8 Norwegian Words That Don’t Exist In English

If you look behind you, you’ll see your shadow. If you read what’s in front of you, you’ll learn a series of untranslatable Norwegian words that describe specific feelings and situations you never knew had names. That’s the cool thing about Norwegian—sometimes words particularly express something you never knew existed.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of 8 extra special Norwegian words. These are more than just words; they highlight the beauty and richness of the Norwegian language.

1. Fysen (fee-sen)
   When you're craving something deliciously unhealthy—like ice cream, chips, or chocolate—but you aren't quite sure what, you are fysen.
2. Utepils (ooh-ta-pilz)
   Literally "outdoor beer." This is the traditional Norwegian way of enjoying a cold beer outside while basking in the warm sun.
3. Forelsket (fo-rel-skit)
   That specific, mushy feeling and those fluttering butterflies in your stomach when you are first falling in love.
4. Gruglede (groo-lee-ah-duh)
   A "happy dread." It is the feeling of being both nervous and excited at the same time for something about to happen.
5. Kjæreste (schiaah-rees-tuh)
   A gender-neutral term meaning "beloved one," used to refer to a romantic partner regardless of gender.
6. Døgn (doyn)
   In English, we just say "24 hours," but Norwegians have a specific word for the full measurement of time from one midnight to the next.
7. Matpakke (maad-pukkeh)
   More than just a "packed lunch," this refers to the simple, traditional open-faced sandwiches brought from home on freshly baked bread.
8. Kos (koosh)
   Refers to anything that makes you feel warm, safe, and cozy. It’s the intimate joy of spending quality time with loved ones by a crackling fire.