How to Ask Someone's Age in Norwegian: Complete Guide

Asking "How old are you?" in Norwegian requires choosing the right level of formality. Norwegian distinguishes between informal du and formal De (though the formal form is increasingly rare in daily life).

The Two Standard Forms

Pronunciation Tips

• Hvor – like "vor" (vohr), not "hvor" with English H
• Gammel – stress first syllable, 'mm' doubled, final 'el' like "el" in "level"
• Er – like "air" but shorter, rolled 'r' if you can
• Du – like "doo" (short)
• De – like "day" (formal 'you')

Modern Usage Reality

Norwegians almost universally use du. The formal De has largely disappeared from everyday speech since the 1970s "du-reformen." You'll hear it only:

• In very formal written correspondence
• From older speakers addressing much younger people (sometimes)
• In traditional/service contexts (royal court, some high-end hospitality)
• In textbooks teaching "proper" grammar

Using De in casual conversation can sound stiff, archaic, or even sarcastic. When in doubt, use du.

Alternative & Related Phrases

Cultural Notes

• Age isn't a sensitive topic in Norway – asking is normal in getting-to-know-you conversations
• Birthdays are celebrated enthusiastically; the birthday person typically brings cake to work/school
• "Å bli gammel er en privilegium" – "Getting old is a privilege" (common saying)

Dialect Note

Norwegian has many dialects. In some regions you might hear:

• Bergen/West: "Kor gammel er du?" (kor = hvor)
• Trøndelag/Central: "Ka gammel er du?" (ka = hvor)
• North: "Koss gammel er du?"

But "Hvor gammel er du?" is understood everywhere.