å feire sankthansaften.

På sankthansaften i Norge er det ikke bare bål som blir satt fyr på, men også båter. På sørlandet, i Flekkefjord, er det vanlig å sette fyr på en gammel båt som er fylt med brennbare materialer. Denne tradisjonen startet på 1800-tallet, da ungdom fant en gammel bål, fylte den opp, tente på og så dro de denne båten med seg omkring i gatene. Grunnet brannfare blir denne båten nå ankret på sjøen og tent på der.

—

Most Norwegians will start the celebration in the afternoon. Friends and family gather to eat and drink together, and the most common activity is to barbecue. After this, the children and adults will play or relax and chat. The day after Midsummer’s Eve is no longer a holiday, so some Norwegians refrain from celebrating St. John’s Eve.

After eating and having fun for hours, everyone goes together to watch the lighting of St John’s bonfires. Along Norway’s coastline, you can see one bonfire after another and people gathering around the big bonfires. Looking at a bonfire burn in the dusk is something Norwegians really like. In certain places, it is also tradition to go up into the mountains instead of enjoying bonfires.

Midsummer’s Eve in Norway doesn’t only see bonfires set on fire, but also boats. In the southern part of Norway, in Flekkefjord, it is common to set an old boat filled with burning materials on fire. This tradition started in the 1800s when kids found an old boat, filled it up, lit a fire, and pulled the boat through the streets. Because of the fire hazard, boats are now anchored in the ocean and set alight there.

4. Tallest Bonfire in Norway

When it comes to the Midsummer bonfire, Norway isn’t just playing around. How tall do you think the biggest bonfire has been in Norway to date?

The tallest bonfire in Norway was in 2016, measuring 47.4 meters (about 155.5 feet). This bonfire currently holds the world record, and is called Slinningsbålet, referring to the tallest bonfire. Because of the fire hazard and pollution, many places in Norway prohibit St. John’s Eve bonfires.

5. Useful Vocabulary for Midsummer in Norway

Here’s the most important vocabulary you should know for the Midsummer holiday in Norway!

• Sommer — “Summer”
• Juni — “June”
• Grille — “Grill”
• Midtsommer — “Midsummer”
• Solverv — “Solstice”
• Bål — “Bonfire”
• Ild — “Fire”
• Midnattsol — “Midnight sun“
• Kyst — “Coast”
• Selskap — “Company”
• Jorbær — “Strawberry”
• Blomsterkrans — “Flower wreath”

To hear each of these vocabulary words pronounced, visit our Norwegian Midsummer Day vocabulary list. Here, each word is accompanied by an audio file of its pronunciation.

Conclusion

What do you think of Norway’s Midsummer celebrations? Does your country also celebrate Midsummer Day, and if so, are traditions there similar or very different? Let us know in the comments; we always love hearing from you!

To continue learning about Norwegian culture and the language, visit us at NorwegianClass101.com! We provide effective, practical learning tools for every learner so that anyone can master Norwegian. Read more insightful blog posts like this one, spruce up your Norwegian vocabulary, and chat with fellow Norwegian learners on our community forums. You can also upgrade to Premium Plus to begin using our MyTeacher program, where you can learn Norwegian with your own personal teacher!

Learning Norwegian is no easy goal to achieve, but your determination and good work will begin reaping rewards before you know it! And NorwegianClass101.com will be here with you on each step of your journey to language mastery.

Norwegian Independence Day is the most important holiday in the country. It holds such significance to Norwegians, in fact, that celebrations aren’t limited to Norway (such as the celebration of Norwegian Constitution Day in Ballard, Seattle in the United States). Norwegian Constitution Day commemorates the date that Norway gained independence through the finally accepted Norway Constitution.

In learning about this holiday, you’re gaining insight into Norway’s long history and rich culture. Cultural knowledge is vital to learning any language, and at NorwegianClass101.com, we hope to make this learning expedition both fun and informative! Learn how to say “Happy Constitution Day” in Norwegian and more with us!

1. What is Constitution Day in Norway?

An important day for every Norwegian, the Norway Constitution Day is really a day where one can see the entire nation gathered. The Norwegians call Constitution Day their national day.

Norwegian Independence Day is held in commemoration of when the Norway Constitution was accepted in 1814. It became a day of celebration, and Norwegians started to hold parades to celebrate their independence day. From 1870 on, the first children’s parades started and this is a tradition that remains today.

2. When is the Norwegian Independence Day?

Each year, Norwegians celebrate Constitution Day on May 17, the day that their Constitution was finalized and their country’s independence gained.

3. Reading Practice: Norwegian Constitution Day Celebrations

Read the Norwegian text below to learn about Norwegian Constitution Day traditions. You’ll find the English translation directly below it.

—

De aller fleste nordmenn starter 17.mai dagen tidlig. Man står opp og tar på seg fine klær. Mange folk bruker også Norges tradisjonelle folkedrakt, kalt bunad. Deretter drar alle barn til den plassen hvor barnetoget skal starte, og foreldre og familie står langs gatene for å se på toget som går forbi. Alle barna synger norske sanger, roper hurra-rop og vifter med det norske flagget.

Det er ingen regler for hva man skal spise på Nasjonaldagen, men de aller fleste nordmenn forbinder mat på 17.mai med pølser, is og brus.

—

Most Norwegians start the May 17 Day early. You get up and put on nice clothes. Many use the Norwegian traditional suit, called Bunad. After this, all the children go to the place where the parade will start, and the parents and family stand along the streets to watch the parade that goes by. All the children sing Norwegian songs, shout “Hooray,” and wave the Norwegian flag.

After the May 17 parade is over, most people will listen to the May 17 speech, and then go to a celebration that is arranged by the local school. During these events, the kids will sing songs, play, and have sack races and potato races. If a family does not have small children, there will often be a barbecue with family and friends in the yard.

There are no rules for what one should eat on the national holiday, but most Norwegians associate May 17 with hot dogs, ice cream, and soda.

4. Royal Palace (Oslo) & The Royal Family

What do you think the Royal Family does on May 17?

On May 17, the King, Queen, and the rest of the Royal Family stands on the Royal Palace in Oslo’s balcony and waves to the Norwegian people. The children’s parade in Oslo stops in front of the Castle, and many Norwegian children look forward to catching a glimpse of the Royal Family.

5. Useful Vocabulary for Norwegian Independence Day

Here’s some vocabulary you should know for Constitution Day in Norway!

• Iskrem — “Ice cream”
• Synge — “Sing”
• Sang — “Song”
• Grunnlovsdagen — “Constitution Day”
• Skolekorps — “School band”
• Det Konglige Slott — “Royal Palace, Oslo”
• Dronning — “Queen”
• Parade — “Parade”
• Nasjonaldag — “National day”
• Musikkorps — “Music band”
• Konge — “King”
• Pølse — “Hotdog”
• Flaggdag — “Flag day”
• Kronprins — “Crown Prince”
• Janitsjarkorps — “Concert band”
• Slott — “Castle”
• Bunad — “Bunad”
• Nasjonalsang — “Anthem”

To hear each of these vocabulary words pronounced, check out our Norwegian Constitution Day vocabulary list. Here, you’ll find each word accompanied by an audio file of its pronunciation.

Conclusion

The Norwegian Independence Day is a holiday that the country’s people as a whole can celebrate together, and they do! What do you think of the Norwegian Constitution Day traditions we discussed? Does your country have a Constitution Day? Let us know in the comments!

To learn more about Norwegian culture and the language, visit us at NorwegianClass101.com. Here, you’ll find insightful blog posts on a variety of topics, fun podcasts to learn on the go, and free vocabulary lists to expand your word bank! You can also discuss lessons with fellow Norwegian learners on our forums and take advantage of our MyTeacher program with a Premium Plus account. At NorwegianClass101.com, there’s something for every learner and every learner can master the Norwegian language with enough effort and determination!

Until next time, Lykkelig Grunnlov Dag (“Happy Constitution Day” ) in Norway! Enjoy some Norwegian Constitution Day food for us. 😉

Do you often feel lonely and sad? Do you long for romance and are willing to do whatever it takes to meet that special person? Speaking another language could revolutionize your love life! So, why wait? Learning how to say ‘love’ in Norwegian could be just what you need to find it.

Or perhaps you were lucky, and have found your Norwegian partner already. Fantastic! Yet, a cross-cultural relationship comes with unique challenges. Learning how to speak your lover’s language will greatly improve your communication and enhance the relationship. At NorwegianClass101, our team will teach you all the words, quotes and phrases you need to woo your Norwegian lover with excellence! Our tutors provide personal assistance, with plenty of extra material available to make Norwegian dating easy for you.

Table of Contents

1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date
2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date
3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary
4. Norwegian Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day
5. Norwegian Quotes about Love
6. Marriage Proposal Lines
7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines
8. Will Falling in Love Help You Learn Norwegian Faster?

