Let's learn Bergen slang!
The people of Bergen are particularly proud of their dialect, with so many unique words that even the other Norwegians are often confused. But don’t worry too much, the Bergen dialect is fun and charming, and we’re here to help you along the way!
Even though most Norwegians speak very good English, learning some Norwegian is a great way to make the most out of your time studying in Norway. We’ve compiled a list of some common words and expressions from the Bergen dialect to set you on your way.
Places in Bergen
You may have heard of Florida, but have you heard of ‘flo-ree-da'? Some places in Bergen certainly have some interesting pronunciations.
Here are a few places in Bergen that you may need some help with pronouncing:
Florida (Flo-ree-da)
Paradis (Pa-ree-dees)
Bontelabo (Even the locals have no idea about this one!)
As a non-native Norwegian speaker it can be easy to make a mistake or two with pronunciation! One word you probably get right though is Bryggen, which is more than can be said about some of the native Norwegian speakers from other parts of Norway. Some Norwegian dialects change ‘en’ endings to ‘a’ endings. We agree that every dialect has it’s own charm, but Bryggen in Bergen is a proper noun and should never be pronounced BryggA. Pronounce it properly, or refrain from saying it at all.
Words to describe people
Brelete (Bortskjemt/kosete in bokmål) – Spoiled/Needy
Kjiik (Kjæreste in bokmål) – Boyfriend/girlfriend/partner
Kjommi/Tjommi (Kompis in bokmål) – Buddy, or friend (this is usually used to refer to boys, but can be used for anyone of any gender!)
Løkrull (Dust in bokmål) – Translates literally to ‘onion roll’, but is used to mean idiot or loser
Madammen (‘Fruen i huset’ in bokmål) – The woman of the house/my better half (referring to one’s female spouse)
Toskehovve – Literally means ‘cod-headed’ and is used as an insult.
Bits and Bobs
Boss (Søppel in bokmål) – Rubbish/trash
Disse (Huske, på lekestativ, in bokmål) – Swing in a playground
Flais (Hårsveis in bokmål) – Hairstyle/hairdo
Naien (Nesen in bokmål) – Nose
Smau (Trang gate in bokmål) – A narrow street
Undikk (Underbukse in bokmål) – Underwear
Expressions
Ke det gåri (‘Hva skjer’ in bokmål) – What’s up?
Den e’ brun (‘Den er grei’ in bokmål) – Literally translates to ‘that is brown’, but is used to mean that’s fine
Knall i padden (Kjempebra/kult/veldig gøy in bokmål) – Literally translates to ‘explosion in the toad’, used to mean that something is super fun! Other words
Belite seg (Gi seg/oppføre seg fair in bokmål) – Give up/admit that you were wrong
Dies (Deres in bokmål) – Theirs
Hallaien (Hallo/hei in bokmål) – Hello!
Molefonken (Sur/trist/fornærmet in bokmål) – Grumpy/angry/bitter/sad/insulted etc
Månebedotten (Overrasket in bokmål) – Surprised
Tidi (Morsomt in bokmål) – Funny
Opplett (oppholdsvær mellom regnbygene in bokmål) – The pause between rainfall
Didn’t find the translation you were looking for? If you have suggestions to help us make this list better, please send an e-mail to: hei@utdanningibergen.no
