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Norway is a sight to behold. Also known as the “world’s happiest country,” it is home to beautiful snow-covered sceneries, adorable polar bears, and a friendly local scene, which are all just amazing to witness!
That being said, studying the Norwegian language can only make your visit more enlightening!
Apart from learning the common greetings, having an in-depth understanding of key terms, expressions, and conversation will surely improve your stay.
Be it for work, study, or leisure, get prepped with these 12 best books to learn Norwegian. Given the wide array of learning resources, I’ve divided this list into two categories:
- English-language books: Written in a mix of English and Norwegian, these books are recommended for absolute beginners.
- Monolingual books: Completely written in the Norwegian language, these books contain advanced lessons.
Let’s dive in.
English-language books to learn Norwegian
1. The Mystery of Nils
The Mystery of Nils is probably the most reputable Norwegian learning resource out there! Unlike other references, this is a unique, beginner-friendly storybook made to test your reading comprehension skills.
Each chapter inside builds upon the story of a doll named Nils. However, instead of teaching traditionally, it integrates essential words and phrases, unit exercises, and cohesive explanations with its overarching story.
Fast-paced yet engaging, this book comes highly recommended! For additional instruction, you can easily access its supplementary courses (video and audio) and Soundcloud (audio) online.
Key features:
- Storybook integrating vocabulary and grammar
- Contains pictures, lessons, and examples
- Has an intermediate-level sequel: Mysteriet om Nils (Part 2)
2. Short Stories in Norwegian
Complement your studies with Short Stories in Norwegian, a brilliant compilation of eight, multi-genre stories—be it sci-fi, crime, thriller, or history!
Designed for reading comprehension, this reference incorporates Norwegian vocabulary, grammar, and dialogue into its text, teaching you in an easy and stress-free manner.
Beginner and intermediate learners will surely benefit from this resource, as it tests your memory and understanding alongside conventional lessons. Just pair this with a dictionary or a phrasebook, and you’re all set!
Key features:
- 8 engaging stories (with review questions and full summary)
- Extra glossary and bilingual word list
- Incorporates 1,000 most frequent Norwegian words
3. Complete Norwegian
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Study in context! If you’re aiming to reach intermediate-level Norwegian, then Complete Norwegian’s exhaustive and fast-paced textbook will equip you in no time.
The lessons here primarily tackle vocabulary, grammar, and basic conversation, culminating in a thorough review session! Practical and well-organized, this book also integrates real-life examples and culture notes into your lessons.
Packed with tips, exercises, and culture notes—all in all, this book will give you a quick and comprehensive understanding of the language’s rules, patterns, and usage!
Key features:
- Fast-paced progression
- 15 learning units (with free online audio)
- Contains tips, exercises, and culture notes
4. Norwegian Tutor: Grammar and Vocabulary Workbook
Learning Norwegian doesn’t stop at reading; In fact, practice is a must.
Luckily, Norwegian Tutor can help you with that, as it features 200 vocabulary and grammar lessons, which are spread out across 25 learning units.
Complete with concise explanations, activities, and exercises—by the end of this guide, you’re guaranteed to reach an upper-intermediate level of fluency!
This well-rounded workbook will definitely make your Norwegian studies stick!
By routinely testing your skills, establishing goals, and introducing new information, you’ll get to polish your reading and writing skills with ease.
Key features:
- Workbook with lessons, expert tips, and culture notes
- Integrates visuals and infographics
- Challenging exercises (with full answer key)
5. Colloquial Norwegian
Whether you’ve got experience or not, Colloquial Norwegian is determined to help any student gain a realistic understanding of the Norwegian language.
From traditional academics to day-to-day usage, this book was developed for intensive language study, as it equips you with reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills right off the bat. Although it lacks some organization, it’s still a nifty resource that just needs some getting used to!
Accompanied by free audio, vocabulary lists, jargon-free grammar, and stimulating exercises, this textbook provides a wonderful starting point for new learners!
Key features:
- Norwegian book for beginners
- Features culture notes, vocabulary lists, and a grammar summary
- Audio recorded by a native speaker
6. Norwegian Verbs And Essentials of Grammar
Norwegian grammar is no joke—and if you find yourself struggling, Norwegian Verbs And Essentials of Grammar will help you through it!
