Archive by Author
Picking the Right Twin Posted by Bjørn A. Bojesen on Oct 31, 2019
Much to the frustration of new language learners, words can rarely be translated directly between two languages. Shades of meaning vary, and when you look in an ordbok (dictionary), you just might get lost in lists of alternatives… Sometimes, a Norwegian word has several English translations. Other times, it’s the other way around. YES When…
Get Moving in Norwegian Posted by Bjørn A. Bojesen on Sep 30, 2019
Høsten er på vei! (Autumn is on its way!) Before you reach for your pledd (blankets) and fjernkontroll (remote), here’s a reminder to keep moving… Vi kan bevege oss på mange ulike måter. (We can move in many different ways.) Legs and feet make it possible å gå, å løpe, å hoppe, å sparke (to…
4 ways Norwegian differs from English Posted by Bjørn A. Bojesen on Aug 31, 2019
For speakers of English, learning Norwegian isn’t that hard: Both languages belong to the Germanic group and have a lot in common. (You can probably guess the meaning of words such as katt, melk, hus.) Still, there are some eye- (or rather ear!) popping differences: • Norwegian has grammatical genders. Every noun is either masculine…
How to Survive Heatwaves in Norway Posted by Bjørn A. Bojesen on Jul 31, 2019
Huff så varmt! (Ugh, how hot!) Like many other places in Europe, Norge has also been recently hit by a hetebølge (heat wave). Here’s a tiny survival guide for the next time termometeret viser over 30 grader (the thermometer shows more than 30 °C). Husk å drikke mye vann! (Remember to drink lots of water!)…
3 Billy Goats Bruse Posted by Bjørn A. Bojesen on Jun 30, 2019
Hello, how are you, see you later. As language learners, we often focus on everyday communication. Still, dreaming and telling stories is also important! Below is one of the most famous eventyr (fairy-tales) by the Norwegian folktale collectors Asbjørnsen og Moe (19th century) – De tre bukkene Bruse. (In English it’s known as Three Billy…
Waving the flag Posted by Bjørn A. Bojesen on May 17, 2019
Gratulerer med dagen! (Congratulations with the day!) It’s 17. mai again, and Norwegians all over the world are celebrating not only grunnloven (the constitution), but all things Norwegian. This year, let’s take a look at the beautiful Norwegian flagg. No matter where you go in Norway, you’re bound to catch a glimpse of the pennant…
The Job Question Posted by Bjørn A. Bojesen on Apr 30, 2019
Hva jobber du med? (What’s your job?) Many people love talking about their job, and Norwegians are no exception! 🙂 When everything else fails, throw in some work-related vocabulary to keep the conversation afloat… – Jeg er sykepleier / lærer / baker. (I’m a nurse / teacher / baker.) – Åh, det høres spennende ut!…