top of page
Zdjęcie autoraIryna Bila

Useful Norwegian Words and Phrases for jobs in Hospitality

Learn language , be at home everywhere 
Learn language , be at home everywhere 

Hospitality Language: Norwegian useful phrases for everyone

Moving to Norway and starting a jobb in the hospitality industry can be exciting but also challenging, especially if you're not fluent in Norwegian. Whether you're a waiter, bartender, chef or housekeeper, learning key Norwegian phrases will help you communicate effectively with customers and colleagues. This article provides 21 essential phrases that anyone working in the hospitality industry in Norway should know.


21 Useful Norwegian Phrases for Jobs in Hospitality

  1. God morgen - Good morning

  2. God ettermiddag - Good afternoon

  3. God kveld - Good evening

  4. Hvordan kan jeg hjelpe deg? - How can I help you?

  5. Hva ønsker du å bestille? - What would you like to order?

  6. Kan jeg få menyen, vær så snill? - Can I have the menu, please?

  7. Er alt i orden? - Is everything alright?

  8. Har dere noen allergier? - Do you have any allergies?

  9. Takk for besøket og velkommen tilbake! - Thank you for visiting and welcome back!

  10. Unnskyld, hvor er toalettet? - Excuse me, where is the bathroom?

  11. Kan du hjelpe meg med...? - Can you help me with...?

  12. Jeg snakker ikke norsk veldig godt. - I do not speak Norwegian very well.

  13. Kan du snakke saktere? - Can you speak slower?

  14. Hvor mye koster dette? - How much does this cost?

  15. Hvordan vil du betale? – How would you like to pay?

  16. Med kort/kontanter. – By card/ with cash.

  17. Vi tar bare kort. - We only take cards.

  18. Ønsker du kvittering? – Would you like a receipt?

  19. Vær så god, her er regningen. – Here’s the bill.

  20. Vi stenger om ti minutter. - We are closing in ten minutes.

  21. Ha en fin dag! - Have a nice day!


Now as you finished learning new useful Norwegian phrases we invite you to take the quiz to test your Norwegian!


Practical Tips for Learning Norwegian

Practice Regularly:

Try to use these phrases in daily interactions at your workplace.


Take a Course: 

Consider enrolling in a Norwegian language course specifically designed for foreigners.


Listen and Learn:

Pay attention to how your Norwegian colleagues and customers speak. Watching Norwegian TV shows on NRK TV and listening to Norwegian music on Spotify or YouTube can also improve your language skills. NRK TV is a free platform where you can watch all kinds of TV-shows, movies and cartoons. You can start watching something easy like shows for children, NRK TV has a wide range of all different TV-programs.


Here is the list of easy Norwegian TV-shows for beginners:

  • Genre: Teen Drama

  • Why it's good: This is a highly popular teen drama that uses everyday language, making it great for learning common phrases, slang, and colloquial Norwegian. Each episode focuses on a different teenager and their experiences, providing realistic dialogue. Subtitles are also available in many languages.

  • Where to watch: NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation)


  • Genre: Comedy

  • Why it's good: This light-hearted family sitcom portrays the daily lives of different families living in a Norwegian suburb. It’s great for beginners because the dialogue is simple, and the humor is easy to follow. The show provides insights into Norwegian culture and family life.

  • Where to watch: NRK


  • Genre: Crime Comedy-Drama

  • Why it's good: While this show mixes Norwegian and English, it’s a great way to ease into listening to Norwegian as a beginner. It's about an American mobster who moves to Lillehammer, Norway, so you'll find a mix of cultural references and simpler language.

  • Where to watch: Netflix


  • Genre: Christmas Family Adventure

  • Why it's good: A family-friendly Christmas show that follows a boy who discovers a secret kingdom. The language is simple, and the show is aimed at children, making it perfect for beginners.

  • Where to watch: NRK


  • Genre: Drama

  • Why it's good: This show is slower-paced and revolves around three women returning to their hometown after years away. It uses conversational language and is great for learning more about everyday life and relationships.

  • Where to watch: NRK


  • Genre: Comedy-Drama
  • Why it's good: This show follows the lives of three second-generation immigrants living in Norway, so you get to hear a mix of Norwegian and immigrant perspectives. The language is more modern and conversational, but easy to follow.

  • Where to watch: NRK


  • Genre: Children's Show

  • Why it's good: A fun and easy-to-follow children's show set during Christmas time. The language is simple, and it's a great way to learn basic vocabulary and phrases.

  • Where to watch: NRK


  • Genre: Children’s Show

  • Why it's good: Aimed at young kids, this show uses very simple Norwegian, focusing on the everyday adventures of two children. It’s great for absolute beginners who want to learn basic vocabulary and grammar.

  • Where to watch: NRK


  • Genre: Soap Opera

  • Why it's good: This is a long-running Norwegian soap opera that is ideal for beginners. It features slow, clear dialogue about everyday life in a hotel setting, allowing you to pick up basic conversational phrases.

  • Where to watch: TV2


  • Genre: Comedy / Talk Show

  • Why it's good: A comedy show where celebrities take part in improv and silly challenges. The language is clear, and the humor helps make it easier to understand what’s going on. It's great for picking up some informal language and listening to natural speech.

  • Where to watch: TV2


  • Genre: Travel Documentary

  • Why it's good: This educational travel show is perfect for beginners because the hosts use clear and straightforward Norwegian as they explore different parts of Europe. It combines travel with Norwegian language and culture, making it engaging and easy to follow. The pace is slower compared to other TV shows, so you have more time to absorb what’s being said.

  • Where to watch: NRK



Tips for Watching
  • Use Subtitles: If you’re a beginner, it’s helpful to use Norwegian subtitles (if available) to match the spoken word to the written word.

  • Start Slow: Watch the episodes multiple times or slow down the playback speed to catch more of the language.

  • Take Notes: Jot down useful words or phrases you hear during the show.

By watching these shows, you'll expose yourself to Norwegian culture, everyday language, and simple conversations, making your learning journey more enjoyable!


Time2Staff helps to find jobs:

At Time2Staff, we believe that language barriers shouldn't stand in the way of finding great job opportunities. Our innovative platform connects job seekers with workplaces in Norway’s thriving hospitality industry, even if they don’t speak Norwegian fluently. Whether you’re looking for roles as a waiter, chef, cleaner, or bartender, Time2Staff offers a seamless, free-to-use staffing solution that bridges the gap between talented individuals and businesses in need of reliable staff. Our platform is designed to make finding work simple and accessible, helping you land the perfect job in hospitality, no matter your language skills.


It is also very important to lean the language of the country you are living in. We encourage you to attend various courses and start learning Norwegian as soon as possible. It's a very exciting thing when people from all over the world gather in one classroom and exchange cultural experince by learning a new language together. It's very good for socializing and for getting new friends in a country that is completely new to you. We wish you luck!

Enjoy your Norwegian language journey!


Further Reading and Resources

To deepen your understanding and improve your language skills further, here are some additional resources and articles that provide specialized phrases for various roles within the hospitality sector:


Each of these articles delves into the specific language needs of different roles, helping you to communicate more effectively and confidently in your work environment.





Download:





Comments


bottom of page