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1. Common Phrases You’ll Need for a Date

So, you have met your Norwegian love interest. Congratulations! Who knows where this could take you…?! However, the two of you have just met and you’re not ready to say the Norwegian word for love just yet. Great, it is better to get to know him/her first. Wow your prospective love by using these Norwegian date phrases to set up a spectacular first date.

Would you like to go out to dinner with me?

• Har du lyst til å gå ut å spise middag med meg?

The important question! In most cultures, this phrase indicates: ‘I’m romantically interested in you’. Flirting in Norwegian is no different, so don’t take your date to Mcdonald’s!

Are you free this weekend?

• Er du ledig i helgen?

This is a preamble to asking your love interest on a date. If you get an immediate ‘Yes’, that’s good news!

Would you like to hang out with me?

• Har du lyst til å henge med meg?

You like her/him, but you’re not sure if there’s chemistry. Ask them to hang out first to see if a dinner date is next.

What time shall we meet tomorrow?

• Når skal vi møtes i morgen?

Set a time, and be sure to arrive early! Nothing spoils a potential relationship more than a tardy date.

Where shall we meet?

• Hvor skal vi møtes?

You can ask this, but also suggest a place.

You look great.

• Du ser bra ut.

A wonderful ice breaker! This phrase will help them relax a bit – they probably took great care to look their best just for you.

You are so cute.

• Du er så søt.

If the two of you are getting on really well, this is a fun, flirtatious phrase to use.

What do you think of this place?

• Hva synes du om dette stedet?

This another good conversation starter. Show off your Norwegian language skills!

Can I see you again?

• Kan vi møtes igjen?

So the date went really well – don’t waste time! Make sure you will see each other again.

Shall we go somewhere else?

• Skal vi gå et annet sted?

If the place you meet at is not great, you can suggest going elsewhere. It is also a good question to follow the previous one. Variety is the spice of life!

I know a good place.

• Jeg vet om et bra sted.

Use this with the previous question. However, don’t say if you don’t know a good place!

I will drive you home.

• Jeg kan kjøre deg hjem.

If your date doesn’t have transport, this is a polite, considerate offer. However, don’t be offended if she/he turns you down on the first date. Especially a woman might not feel comfortable letting you drive her home when the two of you are still basically strangers.

That was a great evening.

• Det var en flott kveld.

This is a good phrase to end the evening with.

When can I see you again?

• Når kan jeg se deg igjen?

If he/she replied ‘Yes’ to ‘Can I see you again?’, this is the next important question.

I’ll call you.

• Jeg ringer deg.

Say this only if you really mean to do it. In many cultures, this could imply that you’re keeping the proverbial backdoor open.

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2. The Most Romantic Ideas for a Date

You learned all the Norwegian phrases to make a date – congratulations! Now you have to decide where to meet, which can be tricky. Discuss these options with your lover to gauge whether you like the same things. Check out romantic date ideas in Norwegian below!

museum

• museum

If you’re looking for unique date ideas that are fun but won’t break the bank, museums are the perfect spot! You won’t be running out of things to say in the conversations.

candlelit dinner

• middag med levende lys

A candlelit dinner is perhaps best to reserve for when the relationship is getting serious. It’s very intimate, and says: “Romance!” It’s a fantastic choice if you’re sure you and your date are in love with each other!

go to the zoo

• gå til dyreparken

This is a good choice for shy lovers who want to get the conversation going. Just make sure your date likes zoos, as some people dislike them. Maybe not for the first date, but this is also a great choice if your lover has children – you’ll win his/her adoration for inviting them along!

go for a long walk

• gå en lang tur

Need to talk about serious stuff, or just want to relax with your date? Walking together is soothing, and a habit you can keep up together always! Just make sure it’s a beautiful walk that’s not too strenuous.

go to the opera

• gå på opera

This type of date should only be attempted if both of you love the opera. It can be a special treat, followed by a candlelit dinner!

go to the aquarium

• gå til et akvarium

Going to the aquarium is another good idea if you need topics for conversation, or if you need to impress your lover’s kids! Make sure your date doesn’t have a problem with aquariums.

walk on the beach

• gå på stranden

This can be a very romantic stroll, especially at night! The sea is often associated with romance and beauty.

have a picnic

• gå på piknik

If you and your date need to get more comfortable together, this can be a fantastic date. Spending time in nature is soothing and calms the nerves.

cook a meal together

• lage mat sammen

If you want to get an idea of your date’s true character in one go, this is an excellent date! You will quickly see if the two of you can work together in a confined space. If it works, it will be fantastic for the relationship and create a sense of intimacy. If not, you will probably part ways!

have dinner and see a movie

• spise middag og se en film

This is traditional date choice works perfectly well. Just make sure you and your date like the same kind of movies!

3. Must-know Valentine’s Day Vocabulary

Expressing your feelings honestly is very important in any relationship all year round. Yet, on Valentine’s Day you really want to shine. Impress your lover this Valentine’s with your excellent vocabulary, and make his/her day! We teach you, in fun, effective ways, the meanings of the words and how to pronounce them. You can also copy the characters and learn how to write ‘I love you’ in Norwegian – think how impressed your date will be!

4. Norwegian Love Phrases for Valentine’s Day

So, you now have the basic Valentine’s Day vocabulary under your belt. Well done! But, do you know how to say ‘I love you’ in Norwegian yet? Or perhaps you are still only friends. So, do you know how to say ‘I like you’ or ‘I have a crush on you’ in Norwegian? No? Don’t worry, here are all the love phrases you need to bowl over your Norwegian love on this special day!

I love you.

• Jeg elsker deg.

Saying ‘I love you’ in Norwegian carries the same weight as in all languages. Use this only if you’re sure and sincere about your feelings for your partner/friend.

You mean so much to me.

• Du betyr så mye for meg.

This is a beautiful expression of gratitude that will enhance any relationship! It makes the receiver feel appreciated and their efforts recognized.

Will you be my Valentine?

• Vil du være min valentine?

With these words, you are taking your relationship to the next level! Or, if you have been a couple for a while, it shows that you still feel the romance. So, go for it!

You’re so beautiful.

• Du er så vakker.

If you don’t know how to say ‘You’re pretty’ in Norwegian, this is a good substitute, gentlemen!

I think of you as more than a friend.

• Jeg ser på deg som mer enn en venn.

Say this if you are not yet sure that your romantic feelings are reciprocated. It is also a safe go-to if you’re unsure about the Norwegian dating culture.

A hundred hearts would be too few to carry all my love for you.

• Hundre hjerter ville være for få til å bære all min kjærlighet for deg.

You romantic you…! When your heart overflows with love, this would be the best phrase to use.

Love is just love. It can never be explained.

• Kjærlighet er kjærlighet. Det kan aldri bli forklart.

If you fell in love unexpectedly or inexplicably, this one’s for you.

You’re so handsome.

• Du er så kjekk.

Ladies, this phrase lets your Norwegian love know how much you appreciate his looks! Don’t be shy to use it; men like compliments too.

I’ve got a crush on you.

• Jeg er forelsket i deg.

If you like someone, but you’re unsure about starting a relationship, it would be prudent to say this. It simply means that you like someone very, very much and think they’re amazing.

You make me want to be a better man.

• Du får meg til å ville bli en bedre mann.

Gentlemen, don’t claim this phrase as your own! It hails from the movie ‘As Good as it Gets’, but it is sure to make your Norwegian girlfriend feel very special. Let her know that she inspires you!

Let all that you do be done in love.

• La alt dere gjør, skje i kjærlighet.

We hope.

You are my sunshine, my love.

• Du er min sol, min kjærlighet.

A compliment that lets your lover know they bring a special quality to your life. Really nice!

Words can’t describe my love for you.

• Ord kan ikke beskrive min kjærlighet til deg.

Better say this when you’re feeling serious about the relationship! It means that your feelings are very intense.

We were meant to be together.

• Vi var ment til å være sammen.

This is a loving affirmation that shows you see a future together, and that you feel a special bond with your partner.

If you were thinking about someone while reading this, you’re definitely in love.

• Hvis du tenker på noen mens du leser dette, er du definitivt forelsket.

Here’s something fun to tease your lover with. And hope he/she was thinking of you!

5. Norwegian Quotes about Love

You’re a love champ! You and your Norwegian lover are getting along fantastically, your dates are awesome, your Valentine’s Day together was spectacular, and you’re very much in love. Good for you! Here are some beautiful phrases of endearment in Norwegian that will remind him/her who is in your thoughts all the time.

6. Marriage Proposal Lines

Wow. Your Norwegian lover is indeed the love of your life – congratulations! And may only happiness follow the two of you! In most traditions, the man asks the woman to marry; this is also the Norwegian custom. Here are a few sincere and romantic lines that will help you to ask your lady-love for her hand in marriage.

