Learning Norwegian as an English speaker is more achievable than most people expect — the two languages share a significant amount of vocabulary, and Norwegian grammar is considerably simpler than German or Russian. The main challenge is not the language itself but finding resources that actually work for your goal: passing the Norskprøven, getting comfortable at work, or both.
This guide covers the most useful options available in 2026, what each one is good for, and who should use it.
What to Look for in a Norwegian Learning Resource
Before spending money or time on anything, it helps to match the resource to your actual goal.
If you need to pass the Norskprøven at A2, your priority is spoken comprehension and basic conversational output. You need a resource that trains listening and speaking, not just reading and writing.
If you are targeting B1 for citizenship or work, you need structured grammar instruction and a large vocabulary base. Apps alone will not get you there — you need a course with a clear progression.
If you want to get comfortable in a Norwegian workplace, you need real-world phrases and the confidence to use them spontaneously. Exposure to authentic Norwegian audio is as important as formal study.
Free Resources Worth Using
Duolingo
Duolingo's Norwegian course is one of the best free starting points for absolute beginners. It covers basic vocabulary and simple sentence structures in short, gamified sessions. The main limitation is the ceiling — Duolingo will get you to somewhere around A1–A2 reading level, but it does not build the speaking confidence or listening skills needed for the oral Norskprøven. Use it to get started, but do not rely on it as your only resource.
NRK Nyheter på lett norsk
NRK, Norway's public broadcaster, publishes a news podcast specifically for Norwegian learners: Nyheter på lett norsk (News in easy Norwegian). Episodes are short — around five minutes — and read slowly and clearly. This is one of the best free tools for training your ear to real spoken Norwegian. It is most useful from A2 upward.
Official sample tests from HK-dir
HK-dir publishes free practice tests for the Norskprøven at all levels. These are the closest available material to the actual exam. Search for "eksempeloppgaver norskprøven" on the HK-dir website. Using these early in your preparation tells you exactly what level you are at and what you need to work on.
Samfunnskunnskap.no
If you are also preparing for the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven (the civics test required for permanent residence), the official preparation materials are free at samfunnskunnskap.no. Read our full guide to the Samfunnskunnskapsprøven for more detail.
Paid Courses and Platforms
NorwegianClass101
NorwegianClass101 is the most complete structured Norwegian course available in English. It covers everything from absolute beginner to advanced, using audio lessons with two hosts — a native Norwegian speaker and an English-speaking learner — which makes it easy to follow even when you are just starting out.
What makes it particularly useful for Norskprøven preparation is the focus on listening and spoken Norwegian. Each lesson is built around real audio, not just written text, which directly trains the listening comprehension and speaking vocabulary the oral test requires. The platform also includes vocabulary tools, grammar notes, and a spaced repetition system for drilling words.
It is subscription-based, with a free tier that gives access to a limited number of lessons and a paid subscription that unlocks everything. The paid plan is worth it if you are preparing seriously — you will use it for months.
Babbel
Babbel's Norwegian course is a solid alternative for beginners and lower-intermediate learners. It focuses more on grammar and written production than NorwegianClass101, which makes it useful if you find audio-first learning difficult to follow at first. The ceiling is lower than NorwegianClass101 — it will not take you to B1 — but as a starting tool it is well-made and more engaging than a textbook.
Rosetta Stone
Rosetta Stone teaches Norwegian through image-based immersion with no translation into English. This approach works well for some learners and poorly for others. For Norwegian specifically — where understanding grammar patterns early helps enormously — the no-translation method can slow progress in the early stages. It is not the most efficient choice if you have a test deadline.
Textbooks
If you prefer working from a physical book — or if you are enrolled in a Norwegian language course — two textbooks are used more widely than any others in Norway:
Norsk på 1-2-3 by Elisabeth Ellingsen is designed specifically for adult learners at A1–A2 level. It is structured around the topics and situations tested in the Norskprøven, with clear grammar explanations and exercises. There is also a fast-track edition aimed at learners who want to reach A2 quickly.
Ny i Norge by Gerd Manne is another widely used beginner textbook, commonly used in integration courses for immigrants. It covers A1–A2 with a communicative approach and includes vocabulary and grammar built around everyday situations.
For full reviews of these and other textbooks — including grammar references and workbooks for B1 — see our guide to the best books to learn Norwegian.
One-on-One Tuition
No app or course replaces the benefit of speaking with a real person. If your goal involves the oral Norskprøven — which it almost certainly does if you are reading this — you will need practice having actual conversations in Norwegian, not just completing exercises.
Online tutor platforms let you book one-on-one sessions with Norwegian speakers, either professional teachers or community tutors (native speakers who teach informally at a lower rate). A few targeted sessions in the weeks before your oral exam can make a significant difference to your confidence and fluency under pressure.
Recommended Combinations
Targeting A2 for permanent residence: NorwegianClass101 (beginner to elementary levels) + NRK Nyheter på lett norsk for listening + 2–3 iTalki sessions before your oral test.
Targeting B1 for citizenship: NorwegianClass101 (full progression through intermediate) + regular iTalki sessions for speaking practice + official HK-dir sample tests to benchmark your progress every four to six weeks.
Getting comfortable at work: NorwegianClass101 for structure + our guide to Norwegian workplace phrases for practical vocabulary + iTalki sessions with a tutor who can role-play work scenarios.
A Note on Time
A common question is how long it takes to reach A2 or B1 from scratch. For English speakers, the EU average estimate is around 600 hours to reach B2 from zero. A2 is achievable in roughly 150–250 hours of focused study; B1 in 350–500 hours. These are averages — people who immerse themselves in Norwegian at work or at home progress faster.
The most important factor is not which resource you use but consistency. Four hours per week for six months will outperform ten hours per week for three weeks and then nothing. Build a study habit you can maintain, not a sprint you cannot sustain.