# Norwegian languages: Bokmål, Nynorsk and Sámi

Bokmål and Nynorsk are equal written standards of Norwegian. Sámi languages are Indigenous languages with special rights in Norway.

Canonical: https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/norske-sprak-bokmaal-nynorsk-samisk
Language: en
Publisher: SamfunnPrep
Author: Hlib Suslov
Published: 2026-07-01T16:55:37.862+00:00
Modified: 2026-09-26T11:22:22.505715+00:00
AI use policy: https://samfunnprep.no/ai-policy.txt

## Key takeaways

- Two written standards Bokmål and Nynorsk are equal written forms, while speech varies by dialect.
- Sámi languages are protected Sámi languages are Indigenous languages with special rights in certain areas.
- Public language should be clear The Language Act requires clear language and protection of several languages.

Norway has many languages, but Norwegian is the main language of society. Bokmål and Nynorsk are equal written standards of Norwegian. People speak many dialects; there is no single official spoken standard everyone must use. Public bodies must use clear and correct language and follow rules for Bokmål and Nynorsk. Sámi people are Indigenous people in Norway, and Sámi languages have special protection and rights, especially in the Sámi language administrative area. The state also protects Norwegian Sign Language and national minority languages such as Kven, Romani and Romanes.

## Dialects, sign language and other languages

One important point is that Norway does not have one single spoken standard. Dialects are a natural part of the language, and many people speak dialects even when they write Bokmål or Nynorsk. That means you can hear very different pronunciation and word choices from place to place without any of them being wrong. Dialect freedom is part of Norwegian language policy and is tied to democracy and equality.

Norwegian Sign Language is also an important language in Norway. It is not just a communication aid, but a language with its own grammar and status. For deaf and hard-of-hearing people, sign language can be crucial for education, culture and participation. The Language Act and related rules are meant to support access to information and services for sign-language users as well.

Many people in Norway also use other languages at home and in their local communities. These languages matter for identity, family and belonging. For an immigrant family, it can be normal to use one home language with children and another language at school or work. That is not a problem in itself. In fact, multilingualism can be a resource.

## What does this mean in practice?

In practice, you may see different language choices in letters, forms, messages and websites. A municipality may use Bokmål in one document and Nynorsk in another. A state body must follow its language rules, and residents may sometimes ask for language adaptation or receive information in a specific written standard. In Sámi areas, language choice also involves rights and historical belonging.

For someone learning Norwegian, it is useful to read both Bokmål and Nynorsk, but you do not need to master everything perfectly right away. The important thing is to understand that both forms are Norwegian, that dialects are normal, and that Sámi languages and sign language have their own value and rights. When you know this, it becomes easier to read public information and understand how Norway combines common rules with linguistic diversity.

## Short version

Norwegian language policy is about more than spelling. It is about who can take part in society and how the state should communicate clearly with everyone who lives here. That is why Bokmål, Nynorsk, Sámi languages, Norwegian Sign Language and other languages are part of the bigger story of how Norway works.

## Why language matters

Language is more than spelling and grammar. It is about who is understood, who gets to participate, and who can use public services without losing rights or information. When Norway uses more than one official written standard and protects Sámi languages, that is democracy in practice. Language policy is meant to widen participation, not narrow it.

## Final note

When you meet different language forms in Norway, that is normal. The point is to understand, not to be perfect right away.

## FAQ

### What is the difference between Bokmål and Nynorsk?

Both are written Norwegian standards. Bokmål is most used overall, while Nynorsk is strong in some areas.

### Must everyone speak Bokmål or Nynorsk?

No. They are written forms. People speak many dialects.

### What about Sámi languages?

They are Indigenous languages in Norway and have special protection.

### Where do Sámi rights apply?

Especially in the Sámi language administrative area under the Sámi Act.

### Why does this matter?

You may meet different written forms, dialects and Sámi information in public life.

## Sources

- [Dette er språklova](https://sprakradet.no/spraklova/dette-er-spraklova/)
- [Lov om språk (språklova)](https://lovdata.no/lov/2021-05-21-42)
- [Bruk av norsk i offentlege organ](https://www.regjeringen.no/no/tema/kultur-idrett-og-frivillighet/sprak-og-litteratur/innsiktsartikler/bruk-av-norsk-i-offentlege-organ/id2894906/)
- [Forvaltningsområdet for samisk språk](https://www.regjeringen.no/no/tema/urfolk-og-minoriteter/samepolitikk/samiske-sprak/forvaltningsomradet-for-samisk-sprak/id2910947/)
- [Lov om Sametinget og andre samiske rettsforhold (sameloven)](https://lovdata.no/lov/1987-06-12-56)

Citation: Hlib Suslov, "Norwegian languages: Bokmål, Nynorsk and Sámi", SamfunnPrep, 2026-07-01T16:55:37.862+00:00, https://samfunnprep.no/en/articles/norske-sprak-bokmaal-nynorsk-samisk