7. 15 Most Common Break-Up Lines

Instead of moving towards marriage or a long-term relationship, you find that the spark is not there for you. That is a pity! But even though breaking up is never easy, continuing a bad or unfulfilling relationship would be even harder. Remember to be kind to the person you are going to say goodbye to; respect and sensitivity cost nothing. Here are some phrases to help you break up gently.

8. Will Falling in Love help you Learn Norwegian faster?

Most people will agree that the above statement is a no-brainer – of course it will! Your body will be flooded with feel-good hormones, which are superb motivators for anything. NorwegianClass101 is one of the best portals to help help make this a reality, so don’t hesitate to enroll now! Let’s quickly look at the reasons why falling in love will speed up your learning of the Norwegian language.

Three Reasons Why Having a Lover will Help you Learn Norwegian Faster!

1- Being in a love relationship with your Norwegian speaking partner will immerse you in the culture
NorwegianClass101 uses immersive methods and tools to teach you Norwegian, but having a relationship with a native speaker will be a very valuable addition to your learning experience! You will gain exposure to their world, realtime and vividly, which will make the language come alive even more for you. The experience is likely to expand your world-view, which should motivate you to learn Norwegian even faster.

2- Having your Norwegian romantic partner will mean more opportunity to practice speaking
Nothing beats continuous practice when learning a new language. Your partner will probably be very willing to assist you in this, as your enhanced Norwegian language skills will enhance the relationship. Communication is, after all, one of the most important pillars of a good partnership. Also, you will get to impress your lover with the knowledge gained through your studies – a win/win situation!

3- A supportive Norwegian lover is likely to make a gentle, patient teacher and study aid!
With his/her heart filled with love and goodwill for you, your Norwegian partner is likely to patiently and gently correct your mistakes when you speak. This goes not only for grammar, but also for accent and meaning. With his/her help, you could sound like a native in no time!

Three Reasons Why NorwegianClass101 helps you learn Norwegian Even Faster when you’re In Love

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1- All the Resources and Materials Will Help Both of You
Falling in love with a man or woman speaking Norwegian is an opportunity for both of you to learn a new language! For this reason, every lesson, transcript, vocabulary list, and resource at NorwegianClass101 is translated into both English and Norwegian. So, while your partner can help you learn Norwegian faster, you can potentially also help him/her learn and master English!

2- Lessons Are Designed to Help You Understand and Engage with Norwegian Culture
At NorwegianClass101, our focus is to help our students learn practical vocabulary and phrases used by everyday people in Norway. This means that, from your very first lesson, you can apply what you learn immediately! So, when your Norwegian partner wants to go out to a restaurant, play Pokemon Go, or attend just about any social function, you have the vocabulary and phrases necessary to have a great time!

3- Access to Special Resources Dedicated to Romantic Norwegian Phrases
You now have access to NorwegianClass101’s specially-developed sections and tools to teach you love words, phrases, and cultural insights to help you find and attract your Norwegian soul mate. A personal tutor will assist you to master these brilliantly – remember to invite him/her to your wedding!

The Sami people are Norway’s “indigenous people,” or in Norwegian, urbefolkning. The Sami are not only found in Norway, but also in Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The Sami are thereby a minority of four different countries and at one point in history were strongly looked down upon.

However, today in Norway, Sami people are rather celebrated throughout the country. This change makes Sami National Day one of the most important Norwegian holidays to learn about in order to delve into its history, culture, and values. That includes its newfound appreciation for its indigenous people.

Our goal here at NorwegianClass101.com is to help you master not only the Norwegian language, but the country and its people as a whole.

That said, let’s continue forward to learn about what Sami National Day really is.

1. What is Norwegian Sami National Day?

Also called Samenes nasjonaldag, Sami National Day is essentially a day devoted to the Sami people, recognizing and appreciating them.

The Sami national holiday is a relatively new day of celebration, only having been adopted in Norway in 1992. Historically, up until the 60s, the Sami people were looked down upon and many laws were implemented trying to force the Sami to integrate more with the general population of Norway. For instance, one such law restricted the use of Sami, the language of the Sami people.

Nowadays, however, the Sami National Day is celebrated all over the country, especially in schools. The Sami flag is raised, the national anthem is sung, and food such as “reindeer meat” (reinsdyrkjøtt) and “fish” (fisk) is made to celebrate.

2. When is it?

Each year, the Sami people celebrate their national day on February 6. This is the day in 1917 that their “congress” (kongress) met in “fellowship” (samvær) for the first time.

3. Reading Practice: How is it Celebrated?

How do the Sami and the rest of Norway celebrate Sami National Day? Find out by reading the following information in Norwegian (you’ll find the English translation below it):

Samenes nasjonaldag blir feiret overalt i landet, særlig på skoler. Sameflagget heises, nasjonalsangen synges og mat laget av reinsdyrkjøtt eller fisk spises. Samene har også på seg nasjonaldrakten sin. I byen Tromsø har de reinkappkjør, der reinsdyr trekker folk etter seg på ski.

Sameflagget er kanskje det viktigste symbolet for nasjonaldagen. Den røde delen av sirkelen på flagget symboliserer sola, og den blå delen månen. Inspirasjonen for denne sirkelen er hentet fra et samisk dikt der samene blir omtalt som solas sønn og datter.

——–

The Sami National Day is celebrated all over the country, especially in schools. The Sami flag is raised, the national anthem is sung, and food such as “reindeer meat,” or reinsdyrkjøtt, and “fish,” or fisk, is made to celebrate. Most Sami also make sure to wear their traditional clothing on this day. In the city of Tromsø, they host reindeer races, where “reindeer,” or reinsdyr, pull people on skis.

It isn’t only in schools that the Sami national holiday is celebrated. In Oslo, the Mayor invites the Sami to raise the flag and to breakfast at the Town Hall on this day. The State University Hospital in Oslo also celebrates the Sami national holiday. They arrange a Sami week where sick children with a Sami background can participate.

The Sami flag is probably the most important “symbol,” or symbol, for the national day. The Sami flag is red on half of the flag, and blue on the rest. In the middle, there’s a green stripe and a yellow stripe from top to bottom. The circle on the middle is blue on the red part of the flag, and red on the blue side. The red part of the circle represents the sun and the blue the moon. The inspiration for the circle stems from a Sami poem where the Sami are described as the sons and daughters of the sun.

4. Additional Information

In Norway there are approximately 50,000 Sami today. The Sami people are one population in four different countries, with a total population estimated at 70,000. However, even though there are still a lot of Sami today, only a third actually speak the Sami language and even fewer can write it.

5. Must-know Vocab

There’s some vocabulary you’ll need to know in order to fully understand this holiday. Take a look at our list below to help you better appreciate Sami National Day.

• historie — “history”
• flagg — “flag”
• same — “Sami”
• urbefolkning — “indigenous people”
• Sameland — “Lapland”
• reinsdyr — “reindeer”
• tradisjon — “tradition”
• rettighet — “right”
• diskriminere — “discriminate”
• moderne — “modern”
• samvær — “fellowship”
• kongress — “congress”

To hear the pronunciation of each word, be sure to visit our Norwegian Sami National Day vocabulary list. Here you’ll find each word accompanied by an audio of its pronunciation.

Conclusion

Now you know more about who the Sami people are as well as their place in Norwegian culture. What do you think about the Sami National Day? Let us know in the comments!

Interested in learning even more about Norwegian culture? Be sure to visit us at NorwegianClass101.com. We offer an array of useful blog posts, vocabulary lists on various topics, and even an online community where you can discuss what you’re learning with other Norwegian learners! And don’t forget to download our MyTeacher app to take full advantage of having your own personal Norwegian teacher for a one-on-one learning experience.

We hope you learned lots in this article, and that you’ll apply your Norwegian culture knowledge to your language studies. You’ll master the Norwegian language and nuances before you know it! Best of luck in your language studies!

Most everyone is familiar with this day, as it is celebrated nearly everywhere the world. Yet, when exactly is April Fools’ Day? And where did April Fools come from? April Fools’ Day is observed on April 1st every year. This day of jokes and pranks is believed to have stemmed from the 16th-century calendar change in France, when New Year’s Day was moved from April 1 to January 1. This action was taken due to the adoption of the Gregorian calendar.

However, a few people were resistant to the calendar change, so they continued to observe New Year’s Day on April 1st, rather than the new date. They were referred to as the “April Fools”, and others started playing mocking tricks on them. This custom endured, and is practiced to this day around the world!

