Want to learn Norwegian fast? You’re in the right place. Whether you’re moving to Norway, have Norwegian heritage, or just love Scandinavian culture, these 7 proven methods will accelerate your progress. The good news? Norwegian is considered one of the easiest languages for English speakers!
1. Start with High-Frequency Words
Why it works: The 1,000 most common words make up about 85% of everyday speech.
Instead of random vocabulary lists, focus on words you’ll actually use. Learn these categories first:
- Pronouns (jeg, du, han, vi)
- Common verbs (er, har, kan, vil)
- Everyday nouns (hus, mat, vann, tid)
- Connectors (og, men, eller, fordi)
Pro tip: Use word frequency lists to prioritize what to learn. Apps like NorskKryss organize vocabulary by difficulty tier based on frequency.
2. Use the “Ladder Method”
Why it works: Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish are mutually intelligible – learning one helps with all three.
Norwegian sits in the middle of the Scandinavian languages:
- More similar to written Danish
- More similar to spoken Swedish
- Easier pronunciation than Danish
Once you know Norwegian, you’ll understand about 80% of Swedish and Danish with minimal extra effort!
3. Immerse Yourself in Norwegian Media
Why it works: Passive exposure builds listening skills and natural phrasing.
Free resources:
- NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting) – Free streaming, news, podcasts
- Skam – Popular teen drama with simple dialogue
- Slow Norwegian – Podcast for learners (Spotify/Apple)
- Norwegian music – Artists like Sigrid, Aurora, Kygo
Method: Start with Norwegian subtitles, then switch to English subtitles, finally remove subtitles entirely.
4. Play Language Games
Why it works: Games create low-pressure environments where mistakes are part of the fun.
Gamified learning activates your brain’s reward system, making vocabulary stick better than rote memorization. Crossword puzzles are particularly effective because they:
- Require active recall (not just recognition)
- Provide context clues
- Make you think about spelling
- Feel rewarding when completed
Try it: NorskKryss offers free Norwegian crosswords at three difficulty levels – beginner, intermediate, and advanced.
5. Learn Grammar Gradually
Why it works: Too much grammar too early kills motivation. Focus on speaking first.
Norwegian grammar is simpler than German or French:
- No case system (unlike German)
- Simple verb conjugation (same form for all persons)
- Only two genders in Bokmål (three in Nynorsk)
Start with these patterns:
Jeg er... (I am...)
Jeg har... (I have...)
Jeg liker... (I like...)
Kan jeg...? (Can I...?)Learn grammar rules as you encounter them, not before you need them.
6. Find a Language Partner
Why it works: Speaking practice is irreplaceable for fluency.
Where to find partners:
- Tandem – Language exchange app
- italki – Professional tutors and community tutors
- r/norsk – Reddit community with active learners
- Meetup – Local Norwegian language groups
- Norwegian courses – Universities and Folkeuniversitetet
Tip: Many Norwegians want to practice English – offer a language exchange where you speak Norwegian for 30 minutes, then English for 30 minutes.
7. Set Small, Daily Goals
Why it works: Consistency beats intensity for language learning.
The “Minimum Viable Practice” approach:
- 5 minutes – Learn 3 new words
- 10 minutes – Complete one crossword puzzle
- 15 minutes – Watch one short video with subtitles
- 20 minutes – Review flashcards + read one article
A 365-day streak of 10 minutes beats a one-week intensive course that you abandon.
Best Free Resources
| Resource | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| NorskKryss | Crossword game | Vocabulary practice |
| Duolingo | App | Basic grammar & vocab |
| NRK | Streaming | Listening practice |
| r/norsk | Community & questions | |
| Wikipedia på norsk | Reading | Intermediate reading |
Your Action Plan
Week 1-2: Learn 50 most common words, complete beginner crosswords daily
Week 3-4: Add listening (15 min NRK or podcasts daily)
Month 2: Find a language partner, start basic conversations
Month 3+: Increase media consumption, tackle intermediate content
Start Your Journey Today!
Ready to learn Norwegian fast with these methods?
Play NorskKryss Free – Practice Norwegian vocabulary with crossword puzzles. No signup required, works in your browser.
Download the App – Track your progress, earn XP, and build a daily streak.
Lykke til! – Good luck on your Norwegian journey!