Asking for Help
Use these essential phrases when you are lost, confused, or need someone to slow down and help you in Norway.
Key Phrases
Unnskyld, kan du hjelpe meg?
neutralExcuse me, can you help me?
The standard, safe way to get a stranger's attention on the street.
Hei, har du et minutt?
casualHi, do you have a minute?
A slightly more direct approach, common in cities.
Jeg finner ikke veien.
neutralI cannot find the way.
Clear and simple. Use this with anyone.
Jeg gikk visst feil vei.
casualI think I went the wrong way.
The word 'visst' (apparently) makes it sound very natural and slightly self-deprecating.
Beklager, jeg forstår ikke.
neutralSorry, I do not understand.
Standard polite phrasing when you are confused.
Jeg skjønner ikke.
casualI don't get it.
Use 'skjønner' instead of 'forstår' for everyday spoken Norwegian.
Kan du si det en gang til?
neutralCan you say that one more time?
Polite enough for strangers or shop staff.
Hva sa du?
casualWhat did you say?
Very common, but only use this with friends or in noisy situations.
Kan du snakke litt saktere?
neutralCan you speak a little slower?
Norwegians often speak fast; use this to ask them to slow down.
Ikke så fort.
casualNot so fast.
Direct and easy to remember in a stressful moment.