Nov 156 min read

Learning Norwegian through TV Shows and Music

Why TV Shows and Music Are Effective for Language Learning

Before diving into specific TV shows and songs, it’s important to understand why these mediums work so well for language learners:

Contextual Learning: TV shows and songs provide real-life context to words and phrases, making them easier to remember.
Listening Skills: Listening to native speakers helps you improve pronunciation, rhythm, and tone.
Cultural Insight: Watching Norwegian shows or listening to music gives you a glimpse into the culture, which is an important part of mastering any language.
Visual and Auditory Cues: Combining both visual (subtitles, actions) and auditory learning (dialogue, lyrics) enhances retention.

Now, let’s explore some TV shows and songs that are perfect for learning Norwegian.

Norwegian TV Shows for Language Learning

1. Jakten på Kjærligheten 2024

"Jakten på Kjærligheten" (The Hunt for Love) is one of Norway’s most beloved reality TV shows. This long-running show follows farmers from across the country who are searching for love. It’s not just entertaining, but also a great way to pick up Norwegian phrases related to everyday life, relationships, and emotions.

Where to watch: TV 2 Sumo

Language Tip: This show is great for learning conversational Norwegian. You’ll often hear common phrases like "Hvordan har du det?" (How are you?) and "Jeg liker deg" (I like you). Watching with Norwegian subtitles can help you match words with their written form.

2. Fjellhytta

"Fjellhytta" (The Mountain Cabin) is a Norwegian reality series that brings together friends and families as they retreat to a cabin in the mountains. This show is ideal for those wanting to learn Norwegian in a laid-back, nature-based setting. You’ll pick up vocabulary related to outdoor activities, weather, and daily chores.

Where to watch: NRK TV

Language Tip: If you're learning Norwegian for job opportunities in tourism or outdoor industries, this show is perfect. You’ll hear words like "hytte" (cabin), "fjell" (mountain), and "tur" (hike). Subtitles will help you connect spoken and written Norwegian.

3. Outer Banks (Season 4)

Though not Norwegian, Outer Banks has become popular worldwide, and it’s available with Norwegian subtitles. A group of teenagers from the Outer Banks of North Carolina embark on thrilling adventures as they seek treasure and uncover family secrets amidst class struggles. Watching English-language shows with Norwegian subtitles can be incredibly helpful for beginners and intermediate learners. You’ll understand the storyline and characters, while simultaneously learning Norwegian vocabulary and grammar from the subtitles. There are 4 seasons in total and the plot is very luring.

Where to watch: Netflix (with Norwegian subtitles)

Language Tip: Use Norwegian subtitles to understand how everyday English phrases translate into Norwegian. You’ll start seeing patterns in sentence structure and vocabulary. Phrases like "We need to find the treasure" might translate to "Vi må finne skatten."

4. Emily in Paris (Season 4)

Like Outer Banks, Emily in Paris is an English-language series that’s available with Norwegian subtitles. It’s a light-hearted, fun show to watch, and it’s easy to follow along even if your Norwegian is still developing. The visuals and storyline make it perfect for practicing language comprehension with subtitles. There are also 4 seasons of this TV-show telling the story of an American girl living in Paris and getting involved in Parisian everyday life drama dealing with cultural differences and the challenges of her new job.

Where to watch: Netflix (with Norwegian subtitles)

Language Tip: Focus on how everyday phrases and work-related expressions are translated. You’ll notice phrases like "I’m working on a project" becoming "Jeg jobber med et prosjekt."

Norwegian Songs for Language Learning

Music is another excellent tool for learning Norwegian. Songs often repeat phrases, making it easier to memorize new words. Here are some Norwegian artists and songs to add to your playlist:

1. Kaizers Orchestra

Kaizers Orchestra is one of Norway's most popular rock bands. Their songs are filled with poetic language, and the band’s distinctive sound makes listening a pleasure. Songs like "Ompa til du dør" (Dance Until You Die) and "Hjerteknuser" (Heartbreaker) are particularly good for learning descriptive vocabulary and getting used to different tenses.

