Christmas is approaching quickly, and what better way to experience Norway’s rich dialects than through christmas carols? We’ve gathered both classic and modern carols, each featuring a unique dialect from different regions of Norway. In this blog, you’ll find: How to use this blog? 🎶Compare singing and speaking: Listen to the differences between how the […]
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Learning Norwegian often brings surprises, and one of those is the little word “så.” Small but versatile, “så” changes its meaning depending on how it’s used. In this post, we’ll explore its main roles, like how it works in sentences as an adverb, conjunction, and more. Recognizing the function of the word is essential to […]
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Are you planning to take the Norwegian language test (Norskprøve) soon? In this post, you’ll find all the information you need to prepare! We’ll go over what the Norskprøve is, how it’s structured, and provide practical tips and sample tasks to help you pass. Finally, you’ll also get information on how to register and what […]
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Introduction Idiomatic expressions using body parts are a fascinating aspect of the Norwegian language. They express various emotions, qualities, and situations through bodily metaphors. These expressions make the language richer and more vivid, creating strong visual images that are easily understood by others. For example, when someone says they “hear with half an ear,” you […]
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Importance of Family in Norway Family holds a central place in Norwegian society, emphasizing strong bonds and support systems. Historically, Norwegian families have been tightly knit, often working together in agricultural settings and small communities. In modern times, while family structures have diversified, the importance of maintaining close family ties remains a cultural cornerstone. For […]
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Have you seen or heard people using the pronoun «hen» and are wondering what it means? Do you need a gender-neutral pronoun so you can write more inclusive texts in Norwegian, or because you know someone who is nonbinary? Read on and find out everything you need to know about «hen» and why it’s important! […]
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As warmer times approach, one of Norway’s most visible signs of spring emerges: the Russefeiring (Russ celebration). If you’re new to Norway, you might start wondering: Who are all these teenagers in red pants? What does it mean to be a “russ” in Norway? What are russeknuter, russedress, russegruppe, and russebuss? And what does Russefeiring […]
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When we speak or write Norwegian, we use different types of verbs. Some are weak, others are strong. Maybe you’ve even heard these words before and wondered what they mean. Whether a verb is weak or strong is important for how the verb is conjugated. This is essential to know to master Norwegian grammar and […]
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Do you find yourself fascinated by the diverse variations of the Norwegian language? You are not alone! With even Norwegians sometimes struggling to understand each other’s dialects, it can be challenge for expats to find their way in Norway’s linguistic landscape. If you’re wondering how the many dialects of Norway differ from each other, and […]
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Easter is holiday time in Norway. Many head to the mountains, some read Easter crime novels or hunt for Easter eggs. Others relax at home. But what does Easter really mean for Norwegians? Why do we celebrate Easter? What Easter traditions do we have in Norway? Follow along in this blog to find the answers […]
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Introduction When we humans describe something, we often use comparisons from the animal kingdom, both in Norwegian and other languages. It’s not surprising, as animals are an important and impressive part of the nature around us. Many of the animals’ skills and abilities are relatable to us. Since the middle of the Stone Age, humans […]
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In Norwegian, vowels come in two variants: short and long. The difference between them is important because it can change the meaning of a word. It’s one thing when written; most people can see the difference between pen (pretty) and penn (pen). However, pronunciation also plays a crucial role in understanding which word you mean. […]
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Curious about how Christmas is celebrated in the snowy landscapes of Norway? For anyone new to Norway, particularly those still navigating the nuances of the Norwegian language and culture, understanding and embracing local customs can be a delightful and enriching adventure. This article delves into the heart of Norwegian Christmas traditions, from the quirky Julebukk […]
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Embarking on the exciting journey of learning Norwegian? Welcome aboard! While it’s a fun and enriching experience, it’s no secret that it comes with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to mastering grammar. A crucial part of understanding Norwegian, or any language for that matter, lies in getting the hang of using […]
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Curious about Alfaskolen’s online courses? Are you wondering how an online course works? If this is something for you, or if there are requirements before joining an online course? This page will give you the best practices and answers to questions you might have, so you can feel prepared and confident before your first class! […]
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In a rapidly evolving job market, upskilling is not just a trend but a necessity. Alfaskolen, a leading provider of Norwegian language courses, is thrilled to announce its participation in the KompetansePluss Arbeid initiative for 2024. This government-funded program is designed to enhance the basic skills of adults in the workforce, particularly those with low […]
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If you’re looking to thrive in Norway, mastering the Norwegian language is essential. Norskprøven, an official language proficiency test, serves as a gateway to a world of opportunities, from better career prospects to successful integration in the Norwegian society. To ensure your success, Alfaskolen offers a comprehensive Norskprøven preparation course that caters to all language […]
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We are pleased to present the exciting collaborative project between House of Languages and Alfaskolen. In this project, Alfaskolen participates as an associate partner with the goal of developing a web-based platform that supports teachers in teaching Norwegian as a second or foreign language. Meeting in Pärnu, Estonia The development of this project has included […]
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Are you interested in learning Norwegian? Look no further! In this article, we provide valuable tips and strategies to help beginners embark on their language journey. Discover the best resources and techniques to accelerate your progress. Start your Norwegian learning adventure with Alfaskolen! 1. Set Clear Goals Setting clear goals is essential for successful language […]
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Welcome to Alfaskolen’s language café! At Alfaskolen, we organise free language café sessions at our school: Kongens gate 15, 0153 Oslo. All levels are welcome to practice their Norwegian speaking skills, meet new people from all over the world and enjoy the community atmosphere. Our teachers will support you with fun activities and material in Norwegian […]
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Guess what – summer in Norway has loads to offer! During the summer we experience white nights in Norway and this is definitely something worth a visit! Just imagine that from June to August, the sun is up from 3 am till midnight. How much you can do and see in just 24 hours in […]
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