Are you planning to learn Norwegian? Perhaps you’re dreaming of fjords and the great outdoors. Or maybe you’re relocating to Norway?
No matter your particular reason for learning Norwegian, these days, Norwegian learning materials are just a click away. But with so many digital tools available, where should you start?
Fear not, you’re in the right place. I’m going to cut through the confusion so you know where to start and how to keep going.
Whatever way you end up learning Norwegian, you’ll be so glad you got going. If anything, your only wish will be that you had started sooner!
Here’s what you’ll discover in this post.
Table of Contents
How Not To Learn Norwegian
Why do so many smart people have a hard time when it comes to learning a new language? Having a Norwegian conversation seems like a distant dream when you can’t remember the new words and grammar.
The thing is, you’re not failing at language learning. It’s the outdated way languages are taught that’s failing you. Norwegian is hard to learn because of something I like to call the old “Parrot Problem” of language learning.
With the Parrot Problem, you learn with a “repeat after me, like a parrot” approach where you have to memorise vocab lists and grammar rules. It’s the way that you learned languages at school.
But learning like a parrot doesn’t enable you to learn Norwegian for life and interact with native speakers. All it lets you do is put words in your short term memory. So, you’re guaranteed to forget most of them.
Parrot approaches sound like a relic from the past right? Unfortunately, many supposedly modern Norwegian apps and courses are based on this outdated method.
By all means, these apps and courses can help you pick up some Norwegian phrases. But you still can’t chat fluently with your Norwegian friends over a coffee in downtown Oslo.
What Is The Best Way To Learn Norwegian?
The best way to learn Norwegian online is using a natural approach that enables you to learn the language quickly and remember it for the long haul.
My method, StoryLearning, does exactly this, while avoiding the downsides of the Parrot Problem.
Thanks to StoryLearning, you learn Norwegian in a natural way, like you did when you learnt your first language.
Story is the basis of all human communication. It’s how you understand the world and communicate with others
That’s why the StoryLearning method uses the power of story to teach you Norwegian from the beginning. You end up learning Norwegian almost passively. It’s the same way that a native Norwegian speaker learns.
That is the exciting result of learning through stories instead of rules. This fresh and motivating approach makes StoryLearning the best way to learn Norwegian.
Best Way To Learn Norwegian Online
The best way to learn Norwegian online is with my Norwegian Uncovered courses which teach you through StoryLearning.
With Norwegian Uncovered you go from complete beginner to pre-intermediate level by reading. You read and listen to a Norwegian story created for beginners from day one.
After listening to and reading the story as many times as you want, you watch an in-depth lesson where your expert Norwegian teacher teaches you all about the Norwegian in the story.
The StoryLearning method combines all of the benefits of online learning—like flexibility, modern engaging materials, and different types of media—with a fresh, motivating method centred on story.
With the StoryLearning method, you hardwire Norwegian directly into your brain. And you’re motivated to learn because you’re engrossed in an exciting story.
Best Way To Learn Norwegian Fast
Everyone wants to learn a language fast. I get it. No-one wants to stay stuck at the beginner stage forever. You want to start interacting with native speakers or listening to or reading interesting content quickly.
When it comes to learning Norwegian fast, there’s no secret method I can reveal to you. The truth is, it comes down to good, old-fashioned daily effort and practice.
If you can make the time for Norwegian daily and be consistent then you can learn it quite quickly. But if you want to ensure you get fluent in Norwegian fast, your best bet is StoryLearning VIP.
StoryLearning VIP is a 10-week coaching programme to fast-track you to complete Norwegian fluency! StoryLearning VIP gives you the best of both worlds – a method you trust plus an expert Norwegian coach to hold you accountable.
I’ll be honest with you – this programme is intense and requires commitment. But with hours of speaking practice, unlimited feedback and a supportive cohort of fellow VIP language learners, you will finish the 10-week programme with your Norwegian transformed.
Best Way To Learn Norwegian For Travel
How about if your goal isn’t complete Norwegian fluency? Perhaps all you need are some Norwegian basics to get around on a trip to Bergen or a journey through the fjords.
If that description fits you then you might be asking yourself – what’s the best way to learn Norwegian for travel?
