If you meet that special someone while on a trip to Norway, be prepared with these simple romantic phrases.
Basic Love in Norwegian
Let’s start with the basic phrase: I love you. On the one hand, if you happen to fall in love with a beautiful Norwegian while on a two-week stay in that country, more power to you. On the other hand, I’d advise against making this phrase the first thing you say to someone, no matter how many drinks into the evening you happen to be.
To say I love you in Norwegian, sayjeg elsker deg. Keep in mind that in Norwegian this phrase actually hasmoreweight than I love you does in English – in English, you can actually say I love you to a friend, as it can imply different varieties of love. In Norwegian, this is almost exclusively used to communicate passionate romantic love. Use it wisely.
Another option is to use the phrasedu betyr så mye for meg(you mean so much to me). This has a bit more flexibility as it doesn’t come right out and say it but is commonly used to imply a deep emotional feeling.
Once You’ve Found Love
So you’ve met your soul mate and embark upon a whirlwind romance over the remnants of your trip. Congratulations! Here are some phrases that will come in handy: To say “I miss you” (which will be common on the phone after you’ve returned home, sayjeg savner degorjeg har savnet deg(I’ve missed you – an important distinction).
If you want to convey more passion in your pining (and who doesn’t) I’d suggest the phrasejeg lengter etter deg, whichtranslates to“I long for you” and should only be used under controlled circ*mstances, as otherwise, it can lead to unexpected escalation of relationship status.
To crank the passion level down a bit and be more playful, why not go with “You’re cute,” which isdu er søt. This gets the main message across without sounding like you’re from a bad romance novel or like you’re proposing marriage on the first date!
Of course, I’ve always found that when it comes to romance there truly is a universal language, and I’ve never had trouble communicating in that one no matter where I am. Experience tells me we’re all born fluent in it.
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Liraz Postan
Liraz is an International SEO and Content Expert with over 13 years of experience.
FAQs
The Art of Expressing Love in Norwegian
How do Norwegians express love? ›
Norwegians use the phrase “Jeg elsker deg” (I love you) to express deep romantic love for their partners.
How do you say I love you in Nordic? ›
To say I love you in Norwegian, say jeg elsker deg. Keep in mind that in Norwegian this phrase actually has more weight than I love you does in English – in English, you can actually say I love you to a friend, as it can imply different varieties of love.
What are some common Norwegian phrases? ›
What are some useful Norwegian phrases for beginners?
- Good morning/good evening = God morgen/god kveld.
- My name is = Jeg heter.
- Please = Vær så snill.
- Thank you = Takk.
- How are you? = Hvordan har du det?
- I'm sorry = Beklager.
- Goodbye = Ha det.
Expressing “All the Best in Norwegian”
Lykke til! – This phrase is commonly used to wish someone good luck or to encourage them. Alt det beste! – This expression translates to “all the best” and can be used in various contexts, such as before an important event or to wish someone well in general.
Do Norwegian men say I love you? ›
Jeg elsker deg - 'I love you'. This is what you would say to your long-time partner or spouse.
What did Vikings call their lovers? ›
Sæti/sæta = Sweetie, cutie. First one's for the men, the second one's for the women. Elskan, elskan mín, also ástin/ástin mín = My love, my darling.
What is the old Nordic word for love? ›
Etymology. From Old Norse ást (“love”), from Proto-Germanic *anstiz (“favour, affection”), from both *unnaną (“to grant, bestow”), from Proto-Indo-European *h₃n̥-né-h₂-ti, from the root *h₃neh₂- (“to enjoy”) + and from *stiz.
What are Norwegian terms of endearment? ›
Here are some other Norwegian terms of affection:
- Elskling (My love)
- Beibi / Beib (Baby)
- Sussebass (Susse = to kiss, bass = strong man) ...
- Pus (Kitty) Used by both men and women.
- Min bedre halvdel (My better half)
- Godjenta / Godgutten (Good girl / Good boy)
man skal ikke skue hunden på hårene
The Norwegian equivalent of you shouldn't judge a book by its cover literally translates as you shouldn't judge a dog by its hairs!
However, we often say “tusen takk” (“thank you very much” / “Thank you so much”) which literally means “a thousand thanks”. Tusen takk is very polite, and I use this most often.
What does Takk Skal mean? ›
6. Takk skal du ha! Common to use in situations when you are given something and want to express your appreciation more than just “takk”. It literally means “you shall have thanks”.
How do you say the words I love you in Norwegian? ›
Don't worry, here are all the love phrases you need to bowl over your Norwegian love on this special day! I love you. Jeg elsker deg.
What does Tak mean in Norwegian? ›
Lives in Norway (1961–present) Author has 292 answers and. · 1y. «Takk», with the short a-sound, is somewhat similar in meaning and usage, to English «thanks» — it is the standard polite reply when receiving some object or favor.
What is the Norwegian way of communication? ›
Honesty and politeness are core values, and people expect each other to ask nicely if they want something. On the other side, Norwegians tend to talk to each other in a very direct way and appreciate honest and straight forward communication. Not many subjects are taboo, and it's usually okay to speak about anything.
Is Norwegian a romantic language? ›
Romance languages include Romanian, Italian, French, Spanish, and Portuguese. The Germanic languages—not only German, but also Dutch, Danish, Swedish, and Norwegian. English is considered a Germanic language strongly influenced by Romance languages.
What do Norwegians love to do? ›
In Norway, outdoor life is synonymous with spending time in the open air, being active and use nature as a place of recreation. Walks/hikes, cycling, fishing, berry and mushroom picking, campfires, peak climbs and camping are examples of outdoor pursuits most Norwegians take part in at least once during their lifetime.
How do Norwegians show respect? ›
Greeting someone is an important part of showing respect in Norway. When meeting someone for the first time or entering a room, Norwegians typically shake hands and make eye contact.
