How much do you know about Norwegian people? After a decade living in Norway, and a lifetime of spending every summer and Christmas in Norway with my Norwegian family, I’ve come across a few stereotypes of Norwegian people, as well as some habits that you might not suspect of Norwegian people.
Plus, after the uproar last week over my writing about how I secretly wish I were Scottish, I feel like I need to show a little love for my Norwegian roots.
Okay fine, there was no uproar, just my own guilt over betraying my people.
And I should feel guilty, because being (even only half) Norwegian is awesome.
In fact, whenever I read one of the billions of “Helpful Habits of Ridiculously Successful People That You Need to Adopt” articles out there, I always finish with not only a new determination to start waking up early and somehow incorporate lemon water into my diet, but also a feeling that these people might be “ridiculously successful,” but they don’t have anything on Norwegian people.
Because people living in Norway are onto something – eighteen things, in fact.
1. Norwegians breathe in when saying yes.
I mean, that’s just practical.
2. Norwegian people think really boring things are interesting.
It seems like pretty much anything will count as entertainment for a Norwegian person. Hello, slow tv. And have you seen the Norwegian news? Even I’m news in Norway.
And imagine going through life enjoying even the most mundane things? I think this might be the secret to happiness.
3. They sleep with separate blankets
If you struggle to get a good night’s sleep in be with your partner, you might have considered sleeping in a separate bedroom. But Norwegians have come up with a much simpler solution: separate blankets.
Here you’ll see double beds topped with two single duvets instead of one huge one and wow does it make a difference! This is especially great if one of you runs hotter than the other, as you can choose your own blanket weight.
Well, it can be a bit tricky if you’re the colder one, because if your partner is good at cocooning themselves in their blanket it might be awfully hard to get your toes in to warm up against their feet.
Of course Norwegians don’t have to worry about this because they are born to be cold.
4. Conflict? What’s that?
Norwegian people have an amazing and sometimes downright baffling ability to brush anything off. They tell me it’s because they don’t like confrontation so would rather just let stuff slide, but as a girl with a bit of a temper I’m always in awe of how cool my Norwegian friends can remain regardless of what’s thrown at them. And yes, I totally try to come up with ways to provoke them, and yes, I always fail.
Though after moving up to Northern Norway I would just like to add that this might not be true of Northerners.
Lol, this definitely isn’t true of Northerners. In fact I feel like Northern Norwegian people are so different than the Norwegians of the south that maybe they deserve their own blog post. What do you think, should I write up something about Northern Norwegian people?
5. They’re tall.
Does that count as a habit? I guess not, but it sure is helpful sometimes.
That’s not to say the Scandinavian look is all good news, though. Some people are so blonde here they have to draw on their eyebrows.
Oh wait, is that a trend everywhere?
6. People living in Norway take getting cozy very seriously.
It seems like most Norwegians’ purpose in life is to be cozy or have a cozy time, especially if it’s a Saturday.
Things that Norwegians do to get cozy: bake kanelsnurrer (Norwegian cinnamon buns), go to a cabin in the middle of the mountains with no electricity or running water, spend time with people they love, light approximately 8,000 candles around their home, and eat tacos.
I’m actually not sure if the taco thing counts as kos, or if they’re doing it because it’s Taco Friday. I’m still learning so much about this place!
7. They snus instead of smoke.
When I worked at a supermarket in Telemark, a little part of me died inside every time I had to sell someone tobacco (because I little part of them was going to die), but as a non-smoker I’m at least grateful that instead of getting a face full of smoke from my tobacco-loving neighbors, in Norway all I have to deal with is the sight of that weird bulge in the corner of their upper lip.
8. They drink fish oil by the jugful.
I know because when I worked in a supermarket I sold fish oil by the jugful, and these Norwegians buy a whole lot of it. Now that’s a good habit.
Read also: 5 Norwegian TV Shows That Prove Norway is Crazy
9. They love nature.
I mean, I’m pretty sure anyone who visits Norway is going to love the nature here. From the Norwegian fjords, to mountains, to northern lights, Norwegian nature is undeniably spectacular.
But I’m also pretty sure no one who visits will love it quite as much as a Norwegian person does. Sometimes they get a little crazy with their love.
10. They’re appreciative of being Norwegian.
They know that they’re really, really lucky not to have been born in Sweden.
I’m kidding, Sweden. Well, sort of.
I did have to add that I’m kidding here because I seem to have upset some Swedes in the comments section, which sort of makes me wonder about the Swedish sense of humor? I mean, I’m totally stereotyping Norwegians here but none of them are getting upset.
(Actually if there’s one thing Norwegian people love more than making fun of themselves it’s reading about themselves. You’re welcome, Norwegians.)
11. They love the simple cabin life.
Yeah they’re really wealthy and could holiday wherever they like, but no thanks, they’d rather go to that freezing cabin with no plumbing. They’ll even write a love letter to their outhouse in the middle of winter. Oh wait, that was me.
12. They stress never.
I’ve lived in some places (ahem, Germany) where people seemed to take pride out of being “so stressed,” and frankly, it really stressed me out.
Well, remember how I said it’s nearly impossible to make a Norwegian angry? It’s even harder to stress Norwegian people out, they are so maddeningly laidback.
I mean, low stress is probably a good thing, but what about when there’s stuff to get done? A deadline? Something goes wrong? Someone is trying to order a service from your company?
Sometimes I try to imagine what important political meetings must be like in Norway and I’m pretty sure they just consist of a bunch of “mmmmms” and then everyone goes to their cabins for a long weekend.