The best way to learn Norwegian for travel is to learn and practise highly-targeted language for real-world scenarios you could face while travelling in Norway.
So you would need to learn how to say hello and goodbye in Norwegian plus some phrases for asking directions, going to a restaurant or checking in at a hotel.
What’s great about learning Norwegian for travel is that it doesn’t take long to pick up. That’s because you’re focusing on a narrow set of words and phrases for use in a specific situation.
And I’ve got the perfect tool to help you learn travel Norwegian – it’s my blog post about Norwegian phrases. You’ll discover 96 common Norwegian phrases to say thank you, greet people, ask for help, shop, eat out and more.
This matter-of-fact approach ensures you’re able to get by in travel Norwegian the next time you’re in Norway.
Best Way To Learn Norwegian While Driving
Norwegian learning is for you, there’s no doubt about it. But something is holding you back – time. If you’re working full time and have a long commute, it feels like there’s no way to squeeze Norwegian into your day.
Believe it or not though, a commute is actually an amazing opportunity to learn Norwegian from the comfort of your car. So what’s the best way to learn Norwegian while driving?
For safety reasons, some Norwegian learning materials are off the table like books or videos – any tool that takes your eyes off the road. So what can you use instead? Norwegian audio!
These days, you can learn Norwegian by listening thanks to Norwegian audio for learners. You could listen to Norwegian podcasts or a Norwegian audio course.
By listening to Norwegian on your commute, your brain will be immersed in the language and will start to adapt. So you’ll pick up Norwegian without necessarily hitting the books and studying.
If you’re a Norwegian beginner, you can’t go wrong with an audio course for beginners like the Michel Thomas one.
If you’re lucky enough to be an advanced Norwegian learner, you need to swap audio designed for learners with real Norwegian audio designed with native speakers in mind.
For instance, you can look for podcasts from your favourite Norwegian-speaking media companies and creators. Make sure to follow podcasts about topics you’re into so that you’re motivated to tune in.
Best Way To Learn Norwegian On Your Own
Do you prefer being a solo language learner? Have you had poor experiences with group classes and inflexible curriculums? If so, we’re on the same wavelength!
I also have a big preference for self-directed language learning. As I always say, languages can’t be taught, only learnt. Getting fluent in Norwegian depends so much on your self-directed learning.
Flying solo as a language learner meant I could learn eight to fluency and create StoryLearning to share what I’ve discovered along the way with fellow solo learners.
I’ve digested my independent language learning knowledge into my Uncovered courses which are designed for self-directed learners. And Norwegian Uncovered is no exception.
You can use Norwegian Uncovered, a self-study course, as the groundwork of your Norwegian study. You’ll also find sound insights into the best way to learn Norwegian on your own inside the course.
Best Way To Learn Norwegian Fluently
If learning to speak Norwegian fluently truly matters to you, don’t do it alone. The best way to learn Norwegian fluently is with personalised Norwegian coaching.
No matter how motivated you are to learn Norwegian, some days are harder than others. With personalised coaching, you have support to keep you accountable so you continue to show up.
Coaching also ensures you have a personalised learning pathway and don’t waste time learning things you’ve already mastered. A coach will help you overcome your weaknesses, while providing plenty of feedback and speaking practice.
You’ll find all these ingredients and more in my StoryLearning VIP coaching programme. StoryLearning VIP is the ultimate investment in your language goals: it includes not just the language curriculum, but also the 1-to-1 lessons, coaching and accountability that won't let you fail.
StoryLearning VIP is the highest level of learning support we offer and your fastest ticket to fluency in Norwegian. If your goal is to one day be able to chat with native speakers, deepening relationships and experiencing the world in a whole new way then StoryLearning VIP may be exactly what helps you get there.
Personalised coaching is the best way to learn Norwegian fluently because you get:
- 1-on-1 sessions for ample speaking practice and confidence building
- Built-in accountability and support to stay on track
- Unlimited feedback and corrections
- Personalised guidance targeting your unique weaknesses
If Norwegian fluency is an important life goal, then personalised coaching will help you achieve it.
Best Way To Learn Norwegian Pronunciation
Norwegian pronunciation isn’t so simple. What’s with those extra letters in the alphabet? And all those dialects?
But Norwegian pronunciation can quickly become harder than it needs to be because of the Parrot Problem.
