Moments · Learning Norwegian

Before they arrive

Sometimes a visit starts making you happy before anyone gets there.

The spare bed is ready

You’ve made up the spare bed. There’s something in the fridge you bought because you remember they like it.

While doing something unrelated, you suddenly think: they’ll be here soon.

You could tell them.

The same moment, a little more language

What would you say?

Start with what you know. Stay for something new. All three levels are here to explore.

Learn all 9 phrases

All three levels, introduced gradually in order: A1 → B1 → C1. Earlier phrases return for review as you learn more. A free account is needed.

A1 · The essentials

Say it simply

Let someone know you’re looking forward to seeing them.

You both already know about the visit. A short message is enough to share the feeling.

A1 includes these 3 phrases.

English

I’m looking forward to it.

Norwegian

Jeg gleder meg.

English

See you soon!

Norwegian

Vi ses snart!

English

The bed is ready.

Norwegian

Senga er klar.

Jeg gleder meg works when you both know what you’re looking forward to. Vi ses is a useful way to say “see you”. Snart means soon.

A small thing to try

Send an imaginary two-sentence message to someone who’s coming to visit.

B1 · A little more language

Explain a little more

Say what you’re looking forward to and how you’ve prepared.

You start with a practical message about the bed, then realise there’s something warmer you want to say.

B1 includes these 3 phrases.

English

I’m looking forward to you coming.

Norwegian

Jeg gleder meg til du kommer.

English

I’m looking forward to seeing you.

Norwegian

Jeg gleder meg til å se deg.

English

I’ve bought something I know you like.

Norwegian

Jeg har kjøpt noe jeg vet du liker.

Glede seg til can lead into du kommer, a clause, or å se deg, an infinitive phrase. The two patterns let you name the thing you’re looking forward to.

A small thing to try

Tell someone what you’re looking forward to doing together. Begin with “Jeg gleder meg til å …”.

C1 · Tone and nuance

Make it sound like you

Let a practical detail carry the affection.

Du retter litt på puta, selv om den allerede ligger fint. Så åpner du kjøleskapet og ser det du kjøpte spesielt til dem. Besøket har på en måte begynt allerede.

Read the scene in English

You straighten the pillow a little, even though it already looks fine. Then you open the fridge and see what you bought especially for them. In a way, the visit has already begun.

C1 includes these 3 phrases.

English

I catch myself smiling at the thought that you’ll soon be here.

Norwegian

Jeg tar meg i å smile ved tanken på at du snart er her.

English

I bought your favourite, so now all that’s missing is you.

Norwegian

Jeg kjøpte favoritten din, så nå mangler bare du.

English

It’ll be good to have you here, even if we don’t do anything in particular.

Norwegian

Det skal bli godt å ha deg her, selv om vi ikke finner på noe spesielt.

Ved tanken på means “at the thought of”. Nå mangler bare du makes a practical preparation affectionate. Finne på noe means to think of or do an activity; the final phrase makes simple company enough.

A small thing to try

Write to someone you miss. Use one ordinary detail to show that you’re thinking of them.

There doesn’t have to be any news. You can simply let them know.

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A note on levels and language

A1, B1 and C1 describe the focus of each section, not a test of your ability. You may recognise phrases at any level. These are teaching examples guided by the CEFR descriptions, not official ratings of individual sentences. The Norwegian uses Bokmål.