Table of Contents

1. Top One Million Words You Need to Know for April Fools’ Day
2. Norwegian Phrases You Can Use on April Fools’ Day
3. Some of the Coolest April Fools’ Pranks To Play on Anybody
4. How Can NorwegianClass101 Make Your April Fools’ Day Special?
5. Top 1000 Most Useful Phrases in Norwegian – Testing New Technology

1. Top One Million Words You Need to Know for April Fools’ Day

Do you want to know how to say April Fools’ Day in Norwegian? Well, there are millions of ways and words, but here are the top one million Norwegian words you really need to know! Simply click this link. Here are some of them you will find useful:

1. joke – spøke
2. funny – morsom
3. lie – lyve
4. surprise – overraske
5. fool – tosk
6. deceptive – villedende
7. April 1st – Første april
8. humor – humor
9. sneaky – slesk
10. prankster – tullebukk
11. prank – narrestrek
12. play a joke – tulle med noen

2. Norwegian Phrases You Can Use on April Fools’ Day

Don’t limit yourself to practical jokes – use these April Fools’ phrases in Norwegian to prank your favorite Norwegian friend or colleague!

1. I learned Norwegian in 1 month.
   • Jeg lærte norsk på en måned.
2. All classes for today got canceled.
   • Alle klasser i dag ble kansellert.
3. I’m sorry, but I’ve just broken your favorite pair of glasses.
   • Jeg beklager, men jeg ødela nettopp ditt favorittpar med briller.
4. Someone has just hit your car.
   • Noen har nettopp truffet bilen din.
5. I’m getting married.
   • Jeg skal gifte meg.
6. You won a free ticket.
   • Du vant en gratis billett.
7. I saw your car being towed.
   • Jeg så bilen din ble tauet.
8. They’re giving away free gift cards in front of the building.
   • De gir bort gratis gavekort foran bygningen.
9. A handsome guy is waiting for you outside.
   • En kjekk fyr venter på deg utenfor.
10. A beautiful lady asked me to give this phone number to you.
    • En vakker dame spurte meg om å gi dette telefonnummeret til deg.
11. Can you come downstairs? I have something special for you.
    • Kan du komme ned? Jeg har noe spesielt til deg.
12. Thank you for your love letter this morning. I never could have guessed your feelings.
    • Takk for kjærlighetsbrevet ditt i morges. Jeg kunne aldri ha gjettet følelsene dine.

Choose your victims carefully, though; the idea is to get them to laugh with you, not to hurt their feelings or humiliate them in front of others. Be extra careful if you choose to play a prank on your boss – you don’t want to antagonize them with an inappropriate joke.

3. Some of the Coolest April Fools’ Pranks To Play on Anybody

Right, now that you know the top million April Fools’ words in Norwegian, let’s look at some super pranks and tricks to play on friends, colleagues and family. Some April Fools ideas never grow old, while new ones are born every year.

Never joke in such a way that it hurts anyone, or humiliates them badly in front of others – the idea is for everybody to laugh and enjoy the fun! Respect is still key, no matter what day of the year it is.

1- Infestation

This trick is so simple, yet so creepy, it’s almost unbelievable. Take black paper, cut out the silhouette of a giant cockroach, a spider or another insect, and stick it inside the lampshade of a table lamp. When the lamp is switched on, it will look like a monstrous insect is sitting inside the lampshade. Or, get a whole lot of realistic-looking plastic insects, and spread them over a colleague’s desk and chair, or, at home, over the kids’ beds etc. Creep-factor: stellar.

2- Which One Doesn’t Fit?

Put the photo of a celebrity or a notorious politician in a frame, and take it to work on April Fools’ Day. Hang the photo on the staff picture wall, and wait. You’ll be surprised how long it can take for people to notice that one picture doesn’t fit.

3- Something Weird in the Restroom

At work, replace the air freshener in the restroom with something noxious like insect killer, oven cleaner or your own odious mixture in a spray bottle. Be sure to cover the bottle’s body so no one suspects a swap.

Or paint a bar of soap with clear nail polish, and leave it at the hand wash basin. It will not lather.

Or, if your workplace’s restroom has partitioned toilets with short doors, arrange jeans or trousers and shoes on all but one of the toilet covers, so it looks like every stall is occupied. Now wait for complaints, and see how long it takes for someone to figure out the April Fools’ Day prank. You’ll probably wish you had a camera inside the restroom. But, unless you don’t mind getting fired, don’t put your own recording device in there!

4- Call Me Funny

Prepare and print out a few posters with the following instructions: Lion Roar Challenge! Call this number – 123-456-7890 – and leave your best lion’s roar as voicemail! Best roarer will be announced April 10 in the cafeteria. Prize: $100. (Lion’s roar is just an example; you can use any animal call, or even a movie character’s unique sound, such as Chewbacca from Star Wars. The weirder, the funnier. Obviously!) Put the posters up in the office where most of the staff is likely to see them. Now wait for the owner of the number to visit you with murderous intent. Have a conciliatory gift ready that’s not a prank.

5- Minty Cookies

This is another simple but hugely effective prank – simply separate iced cookies, scrape off the icing, and replace it with toothpaste. Serve during lunch or tea break at work, or put in your family’s lunch boxes. Be sure to take photos of your victim’s faces when they first bite into your April Fools’ cookies.

6- Wild Shopping

At your local grocer, place a realistic-looking plastic snake or spider among the fresh vegetables. Now wait around the corner for the first yell.

7- The Oldest Trick in the Book

Don’t forget probably the oldest, yet very effective April Fools’ joke in the book – smearing hand cream or Vaseline on a door handle that most staff, family or friends are likely to use. Yuck to the max!

8- Sneeze On Me

Another golden oldie is also gross, yet harmless and utterly satisfying as a prank. Fill a small spray bottle that you can easily conceal with water. Walk past a friend, colleague or one of your kids, and fake a sneeze while simultaneously spraying them with a bit of water. Expect to be called a totally disgusting person. Add a drop of lovely smelling essential oil to the water for extra confusion.

9- Word Play Repairs

Put a fresh leek in the hand wash basin at home or work, and then tell your housemates or colleagues this: “There’s a huge leak in the restroom/bathroom basin, it’s really serious. Please can someone go have a look?!” Expect exasperation and smiles all around. Note that this prank is only likely to work where people understand English well.

10- Scary Face

Print out a very scary face on an A4 sheet of paper, and place it in a colleague’s, or one of your kid’s drawers, so it’s the first thing they see when they open the drawer. You may not be very popular for a while.

11- Wake Up To Madness

Put foamy shaving cream, or real whipped cream on your hand, and wake your kid up by tickling their nose with it. As long as they get the joke, this could be a wonderful and fun way to start April Fools’ Day.

12- Computer Prank

This one’s fabulous, if you have a bit of time to fiddle with a colleague, friend or your kid’s computer. It is most effective on a computer where most of the icons they use are on the desktop background itself (as opposed to on the bottom task bar).

Take and save a screenshot of their desktop with the icons. Set this screenshot as their background image. Now delete all the working icons. When they return to their computer, wait for the curses when no amount of clicking on the icons works.

13- Monster Under the Cup

This one will also work well anywhere people meet. Take a paper cup, and write the following on it in black pen: “Danger! Don’t lift, big spider underneath.” Place it upside-down on prominent flat surface, such as a kitchen counter, a colleague’s desk or a restaurant table. Expect some truly interesting responses.

14- Prank Door

Write in large letters on a large and noticeable piece of paper: PUSH. Tape this notice on a door that should be pulled to open, and watch the hilarious struggle of those clever souls who actually read signs.

4. How Can NorwegianClass101 Make Your April Fools’ Day Special?

If you happen to visit Norway, or if you work for any Norwegian company, knowing the above Norwegian prankster phrases can really lighten up your day. Showing you have a sense of humor can go a long way to cement good relationships in any situation. These phrases are at your disposal for free, as well as are these 100 core Norwegian words, which you will learn how to pronounce perfectly.

Also, don’t stop at learning April Fools’ phrases in Norwegian – bone up your Norwegian language skills with these FREE key phrases. Yes, NorwegianClass101 doesn’t joke when it comes to effective, fun and easy learning.

Now, as a bonus, test our super-learning technology, and learn the Top 1000 most useful phrases in Norwegian below! But that’s not all. Read on to learn how you can be eligible for large enrollment discounts at NorwegianClass101.

5. Top 1000 Most Useful Phrases in Norwegian – testing new technology

Help us by being a language guinea pig! Listen to this video above with embedded cutting-edge, frequency-based learning technology that enables you to learn large amounts of data in record time.

• Note: This technology is in beta-phase of development, and we invite your input for fine-tuning.
• To participate: Watch the video for instructions, and leave a comment to rate it. Your comment will make you eligible for large enrollment-fee discounts. To watch the video, please click the play button.

Thank you for helping NorwegianClass101! We’re serious about making learning Norwegian fun.

