Oslo - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Nearly every Norwegian (or resident of Oslo) over the age of 7 speaks fluent English. While Oslo has a large immigrant population, they all learn Norwegian quite quickly as well, so the only non-Norwegian speakers are new expats and (very) recently arrived refugees. That said, Norwegian is not difficult to learn and there are plenty of resources to do so, both online and in person. I've found Norwegians very accommodating and willing to tolerate me trying to conduct day-to-day stuff in Norwegian, especially when I've told them I want to practice. That said, it's nice when I need to do something complex where I lack the vocabulary to be able to switch to English. Note if you speak German or Dutch, Norwegian is even easier to learn (and Swedish and Danish of course as well). The hardest thing is that Norwegian has no standard spoken form, so outside Oslo you may hear accents that sound like completely different languages. With my bad Norwegian, I can understand Swedish in Stockholm much better than Norwegian in Trondheim. - May 2026
Just the very basic grocery items. Pretty much everyone speaks perfect English in Oslo. - Dec 2022
None. - May 2021
You rarely need local language. The locals love it when you try to speak, but will quickly shift to English. - Jan 2020
None, but it helps to know some for reading signs and grocery shopping. Post did not offer language lessons. - Dec 2016
Very little. I had it and used it, but could have done fine without it. Half the servers in town are Swedish anyway. - Dec 2015
Almost none. Even if you've learned the language, the average Norwegian on hearing your accent will reply to you in English (which they started learning before 1st grade). - Jun 2015
Almost none. Norwegian is not that difficult a language to learn, but there are many dialects, so you might understand one person and not another. It can be very hard to practice if learning, because once a Norwegian knows you are not a native speaker (or once you make any mistake), they will immediately switch to English. - May 2013
Unfortunately, not too much. Most Norwegians speak wonderful English. - Aug 2011
None, though it would be very helpful if you wanted to volunteer or take classes. I found a cross-country ski class for english speakers - but nowhere to volunteer. - Jun 2009