At the Pharmacy
These phrases will help you describe symptoms, ask for over-the-counter remedies, and pick up prescriptions at a Norwegian pharmacy.
Key Phrases
Jeg trenger noe mot en skikkelig fæl forkjølelse.
casualI need something for a really nasty cold.
A very natural, conversational way to ask for help when feeling miserable.
Har dere noe som hjelper mot forkjølelse?
neutralDo you have anything that helps against a cold?
The standard way to ask a pharmacist for product recommendations.
Hodet mitt holder på å sprenges.
casualMy head is about to explode.
Common exaggeration to describe a severe headache.
Jeg har hatt skikkelig vondt i magen siden i går.
neutralI have had a really bad stomach ache since yesterday.
Uses the present perfect to describe an ongoing symptom clearly.
Hvilke smertestillende er de sterkeste dere har uten resept?
casualWhich painkillers are the strongest you have without a prescription?
Direct way to ask for the most effective over-the-counter option.
Kan du anbefale noen gode smertestillende som ikke irriterer magen?
politeCan you recommend some good painkillers that don't irritate the stomach?
A polite request using a subordinate clause for specificity.
Jeg skal hente en resept som legen min har sendt.
neutralI am going to pick up a prescription that my doctor has sent.
In Norway, doctors send electronic prescriptions (e-resept) directly to the system.
Jeg vil gjerne hente ut resepten min, takk.
politeI would like to pick up my prescription, please.
A respectful and common way to approach the counter.
Hvor ofte kan jeg egentlig ta disse tablettene?
casualHow often can I actually take these tablets?
Adding 'egentlig' makes the question sound more conversational.
Hvor mange tabletter skal jeg ta om dagen?
neutralHow many tablets should I take a day?
The most standard phrasing for checking daily dosage.
Vet du om disse kan tas sammen med annen medisin?
neutralDo you know if these can be taken together with other medicine?
Uses the common passive 'tas' (be taken).
Finnes det et billigere alternativ som inneholder det samme?
politeIs there a cheaper alternative that contains the same?
A polite way to ask for a generic brand.
Hvor lenge bør jeg bruke denne nesesprayen?
neutralHow long should I use this nasal spray?
Important phrasing since Norwegian guidelines restrict prolonged nasal spray use.