Where to listen: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube

Language Tip: Listen to the lyrics closely, and try to identify words that repeat. You’ll hear phrases like "Jeg skal" (I will) and "Jeg ser" (I see), which can be helpful in daily conversations.

2. Astrid S

Astrid S is a modern Norwegian pop artist with a lot of catchy songs. Her music is usually in English, but she has several Norwegian songs that are perfect for language learners, such as "2AM" and "Hurts So Good." Listening to Astrid S can help you understand the modern music scene in Norway and provide insight into pop culture expressions.

Where to listen: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube

Language Tip: Astrid S uses a mix of Norwegian and English, so try focusing on songs with Norwegian lyrics. This will help you practice comprehension while enjoying popular music.

3. Cezinando

Cezinando is a Norwegian rapper whose lyrics are packed with slang, modern phrases, and cultural references. His songs, like "Håper du har plass" and "Vi er perfekt men verden er ikke det", are great for learning colloquial Norwegian that you wouldn’t necessarily find in textbooks.

Where to listen: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube

Language Tip: Rap music is perfect for learning everyday phrases and slang. Listen to how Cezinando plays with language, and you’ll pick up new ways to express yourself.

Learning Tips: How to Use TV Shows and Songs to Improve Your Norwegian

Watching TV shows and listening to music are fun ways to learn Norwegian, but to make the most out of it, here are some tips:

Use Subtitles: Whether you’re watching a Norwegian show or an English one, use Norwegian subtitles to reinforce language patterns. Start with English audio and Norwegian subtitles, then switch to Norwegian audio as you progress.
Repeat and Imitate: Rewind scenes or song lyrics and repeat them out loud. This will help you with pronunciation and sentence structure.
Jot Down New Words: Keep a notebook or use an app to write down new words and phrases you hear. Try to use these words in your daily conversations.
Learn in Context: Pay attention to how phrases are used in context. Instead of just memorizing isolated words, learn how they fit into sentences.
Focus on Phrases: Don’t get too caught up on individual words. Instead, try to learn whole phrases. For example, hearing "Jeg elsker deg" (I love you) in a romantic context will help you remember it more clearly than just memorizing the verb elske (to love).

Some Common Phrases from TV Shows and Songs

Here are some useful phrases you might encounter while watching these shows or listening to Norwegian music:

"Hvordan går det?" (How is it going?) – Common in shows like Jakten på Kjærligheten.
"Tusen takk" (Thank you very much) – A polite way to say thank you in any conversation.
"Hva skjer?" (What’s happening?) – You’ll hear this in both TV shows and music.
"Jeg forstår" (I understand) – Important for confirming comprehension during conversations.
"Kan du hjelpe meg?" (Can you help me?) – Useful when asking for assistance.
"Vi ses senere" (See you later) – Common for saying goodbye to friends.

Benefits of Learning Norwegian for Job Seekers

For job seekers, especially in Norway’s growing hospitality and service sectors, improving your Norwegian can make you stand out to employers. With platforms like Time2Staff (also know as Time to Staff), you can not only find jobs easily but also showcase your language skills on your CV. Many Norwegian employers, especially in the Horeca (hotel, restaurant, and catering) industry, value candidates who can communicate in Norwegian.

Visibility: If your CV is in Norwegian and up to date, employers will notice you more quickly. It shows that you are serious about integrating into the Norwegian workforce.
Communication: For jobs in hospitality, knowing Norwegian is essential for dealing with customers and working with local staff.
Cultural Understanding: Learning Norwegian through media exposes you to cultural nuances, which will help you adapt faster to the work environment in Norway.

If you’re ready to boost your job prospects, check out Time2Staff. Whether you're looking for a jobb in Stavanger, Oslo, or Bergen, keeping your language skills sharp and your CV updated will make you more competitive in the job market.