13. The Norwegian language doesn’t have a lot of words, but it has the important ones.
The Sami people apparently have hundreds of words for snow. Now, I don’t know that much about the different types of snow (though I probably know more than you since, you know, I live in Norway), but I’m guessing they do, so it makes perfect sense to give them different names.
What I do know, however, is that beer tastes different when enjoyed outside, and that’s why in Norwegian it’s called “utepils.”
14. The word for boyfriend or girlfriend, kjæreste, literally meaning “dearest,” is non gender specific.
Love is love!
15. Speaking of gender, Norway is all about that gender equality.
That’s right, the two main football pundits for the European Championship coverage in Norway are women. What’s wrong with that, sir?
16. When something sucks they’ll call it kjedelig, which translates to English as “boring.”
Now, I know this is more of a linguistic than cultural thing, but it’s actually sort of genius. Because if something is annoying or unfair, then I can work myself up into quite a state over how annoying or unfair it is. Instead, a Norwegian will just be all “ugh, that’s so boring.”
And they’re right! It usually is boring and not worth getting worked up over, or even thinking about anymore at all.
Go ahead, start replacing your angry words with “boring” and watch your rage melt away.
17. They’re just so cheery.
A Swede I used to work with was convinced that there must be some Twin Peaks style sinister happenings going on under all the cheeriness in Rauland, but I’m pretty sure it’s just that mountain air.
Though according to my dad, who has been coming to Norway as a foreigner for way longer than I have, Norwegian people didn’t used to be so cheerful. In fact, they used to be quite stern. Norway also used to be one of the poorest countries in Europe, and now it’s one of the richest. Maybe money can buy happiness?!
18. They’re super humble.
While living in Japan my friend Kathryn used to laugh about how if you say yoroshiku onegaishimasu to a Japanese person it’s like pushing a button that makes them bow. (Actually, if you say it to me I will probably also bow.)
Well, if you praise a Norwegian person they will: take a deep breath, look skeptical, scratch the back of their head while glancing around for an exit, and then quickly scurry away. Thanks, janteloven.
I mean, it can be annoying when you’re still in the middle of a conversation and they’ve just up and left, but mostly it’s just adorable.
Sorry, Norwegians, has this post made you uncomfortable? I mean, you guys are the worst. You totally suck are boring.
Maria says
This is so funny to read, I’m Danish and can definitely recognize the laid back-Ness of the Norwegians from when I’ve been over there..
Silvia says
I’ve barely spent any time in Denmark but definitely want to – all the differences and similarities between Scandinavian cultures seem so interesting!
Sidsel Brannick says
The tears are rolling down my cheeks. This is the funniest thing I’ve read in years. It’s me in condensed, form well most of it. After all I’ve lived in Australia for more than 50 years. I’ve just read it to my English husband who keeps nodding his head.
SparklyTrashIsActuallyANorwegianThing says
Yeet, Good to know you acknowledge us and our abilities :3
Van @ Snow in Tromso says
Urgh Northerners are unfortunately not less afraid of conflict. And that’s actually the one character trait of Norwegians I can cope the least with. I still have a totally German temper and although I definitely stress way less, if there’s something wrong, I just have to argue about it. But Norwegians never do that. The boyfriend and I have actually been planning to go away for Christmas since last year but he’s only now told his family as we’ve found out where we’d like to go. To put it off for half a year just really shows how afraid they are of any arguments 😀 To me it’s just ridiculous. I always say stuff directly – so German 😀
When it comes to work, I’m lucky that I have German and British colleagues so we actually do get stuff done. I’ve also worked in a purely Norwegian team once though and it was SO chaotic!!! Haha but I’m sure it totally depends on the industry as well. University vs. Næringslivet – guess it’s quite obvious where actual work takes place 😀
Silvia says
Aaah that’s so Norwegian! Dan is super laid back so doesn’t much mind that Norwegians are too, but I’m totally with you with the temper – sometimes I feel a little bit crazy trying to get stuff done here, ha. Though I’d much rather live in a laid back place than super up tight one at least 🙂 I’m glad I’m not the only one who sometimes feels a bit mad here though, haha.
Kevin says
I lived in Norway, and I’m married to a mostly “unorsk” Norwegian (thank god). Many Norwegians tend to sweep things under the carpet – including serious issues and problems that need to be addressed. This can only get worse over time if not addressed. It is healthy to get things off your chest and confront problems; be direct when you need to. A constant “laid back” approach to everything isn’t good, and the attempt to always keep things koselig isn’t, either. Otherwise, you end up like a blank-staring zombie (which I encountered often there).
I like the concept of “kos” – especially inviting friends over for coffee, lighting candles, eating something homemade, etc. I like that Norwegians are generally not flaky – they keep their word. And if they have to break an engagement, they most certainly let you know asap.
Janteloven is psychologically twisted – another thing that is not healthy. Younger generations of Scandinavians reject it for the most part now. It is good to show humility, but to never compliment someone or not show pride in your achievements leads to becoming blank-staring zombies again. It makes others feel good to know that you noticed something special about them. It makes you feel good to know others verbally acknowledge something positive about yourself.
Unorsk (“un-Norwegian”) Norwegians are refreshing, stimulating, direct. outspoken, and fun to be around. They suffer a lot, though, living in the most conformist land in the Western world.
anthony says
agree! after living there for 15 years …
JC says
I also agree after living there for over 10 years and being married to a Norwegian. It’s easy to romanticize a place and people if only there for a shorter period of time. Year 7 easily became the turning point for myself.
