Norway’s language scene reflects its coastal towns, inland valleys and northern Sámi communities. Everyday speech and official use both carry traces of regional history, recent policy shifts and efforts to protect minority tongues.
There are 10 Official Languages in Norway, ranging from Bokmål to Southern Sámi. For each entry you’ll find Status, Geographic scope, Legal reference to show where and how each language is recognized; you’ll find below.
How are Norway’s official languages used in government and education?
Most government documents and services use Bokmål and Nynorsk nationally, while Sámi languages and other minority tongues have official or protected status in specific areas. That means schools, local administrations and courts may provide instruction and services in the local official language(s) according to laws and regulations cited in the list below.
Are Sámi languages protected everywhere in Norway?
No—Sámi languages have special protections primarily within designated Sámi administrative areas and municipalities. Protections (like schooling, signage and the right to use Sámi in official settings) depend on geographic scope and legal recognition, details of which are included in the entries you’ll find below.
Official Languages in Norway
| Language | Status | Geographic scope | Legal reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwegian | Official national | National | Constitution of Norway; Language Act (Språklova), Norwegian government |
| Bokmål | Official national written form | National | Language Act (Språklova), Norwegian government |
| Nynorsk | Official national written form | National | Language Act (Språklova), Norwegian government |
| Northern Sámi | Official regional indigenous language | Designated Sámi administrative area municipalities | Sámi Act (Samelova) and regulations designating Sámi administrative area |
| Lule Sámi | Official regional indigenous language | Designated Sámi administrative area municipalities | Sámi Act (Samelova) and regulations designating Sámi administrative area |
| Southern Sámi | Official regional indigenous language | Designated Sámi administrative area municipalities | Sámi Act (Samelova) and regulations designating Sámi administrative area |
| Kven | Protected minority language | National recognition; regional application mainly in northern counties | European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages; Norwegian government recognition |
| Romani | Protected minority language | National recognition; targeted local measures | European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages; Norwegian government recognition |
| Romanes | Protected minority language | National recognition; targeted local measures | European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages; Norwegian government recognition |
| Norwegian Sign Language | Legally recognized sign language | National | Act on Norwegian Sign Language (2021), Norwegian government |
Images and Descriptions
Norwegian
Norwegian is the national language of the state and the everyday spoken language; legally represented by two official written standards used in public administration, education, and media. The Language Act and constitution underpin language policy and state duties.
Bokmål
Bokmål is one of Norway’s two official written standards, widely used in government, schools, and media. The Language Act gives it official status alongside Nynorsk and regulates public use, publishing, and administrative language choices.
Nynorsk
Nynorsk is the other official written standard, legally equal to Bokmål for state and municipal administration and education. It represents rural and western linguistic traditions and has protected status under Norway’s language legislation.
Northern Sámi
Northern Sámi is the most widely spoken Sámi language in Norway and has official status in municipalities inside the Sámi administrative area, granting rights to use Sámi in dealings with public authorities and education.
Lule Sámi
Lule Sámi is an indigenous Sámi language legally protected where included in the Sámi administrative area. Speakers have rights to use Lule Sámi in certain municipal and state services and in selected schools.
Southern Sámi
Southern Sámi has legal protection within specified municipalities in the Sámi administrative area, enabling use in public administration, local education, and Sámi Parliament services where the language is present.
Kven
Kven (a Finnic language) is recognized as a protected minority language under Norway’s minority policy and the European Charter. Protection focuses on cultural rights and local services in northern municipalities with Kven-speaking heritage.
Romani
Romani, spoken by some Roma communities in Norway, is legally recognized as a minority language. National policies and Charter commitments support cultural rights, education, and access to public services for Romani speakers.
Romanes
Romanes (Scandoromani) is legally recognized as a distinct minority language. The state’s commitments under the European Charter provide for cultural protection and measures to support use in education and community life.
Norwegian Sign Language
Norwegian Sign Language is formally recognized by law, ensuring rights to interpretation, education, and public services in sign language. The 2021 act sets state obligations to promote use, accessibility, and equal opportunities for sign-language users.
