Can You Find a Job In Norway Without Speaking Norwegian?

Real Story – You Are Not Alone

One of the hardest parts about moving to Norway and looking for a job is feeling like you’re the only one struggling. Struggling to learn Norwegian. Struggling to find a job. Struggling to fit in.

You’re not alone.

Meet my Friend Dagmara! She is a true legend. She is brave. She has guts. She did not give up when she sent hundreds of applications and did not get a job! She found a job in Norway without speaking Norwegian fluently.

Let's read her story: ”Let me be clear: I didn’t wait around hoping something would come to me.” Dagmara

Dagmara's Story – "Say Yes, Keep Going"

From: Poland

Moved to Norway: December 2018

Current job: Interpreter and full-time mother

Let me be clear: I didn’t wait around hoping something would come to me.

When I moved to Norway, I was ready. I’m a yes-person. I work hard, and I say yes to every opportunity. But that didn’t mean the opportunities lined up at my door. I sent out application after application — and heard nothing. Most of the time, not even a rejection. Silence.

But I didn’t let it break me.

I got my first job in early 2019 at a hotel and campsite in Telemark. They needed someone to help prepare for the season. I said yes, even though it wasn’t perfect. From there, I said yes again and again — waitress, personal assistant, municipal home help, interpreter. None of it was handed to me.

Here’s the truth: there is work in Norway. But you might need to take a course. Learn the system. Show up with energy. Get uncomfortable. Say yes.

People told me my Norwegian wasn’t good enough. I stressed about that a lot. I still remember writing out conversations before speaking them. I prepared every sentence. Google Translate was my best friend. Now I work as an interpreter.

If I could tell the old me something, it would be this: You are enough. The skills will come. The language will come. But only if you keep showing up.

Don't wait for perfect. Just begin.

So, can You Find a Job In Norway Without Speaking Norwegian?

Dagmara did it! She kept applying and doing different jobs while learning to speak, write and understand Norwegian. It was not easy, so take her advice: Get uncomfortable and say YES to every opportunity that comes your way.

And remember, you are not alone. The whole Norsk Hub community are cheering you on!

Good luck on you job hunt and if you want more practical advice on how to get a job, check out my guide HERE! 7 day free trial for both Språk Explorer and Fullpakke. Both have this guide.

Hugs,

Kajsa