Learn all the Norwegian New Year wishes online, in your own time, on any device! Join NorwegianClass101 for a special Norwegian New Year celebration!

Can you relate to the year passing something like this: “January, February, March – December!”? Many people do! Quantum physics teaches us that time is relative, and few experiences illustrate this principle as perfectly as when we reach the end of a year. To most of us, it feels like the old one has passed in the blink of an eye, while the new year lies ahead like a very long journey! However, New Year is also a time to celebrate beginnings, and to say goodbye to what has passed. This is true in every culture, no matter when New Year is celebrated.

So, how do you say Happy New Year in Norwegian? Let a native teach you! At NorwegianClass101, you will learn how to correctly greet your friends over New Year, and wish them well with these Norwegian New Year wishes!

Table of Contents

1. How to Celebrate New Year in Norway
2. Must-Know Norwegian Words & Phrases for the New Year!
3. Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions in Norwegian
4. Inspirational New Year Quotes
5. Inspirational Language Learning Quotes
6. How To Say Happy New Year in 31 Languages
7. How NorwegianClass101 Can Help You Learn Norwegian

But let’s start with some vocabulary for Norwegian New Year celebrations, very handy for conversations.

1. How to Celebrate New Year in Norway

Like many other western countries, Norway celebrates the new year on New Year’s Day, December 31. Norwegian people typically gather with friends and eat good food, drink sparkling wine or champagne, and have a party, which is fest in Norwegian, all night long. In this lesson you’ll learn how Norwegians celebrate New Year’s.

Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question –

Do you know what type of accident is most common on New Year’s Eve?

If you don’t already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep reading.

In Norway, people celebrate New Year’s among friends. The party normally takes place in someone’s home, and everyone participates in the cooking, which in Norwegian is matlaging. Each person normally brings at least one dish: either a side dish, main course, or a dessert. The most common thing to eat for dinner on New Year’s Eve is reindeer, or reinsdyr, but turkey and moose steak are also popular choices. There are lots of toasts, which in Norwegian is skål, throughout the night, and sometimes a “thank you” speech is given summarizing the events of the year.

Another important speech held on New Year’s Eve is the King’s Speech. At 7:30 pm, most Norwegians turn on their TVs or radios to listen to the King’s speech about the year that was. The King speaks live from the The Royal Palace, broadcasting out to all the Norwegian people. Though some may mistakenly assume this speech to be pompous, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The King’s speeches are typically rather down to earth, which is why they are so special and appreciated by the Norwegian people.

As midnight approaches, people usually go to the nearest park or hilltop to watch the fyrverkeri, or fireworks, that are set off when the clock strikes 12:00. A lot of people bring their own fireworks, as it is legally permitted for anyone to set them off. At 12:00 they are all launched, and the dark night is filled with light. Everyone hugs each other and wishes each other a happy new year, and if you are lucky, you may even get a kiss, or kyss.

Now it’s time to answer our quiz question-

Do you know what type of accident is most common on New Year’s Eve?

The most prevalent accidents on New Year’s Eve are fireworks accidents. Every year, ERs across the country receive patients who have been hit by fireworks in the head or in the eyes. Be sure to watch out for stray fireworks if you’re in Norway on New Year’s Eve!

Happy New Year!
Godt Nyttår!

2. Must-Know Norwegian Words & Phrases for the New Year!

1- Year

år

This is pretty self-explanatory. Most countries follow a Gregorian calendar, which has approximately 365 days in a year, while in some cultures, other year designations are also honored. Therefore, New Year’s day in Norway could fall on a different day than in your country. When do you celebrate New Year?

2- Midnight

midnatt

The point in time when a day ends and a new one starts. Many New Year celebrants prefer to stay awake till midnight, and greet the new annum as it breaks with fanfare and fireworks!

3- New Year’s Day

nyttårsdag

In most countries, the new year is celebrated for one whole day. On the Gregorian calendar, this falls on January 1st. On this day, different cultures engage in festive activities, like parties, parades, big meals with families and many more.

4- Party

fest

A party is most people’s favorite way to end the old year, and charge festively into the new one! We celebrate all we accomplished in the old year, and joyfully anticipate what lies ahead.

5- Dancing

dansing

Usually, when the clock strikes midnight and the New Year officially begins, people break out in dance! It is a jolly way to express a celebratory mood with good expectations for the year ahead. Also, perhaps, that the old year with its problems has finally passed! Dance parties are also a popular way to spend New Year’s Eve in many places.

6- Champagne

sjampanje

Originating in France, champagne is a bubbly, alcoholic drink that is often used to toast something or someone during celebrations.

7- Fireworks

fyrverkeri

These are explosives that cause spectacular effects when ignited. They are popular for announcing the start of the new year with loud noises and colorful displays! In some countries, fireworks are set off to scare away evil spirits. In others, the use of fireworks is forbidden in urban areas due to their harmful effect on pets. Most animals’ hearing is much more sensitive than humans’, so this noisy display can be very frightful and traumatising to them.

8- Countdown

nedtelling

This countdown refers to New Year celebrants counting the seconds, usually backward, till midnight, when New Year starts – a great group activity that doesn’t scare animals, and involves a lot of joyful shouting when the clock strikes midnight!

9- New Year’s Holiday

Nyttårsferie

In many countries, New Year’s Day is a public holiday – to recuperate from the party the previous night, perhaps! Families also like to meet on this day to enjoy a meal and spend time together.

10- Confetti

konfetti

In most Western countries, confetti is traditionally associated with weddings, but often it is used as a party decoration. Some prefer to throw it in the air at the strike of midnight on New Year’s Eve.

11- New Year’s Eve

Nyttårsaften

This is the evening before New Year breaks at midnight! Often, friends and family meet for a party or meal the evening before, sometimes engaging in year-end rituals. How are you planning to give your New Year greetings in 2018?

12- Toast

skål

A toast is a type of group-salutation that involves raising your glass to drink with others in honor of something or someone. A toast to the new year is definitely in order!

13- Resolution

forsett

Those goals or intentions you hope to, but seldom keep in the new year! Many people consider the start of a new year to be the opportune time for making changes or plans. Resolutions are those intentions to change, or the plans. It’s best to keep your resolutions realistic so as not to disappoint yourself!

14- Parade

parade

New Year celebrations are a huge deal in some countries! Parades are held in the streets, often to celebratory music, with colorful costumes and lots of dancing. Parades are like marches, only less formal and way more fun. At NorwegianClass101, you can engage in forums with natives who can tell you what Norwegian New Year celebrations are like!

3. Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions

So, you learned the Norwegian word for ‘resolution’. Fabulous! Resolutions are those goals and intentions that we hope to manifest in the year that lies ahead. The beginning of a new year serves as a good marker in time to formalise these. Some like to do it in writing, others only hold these resolutions in their hearts. Here are our Top 10 New Year’s resolutions at NorwegianClass101 – what are yours?

Learn these phrases and impress your Norwegian friends with your vocabulary.

1- Read more

lese mer

Reading is a fantastic skill that everyone can benefit from. You’re a business person? Apparently, successful business men and women read up to 60 books a year. This probably excludes fiction, so better scan your library or Amazon for the top business reads if you plan to follow in the footsteps of the successful! Otherwise, why not make it your resolution to read more Norwegian in the new year? You will be surprised by how much this will improve your Norwegian language skills!

2- Spend more time with family

tilbringe mer tid med familien

Former US President George Bush’s wife, Barbara Bush, was quoted as having said this: “At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, a parent.” This is very true! Relationships are often what gives life meaning, so this is a worthy resolution for any year.

3- Lose weight

gå ned i vekt

Hands up, how many of you made this new year’s resolution last year too…?! This is a notoriously difficult goal to keep, as it takes a lot of self discipline not to eat unhealthily. Good luck with this one, and avoid unhealthy fad diets!

4- Save money

spare penger

Another common and difficult resolution! However, no one has ever been sorry when they saved towards reaching a goal. Make it your resolution to save money to upgrade your subscription to NorwegianClass101’s Premium PLUS option in the new year – it will be money well spent!

5- Quit smoking

slutte å røyke

This is a resolution that you should definitely keep, or your body could punish you severely later! Smoking is a harmful habit with many hazardous effects on your health. Do everything in your power to make this resolution come true in the new year, as your health is your most precious asset.

6- Learn something new

lære noe nytt

Science has proven that learning new skills can help keep brain diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s at bay! It can even slow down the progression of the disease. So, keep your brain healthy by learning to speak a new language, studying towards a qualification, learning how to sew, or how to play chess – no matter how old you are, the possibilities are infinite!

7- Drink less

drikke mindre alkohol

This is another health resolution that is good to heed any time of the year. Excessive drinking is associated with many diseases, and its effect can be very detrimental to good relationships too. Alcohol is a poison and harmful for the body in large quantities!

