Inngang
Entrance
Usage
Displayed at the entrance of buildings, stations, and facilities; signs show it as "INNGANG"
Utgang
Exit
Usage
Displayed at the exit of buildings, stations, and facilities; signs read "UTGANG", also used as a directional sign in the Oslo metro
Nødutgang
Emergency Exit
Usage
Emergency exit sign, shown with the white-on-green running-man pictogram; signs read "NØDUTGANG"
Åpent
Open (door sign)
Usage
The "OPEN" side of the flip sign on a shop door; also used inside an "Åpningstider" (opening hours) notice
Stengt
Closed (door sign)
Usage
The "CLOSED" side of a shop door sign; also marks closing days inside an opening-hours notice
Vi har åpent
We Are Open
Usage
Seen on A-boards and shop doors to state the place is open right now; most Norwegian signage just says "ÅPENT", so this is the more explicit wording
Midlertidig stengt
Temporarily Closed
Usage
Norwegian has no exact equivalent of Japanese "junbichuu" — this is the closest wording. A lunch break is posted as "Stengt for lunsj" and the end of the day as "Stengt for dagen"
Herrer
Men
Usage
Marks the restroom for men; also written "HERRE", "Herretoalett", or "MENN"
Damer
Women
Usage
Marks the restroom for women; also written "DAME", "Dametoalett", or "KVINNER". A unisex toilet is simply labelled "WC" or "Toalett"
Adgang forbudt
No Entry
Usage
Posted on doors and areas closed to the public; signs read "ADGANG FORBUDT". "Uvedkommende ingen adgang" (no unauthorised entry) means the same
Røyking forbudt
No Smoking
Usage
No-smoking sign posted in stations, indoors, and on restaurant terraces; often written "RØYKFRITT" instead
Røykeområde
Smoking Area
Usage
Marks a designated smoking area at airports and stations; an indoor smoking cabin is signed "Røykerom"
Trapp
Stairs
Usage
Directional sign pointing to stairs, often shown in the plural "TRAPPER"; a lift is "Heis" and an escalator is "Rulletrapp"
Skyv
Push
Usage
Sign on a door meaning push to open; shown as "SKYV". It is the imperative of "å skyve", so the sign and the spoken form match
Trekk
Pull
Usage
Sign on a door meaning pull to open; shown as "TREKK", though some doors read "DRA". The same spelling is also a noun meaning a cover or a draught, but on a door plate it only ever means pull
Byggeplass
Construction Site
Usage
Posted on hoardings around building work, usually as "BYGGEPLASS – ADGANG FORBUDT"; roadworks use a different sign, "VEIARBEID"
Ute av drift
Out of Order
Usage
Posted on lifts, ticket machines, or toilets that are not working; signs read "UTE AV DRIFT". Also written "Ikke i bruk" or "Virker ikke"
More Norwegian phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Basic Verbs
- Adjectives
- Question Words
- Greetings
- Food & Drinks
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Numbers
- Hotel
- Emergency
- Sightseeing
- Flirting
- Nightlife
- Massage & Spa
- Compliments
- Contacts & SNS
- Beach & Activities
- Places & Areas
- Useful Phrases
- Airport & Customs
- Weather & Climate
- Pharmacy & Health
- Directions
- Money & Exchange
- Health & Hospital
- Internet & WiFi
- Nature & Outdoors
- Religion & Temples
- Café & Drinks
- Schedule & Booking
- Culture & Etiquette
- Traveling with Kids
- Sports & Activities
- Public Transport
- Accommodation
- Banking & ATM
- Visa & Immigration
- Business & Work
- School & Education
- Cooking & Markets
- Music & Entertainment
- Art & Museums
- Festivals & Events
- Photography
- Laundry
- Post Office
- Language Learning
- Dating & Romance
- Dating Apps
- Volunteering
- Accessibility
- Sustainability & Eco
- Fruits
- Colors
- Dietary & Allergies
- Markets & Souvenirs
- Wine & Spirits
- Car Rental & Driving
- Time & Dates
- Hiking & Trekking
- Diving & Water Sports
- Skiing & Winter Sports
- Hot Springs & Baths
- Yoga & Wellness
- Casino & Gambling
- Beauty & Grooming
- Remote Work
- Fashion & Clothing
- Convenience Store
- Martial Arts
- Body Parts
- Animals
- Vehicles
- Electronics
- Feelings
- Slang
- Local Dishes
- Local Drinks
- Indulgences