Get started with the basics
Before anything else, set up the foundations. Norwegian pronunciation is regular, and learning the alphabet, key vowel sounds, and common letter combinations makes everything easier. Focus on high-frequency greetings, numbers, days, and simple questions so you can handle everyday moments from day one.
Choose Bokmål first (used by most media and textbooks). You can explore Nynorsk later. Keep a small notebook or a pdf cheat sheet where you collect essential phrases like Jeg heter …, Jeg kommer fra …, Takk, Vær så snill, and Unnskyld. These small wins make the language feel friendly, not intimidating.
- Learn the alphabet and core sounds: y, ø, æ, and the sj/rs sounds.
- Memorize 20–30 survival phrases that cover introductions and requests.
- Save a one-page basics pdf for quick review on your phone.
- Pick Bokmål as your main standard to reduce confusion.
Your 15-minute daily plan
Consistency beats intensity. A micro-routine helps a beginner make steady progress without burnout. Fifteen minutes is enough to review, add a little new material, and hear real norwegian every day.
Try a 5–5–5 structure: review flashcards (spaced repetition), learn five new words or one mini grammar point, then listen and repeat a short clip. If you have extra minutes, write one or two sentences about your day.
- 5 minutes: quick review with SRS cards you made from yesterday’s notes.
- 5 minutes: one new topic (e.g., present tense -er verbs) plus 5 sample sentences.
- 5 minutes: active listening and shadowing a slow dialogue online.
The best free online resources
You can learn a lot online at zero cost. Start with structured beginner courses, then add videos, podcasts, and easy news to keep input fresh. Many sites offer downloadable pdf worksheets or transcripts that make review simple.
Mix formats so you cover all skills: text for reading, audio for listening, short quizzes for recall, and dialogues for speaking practice. When possible, export word lists to a pdf or flashcard app to keep everything in one place.
- NoW – Norwegian on the Web (basic A1–A2 lessons with audio and exercises).
- NRK radio and slow news: authentic listening that is still approachable.
- YouTube channels for beginners: pronunciation drills and short dialogues.
- Community decks and courses on apps with SRS for vocabulary building.
- Grammar summaries and printable pdf handouts from university pages.
Grammar and vocab for beginners
Keep grammar simple and usable. Norwegian uses SVO word order, with the verb in second position in main clauses. Start with present tense endings, question patterns, and the definite suffixes: -en, -a, -et. Learn the three genders (en, ei, et), but don’t let them slow you down.
Build a small core lexicon first: everyday verbs (å være, å ha, å gjøre, å gå, å like), days and months, food, places in town, family, and common adjectives. With these basics, you can form dozens of beginner sentences right away.
- Master present tense patterns and common modal verbs (kan, vil, må).
- Learn definite forms early: huset, boka, bilen.
- Practice questions: Hva heter du? Hvor bor du? Når kommer bussen?
- Create a one-page grammar cheatsheet pdf for quick reference.
Practice speaking and listening
Even as a beginner, speak from day one. Shadow short phrases: listen, pause, repeat, then read aloud. Record yourself to notice vowel length and stress. For listening, combine slow materials with short clips from authentic sources so your ear adapts.
If possible, try a weekly language exchange. Prepare a mini-topic (introductions, ordering food), rehearse key lines, and time yourself for two or three minutes. Track progress with an A1–A2 checklist you can print as a pdf.
- Shadow daily for 3–5 minutes using slow dialogues.
- Read one short paragraph aloud and record it.
- Do a mini role-play: café order, directions, or small talk.
- Log new phrases and errors in your study notebook or pdf tracker.
FAQ
- How long does it take to reach A2 if I study in short sessions?
- With 15–30 minutes daily and regular speaking practice, many learners reach solid A2 in 3–6 months. Consistency, not long sessions, is the key.
- Should I start with Bokmål or Nynorsk?
- Start with Bokmål. It is used by most online courses, media, and textbooks, which makes life easier for beginners. You can explore Nynorsk later.
- What are the best free online resources for beginners?
- Try NoW – Norwegian on the Web, NRK slow news or radio, beginner-friendly YouTube channels, and SRS vocab decks. Combine them for all skills: reading, listening, and speaking.
- Do I need grammar from day one?
- Yes, but keep it light. Focus on basics like present tense, word order, question forms, and definite endings. Practice with short, useful sentences you can reuse.
- Where can I get free pdf materials?
- University course pages, language blogs, and some apps offer printable pdf guides or transcripts. You can also print webpages or export word lists to pdf for your study binder.