What is the difference between Bokmål and Nynorsk in Norway?

Bokmål and Nynorsk are the two official written standards of Norwegian, with different histories, forms, and regional patterns of use.

Why do Norwegian dialects sound so different across Norway?

Norway's long distances, mountains, islands, valleys, and local communities helped many dialects develop and remain strong.

Which Sámi languages are important in Norway?

Northern Sámi, Lule Sámi, and Southern Sámi are among the important Sámi languages used in Norway, alongside other Sámi varieties.

Language in Norway

Norway's main language is Norwegian, written mainly in Bokmål or Nynorsk and spoken through many strong dialects. Sámi languages have an important Indigenous place, and English is widely understood, especially in larger towns. This overview explains how language works in Norway and why local speech can sound very different.

Tip

Learn standard Norwegian for practical tasks, then expect local speech to sound different from your course materials. Treat Bokmål, Nynorsk, dialects, and Sámi languages as parts of Norway's language landscape rather than as competing labels.

byNora&Jakob

Norwegian, or norsk, is the main language of public life in Norway. It belongs to the North Germanic language family and is closely related to Danish and Swedish. Norway has two official written standards: Bokmål and Nynorsk. They are both Norwegian, and schools and public institutions work with the two standards in different ways. Bokmål is the written form used by most people, while Nynorsk is especially important in many western and rural areas. A person's written standard does not always show where they come from or which dialect they speak. Norwegian has many dialects, called dialekter. Pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and rhythm can change noticeably between regions, and people often keep their dialect when they move or appear in public. Sámi languages, including Northern Sámi, Lule Sámi, and Southern Sámi, are Indigenous languages of Norway. Their use and public status are especially important in Sámi communities and northern parts of the country. Norway is also home to languages brought by migration, including Polish, Arabic, Somali, Urdu, and many others. Multilingual families may use one language at home and another at school or work. English is commonly taught and widely understood, but Norwegian is important for deeper participation in local relationships, education, work, and public information. Understanding may be easier than speaking for a beginner. Language in Norway carries identity as well as meaning. Asking whether a person prefers Bokmål, Nynorsk, a dialect, or a Sámi language can show respect, but it is best to follow the person's own wording.