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?
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