Silvia says
Aah I’ll have to wait for year 7 then!
Mik says
If you don’t like it go home.
John says
“Many Norwegians tend to sweep things under the carpet – including serious issues and problems that need to be addressed. This can only get worse over time if not addressed. It is healthy to get things off your chest and confront problems; be direct when you need to. A constant “laid back” approach to everything isn’t good, and the attempt to always keep things koselig isn’t, either. Otherwise, you end up like a blank-staring zombie (which I encountered often there).”
I can hardly believe what you wrote here. As a Norwegian, I travel a lot, and I just arrived from Japan/China/HK/Malaysia (duty). Everyone is asking me: – “Why are you Norwegians SO straightforward and tell your opinion at once? You seem to be braver than us” In Japan you don´t get their opinion before “one year is gone”. Some others told me: – It´s easy to get offended by you Norwegians, because you tell your opinion without hiding facts and the truth.
I found this on expatarrivals.com “Norwegians are known for being reserved, honest, humble and straightforward. They don’t like hierarchy in general, so an expat’s boss will be more likely to ask for their opinion than give them orders. Foreigners often find that Norwegians are difficult to get to know. They can be wary of strangers, but open up once they are familiar with someone. Once a person has been accepted and makes a Norwegian friend, they often find that they have a friend for life.”
I totally agree. This is what I hear when I am abroad (been to more than 100 countries), and I have friends from more than 40 countries, friends who have visited me in this wonderful country, where freedom is one of the best values we have (besides nature +++)
Silvia says
I would tend to agree with you, John – to me Norwegians seem incredibly straightforward. I was actually quite surprised reading the comments from people saying otherwise! I guess that goes to show that a stereotype can’t really characterize an entire nation. Plus it probably makes a huge difference whom you’re comparing Norwegians to – compared to a lot of Americans and Asians, for example, Norwegians are very direct, whereas compared to Germans they might not be as direct.
And yes, we are lucky for our freedom and the beautiful nature here in Norway!
Patricia Clonch Nifong says
I was born and raised in North Carolina, USA. I live in an area where the culture is traditionally Germanic and Scottish. I have been told, my entire life, a grandfather was Norwegian. Sure enough, when I submitted my DNA the results were overwhelmingly Norwegian with Finnish, almost 40% Scottish then English and German. My point, is that my father, sister and myself all say Hmmmmm, to everything. We traditionally do not offer compliments outside of immense respect and are very uncomfortable with compliments. We all prefer camping in the mountains, by the river, for vacation. In the summer, I would rather get away to a Cabin any day! The culture carried…..However, so did the German/Scottish temper! I am with you all in that regard.
Korbin says
Same, i was born in Colorado, dunno if that means nothing, but i am related to Norwegian culture and I match all of these traits.
Cate says
This is so funny! I never knew this about Norwegians
Silvia says
They’re a funny bunch!
Lauren says
I’m immediately going to adopt the expression kjæreste! Now if only I knew how to pronounce it….!
Nynke says
SHARE-uh-stuh should do the trick (although for older people, that ‘sh’ actually sounds closer to the ‘ch’ in ‘loch’). I love using it, too! Every language should have something neutral like it…
Silvia says
Ooh well done!
Sarah says
Its more ch then sh! ! 🙂 Google it or someting, æ is hard to explain you need to listen to it. And yes, im Norwegian.
Uh -stuh (lol). Is that what we sound like ?? :p
Susanne says
I would explain pronoucing æ the same way a person with an American accent would pronounce a in the word “blast ” It was a blast”.
Regine says
https://translate.google.no/?biw=1366&bih=667&bav=on.2,or.r_cp.&sns=1&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=no&client=tw-ob#en/no/dearest
Here you go!
Silvia says
Right? It’s so good!
Kjell Matzow says
Very easy k j æ r e s t e 🙂 straight forward.
Annika says
Great read! 🙂
Silvia says
Thanks, Annika!
Christine@ Apple of My Eye says
OH MY GOSH. This is so spot on I was nodding and smiling the entire time I was reading it. Literally every single point haha. I just got back from a two week vacation in Norway visiting family/the fjords and so this was so fun to read since it reminded me of all the little things.
Another thing to notice: they use both hands while eating. Small difference, but Americans usually will only have their fork in their hand and their knife down unless they’re cutting something. Norwegians always eat with both.
Silvia says
Aaah that’s so funny! Glad it was accurate. And I actually grew up eating with both hands because of my mom and all my friends thought it was the weirdest, haha.
Bruce Rud says
Raised in Canada with a Norwegian father, I used both hands to eat. Knife in the right hand, fork in the left.
I was told that other cultures used their utensils in other specific ways when I was young.
Dominique says
Ha great post! I haven’t visited Norway yet, and even though I know a lot of Swedish, Danish and Finnish people I don’t know any Norwegians! Where are they hiding? Anyways, it fun to read about these cultural habits! 🙂
Silvia says
Sounds like you need to get yourself to Norway!
Ola says
What is that Norway versus Sweden thing? I’d love to hear more about that 😀
Silvia says
Haha I think really Sweden and Norway love each other but are cold Nordics so they don’t really know how to express that love other than teasing each other.
Ulrikke says
Its like Norway and Sweden are siblings. We love to hate eachother by making jokes about one another, but if anyone should ever try something – we would always back eachother up 😉
It really goes back to Sweden taking us from the danish in 1814, and then we used a hundred years to get away from them again. So we hate them – to show solidarity, but really we love them.
Silvia says
Perfect explanation!
