Writing emails in Norwegian isn’t just about translating word-for-word from English. Norwegians have their own conventions, and if you ignore them, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb. Here’s how to get it right.
Formal vs. Informal: Know When to Switch
Norwegian is less rigid than, say, German or French when it comes to formality, but there are still rules. If you’re emailing a professor, a boss, or someone you don’t know, start with:
For friends or colleagues you’re on first-name terms with, just “Hei!” or even “Halla!” (super casual, like “Hey!”) works fine.
The Structure of a Norwegian Email
- Opening: As above, adjust for formality.
- Body: Get to the point quickly. Norwegians value brevity.
- Closing: “Med vennlig hilsen” (Yours sincerely) for formal, “Hilsen” (Regards) for neutral, or “Ha det bra!” (Take care!) for friends.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overusing titles like “Herr” (Mr) or “Fru” (Mrs). Norwegians rarely use them in emails.
- Being too wordy. If an English email is three paragraphs, the Norwegian version should be two.
- Using overly complex sentences. Norwegian syntax is simpler than English.
Example Emails
Here are some templates you can adapt:
Formal (Job Application)
Informal (Friend)
Useful Phrases to Memorise
Vedlagt
/ˈveːdlɑɡt/“Attached”
Takk for rask tilbakemelding
/tɑk fɔɾ ɾɑsk tɪlbɑːkmɛldɪŋ/“Thanks for the quick reply”
For more Norwegian phrases, check out our guide on romantic expressions.
Final Tip: Proofread Like a Norwegian
Norwegians spot errors fast. If you’re unsure, run your text through a tool like Språkrådet’s (The Language Council of Norway) grammar checker or ask a native speaker.