When you try to learn Norwegian sounds and letters through rote memorisation, you put them into your short-term memory. So you can’t remember how to say them right when you speak. Besides, words and sounds don’t exist in isolation, but in relation to each other.
The best way to learn Norwegian pronunciation is to stop learning by heart. You can read or watch an explanation of Norwegian pronunciation. But then give up listening to and repeating sounds on their own.
You need to hear the sounds of Norwegian in their natural habitat. And most importantly, in relation to each other. The best way to do this is to read and listen to stories in Norwegian at your level.
By reading and listening to stories, the pronunciation will start to become automatic. You’ll make links between the words on the page and their spoken form. So, when you communicate, you’ll be understood, because you’ve soaked up the sounds of Norwegian in context.
If you’re wondering where to find Norwegian stories at the right level for you, my top recommendation is my short story book, Short Stories in Norwegian.
Best Way To Learn Norwegian At Home
Some language learning fictions just won’t go away. One of these is that the key to fluency is moving abroad. But relocating to Norway isn’t some magic way to achieve fluency, especially if you’re a beginner.
I’ve reached fluency in several languages from home. At home, I have everything I need at hand for consistent, daily language learning.
Having relocated to several countries over the years, it definitely messes with your routine. And I know from experience that striking up conversations with random strangers on the street doesn’t help!
So what do I recommend to learn Norwegian at home? The best way to learn Norwegian at home is to read and listen to Norwegian at your level daily.
You can read a beginner Norwegian book, work through a StoryLearning Norwegian course, or listen to Norwegian podcasts.
This type of daily immersion in Norwegian is known as an “input method”. An input method means that you’re not studying Norwegian per se, but instead reading and listening to material that you want to understand in the language.
The good news is that your at-home immersion gives you an incredible foundation to build on if you ever do go to Norway. You’ll hit the ground running, able to understand and chat to people.
Best Way To Learn Norwegian FAQ
What Is The Best Way to Learn Norwegian Online?
The best way to learn Norwegian online is with StoryLearning’s Norwegian Uncovered course. Uncovered teaches you through a fresh and fun story-centred approach where you learn Norwegian by reading.
What Is The Best Way to Learn Norwegian While Driving?
The best way to learn Norwegian while driving is to learn via audio in Norwegian for learners like Norwegian podcasts or Norwegian audio courses.
What's The Best Way To Learn Norwegian Pronunciation?
The best way to learn Norwegian pronunciation is by reading and listening to Norwegian at your level every day.
This type of immersion in Norwegian enables your brain to adapt to the language and ensures that Norwegian pronunciation becomes intuitive.
What's The Best Way To Learn Norwegian Fluently?
Personalised coaching is the best way to learn Norwegian fluently because you get lots of individual speaking practice, unlimited feedback and personalised guidance.
Ready To Start Your Norwegian Learning Journey?
Although Norwegian is one of the easiest languages for native English learners to pick up, learning it isn’t always smooth sailing. But it’s always rewarding.
Whatever your “why” for tackling Norwegian, knowing the best way to learn Norwegian is paramount so you can start interacting with native speakers and engaging with interesting content.
And with so many possible ways to learn Norwegian, it can be hard to know which one to pick.
The best way to learn Norwegian is to read and listen to the language daily at your level. Here at StoryLearning, stories are the best material for this daily immersion.
Story-first immersion is what the StoryLearning method is all about. Even if you find this approach odd or tricky at first, you’ll quickly see why thousands of other language learners have had success with it.
Once you start reading and understanding the story, you’ll want to discover what happens next. The page-turning tale will soon have you addicted – and you'll look forward to learning Norwegian daily.
That’s what makes stories the best way to learn Norwegian fast.
Olly Richards
Creator of the StoryLearning® Method
Olly Richards is a renowned polyglot and language learning expert with over 15 years of experience teaching millions through his innovative StoryLearning® method. He is the creator of StoryLearning, one of the world's largest language learning blogs with 500,000+ monthly readers.
Olly has authored 30+ language learning books and courses, including the bestselling "Short Stories" series published by Teach Yourself.
When not developing new teaching methods, Richards practices what he preaches—he speaks 8 languages fluently and continues learning new ones through his own methodology.