Kerstin says
Absolutely loved this post. Especially the habit of taking cozy to another level is VERY appealing to me. Sounds like I seriously gotta go to Norway in the future.
Love, kerstin
http://www.missgetaway.com/
Silvia says
Seriously, they’re so good at getting cozy!
Ragnar says
Norwegian youth usually say that things suck, like if something failed the appropriate response would be more “det suger da” like “well that sucks”, but this is probably an adopted english term, as it’s not very prevalent in elder people
Also, we have tonnes of words for everything! So many, in fact, both regional and dialectual. A lot of these have been lost with time, but we’ve got words to describe pretty much anything, and in terms of weather, tools, fishing, animals or boats, there’s boatloads (literally) of varieties, and situations certain words can be used in, which makes it too complicated for everyday talk (or people).
Great article, loved it! Laughed hard at the appreciativeness of not being Swedish.
Silvia says
Glad you enjoyed it!
rj says
Favorite: “…start replacing your angry words with “boring” and watch your rage melt away.”
Silvia says
Haha it works!
Cecilia says
Though kjedelig often means “sucks”
Robert says
This post made me so happy. I love my little Norway.
Greg Gulbrandsen says
Det hvar kjaemper godt!
Da says
You know, after reading your post, I’ve realised that I make that ambiguous “mmmmm”-sound all the time! On the question of whether taco can be counted as “kos” or not – I’m not really sure either tbh, but I’m pretty sure it could be viewed as part of the “fredagskos”? Or we could get creative and make some new words like “tacokos” or “kosetaco”, haha
Valentia says
They’re probably more cheery outside of Oslo – here everyone’s either walking blank-faced to Kiwi or sternly watching their kids play (outside in the rain/snow/sleet), haha.
Frida Rasch says
Wow, great post! I don’t know you but I want to now!
Alex T says
I am Norwegian and enjoyed reading. Lots of things are right, but these two are not:
No. 10 that Norwegians are so happy not being Swedish. I don’t see that as right. Growing up or living in either country today is pretty similar.
No. 13 that Norwegian does’nt have a lot of words is definately not correct. What is correct is that poeple today have forgotten to use them. Read Ibsen and you’ll be amazed at the vocabulary in Norwegian.
Linguist says
Although I agree with you that number 13 is incorrect, I don’t think you’re right in that people today have forgotten to use the words in the Norwegian language. Henrik Ibsen might have written words that are no longer in use, but the modern Norwegian doesn’t necessarily use fewer words. The words have just been replaced by new words that Henrik Ibsen would not understand. This is something that happens in all living languages 🙂
It is a myth that the Norwegian language is “poor”. A lot of people claim it is, because they know English words that don’t have exact equivalents in Norwegian, but what they don’t think about is that the same is true in reverse.
Dean says
I am a Norwegian American and I don’t know of any Norwegian American that would agree with you, Alex. Everyone here are so thankful they don’t have Swedish roots. I think that it may be more of a joke, but with every joke, there is a little reality to it. It is amazing that if an American has only 10% Norwegian ancestry, they always claim it. Also Norwegian Americans always find each other. On my block where I used to live in San Diego, four houses in a row had Norwegian roots. This week, I found out that a neighbor was half Norwegian. I knew there was a reason why I liked her. 🙂
Ajvenova says
Haha love it! 😀 I’m living with my Norwegian boyfriend in Denmark….this post is so true!! 😀 Looking forward to move to Norway! 😀
Kjell Matzow says
Thank you for a fun and interesting blog to read. I am Norwegian, living at the south east coast line in Kragerø, Telemark. I have spent much time traveling through most of the country, and it is really a never ending story of fantastic views. People are in general friendly, even to Norwegians, and it is just making me laugh how you put words on some of our habits and qualities, both the good ones, and including the not so flattering stuff we do, and where we have potential of getting better :o) And as you point out, all the best stuff is totally free.
Sherri H says
This article and the replies made me miss my Norwegian grandmother so much…thank you for posting this.
Petter says
Actually the “kjedelig” part is not true. It’s a local thing, and definitely not a general Norwegian thing.
Regine says
Actually it is true, but it’s generally the 40+ generation that uses it.
Gudny says
In the west we don’t use “kjedelig” for sucks, only for boring. But we use the word “kjipt” for sucks, and this can also mean boring. I think it’s also used in the rest of the country?
Maybe kjedelig for the older generation in the east, and kjipt as slang for the younger generations?
Ole says
Entertaining read. Number ten cracked me open and i bursted into laughter. Much needed stereotyping i guess. The Nordic countries loves to make fun of each other. But we are always like family, or atleast relatives, and can’t stay mad for long.
Keep on learning and sharing, so others can learn too.
Silje Mari says
Love this! When you’re born and raised in the middle of it, it’s sometimes hard to actually notice the little things about our people, the habits and the stuff we do that foreigners might think of as really weird. So it was refreshing and great fun reading about some from your point of view! 😀
Anna says
This is funny! Thanks for the read! Where did you pick up the part about the Norwegian vocabulary, though? You may have heard some humble Norwegian say that, but it’s still not correct. Both Norwegian and English have approximately 500 000 words listed in their largest dictionaries. And while the famous Shakespeare used about 29 000 different words in his writings, the works of Henrik Wergeland contain around 58 000 different ones. 😉
Sarah from Lavender Life says
I moved to Norway a couple of years back and absolutely love it here. But I must say, in the beginning, all the breathing in and “hmmm”s drove me a little bit crazy. And I’m so glad as well that so many people snus here. I mean it’s still bad, but at least I don’t have to inhale the smoke!