8- Exercise regularly

trene regelmessig

This resolution goes hand-in-hand with ‘Lose weight’! An inactive body is an unhealthy and often overweight one, so give this resolution priority in the new year.

9- Eat healthy

spise sunt

If you stick with this resolution, you will lose weight and feel better in general. It is a very worthy goal to have!

10- Study Norwegian with NorwegianClass101

studere norsk med NorwegianClass101.com

Of course! You can only benefit from learning Norwegian, especially with us! Learning how to speak Norwegian can keep your brain healthy, it can widen your circle of friends, and improve your chances to land a dream job anywhere in the world. NorwegianClass101 makes it easy and enjoyable for you to stick to this resolution.

4. Inspirational New Year Quotes

Everyone knows that it is sometimes very hard to stick to resolutions, and not only over New Year. The reasons for this vary from person to person, but all of us need inspiration every now and then! A good way to remain motivated is to keep inspirational quotes near as reminders that it’s up to us to reach our goals.

Click here for quotes that will also work well in a card for a special Norwegian new year greeting!

Make decorative notes of these in Norwegian, and keep them close! Perhaps you could stick them above your bathroom mirror, or on your study’s wall. This way you not only get to read Norwegian incidentally, but also remain inspired to reach your goals! Imagine feeling like giving up on a goal, but reading this quote when you go to the bathroom: “It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.” What a positive affirmation!

5. Inspirational Language Learning Quotes

Still undecided whether you should enroll with NorwegianClass101 to learn a new language? There’s no time like the present to decide! Let the following Language Learning Quotes inspire you with their wisdom.

Click here to read the most inspirational Language Learning Quotes!

As legendary President Nelson Mandela once said: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.” So, learning how to say Happy New Year in Norwegian could well be a way into someone special’s heart for you! Let this year be the one where you to learn how to say Happy New Year, and much more, in Norwegian – it could open many and unexpected doors for you.

6. How To Say Happy New Year in 31 Languages

Here’s a lovely bonus for you! Why stop with Norwegian – learn how to say Happy New Year in 31 other languages too! Watch this video and learn how to pronounce these New Year’s wishes like a native in under two minutes.

7. Why Enrolling with NorwegianClass101 Would Be the Perfect New Year’s Gift to Yourself!

If you are unsure how to celebrate the New Year, why not give yourself a huge gift, and enroll to learn Norwegian! With more than 12 years of experience behind us, we know that NorwegianClass101 would be the perfect fit for you. There are so many reasons for this!

• Custom-tailored Learning Paths: Start learning Norwegian at the level that you are. We have numerous Learning Pathways, and we tailor them just for you based on your goals and interests! What a boon!
• Marked Progress and Fresh Learning Material Every Week: We make new lessons available every week, with an option to track your progress. Topics are culturally appropriate and useful, such as “Learning how to deliver negative answers politely to a business partner.” Our aim is to equip you with Norwegian that makes sense!
• Multiple Learning Tools: Learn in fun, easy ways with resources such 1,000+ video and audio lessons, flashcards, detailed PDF downloads, and mobile apps suitable for multiple devices!
• Fast Track Learning Option: If you’re serious about fast-tracking your learning, Premium Plus would be the perfect way to go! Enjoy perks such as personalised lessons with ongoing guidance from your own, native-speaking teacher, and one-on-one learning on your mobile app! You will not be alone in your learning. Weekly assignments with non-stop feedback, answers and corrections will ensure speedy progress.
• Fun and Easy: Keeping the lessons fun and easy-to-learn is our aim, so you will stay motivated by your progress!

There’s no reason not to go big in 2018 by learning Norwegian with NorwegianClass101. Just imagine how the world can open up for you!

Do you know any ways to wish someone a ‘Merry Christmas’ in Norwegian? NorwegianClass101 brings you easy-to-learn translations and the correct pronunciation of Norwegian Christmas phrases!

Christmas is the annual commemorative festival of Christ’s birth in the Western Christian Church. It takes place on December 25th and is usually celebrated with much food and fanfare! However, not all cultures celebrate Christmas. In some countries, Christmas is not even a public holiday! However, many countries have adapted Christmas and its religious meaning to tally with their own beliefs, or simply in acknowledgment of the festival’s importance to other cultures. If you want to impress native Norwegian speakers with culturally-appropriate Christmas phrases and vocabulary, NorwegianClass101 will teach you the most important ways to wish someone a ‘Merry Christmas’ in Norwegian!

Table of Contents

1. How to Celebrate Christmas in Norway
2. Holiday Greetings and Wishes
3. Must-Know Christmas Day Vocabulary
4. Twelve Days of Christmas
5. Top 10 Christmas Characters
6. How NorwegianClass101 Can Help You

1. How to Celebrate Christmas in Norway

Christmas Eve. In Norwegian, it’s called juleaften.

In modern Norway, Christmas is celebrated on Christmas Eve, December 24, but back in the old days, Christmas was celebrated according to the Catholic tradition, and Christmas Day was the most important day. Eventually traditions such as putting up Christmas trees, or juletre, and giving gifts, in Norwegian called gave, came to Norway, and now most people enjoy celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve.

Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question-

Do you know what Norwegians put in the Christmas porridge?

If you don’t already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep reading.

The Christmas shows on TV are an important part of Christmas morning in many Norwegian homes. Many Norwegians feel that the Christmas spirit is not complete until they have seen the Czech-German fairytale “Three Nuts for Cinderella”, which in Norwegian is called “Tre nøtter til Askepott”, Disney’s Christmas medley, and the Norwegian fairytale “Reisen til Julestjernen” meaning “Journey to the Christmas Star”.

Early in the evening, the entire family gathers to eat Christmas dinner together. Some families eat meat as their main course, while others choose to eat fish. Pork ribs, or ribbe, and lye fish, or lutefisk, are two big Christmas classics. In addition, there are potatoes and sauerkraut to round out the meal. Small shot glasses are set on the table and are filled with akevitt, which means akvavit, a Norwegian spirit made from potatoes. This Aquavit is said to help with the digestion of the rich Christmas food.

At night, people gather in their living rooms to sing Christmas songs while standing in a circle around the Christmas tree. They’ll usually unwrap the gifts that lie under the Christmas tree, and often the youngest person must read the names on the gifts and give them out.

In homes with young children, Santa Claus, or julenissen, will come to visit in the evening with a bag full of gifts. He will always ask the same question: “Have you been nice this year?” And if the kids reply with “yes”, they will receive a gift.

Now it’s time to answer our quiz question-

Do you know what Norwegians put in the Christmas porridge?

The answer is an almond. The person who gets the almond in his or her bowl wins a prize, which is a marzipan pig called “marsipangris”. Many Norwegians try their hardest to get the almond, and end up eating way too much porridge

2. Holiday Greetings and Wishes for the Holiday Season

1- Merry Christmas!

God jul!

Do you know how to say ‘Merry Christmas’ in Norwegian? Learn here how to pronounce it perfectly! ‘Merry’ means to be joyful, to celebrate and generally be in good spirits. So, with this phrase you are wishing someone a joyful, celebratory remembrance of Christ’s birth!

2- Happy Kwanzaa!

God Kwanzaa!

Surprise your African-American, or West African native friends with this phrase over the Christmas holidays! Kwanzaa is a seven-day, non-religious celebration, starting on Dec 26th each year. It has its roots in African American modern history, and many people celebrate both Kwanzaa and Christmas!

3- Have a happy New Year!

Ha et godt nytt år!

In countries where Christmas is not officially celebrated, but a Gregorian calendar is observed, this would be a friendly festive-season wish over New Year.

4- Happy Hanukkah!

Gledelig Hanukka!

Hanukkah is the beautiful Hebrew festival over November or December each year. It is also called the ‘Festival of Lights’ and is celebrated to commemorate the Jewish freedom of religion.

5- Have a great winter vacation!

Ha en flott juleferie!

This is a good phrase to keep handy if someone doesn’t observe any religious festival over the Christmas holidays! However, this will only be applicable in the Northern hemisphere, where it is winter over Christmas.

6- See you next year!

Sees neste år!

Going away on holiday over Christmas season, or saying goodbye to someone about to leave on vacation? This would be a good way to say goodbye to your friends and family.

7- Warm wishes!

Varme ønsker!

An informal, friendly phrase to write in Norwegian Christmas cards, especially for secular friends who prefer to observe Christmas celebrations without the religious symbolism. It conveys the warmth of friendship and friendly wishes associated with this time of year.

8- Happy holidays!

God ferie!

If you forget how to say ‘Merry Christmas!’ in Norwegian, this is a safe, generic phrase to use instead.

9- Enjoy the holidays!

Nyt ferien!

