🤫 Topics to avoid when talking to Norwegians: secrets to successful communication in Norway

Communicating with Norwegians may seem simple and open, but there are some subtle nuances and topics that are best not brought up in conversation, especially when meeting someone for the first time. Norway is a country of reserved and respectful people who carefully guard their personal space.

To make your trip and communication with locals as positive as possible, we have prepared an article on topics that are considered taboo or undesirable for discussion in Norway. Here you will find answers to 10 important questions tourists ask, as well as useful links to blog sections: ‘Etiquette and Janteloven’, ‘Culture, history and traditions’, ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

❓10 FAQs on topics to avoid when communicating with Norwegians

1. Why is it better not to discuss personal finances and income with Norwegians?

In Norway, discussing personal financial matters is absolutely taboo. Norwegians value privacy highly and consider questions about income, property values or expenses to be inappropriate and even rude. Such topics are perceived as an intrusion into personal life and can create an awkward situation. Even if you just want to share information about your income or the cost of living in your country, it is best to avoid this. If locals bring up the subject themselves, it is best to respond briefly and in general terms. If you want to discuss something related to finances, it is better to ask about prices for goods or services in general, without touching on personal issues. For more information on cultural norms, see the section on ‘Etiquette and Janteloven’.

2. Is it okay to talk about politics with Norwegians?

Political topics are not completely off-limits, but they should be approached with caution. Norwegians are generally politically literate, but prefer not to express strong opinions, especially when meeting someone for the first time. Open discussions on political topics are only appropriate among close friends, where you feel comfortable communicating. Try to avoid harsh statements about political parties or events. If a discussion about politics does arise, it is best to stick to neutral statements and avoid excessive criticism or arguments. For more information on topics of conversation, see the section on ‘Culture, history and traditions’.

3. Why should you avoid discussing religion with Norwegians?

Religion is a very personal and sensitive topic in Norway. Most Norwegians are secular and do not like to discuss religious issues in public or with strangers. If you do decide to bring up religion, do so very carefully, without imposing your point of view or criticising your conversation partner's beliefs. Avoid questions about personal religious beliefs, church attendance or other places of worship. It is much safer to talk about traditions and culture than about specific religious beliefs. For more information on the peculiarities of communicating with locals, see the section ‘Etiquette and Janteloven’.

4. Why are personal and family topics not desirable for discussion?

In Norway, personal life is an important value. Questions about marital status, children, relationships and personal problems are considered private. Norwegians rarely discuss such topics even with colleagues, let alone with people they do not know well. If you have just met someone, it is best to stick to general and neutral topics and avoid personal questions. If a Norwegian brings up their family, be attentive and careful with your questions, avoiding excessive curiosity. For more information on cultural communication norms, see the section on Etiquette and Janteloven.

5. Is it appropriate to discuss health with Norwegians?

Discussing personal health or medical issues in Norway is considered inappropriate and extremely private. Questions about health are perceived as too personal, so it is best to avoid them altogether or discuss them only in general terms and only with close friends.

If a Norwegian brings up the subject of health, avoid being overly emotional or giving detailed medical information. For more information on these communication subtleties, see the section ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

6. Why is it not customary to discuss appearance and clothing with Norwegians?

In Norway, it is not customary to emphasise a person's appearance or style of dress. Compliments about appearance are taken neutrally or even with some embarrassment. It is best to avoid comments about appearance, especially if you do not know the person well. If you want to express respect or admiration, choose neutral phrases, avoiding judgements about figure or appearance in general. You can find out more about communication rules in the section ‘Etiquette and Janteloven’.

7. How do Norwegians perceive discussions about success and achievements?

Norwegians adhere to the principle of modesty (Janteloven), so they avoid boasting and talking about personal successes or achievements. Excessive displays of success are viewed negatively. If you want to share your achievements, do so as modestly as possible and without exaggeration. Avoid questions about other people's successes, especially if you don't know them well. Read more about this phenomenon in the section ‘Etiquette and Janteloven’.

8. Why should you not discuss the value of things and property?

Like income, the value of personal belongings, property and real estate is considered too private. Norwegians avoid talking about the price of their purchases, cars, houses and other expensive items. Such conversations are perceived as disrespectful of privacy and can cause discomfort.

For more information on financial etiquette, see the section on ‘Etiquette and Janteloven’.

9. Is it okay to discuss the country's history and past with Norwegians?

Historical topics are acceptable, but avoid discussions that could be perceived as criticism or imposing your view of Norway's past. It is better to show interest in culture and traditions, avoiding sensitive questions related to wars or conflicts. For more information about culture and history, see the section ‘Culture, history and traditions’.

10. How can you avoid awkwardness if you accidentally touch on an unpleasant topic?

If you accidentally touch on a sensitive topic, it is best to apologise gently and change the subject to something neutral, such as nature, travel or cultural events. Norwegians will appreciate your sensitivity and will easily move on to another topic. For more information on such situations, see the section ‘Useful tips for tourists’.

Knowing what topics are off limits will help you feel comfortable when communicating with Norwegians, avoid awkward situations, and establish pleasant and respectful relationships with the locals!