Sarah | lavenderlife.co
Silvia says
Oooh another expat in Norway! I just had a look at your blog and your photos are so pretty. I’m glad you still love it here so much!
Elise says
“…I mean, you guys are the worst. You totally suck are boring.”
People, not guys.
Erasing women from the language should never have been normalised.
StineMah says
A fun read, but as several other norwegians I also have to point out that the use of “kjedelig” you are describing don’t translate to boring, it translates to “that sucks”. The word “kjipt” means the same thing, both boring and that sucks, depending on the situation.
Silvia says
Haha yeah, I’m afraid it didn’t totally come across that most of the points in this post are meant as a joke – I know that kjedelig doesn’t mean boring when used in that sense, but since it’s the same word I think it’s funny to imagine Norwegians calling stuff “boring” when it sucks. I clearly need to work on my joke delivery!
Kat says
Haha, as a Norwegian living in Japan I have had to adopt to a new environment, but even comparing people here to my own country I realise now that I never really understood how foreigners see Norway. However I think there is a lot of differences inside the country, not to much of course (Norway is very strict on making the whole country equal) However I come from Finnmark and I’m not so sure we are always laid back there. And regarding stress I feel that we can get stressed over really small things, like ” I had to work 8 hours instead of 7,5 hours today, my whole week is ruined!” kind of feeling. We have such a nice life and it’s become so normal we do not understand hardship. And if we get a little bit moody from working too much or not getting our coffee or some other trivial thing we can let our mood affect our environment, both at work and at home. Anyway, I’m happy you enjoy Norway, keep writing what you think, even if it’s negative, we need to hear it.
Silvia says
Ah that’s really interesting – I’ve never been to Finnmark (yet!). Love that people can get stressed over working an extra half our – that’s deeeefinitely not the way in Japan – I worked there for two years and was always expected to stay really late.
Kat says
Nice reading this post again. I completely forgot I had already replied, finding my comment and thinking “hah, this person is just like me”…
Still living in Japan and constantly comparing it with Norway.
I got a Japanese boyfriend and am constantly trying to explain things to him, only to realize that you need to actually know the Norwegian culture to understand it.
Can’t wait to bring him there.
Still can’t get used to having to stay late in Japan, but end up feeling really bad when I leave early… I wish I could adopt the “kos” from Norway, and our work-culture into my life here in Japan.
Don’t know if you are still in Norway, but I hope it is or has been great.
Helen says
The word kjedelig can also mean “unfortunate”. And Norwegian has a rich vocabulary, I have never had any problem finding the right word in either language. I have used the Norwegian language for 70 years and English for 55 years. Of course, as time goes by more “foreign” words gets adopted, such as sucks, which I have never used in Norwegian, just English. And that is very kjedelig…….
Line says
First of all, great read! 🙂 When it comes to “kos” or making things “koselig” (cozy), we take it dead serious. If there aren’t at least 50 tea lights lit in the autumn evenings, you’re doing it wrong. Although, cozy is a term that can’t express what “koselig” really is. Everything in our lives should be “koselig”. Our house, a dinner, a person, etc. “Koselig” describes not only the surroundings, but also the atmosphere around whatever the topic or subject is.
When it comes to the Norwegian language and vocabulary.. I strongly disagree! I’m Norwegian, and I’ve lived in Norway all my life. I do however have a British kjæreste. I can’t even count the times where we’ve realized that we have a word for something that doesn’t even exist in the English language, and even if it does, it’s never used and/or people just don’t know about it. Like when you have dinner, and you’ve gotten to the point where you’ve eaten enough. You’re “full”. or “satisfied”. But the word “full” can be used for so many different things. A full bottle. Living life to the fullest. Car’s full. Whilst in Norwegian, the word we use is “mett”. Countless examples, but I shall leave it at that.
We never stress? I want to meet the people you’re talking about 😀 Even in such a small town that I live in, I never, and I mean NEVER meet people that aren’t at least a little stressed out. Most people I know are constantly stressed. God knows about what.
Cheery and humble. I’m unsure if we’re really humble, compared to just being really shy and absolutely horrible with compliments. I’m sitting here with my little “mmmm” while reading about the typical Norwegian reaction to compliments, and it’s 100% spot on. Add the fact that a lot will start objecting or moving the focus over to something that they see as negative, and we’re set. “You look lovely today! – Oh, uhm.. well.. *scratches head* Eh, I messed up my makeup, and I have bags under my eyes. My hair is such a mess”.
I’ve heard from so many tourists and short term visitors that they find Norwegians cheerful and extremely polite. As for me that’s always lived here and gotten so used to how people act, I find most people rather rude. “Hold your own damn door”. No smiles. “Don’t you dare sit down on the same bench as me”. It’s like how Norwegians flirt. If you expect us to hold the door for you, someone’s always going to start rambling about independence and gender equality yadda yadda yadda. Then again, maybe I’ve seen myself blind on the polite/cheerful gestures that show in social situations. My boyfriend was amazed the first time he visited for one single reason. After one day of meeting my family, he had gotten a total of 5 hand shakes and tons of smiles. So yes. Maybe when it comes to new people, greeting and tourists. Gotta give a good first impression and all that.
And.. I so so wish I was wealthy and could travel wherever I like. Can’t remember my last “proper” vacation where I went somewhere completely new. Takes me ages to save up to even visit my boyfriend in England, hah. I get the idea that Norwegians are seen as very wealthy. But then again, it completely evens out in costs of living, food, rent etc. If one is like me, “outside” of the system and don’t have an education and can’t find a job for health reasons, you’re screwed, pretty much. Sure, I can afford my rent, but there will be 2-4 days each 14th day where I literally can’t afford food. Pretty much the same for most students I know. But you’re guaranteed to have encountered this already at some point.