After saying ‘Merry Christmas’ in Norwegian, this would be a good phrase with which to wish Christmas holiday-goers well! It is also good to use for secular friends who don’t celebrate Christmas but take a holiday at this time of the year.

10- Best wishes for the New Year!

De beste ønsker for det nye året!

This is another way of wishing someone well in the New Year if they observe a Gregorian calendar. New Year’s day would then fall on January 1st.

3. Must-Know Christmas Day Vocabulary

Christmas is associated with many traditions and religious symbols in multiple countries across the world. It originated centuries ago in the West with the birth of Christianity, and the celebrations are often embedded with rich cultural significance. So, by now you know how to say Merry Christmas in Norwegian! Next, learn pertinent vocabulary and phrases pertaining to Christmas, as well as how to pronounce them correctly. At NorwegianClass101, we make sure you sound like a native speaker!

1- Christmas

jul

This is the Norwegian word for ‘Christmas’. Most happy Christmas wishes in Norwegian will include this word!

2- Snow

snø

In most Northern-hemisphere countries, Christmas is synonymous with snow, and for Christmas, the snowman is often dressed as Santa Claus.

3- Snowflake

snøflak

Snowflakes collectively make up snow. A single snowflake is small, white, light like a feather and icy cold! When put under a microscope, the snowflake reveals itself to have the most beautiful, symmetrical patterns. These patterns have become popular Christmas decorations, especially in Western countries.

4- Snowman

snømann

As you guessed – a snowman is only possible to build if it is snowing! What a fun way to spend Christmas day outside.

5- Turkey

kalkun

Roast turkey is the traditional main dish on thousands of lunch tables on Christmas day, mainly in Western countries. What is your favorite Christmas dish?

6- Wreath

krans

Another traditional Western decoration for Christmas, the wreath is an arrangement of flowers, leaves, or stems fastened in a ring. Many families like to hang a Christmas wreath outside on their houses’ front doors.

7- Reindeer

Reinsdyret Rudolf

Reindeer are the animals commonly fabled to pull Santa Claus’ sled across the sky! Western Christmas folklore tells of Father Christmas or Santa Claus doing the rounds with his sled, carrying Christmas presents for children, and dropping them into houses through the chimney. But who is Santa Claus?

8- Santa Claus

julenisse

Santa Claus is a legendary and jolly figure originating in the Western Christian culture. He is known by many names, but is traditionally depicted as a rotund man wearing a red costume with a pointy hat, and sporting a long, snow-white beard!

9- Elf

alv

An elf is a supernatural creature of folklore with pointy ears, a dainty, humanoid body and a capricious nature. Elves are said to help Santa Claus distribute presents to children over Christmas!

10- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Reinsdyret Rudolf

‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ is a Christmas song based on an American children’s story book with the same name. Rudolph is one of Santa’s reindeer. The song became more famous than the book, and can still be heard playing in many shopping malls over Christmas time across the globe!

11- North Pole

Nordpolen

The cold North Pole is where Santa Claus is reputed to live with his reindeer!

12- Sled

slede

A sled is a non-motorised land vehicle used to travel over snow in countries where it snows a lot, and is usually pulled by animals such as horses, dogs or reindeer. This one obviously refers to Santa’s sled! Another word for sled is sleigh or sledge.

13- Present

gave

Gift or present giving is synonymous with Christmas Eve and the greatest source of joy for children over this festive time! This tradition signifies that Christ’s birth was a gift to mankind, but not all people who hand out presents over Christmas observe the religious meaning.

14- Bell

bjelle

On Christmas Day, or Christmas Eve, many religious celebrants enjoy going to church for a special sermon and Christmas rituals. The start of the sermon is often announced with bells or a bell, if the church has one. For this reason, the sound of ringing bells is often associated with Christmas Day.

15- Chimney

pipe

The chimney is the entrance Santa Claus uses to deliver children’s presents on Christmas Day, according to folklore! Wonder how the chubby man and his elves stay clean…?!

16- Fireplace

peis

In most countries where it snows, Christmas is synonymous with a fire or burning embers in houses’ fireplaces. Families huddle around its warmth while opening Christmas presents. Also, this is where Santa Claus is reputed to pop out after his journey down the chimney!

17- Christmas Day

Juledag

This is the official day of commemorative celebration of Christ’s birth, and falls each year on December 25.

18- Decoration

dekorasjon

Decorations are the colourful trinkets and posters that make their appearance in shops and homes during the Christmas holiday season in many countries! They give the places a celebratory atmosphere in anticipation of the big Christmas celebration. Typical Christmas decorations include colorful photographs and posters, strings of lights, figurines of Santa Claus and the nativity scene, poinsettia flowers, snowflakes and many more.

19- Stocking

strømpe

According to legend, Santa Claus places children’s presents in a red stocking hanging over the fireplace. This has also become a popular decoration, signifying Christmas.

20- Holly

kristtorn

Holly is a shrub native to the UK, and parts of Europe, Africa and Asia. It is characterised by glossy, spiny-toothed leaves, small, whitish flowers, and red berries. Ironically, its significance for Christmas relates to Christ’s crucifixion and suffering rather than his birth. However, the leaves’ distinctive shape and image have become popular Christmas decorations.

21- Gingerbread house

pepperkakehus

According to legend, the gingerbread house synonymous with Christmas is related to Christ’s birth place, Bethlehem. Bethlehem literally means ‘House of Bread’. Over centuries, it has become a popular treat over Christmas time in many non-religious households as well.

22- Candy cane

polkagris

According to folklore, Christmas candy canes made their appearance first in Germany in the 16th century. A choir master gave children the candy canes to suck on in church in order to keep them quiet during the Christmas sermon! Apparently, the candy is shaped like a cane in remembrance of the shepherds who were the first to visit the baby Jesus. Today, like gingerbread houses, they are still a popular sweet over the festive season!

23- Mistletoe

misteltein

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that grows on certain trees. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that the mistletoe has magical powers, and could protect a household from evil if hung above a door during December. The belief didn’t last but the habit did, and the mistletoe is another popular Christmas decoration!

4. Twelve Days of Christmas

Wow, you’re doing extremely well! You know how to wish someone a Merry Christmas in Norwegian, and you learned pertinent vocabulary too! The Twelve Days of Christmas is not very well known in modern times, so, you’re on your way to becoming an expert in Christmas traditions and rituals. Well done!

The Twelve Days of Christmas, also known as Twelvetide, is a traditional festive period of 12 days dedicated to celebrate the nativity of Christ. Christmas Day is, for many who observe Twelvetide, the first day of this period.

‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’ is also a popular Christmas song about a series of gifts given on each day of Twelvetide. According to experts, these gifts were created as a coded reference to important symbols in the Christian church. Here is a list of those gifts mentioned in the song! Do you recognise them?

5. Top 10 Christmas Characters in American Culture

This is fantastic, you know how to explain almost everything about Christmas in Norwegian! However, do you know the most popular Christmas characters in American culture? Your knowledge will not be complete without this list.

6. NorwegianClass101 Is One Of The Best Online Language Schools Available!

We don’t just say this – we can prove it! Geared to your personal needs and goals, we have several learning paths from which to choose. From Norwegian for Absolute Beginners to Advanced Norwegian, lessons are designed to meet you where you are, and increase your language abilities in fun, easy and interactive lessons! Mastering a new language has never been this easy or enjoyable.

We have over a decade of experience and research behind us, and it shows! With thousands of audio and video lessons, detailed PDF lessons and notes, as well as friendly, knowledgeable hosts, NorwegianClass101 is simply unbeatable when it comes to learning correct Norwegian. Plenty of tools and resources are available when you study with us. New lessons are added every week so material remains fresh and relevant. You also have the option to upgrade and enjoy even more personalised guidance and services. This is a sure way to fast-track your learning!

So, this Christmas, why don’t you give yourself a present and enroll in NorwegianClass101? Or give an enrollment as a present to a loved one. It will be a gift with benefits for a whole lifetime, not just over Christmas!

Learn 4 tools and techniques to stop translating in your head and start thinking in Norwegian

Going through Norwegian lessons is enough to get by and learn the basics of Norwegian, but to truly become fluent you need to be able to think in Norwegian. This will allow you to have conversations with ease, read smoothly, and comprehensively understand natives. To do this, you need to go beyond just completing daily or weekly lessons.

We naturally translate in our heads because it’s viewed as the easiest way to learn the definitions needed when learning a language. This way of learning can actually hinder your skills and fluency later on. If your brain has to make neural connections between the word you’re learning, what it means in your native tongue, and the physical object the connection will not be nearly as strong. When you bypass the original translation between Norwegian and your native language then there is a more basic and strong connection between just the Norwegian vocabulary word and the tangible object.

In this blog post, you will learn the 4 important techniques to easily and naturally begin to speculate about the daily occurrences in your life. The best part is all of these techniques are supported and can be achieved through NorwegianClass101.com.

