How to be Norwegian

How to Be Norwegian is a witty and richly illustrated guide to the quirks, values, and social codes of life in Norway. Blending laugh-out-loud humor with deep cultural insight, this book helps readers understand not just what Norwegians do - but why they do it. Written by Lorelou Desjardins, the bestselling author of A Frog in the Fjord, this follow-up dives even deeper into the everyday mysteries of Norwegian culture: from silent bus rides and Janteloven to the sacred rituals of cabin life, coffee drinking, and the Friday taco. Whether you're visiting Norway, moving here, reconnecting with your roots, or simply curious, this is your ultimate cultural companion. Structured around short, illustrated chapters, this book covers: - Social skills and small talk (yes, it exists!)- The obsession with friluftsliv, cabins, and walking on ice- Norwegian identity, weather rules, drinking habits, and dialects- What it's like to work, raise kids, or date in Norway- And why a typical Norwegian childhood includes naps outside and candy on Saturdays With over 50 chapters and 40+ delightful illustrations, How to Be Norwegian is equal parts cultural commentary and survival manual, designed for readers who want to feel less confused, and more amused, by Norway's many peculiarities. From "matpakke" and "dugnad" to "tidsklemma" and "utepils," this book explains it all with wit, warmth, and a sharp foreigner's eye. Perfect for expats, immigrants, Norwegian-Americans, curious travelers, and even Norwegians themselves, this is the book that will make you laugh, nod in recognition, and maybe even start saying "hei" on mountain paths.

Lorelou Desjardins is a French-born writer, journalist, jurist, and speaker who has called Norway home since 2009. With a professional background in environmental protection and human rights, she has dedicated many years to advocating for these critical causes. Lorelou has lived in seven different countries, including Indonesia, Canada, Denmark and Australia, gaining a rich perspective on cultural integration and language learning.As one of the most respected international experts on Norwegian culture, she has been interviewed by numerous media outlets around the world. Lorelou is the author of several books about Norway and contributes as a columnist to Verdens Gang, Norway's largest newspaper. Her internationally acclaimed blog, A Frog in the Fjord, humorously explores the peculiarities of Norwegian life, offering insightful commentary on the nation's traditions and mindset.In addition to her writing, she conducts workshops and lectures to help foreigners understand Norwegian working culture and build meaningful connections. In 2018, she delivered a TEDx talk on the quintessential Norwegian concept of friluftsliv (outdoor life). You can follow her journey and insights on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram under @afroginthefjord

Table of Contents About the Author Why Read This Book SOCIAL SKILLS Learn the Basics 01 - Say Hei on Mountain Paths 02 - Speak English with Fart 03 - Take Your Shoes Off 04 - Be Proud of Anything Norwegian 05 - Master the Art of Small Talk WEATHER Endure Four Seasons in a Day 06 - Pretend There Is No Bad Weather 07 - If It's Not Koselig, Don't Bother 08 - Feel Bad for Wasting a Sunny Day 09 - Be Obsessed with the Weather Forecast 10 - Use Refleks and Glow in the Dark NORWEGIAN IDENTITY It's Complicated 11 - Stretch from Arendal to the Arctic 12 - Be Humbly the Best 13 - Understand Janteloven 14 - Compete Quietly with Sweden 15 - Swim in Oil 16 - Pretend to Understand Every Dialect THE OUTDOORS When Nature is a Religion 17 - Become a Friluftsliv Fanatic 18 - Be (Re)Born with Skis on Your Feet 19 - Dream of the Hytte Life 20 - Walk on Ice with Grace TRADITIONS Old, New and Quietly Mandatory 21 - Participate in Dugnad 22 - Get an Easter Tan 23 - Watch the Eurovision 24 - Eat Ice Cream & Pølse on the 17th of May 25 - Christmas: Choose Team Ribbe or Pinnekjøtt 26 - Love the Norwegian Royal Family FOOD AND DRINKS Where Pepper is Adventurous 27 - Eat Matpakke Every Day of Your Life 28 - Believe Grandiosa is a Real Pizza 29 - Drink Ice-Cold Tap Water 30 - Eat Taco on Fridays 31 - Drink Lots of Coffee ALCOHOL AND SNUS When Talking is Hard 32 - From Vikings to Vinmonopolet 33 - Follow Drinking Rules 34 - Drink Utepils and Practice Solveggen 35 - Don't Smoke, Snus Instead 36 - Buy Your Quota of Poisons at the Airport DATING AND MAKING FRIENDS The Struggle is Real 37 - Make Friends Early in Life 38 - Split the Bill with Friends (and Lovers) 39 - Know the Most Difficult Birthday Song Ever 40 - Party Like a Norwegian 41 - Adopt a Strange Definition of Dating WORK Ski More, Stress Less 42 - Work to Live, Not Live to Work 43 - Get Used to a Thousand Meetings 44 - Eat Lunch at 11am 45 - Know Your Inneklemte Days 46 - Get Amnesia After Each Julebord PARENTING Raising Kids in the Snow 47 - Take a Long Parental Leave 48 - Make Your Baby Sleep Outside 49 - Give Your Kids an Outdoor Childhood 50 - Let Kids Eat Candy on Saturdays 51 - Be in Constant Tidsklemma EVERYDAY LIFE Hacks and Tips 52 - Check if the Internet is Working with VG.no 53 - Give Ratings with Dice 54 - Pant All Your Bottles 55 - Plan Your Life with Week Numbers Are you Norwegian Already? Thank You Glossary Sources