norwegian
B1Neutral, formal, and informal. Used in all registers.
Definition
Meaning
Relating to Norway, its people, or its language.
Can refer to the North Germanic language spoken in Norway, a native or inhabitant of Norway (a Norwegian), or anything characteristic of Norway, such as its culture, landscape, or products.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As an adjective, it is always capitalized. As a noun for the language, it is uncountable (e.g., 'She speaks Norwegian'). As a noun for a person, it is countable (e.g., 'two Norwegians').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions are identical.
Connotations
Similar connotations of fjords, cold climate, Vikings, high standard of living, and oil wealth in both varieties.
Frequency
Equal frequency, given Norway's consistent presence in international news, culture, and sports.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Adjective + Noun (e.g., Norwegian policy)Be + Adjective (e.g., is Norwegian)Verb + Noun (e.g., learn Norwegian)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As happy as a Norwegian in a cabin (modern, informal idiom referencing the love of 'hytte' or cabin life)”
- “To pull a Norwegian sweater over someone's eyes (a very rare, humorous play on 'to pull the wool over someone's eyes')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to companies, markets, or economic conditions in Norway (e.g., 'Norwegian oil exports').
Academic
Used in studies of history, linguistics, or political science concerning Norway (e.g., 'Old Norwegian texts').
Everyday
Commonly used when discussing travel, people, food, or culture (e.g., 'We're booking a Norwegian cruise').
Technical
In linguistics, specifies the Bokmål or Nynorsk written standards; in fishing/agriculture, denotes a breed or origin (e.g., 'Norwegian Forest Cat').
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The Norwegian ambassador gave a speech in London.
American English
- We bought a Norwegian sweater at the mall.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She is from Norway. She is Norwegian.
- I like Norwegian cheese.
- We plan to visit the Norwegian fjords next summer.
- He is learning Norwegian because his family moved to Oslo.
- Norwegian foreign policy has traditionally emphasised diplomacy and peacebuilding.
- The design, typically Norwegian in its simplicity, won several international awards.
- Linguistic debates between Bokmål and Nynorsk are a defining feature of modern Norwegian identity.
- The company's strategy was influenced by the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund's ethical investment guidelines.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a NORse sea WEGIAN (like a 'Viking' with a 'wig on') from Norway. NOR + WEG + IAN.
Conceptual Metaphor
NORWAY IS A LAND OF NATURE AND SIMPLICITY: Descriptions often use nature metaphors (e.g., 'Norwegian resilience is like its rugged coastline').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'норвежский' (правильно) и 'норвежец' (правильно). 'Norwegian' покрывает оба значения, что может быть непривычно.
- В английском нет отдельного слова для 'норвежка' — используется 'Norwegian woman' или просто 'Norwegian'.
- В английском 'northern' означает 'северный' и не является синонимом 'Norwegian'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He is a Norway.' (Correct: 'He is Norwegian.' or 'He is from Norway.')
- Incorrect: 'I speak norwegian.' (Correct capitalization: 'I speak Norwegian.')
- Incorrect: 'It's a typical norwegian tradition.' (Correct: 'It's a typical Norwegian tradition.')
Practice
Quiz
What is the correct way to refer to the language?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when referring to the nationality, language, or anything pertaining to Norway, it is always capitalised as it is a proper adjective/noun.
'Norwegian' specifically relates to modern Norway. 'Norse' typically refers to historical Vikings and Old Norse language/culture. 'Scandinavian' is broader, encompassing Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, and sometimes Iceland and Finland.
Yes. In writing, there are two official standards: Bokmål (more common) and Nynorsk. In speech, there is a wide variety of dialects.
Yes. For example: 'He is a Norwegian.' However, it is equally common and often more natural to say 'He is Norwegian' (using it as an adjective).