Mikkel says
Great post! I love Norway and found your blog through Pinterest. Makes me want to go back ASAP!
Marit Austerslått says
Everything there is probobly true i guess since i live in Norway but the reality is taht Norway sucks!
it`s cold wether 350 days of the year and its dark outside around 70% of the year its depressing and i couldent hate my country more. i`m sorry to say it but we only try to make the best out of stuff so not everyone would leave this country. and nothing happens in this country anyway.
Btw i know im bad at writing.
Randi Adams says
My American husband, who has been in Norway MANY times, and I had some great laughs reading this. He did a lot of head bobbing (and he is not from Nepal!). It is all so true, and I am a northerner and that part is also true. Can’t wait to head over the ‘pond’ for the summer – and land in the north where the sun doesn’t set this time of year.
Thanks for a great write-up!
Silvia says
Haha I’m glad you could relate! And I really want to spend more time in northern Norway – pretty much all the places I want to visit in Norway now are in the north.
Ilka Sofie says
Hey! I know this is an old-old post but I felt very eager to reply. Everything you wrote is. So. True. However I wouldn’t call all of them”good habits”. As my boyfriend (who is Norwegian) totally goes to my nerves sometimes with these 😀
I am not cozy enough to understand him (yet). Sometimes when I am stressed and he is still so chilled I just want to burn the word “cozy” 😂
The point is, your article made me laugh and feel good 😊
Andrew says
my eyebrows are there I just can’t see them haha. Dang what happened to me lol i am not so laid back. But i guess im only norwegian by descent, i live in the US. I want to move if able someday, for a number of reasons, one of them being the friends for life kind of thing. I’ve noticed that in the u.s. my generation is not very loyal, friends nowadays my age, 20s, seem more concerned with what they can get out of you. In the US, we have so many problems socially and everyone is so upset all the time and stressed out, backstabbing is not very uncommon. It’s beautiful , and cold which I like , everything I’ve read about the way Norway is so far is what I wish the US were like. I want to come home.
Andrew says
apparently, I am also Scottish, jealous? 😆
Angela says
I must have some Norwegian blood; my eyebrows are pretty invisible. Would love to visit.
Alejandra says
It’s always nice to know more about other countries people do, thanks for sharing
Joe Nairobi says
I laughed at this so hard. I am from Kenya but my brother is married to a Norwegian woman. I went to visit last year during the summer and a few things….
1. Norwegian summers can be compared to cloudy day in Kenya. Little to no sun :/
2. The night life is very chill. Didnt see a lot of interacting or dancing, but I understand Norwegians love their space.
3. Its not easy to make friends with a Norwegian but Norwegian families are very close. They do EVERYTHING together. Its as if your family IS your friends. Can get a little claustrophobic but you learn to cope. Maybe it was just this particular family.
Also, I would have loved to see more interracial families.
Karina says
I just found this old post. So funny! All the reasons I love being Norwegian! I even have to draw in my eyebrows. Yes, our love affair with nature knows no limit. And, of course, Vi koser oss!
Naturmamma says
You know, political meetings in Norways is just a bunch of people gathered around to play pokemon and candycruch – laidback.
Georgios says
“They know that they’re really, really lucky not to have been born in Sweden.”
Yeah, I’m from Sweden and I’m about to move to Norway… I’m so happy I was born in Sweden. The living standard in Norway is so low compared to Sweden and statistically Sweden is still a better country. Norway still feels like a third-world country in some aspects. Then again, they have more money so they can probably fix it up.
Silvia says
Lol I hope it was clear that that was a joke…
Good luck with the move though! I’m curious why you decided to move here if you think it’s so much worse than Sweden.
בוק בת מצווה says
Thank you for the information
Ingvild says
Norwegians never stress? Someone tell my father-in-law! He’s always stressed about how busy he is, even though the only reason he’s short on time is because he’s telling people how busy he is, and how much it’s stressing him out… Y’know, instead of actually doing his work 🙂
Felix Westphal says
Breathing in for “Yes” is a Swedish thing, and my Norwegian friends usually do not get that I gave a response, and just repeat whatever they just said.
Aline says
Hei! Stereotypes of not – they are all pretty spot on! I am Norwegian and THIS BLOG IS ABOUT ME! 😀
We do indeed breathe in when we say “yes” many places – in particular north of Dovrefjell – and we also often make a tsk-ing noise when we say “no”. It is *not* an exclusively Swedish thing, as someone said above!
And, we – as individuals – are not particularly wealthy. A bit better off than people many other places because of universal health care and a minimum wage you can thrive on, but very few of us are *wealthy*. We are wealthy as a nation, as a country, as a people. The oil money is *ours*, and not lining the pockets of corporation tops as is common in other countries with nature resources. This attitude is reflected in our freedom-to-roam laws.
Re.#17 about our perceived cheeriness? That’s a peculiarity in our language that (afaik) doesn’t exist in other languages. We “go up” in tone at the end of a statement regardless of whether what we say is positive or negative. We say “I am so depressed!” with the same upwards ending in tone as when we say “I am so happy!” The Swedes (always these Swedes!!!) use a downwards tone when they utter negative statements and an upwards tone when they utter positive ones. – Listen for the difference the next time you have Swedes visiting! XD
Excellent blog!
