Question Words

1. Hva?

   What?

   Usage

   The shortest question word; pair it with pointing

2. Hvor?

   Where?

   Usage

   Asks for a place; add a place name and you are understood

3. Når?

   When?

   Usage

   For departure times or opening times

4. Hvem?

   Who?

   Usage

   Asks about a person, e.g. who is in charge

5. Hvorfor?

   Why?

   Usage

   Asks for a reason, e.g. a delay or a refusal

6. Hvordan?

   How?

   Usage

   Asks for a method, including how to get somewhere

7. Hvor mange?

   How many?

   Usage

   Asks for a count of items or people

   Grammar Note

   For countables; use "Hvor mye?" for amounts

8. Hva koster det?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   The key price question, in markets and shops alike

9. Hvilken?

   Which one?

   Usage

   Used to pick from, or point at, a set of options

   Grammar Note

   Used with masculine and feminine nouns; "Hvilket?" neuter, "Hvilke?" plural

10. Hva er dette?

    What is this?

    Usage

    Point at a dish or product and ask what it is

11. Hvor er toalettet?

    Where is the toilet?

    Usage

    One of the most-used questions on any trip

    Grammar Note

    "Toalett" is neuter; the definite form is "toalettet"

12. Hva er klokka?

    What time is it?

    Usage

    Asks the current time, handy when making a connection

13. Har du det?

    Do you have it?

    Usage

    Asks about stock or availability; name the item first

    Grammar Note

    Insert the item: "Har du et kart?"

14. Går det an?

    Can you do it?

    Usage

    Asks whether something is possible or allowed

    Grammar Note

    A colloquial way to ask if something is possible; "Er det mulig?" is formal

15. Koster det noe?

    Is there a charge?

    Usage

    Check whether luggage storage, Wi-Fi, etc. costs money

16. Er det gratis?

    Is it free?

    Usage

    Confirms something is free, e.g. samples or a map

17. Er det greit?

    Is this OK?

    Usage

    Asks for permission; pair it with pointing

18. Er det ikke lov?

    Is it not allowed?

    Usage

    Used to double-check after being turned down

19. Går det bra med deg?

    Are you OK?

    Usage

    Used to check on someone's wellbeing — a different role from "Er det greit?" (asking permission)

    Grammar Note

    Modern Norwegian has no formal/informal "you" distinction — "du" is standard even with strangers

20. Virkelig?

    Really?

    Usage

    A short reaction confirming something surprising

21. Er du sikker?

    Are you sure?

    Usage

    Presses for confirmation of a fact — more formal than "Virkelig?"

22. Hvor kommer du fra?

    Where are you from?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

23. Hva heter du?

    What's your name?

    Usage

    A classic conversation starter

24. Hvor gammel er du?

    How old are you?

    Usage

    Asking someone's age at a first meeting can come across as intrusive; better saved until you know them a little

25. Kan vi ta et bilde sammen?

    Can we take a photo together?

    Usage

    Asks for permission to take a photo together

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