Working in Norway - learning Norwegian for work and before moving

Are you planning to move to Norway for work? Knowing the language can be useful long before your first day in a new job - already when browsing job offers, preparing application documents or attending a job interview. In this category, you will find books and textbooks that help you learn Norwegian for work and better understand how the Norwegian labour market and workplace culture function.

The materials focus on practical language and situations that people starting work in Norway may encounter. They cover topics such as job searching, writing job applications, job interviews, everyday communication with colleagues, workplace safety, holidays, employee rights and professional development.

Norwegian for work - language and Norwegian workplace culture

Language preparation for working abroad should not be limited to learning individual professional terms. It is equally important to communicate confidently in everyday workplace situations and understand the communication style and rules that apply in Norwegian working life.

A useful resource is “På jobb - håndbok: yrkesrettet norsk”, designed for adults learning Norwegian as a second language and preparing for working life in Norway. The book covers practical topics including job applications, workplace communication, regulations and rules, occupational safety, holidays and job interviews.

These materials can be useful both for people who are only planning to move to Norway for work and for those who already live in Norway and want to improve the Norwegian they use in professional situations.

Medical Norwegian for doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals

A separate group of learners are those preparing to work in the Norwegian healthcare system. Doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals need not only general Norwegian, but also specialist vocabulary and the ability to communicate with patients and colleagues.

This category therefore also includes materials for learning medical Norwegian. “Helsenorsk for deg!” by Cecilie Lønn is a comprehensive textbook covering levels A1 to B2. It combines specialist medical Norwegian with everyday language and covers topics such as health, illness, nutrition, patient care and the healthcare system. It includes texts, grammar exercises, vocabulary lists and a mini grammar.

It is particularly useful for learners looking for Norwegian for doctors, Norwegian for nurses and medical Norwegian for working in Norway, but it can also be used by people in other professions related to healthcare and patient care.

How to prepare your Norwegian for working in Norway

It is worth starting to learn the language before moving. A good command of general Norwegian makes everyday life easier, while professional vocabulary helps you prepare for specific situations at work. If you are just beginning to learn or want to develop your Norwegian to the next level, see also our Norwegian language textbooks and learning materials.

If you are still considering moving to Norway for work, you can also read our article “Is it worth working in Norway?”, where you can find more information about employment, language skills and preparing for relocation.