Monique says
What I love about the Norwegian language is the difference in love for family and friends (glad i deg) and for your partner (elsker deg). Opposite to English when “love you” is said to almost anybody you like. Makes being someone’s significant other really special. Btw: I love Norway! Lived there for almost 2 years, way up north 🥶
Raffen says
As a Norwegian I have always had problems with that…
I can tell my mom, my father, any part of my family or friends “Jeg er glad i deg” google translate will say it means “I love you” but that’s not what it means, it means “I care for you a lot” or “you mean a lot to me” if I translate it directly it says something like “I am fond of you”… but it means “I love you” without using the L word”
Kind of like in Spanish where they say “te quiero” it translates to “I love you” in english, but in reality it says “I care for you”
In Norway “Jeg elsker deg” which means and is translated to “I love you” is reserved for boyfriend, girlfriend, wife or husband.
“Jeg er glad i deg” is a more familiar term used within family, and it is just as powerfull as saying I love you.
However in Norway, the word “elsker” =”love” is reserved to be used between two people who may exhange bodily fluids.
Whenever I visit any part of my family, when I have to leave, I will always give each a hug and say “Glad i deg”… it translates to “I care for you” and it is seen as an “I love you” without the romantic connotations 🙂
Lill Aase Loseth says
I am sorry but do you know anything about WII. Neutral Sweden, an oxymoron, allowed the Nazis to use 120 sealed railways cars to transport Nazi troops through Sweden to retake Narvik the ice free harbor in Northern Norway from which the Swedes exported iron ore which the Germans were dependent upon to manufacture steel,weapons,and ammunition.Without Swedish exports of iron ore, which they refused to stop when requested to by the Allies, all WWII experts agree that WWII would have ended three to 4 years earlier, saving hundreds of millions of lives. I was taught on grandfathers, grandmother, aunts and my mothers knees to never ever trust a Swede. They were all born in Kristiansund N. between 1905 and 1942, which was the most heavily bombed and destroyed town in Scandinavia. A friend born in Oslo in 1933 told me that Swedes are different from Norwegians because they are a fearful people and Norwegians are not.
Mare says
Hva slags slekninger har du? Haha, håper dette er sarkasme. For jeg er fra kristiansund og kjenner bare en svensk dude som er 10 år eldre enn meg. Trur ikke at du skal stole på den oslo vennen din, de har nokk hørt på litt for mange normannen, dansken og svensken vitsa😂
Raffen says
Hei Lill Aase Loseth 🙂 Ikke for å være slem eller noe sånt, men jeg tror nok du har misforstått litt poenget med de observasjonene Silvia legger frem her.
Det hun legger ut her er hennes syn på “stereotypiske” nordmenn, og har ingenting med hvrdan hverken nordmenn eller svensker oppførte seg under 2.Vk…, og jeg skjønner ikke hvordan du klarte å koble dette opp mot 2.Vk.
Kanskje det var punkt 4. Conflict? What’s that?
Norwegian people have an amazing and sometimes downright baffling ability to brush anything off. They tell me it’s because they don’t like confrontation so would rather just let stuff slide.
For er det ikke en “norsk” ting å gjøre, når du står i kø i butikken, og ungen til personen bak deg kjører handlevognen inn i baksiden på leggene dine om og om igjen, så snur du deg og får øyekontakt med forelderen og de sier “unnskyld… han/hun er i den alderen” så smiler du og sier “ja, nei, det er greit det” mens du egentlig har lyst til å fortelle de at de må lære seg å passe på ungen sin?
Ari A. says
I’m visiting Norway in August and your blogs really help. Straightforward and informative! Thank you so much for sharing! I’m really interested in just the local things and avoiding the tourist crowds. So looking forward to this adventure!
Anna says
Great post! Please explain the northern Norwegians. I’m dying to find out.
Mark Somerville says
I loved this blog: the information, way it is written, and the joy behind it. This explains much about a good friend from Norway and her ‘competition’ with my Danish relatives.
hotsex says
Example: do you find it fun to ski 45 kilometers while carrying a child behind you with a harnais attached to your waist? Do you think it is fun to go hiking and camping for three days when it is -10 degrees outside? No, when it is minus temperatures you want to stay in your bed, watch a movie, drink warm chocolate, and dream of that beach you ll be lying on next summer. Many Norwegians on the other hand will come back from a week end where you did all these unhealthy things and tell you how beautiful the sunset was at m from that amazing mountain. Well it would have been beautiful at least if there hadn t been that snow storm. And then (a story my colleague Torbjorn told me), I woke up at m because I was scared my kid had gone too cold, so I had to check his temperature under the ullundertoy. This week end was so much fun . What? THAT is fun? And you even bring your kids to such crazy things? (Note to the reader: that is how the definition of fun is passed on to next generations).
olafr says
kjedelig
Lisa says
Ive always been so intrigued by Norway, and Iceland too, that I read everything I can probably because I’m 1/2 Norwegian; and I have wondered all my life why was I born in Canada?! Lol Maybe one day I’ll be where I belong ❤
Mat says
Some people in northern Germany also do the breathing in while saying yes thing too. Maybe the proximity to Norway?
“Hja”
Silvia says
Oh interesting, I didn’t know that!
Gilbert smith says
I am trying to to find any reference to a commmment or saying i heard many years ago…..and have personal validation with.
The comment was…..when a Norweigan is hit in the head by lightning….he thinks he’s having his picture taken.
I am half Norwegian…and it appears I have very little sensitivity to pain anywhere above the neck. I also heard this is where the term numbskull came from.