As you’ve probably figured, this book provides in-depth explanations of the principles, such as personal pronouns, Norwegian verb conjugations, adjectives, word order, and the like. If anything, it doesn’t shy away from the hard work and provides you with proper descriptions and examples!
Since most English textbooks only give an overview of the basics, having this reference close by will greatly help you through advanced grammar lessons.
Key features:
- Technical grammar and pronunciation lessons
- Examples for every rule and exception
- Great for self-teaching
7. Norwegian: An Essential Grammar (Routledge)
A stellar grammar reference, Norwegian: An Essential Grammar tackles the subject with poise and expertise.
Designed for self-teaching, this book contains clear and jargon-free explanations to keep you on track, and refresh you on beginner lessons. While it lacks exercises, this contains enough grammar rules and examples to help you advance to native-level fluency.
Overall, it’s worth taking a look at! Just pace the lessons as you see fit.
Key features:
- Focused on grammar
- Norwegian language books for beginners
- Simple yet detailed explanations
8. Lonely Planet Fast Talk Norwegian
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Sure, phrasebooks are generally used for travel—but if you want to pick up essential words and phrases, getting one in Norwegian is a must!
Lonely Planet’s Fast Talk Norwegian, like its counterparts, provides a basic overview of key vocabulary, pronunciation, and word usage, which you can apply to your current lessons!
Whether you’re traveling or studying, its expert tips and clean layout can help you navigate several, day-to-day situations.
Key features:
- Basic vocabulary and grammar
- Pronunciation guide
- Designed for real-life situations
Monolingual books to learn Norwegian
9. Sett i Gang
Setti i Gang is a beautiful textbook crafted for new learners. What makes this unique is that it connects lessons on Norwegian culture with its academics, in order to keep you informed and updated!
In this academic reference, you’ll learn the basics of vocabulary, grammar, and dialogue, while assessing your skills through written and listening exercises.
While it’s originally designed for classroom use (hence the lack of an answer key), you can easily access lessons online—making this a decent benchmark for monolingual self-teaching!
Key features:
- Fun and structured introduction to Norway
- Integrates culture notes to lessons
- Online audio tracks for listening comprehension
10. Stein pĂĄ stein
Level up your learning with Stein pĂĄ stein, a classroom reference designed for advanced learners.
Using both the textbook and workbook, you’ll have access to several readings, exercises, and other online material that can help immerse you into modern Norwegian. Interestingly, its lessons are primarily designed for adult learners, as it contains extra detail on Norwegian society and customs.
Direct and thorough, this Norwegian language book won’t just guide you through the academics, but also through the fun and unique intricacies of living in Norway!
Key features:
- Textbook and workbook
- Advanced vocabulary, grammar, and dialogue lessons
- Exercises (with answer key)
11. Her pĂĄ berget
Likewise an advanced resource, Her pĂĄ berget is a textbook for upper-intermediate learners who are moving to Norway.
Being a two-part textbook and workbook series, its lessons play out smoothly for adult readers. Provided that you’ve completed a beginner course, you’ll have no trouble navigating its readings, assessments (written and listening), and other practical information.
In any case, should you require extra help, you may view its online study tools!
Key features:
- Textbook and workbook
- Upper-intermediate lessons for adults
- Polishes reading, writing, and listening skills
12. PĂĄ Vei
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Finally, you can progress your intermediate studies with PĂĄ Vei, a comprehensive study guide.
Written mostly in Norwegian, this traditional textbook covers scenarios in real life, such as education and work, through its readings and dialogues. This is often referenced by students in Norway, as being fundamental to language classes.
Study and practice essential vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation with its rigorous lessons. In fact, you can also purchase its workbook, student CD, and teacher CD, to test the bounds of your understanding.
In conclusion, this is a great resource for adult learners and immigrants who are on the way to Norway!
Key features:
- Frequently used in Norwegian language classes
- Practical lessons on vocabulary and grammar
- 28-language glossary
Conclusion
All in all, these are the 12 best books to learn Norwegian.
Feel free to use these books along with Norwegian language learning apps such as Babbel, Mondly, and Pimsleur, online resources, media, and a personal tutor—the choice is in your hands. And, as always, don’t forget to have fun!
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