Greetings

1. Hei

   Hello / Hi

   Usage

   The most common Norwegian greeting, suitable for all occasions

   Grammar Note

   Pronounced like English "hey". Very similar to Swedish "Hej"

2. God morgen

   Good morning

   Usage

   Morning greeting used until around noon

   Grammar Note

   "God" pronounced "goo"; direct equivalent of English "good"

3. Tusen takk

   Thank you very much

   Usage

   Emphasize gratitude; "Takk" alone is also perfectly polite

   Grammar Note

   Literally "a thousand thanks" — like saying "thanks a million"

4. Unnskyld

   Excuse me / Sorry

   Usage

   Used to get attention or to apologize

   Grammar Note

   From "unnskylde" (to excuse/forgive); covers both "excuse me" and "sorry"

5. Hvordan har du det?

   How are you?

   Usage

   Common follow-up to a greeting

   Grammar Note

   Literally "how do you have it"; equivalent to "how are you"

6. Bare bra, takk

   Just fine, thank you

   Usage

   Typical response to "Hvordan har du det?" (How are you?)

   Grammar Note

   "Bare bra" (just fine) is a very natural, common response

7. Ha det bra

   Goodbye / Take care

   Usage

   Common farewell; literally "have it good"

   Grammar Note

   Imperative "Ha" (have). "Ha det godt" is an equivalent farewell

8. Velkommen

   Welcome

   Usage

   Greet guests at hotels, shops, or events

   Grammar Note

   Combines "vel" (well) and "kommen" (come). Cognate with English "welcome"

9. Snakker du engelsk?

   Do you speak English?

   Usage

   Use when there's a language barrier; most Norwegians speak excellent English

   Grammar Note

   Yes/no questions invert verb and subject: "Snakker du" = do you speak

10. Hyggelig å møte deg

    Nice to meet you

    Usage

    Greet someone when meeting for the first time

    Grammar Note

    "Hyggelig" embodies Scandinavian coziness and pleasantness — a cultural concept

11. Hvor er toalettet?

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Used to ask for the location of the toilet in public places or restaurants

    Grammar Note

    "Hvor" asks for location. "Toalettet" is the definite neuter form of "toalett"

12. Jeg snakker ikke norsk

    I can't speak Norwegian

    Usage

    Used to let someone know you don't speak Norwegian

    Grammar Note

    Negation in Norwegian places "ikke" after the verb. "Snakker" is present tense of "snakke"

13. Jeg kommer tilbake.

    I'll come again

    Usage

    Said when leaving a shop — a friendly way to signal you enjoyed it

14. Jeg hadde det veldig gøy.

    I had a great time

    Usage

    Said when parting, to share how much you enjoyed it

15. Takk, vi sees!

    Thanks, see you

    Usage

    A casual farewell for someone you've become friendly with

16. God natt.

    Good night

    Usage

    Said just before going to sleep — not a farewell, but a bedtime greeting

17. Jeg går nå.

    I'm heading out

    Usage

    Said when leaving your lodging for a while

18. Jeg er hjemme.

    I'm back

    Usage

    Said upon returning to your lodging; literally "I'm home"

19. Jeg må dessverre gå nå.

    I'll be going now

    Usage

    A polite phrase for excusing yourself when leaving before others

20. Ingen årsak.

    You're welcome

    Usage

    A reply when someone thanks you

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