Sigrid says
«Norwegians love reading about themselves» hahah 😂😂😂
You guys asked for television shows; Side om Side and Parterapi is definetly two of our favorites!
Alv V says
Norwegians are very pro-American, in general Anglophiles, admire the English-speaking world immensely, try to mimic it and become like it, and the idea you have that Norwegians want to hear about themselves, is actually more about hearing what Americans think about Norwegians. It’s an insecurity related to Janteloven [“The law of Jante, that refer mostly to “don’t think you’re better then anyone else”, know more, do more, are different etc.] I think, and an admiration of American “culture”, if there’s actually any such thing. So if any American, even a totally average American would say something bad about Norway, this would offend Norwegians deeply, but for example if Russia, China or Sweden would do similar, this would be met by an ironic and distanced, and if someone American would as much as mention Norway in a way that can be interpreted as being positive, this would become national news.
At the same time there’s a love-hate relationship in this that is very complex, but I think mostly because so much are expected from America, that it’s deeply upsetting by Norwegians if Americans don’t live up to their ideals. So a Norwegian can scoff and talk with deep disgust about “The Americans” (in a tone that suggest “Those idiots!”) in a way that no other people are being referred to, and suggesting that all things American are primitive, lacking in intelligence, are uncivilized, uncultured, laughable and disgusting. I find it difficult to put the finger on exactly what about USA might trigger this knee-jerk hate-reaction, but I suspect it’s about how Americans themselves might talk about “Americanism” and if Americans are clearly not respecting Janteloven (deeply upsetting, and even if someone is a true hero, if he/she ever admit to being so, this will automatically eject said individual from their hero-status). Norwegians don’t like at all selfishness, greed, ego, any national sense of superiority, or in short people that only think about themselves, individualism, and consider it cruel with people that don’t think of their countrymen as important. Norwegians don’t respect the “right” to own guns, and even police officers in Norway are not armed, nor do they have arms in their police cars, unless there’s a credible terror-threat or similar, where the use of arms are expected. Politically, in general, the Republican Party is deeply unpopular in Norway, while the Democrats? Nobel Peace Price! This is probably because the Democratic Party reflect Norwegian values, while Republicans have views that any Norwegian would despise. (Bush Jr. and Trump are example of “the ugly American” that Norwegians deeply disgust). Religious bigotry, anti-intellectualism and greed is all examples of how “Texas” are a synonym for “Crazy”, and how so bad things that it’s hard to describe them, can be “only in America”.
The Roman historian Tacitus wrote about Scandinavian, Germanic Tribes, and explained how they are deeply loyal to their leader. And this is another thing in Norway, where something archetypal is part of the very genetic structure of Norwegians. Varangians were the life-guards of the emperors of Constantinople, Miklagard in Norse (“Great City/Farmstead”) because of both their militarism and loyalty. Norwegians need a King, and the king have to be flawless, not like foreign nobility that create scandals and articles in drama-magazines. So if the royals do something tasteless, or not perfect, they are mercilessly harassed in the news. Anyway, considering NATO, I think my beginning of this explanation of describing a pro-American attitude, have roots in being such a strong military force, and being the sword-arm of NATO. If somehow USA would fail to be the strongest in the world, then Norwegians would bleed and die in defense of it, such as have been done already in Afghanistan. How Bush lied about Iraq was a turning point, where Norwegians no longer, as was the case for example in the 80’s would ask “What would the Americans think of us?” if some public figure in Norway did anything immoral.
Just a few things with an attempt of objective view of all of this.
By the way: It’s a great offense to be calling Norwegians humble. Being humble is the right way to be. The right way to be, to act, to talk and to live is something that all create a good name for a man, but no man will ever get a good name by claiming to have a good name.
Janina says
I have a Norwegian bf. Before I thought we broke up because he did not message me back for 2 days. But when he talked to me again he said it was bcoz he was busy. His work is demanding. Then we got back together. He was sweet and put more effort and time but after 2 weeks he did not talk to me again for 2 days and when back he talks like everything was normally fine. Is it normal for norwegians or is that part of playing it cool thing? are they really not accustomed to talking to their gfs everyday? He didn’t even say sorry or explain why he dont talk to me for 2 days the last time Im getting confused if he likes me or not coz he could go for days not talking to me but we were talking about children marriage and our future life. idk if im being disregarded and unimportant to him or was he just busy and i have to be more understanding or is he unloyal or flirting with a lot of girls? idk what to think here..Can anyone here pls enlighten me Im not really familiar with any European culture tbh
kristian says
This is brilliant and I love your personal writing style! Well done
Svein says
Obligator: “Taco isn’t taco”. Infact, Taco is just a rebranding of mykbrød, which is a dish we’ve had for over a thousand years(lowest trace I know of is the Viking Age). Mykbrød is a flat-soft bread that you put meat and vegetables into and then wrap and eat.
This is also why Kebabs are essentially tacos, but with different meat\dressing, and why lompe is so popular. It’s all derivitive of the same age-old national dish of Norway. Only thing not Norwegian about Taco, is the tex-mex(hence; rebranding).
Also yes, Taco is kos.
TasteOfTrip says
Thank you for your enjoyable and interesting blog. I am from Norway and live in Kragerø, Telemark, on the southeast coast. I have traveled extensively throughout the country and the views are truly amazing. The people here are generally friendly, even to fellow Norwegians. It’s funny how you describe our habits and qualities, both the good and not-so-flattering ones, and point out areas where we can improve. And you’re right, the best things here are completely free.