🇳🇴 Norwegian for students: from A1 to B2 in 2 years
📈 4 stages of learning
Learning Norwegian can be divided into 4 stages, each of which takes 1 semester (~6 months):
- A1 (basic level):
○ Alphabet, pronunciation, simple phrases.
○ Topics: food, transport, shopping.
○ Tools: university courses + Duolingo.
2. A2 (elementary):
○ Simple dialogues, past tense, everyday topics.
○ Tandem practice with Norwegians.
○ Participation in student clubs for "live" language practice.
3. B1 (intermediate):
○ Complex tenses, letters and short essays.
○ Topics: work, education, culture.
○ First official Norskprøven exam (A2–B1).
4. B2 (advanced):
○ Academic language, argumentation, presentations.
○ Preparation for Bergenstest (Test i norsk høyere nivå).
○ Result: access to most Norwegian programmes.
🎓 Exams
● Norskprøven: tests levels A1–C1, often required for a residence permit.
● Bergenstest: a difficult exam, recognised by universities as proof of language proficiency at level B2.
📌 The Bergenstest is usually required for admission to a bachelor's programme in Norwegian.
📌 Student path: A1 → B2 in 2 years
- 📖 A1 — Basic (6 months): university courses, Duolingo
- 💬 A2 — Conversations (6 months): tandem, student clubs
- 📝 B1 — Writing essays (6 months): Norskprøven
- 🎓 B2 — Academic language (6 months): Bergenstest
You can absolutely master Norwegian to B2 level in just two years! All you need to do is sign up for regular courses, get involved in tandems and join the awesome student clubs. The Norskprøven and Bergenstest exams are the perfect way to confirm your results and open the door to amazing academic programmes in Norwegian.
📌 Tip: start with university courses, add tandem practice, and in 12–24 months you will be able to study and live in Norway with ease!
FAQ
Yes, with intensive courses and full-time study, it is possible to reach B2 in 12–15 months, but most people find it more comfortable to proceed at a pace of "1 level = 1 semester".
Norskprøven assesses practical language skills (A1–C1), while Bergenstest assesses academic language skills, which are required for university admission.
Formally, no. But knowing Norwegian helps in everyday life, with part-time jobs and when looking for internships.
At universities (UiO, UiB, NTNU, UiT) or at municipal voksenopplæring centres. Online courses are convenient as a supplement.
Through student clubs, buddy groups or the university's international office.
