Guide: How to Say the Time in Norwegian

Learning how to tell the time in Norwegian can be incredibly useful during your travels or when communicating with Norwegian speakers. Whether you’re looking to brush up on your skills or starting from scratch, this comprehensive guide will take you through both formal and informal ways of expressing time, along with some tips, examples, and even regional variations.

1. Formal Expressions for Time

When it comes to formal situations or speaking to strangers and people in authority, it’s important to use the appropriate expressions. Here are some formal ways to say the time in Norwegian:

“Hva er klokken?” – What time is it?

“Klokken er [hour] og [minutes].” – The time is [hour] and [minutes].

For example:

“Hva er klokken?” – What time is it?

“Klokken er ti over tolv.” – The time is ten past twelve.

2. Informal Expressions for Time

Informal situations, such as conversations with friends and family, call for a more relaxed approach to time expressions. Here are some informal ways to say the time in Norwegian:

“Hva er klokka?” – What’s the time?

“Klokka er [hour] og [minutes].” – The time is [hour] and [minutes].

Note: “Klokka” is a casual way of saying “klokken.”

For example:

“Hva er klokka?” – What’s the time?

“Klokka er halv fem.” – The time is half past four.

3. Tips for Expressing Time

Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind when expressing time in Norwegian:

1. 24-Hour Clock: Norwegians commonly use the 24-hour clock system, so be familiar with both systems to avoid confusion.
2. Minutes: To express minutes past the hour, you can either say the exact number or use the words “over” (past) or “på” (to). For example, instead of saying “half past one,” you can say “halv to” (half to two).
3. Am and Pm: Norwegians typically use the 24-hour clock, so there’s no specific indication for am or pm. However, you can specify the time of day by using expressions like “om morgenen” (in the morning), “på ettermiddagen” (in the afternoon), or “om natten” (at night).

4. Regional Variations

Norway has a diverse range of dialects, and some regions may have variations when it comes to time expressions. However, the formal and informal expressions mentioned earlier are widely understood throughout the country. Still, if you’re in a specific region, it can be enriching to learn and embrace the local dialect.

5. Examples

Let’s look at some examples of how to say the time in Norwegian:

• Formal:

1. “Hva er klokken?” – What time is it?
2. “Klokken er tre og seksti.” – The time is three o’clock.

Informal:

1. “Hva er klokka?” – What’s the time?
2. “Klokka er halv tolv.” – The time is half past eleven.