Common Topics on the Norwegian Oral Test

One of the most common questions from people preparing for the Norwegian language test is: "What topics can I get on the oral section?" The answer is that there are clear patterns — the same topics come up year after year. This article gives you a complete overview, level by level.

How the oral test is structured

The oral Norskprøven lasts 20–30 minutes and is divided into three parts:

• Part A — Presentation: You briefly introduce yourself (1–2 minutes)
• Part B — Conversation on an everyday topic: You talk with another candidate about a topic (2–3 minutes)
• Part C — Give your opinion: You receive a topic and must give and justify your opinion (2–3 minutes)

Common topics — all levels

These topics come up regardless of level. The higher the level, the more complex the discussion expected.

A1-A2 — What is expected?

At A1-A2 the focus is on simple, familiar everyday topics. You don't need to give complex opinions — the most important thing is that you make yourself understood and use simple sentences.

Typical questions at A1-A2:

• Can you tell us a little about yourself?
• Can you describe what you see in the picture?
• Can you talk about your family life?
• What do you like to eat? What is typical food from your home country?
• What do you do in your free time?
• Can you tell us about your job or your Norwegian course?
• What do you think about living in Norway?

A2-B1 — What is expected?

At A2-B1 you are expected to give opinions, justify them, and see the issue from different angles. You should use connecting words like fordi (because), dessuten (moreover), på den andre siden (on the other hand), selv om (even though).

Typical questions at A2-B1:

• Is it important for children to attend kindergarten? Why / why not?
• What is important for feeling good at work?
• Are grades important at school?
• What do you think about social media — advantages and disadvantages?
• What can we do for the environment?
• Is it important to learn Norwegian well in order to integrate?
• Should flights become more expensive to protect the environment?

B1-B2 — What is expected?

At B1-B2 discussions are more complex. You are expected to argue from multiple angles, nuance your view, and defend your position under pressure from the examiner.

Typical statements and topics at B1-B2:

• "People should retire early to make room for younger workers." Agree or disagree?
• "Norway's generous welfare benefits make people lazy." Take a position.
• Who is responsible for climate change — politicians, businesses, or individuals?
• Should job applications be anonymous to combat discrimination?
• Artificial intelligence — opportunities and risks for the workplace.
• "Norwegians are less sociable than other peoples." Take a position.

Useful phrases for all levels

These phrases help you structure your answers and buy time:

• Starting an answer: Jeg synes at… / Jeg mener at… / Etter min mening… (I think that… / In my opinion…)
• Justifying: …fordi… / Et argument er at… / For eksempel… (…because… / One argument is… / For example…)
• Adding: I tillegg… / Dessuten… / På den andre siden… (In addition… / Moreover… / On the other hand…)
• Buying time: Det er et godt spørsmål… / La meg tenke… (That's a good question… / Let me think…)
• Asking for help: Kan du si det en gang til? (Can you say that again?)
• Involving the other candidate: Hva synes du? / Er du enig? (What do you think? / Do you agree?)