Create Your Free Lifetime Account and Start Learning the whole Norwegian Language from the Beginning!

1. Surround yourself with Norwegian

By surrounding yourself with Norwegian constantly you will completely immerse yourself in the language. Without realizing it you’ll be learning pronunciation, sentence structures, grammar, and new vocabulary. You can play music in the background while you’re cooking or have a Norwegian radio station on while you study. Immersion is a key factor with this learning process because it is one of the easiest things to do, but very effective. Even if you are not giving the program your full attention you will be learning.

One great feature of NorwegianClass101.com is the endless podcasts that are available to you. You can even download and listen to them on the go. These podcasts are interesting and are perfect for the intention of immersion, they are easy to listen to as background noise and are interesting enough to give your full attention. Many of them contain stories that you follow as you go through the lessons which push you to keep going.

2. Learn through observation

Learning through observation is the most natural way to learn. Observation is how we all learned our native languages as infants and it’s a wonder why we stop learning this way. If you have patience and learn through observation then Norwegian words will have their own meanings rather than meanings in reference to your native language. Ideally, you should skip the bilingual dictionary and just buy a dictionary in Norwegian.

NorwegianClass101.com also offers the materials to learn this way. We have numerous video lessons which present situational usage of each word or phrase instead of just a direct translation. This holds true for many of our videos and how we teach Norwegian.

3. Speak out loud to yourself

Speaking to yourself in Norwegian not only gets you in the mindset of Norwegian, but also makes you listen to how you speak. It forces you to correct any errors with pronunciation and makes it easy to spot grammar mistakes. When you speak out loud talk about what you did that day and what you plan to do the next day. Your goal is to be the most comfortable speaking out loud and to easily create sentences. Once you feel comfortable talking to yourself start consciously thinking in your head about your daily activities and what is going on around you throughout the day.

With NorwegianClass101.com you start speaking right away, not only this, but they have you repeat words and conversations after a native Norwegian speaker. This makes your pronunciation very accurate! With this help, you are on the fast path to making clear and complex sentences and then actively thinking about your day.

4. Practice daily

If you don’t practice daily then your progress will be greatly slowed. Many people are tempted to take the 20-30 minutes they should be practicing a day and practice 120 in one day and skip the other days. This isn’t nearly as effective because everyday you practice you are reinforcing the skills and knowledge you have learned. If you practice all in one day you don’t retain the information because the brain can realistically only focus for 30 minutes at most. If you’re studying for 120 minutes on the same subject little of the information will be absorbed. Studying everyday allows you to review material that you went over previous days and absorb a small amount of information at a time.

It’s tough to find motivation to study everyday, but NorwegianClass101.com can help. It’s easy to stay motivated with NorwegianClass101.com because we give you a set learning path, with this path we show how much progress you’ve made. This makes you stick to your goals and keep going!

Conclusion

Following the steps and having patience is the hardest part to achieving your goals, it’s not easy learning a new language. You are essentially teaching your brain to categorize the world in a completely new way. Stick with it and you can do it just remember the 4 tools I taught you today! With them, conversations, reading, and understanding will become much easier. The most important thing to remember is to use the tools that NorwegianClass101.com provides and you will be on your way to being fluent!

Learn Norwegian With NorwegianClass101 Today!

There are plenty of destinations where you can get by with English, but sometimes you want to do better than just ‘get by’. Here are 6 reasons you should learn the basics of the language of your next trip destination.

1. You will be able to discover your destination better than other tourists.
Getting by is one thing, but actually experiencing a trip abroad is quite another. No amount of guidebooks and online research can compensate for a basic lack of language ability. Speaking the language of your destination permits you to explore that destination beyond the regular tourist traps. Your language skills will not only allow you to dig into all the hidden gems of your destination, but they will also allow you to mingle with the locals to get a true experience on your holiday. Think of it this way: you’re not restricted to talking to the people at the tourist desk anymore.

2. Knowing how to communicate with local police or medical personnel can be life-saving.
Before you leave for your destination, make sure you learn how to ask for help in that destination’s local tongue. Do you know how to ask the waiter if this dish has peanuts in it? Or tell your host family that you’re allergic to fish? Can you tell the local doctor where it hurts? Moreover, an awareness of an environment improves your chance of remaining safe inside it. For example, walking around a busy marketplace, dazzled by an unfamiliar language, signs and accents will instantly render any tourist a more attractive mark for pickpockets. Communicating with other people, asking questions and looking confident will make you look like a semi-local yourself, and will ward off potential thieves.

Click here for Norwegian Survival Phrases that will help you in almost every situation

3. It helps you relax.
Traveling is much less stressful when you understand what that announcement at the airport was saying, or if this bus line reaches your hotel. These things stress you out when traveling and they disappear when you understand the language. This allows you to focus on planning your trip in a better, easier way.

4. Speaking the language can provide you with a way to get to know people you’d never otherwise have the opportunity to speak with.
Sometimes those relationships turn into friendships, and other times they’re nothing more than a lively conversation. Either way, as Nelson Mandela said: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” When you approach someone – even staff at a store or restaurant – with English, rather than their own language, an invisible divide has already been erected. Making even a small effort to communicate in the language of the place you’re visiting can go a long way and you’ll find many more doors open up to you as a result.

Click here to learn essential Norwegian vocabulary you need to know to start a conversation with anyone

5. You’ll be a better ambassador for your country.
If we’re honest with ourselves, we know very little about other countries and cultures, especially the local politics. And what we do know is often filtered to us by the media, which tends to represent only certain interests. When you can speak the local language, you’re able to answer questions that curious locals have about your country and culture. Are you frustrated with how your country is presented in global news? Are you embarrassed by your country’s leaders and want to make it clear that not everyone is like that where you’re from? This is a very good opportunity to share your story with people who have no one else to ask. We all have a responsibility to be representatives of the place we come from.

6. Learning another language can fend off Alzheimer’s, keep your brain healthy and generally make you smarter.
For more information, check out this blog post about the 5 Benefits of Learning a New Language.

1. Schedule your time.

One of the most important factors in keeping your motivation up is developing it into a habit. Whether it be 20 minutes or 3 hours, schedule time to study every day and stick to it. Regular exposure solidifies what you learn and keeps you progressing. To make sure you stick to your routine, a great idea is to build a schedule for your day and decide that every day/Monday/weekend, you study from 6pm to 8pm. Just remember that 30 minutes a day, every day, is better than a binge 8-hour study session at the end of the week (though it’s obviously better than nothing).

2. Learn a word a day with our great Word of the Day learning tool.

Trying to learn everything at once and getting overwhelmed by the sheer number of words in your new language is not a good idea. Sometimes, even if you do learn new words, you forget them quickly because you haven’t heard them enough in context. As mentioned above, daily exposure to new words is an important factor in solidifying your target language. Our Word of the Day tool delivers you daily words and phrases, shows you how to pronounce them and use them in different contexts. Since you can get the WOTD via email, Facebook, or Twitter, this is a passive way of learning a language that fits into your existing daily social media routine. It only takes 3 minutes to review a word and practice its pronunciation, so you can do it on the way to work, in the gym, or even before you go to bed.

Click here to get the Norwegian Word of the Day for FREE!

3. Make friends!

If there’s a community of people who speak the language you want to learn in your city, start attending those events! Friendship is the easiest way to get comfortable with the slang, intonation, and mannerisms of a new language. The key to learning any language is speaking a lot, so try to find a native speaker who can be your conversation partner. Having friends that speak your target language means that you will find yourself in situations where you have no choice but to speak that language. But since they are your friends, you will be doing things you enjoy with them. So these situations will probably have little or no stress. These friendships will also mean that you have someone you can ask about language, culture, and so on.

4. Take a break!

If you’re having an off day or if your brain is already tired of studying, see if you can take a break and do something fun AND useful. Comic books, illustrated stories, and cartoons are a fun way to keep learning while reducing the target language text load for weary eyes. Plus, the images help you plant lasting seeds of memory, as researchers say humor opens up cognitive doors. This is a way to keep the target language active in your brain without the strain of studying a textbook.

Don’t get stuck with the same content though. When things start to bore you, move on. Change up your books, movies, anime, music, dramas, and so on when they start getting old.

5. Don’t give up!

As with any goal, there are going to be pitfalls along the way. You’d have to be incredibly determined to never have an off-day or consider giving up. And when you do it’s ok, but the important thing is to pick yourself up after this temporary setback and keep going. Knowing you’ve overcome a few obstacles is only going to make the moment you have your first conversation in another language that much sweeter. Like the Norwegian proverb says, ‘Fall down seven times, stand up eight.’

If you need more motivation, check out this list of the Top 10 Inspirational Quotes in Norwegian.