At beginner level, I like to follow a chosen textbook—it gives you a clear reference point for vocabulary and topics. But don’t worry, the creativity comes in through all the customized tasks we’ll do along the way.

We move step by step: your knowledge builds up like a funnel. At first, the opening is narrow, but gradually you’ll be able to express yourself on more and more topics.

The key at beginner level is always you. Who are you? What do you do? What’s your family like? What do you enjoy in your free time? Once you can introduce yourself, you can already connect in a new language environment—because you’ll be able to find common ground with the people around you.

I also like to put strong emphasis on asking questions. Since we’re talking about Norway, it’s quite possible that you will need to take the initiative in conversations.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to keep it simple in the beginning!

Using short, easy-to-build sentences means that:

• there’s less room for mistakes

• your sentences flow more easily, so you’ll sound fluent faster

• Norwegians aren’t exactly a wordy people—so those long, baroque-style sentences don’t
  really work in Norwegian anyway

Why do I stress this?

Because I often notice that beginners feel a natural urge to express
themselves as richly as they do in their other foreign languages—or in their mother tongue.

That’s when it’s good to remember what course you’re actually in: yes, a BEGINNER one. So relax—take it easy.

The fancy stuff—the polished, elegant language—can come later, once your foundations are solid. After all, you don’t start building a house by picking out the curtains…