student

§ In Daily Conversation

You'll often hear 'student' in everyday chats, especially if you're around younger people or in a university town. It's a straightforward word, just like 'student' in English. People use it to talk about themselves, their friends, or their children.

Translation hint: I am a student.

Translation hint: She is a new student.

§ At University or School

Naturally, 'student' is very common in any academic setting. If you're at a Norwegian university or college, you'll hear and see this word everywhere – on signs, in emails, and in conversations with professors and other learners.

DEFINITION

person studying at university

Translation hint: All students must register.

Translation hint: The library is open for all students.

§ In the News or Official Documents

When you read Norwegian news articles or official university websites, 'student' is a common term. It's used when discussing education policy, student life, or any topic related to higher learning.

• When discussing student housing: Studentboliger (student housing).

• About student organizations: Studentorganisasjoner (student organizations).

• Talking about student discounts: Studentrabatt (student discount).

Keep an eye out for these compound words. Norwegian loves to combine words, and 'student' is a common component.

§ In Job Listings or Internships

If you're looking for work or internships in Norway, especially while studying, you'll definitely see 'student' pop up. Many companies specifically look for 'studenter' for part-time roles or summer jobs.

Translation hint: We are looking for an engaged student.

§ 'Student' vs. 'Elev'

This is the most common mistake English speakers make. In English, 'student' can refer to anyone who is studying, whether in primary school, high school, college, or university. In Norwegian, this is not the case.

Definition

An 'elev' is a person who attends primary school (barneskole), middle school (ungdomsskole), or high school (videregående skole).

Definition

A 'student' is specifically someone studying at a university (universitet) or university college (høgskole).

§ Using 'Student' for Other Types of Learners

If you are learning a new skill, like driving or playing an instrument, you are generally not called a 'student' or an 'elev' in Norwegian in the same way. You would use different constructions.

• For driving lessons:

  Jeg tar kjøretimer. (I'm taking driving lessons. / I'm a driving student.)

• For language lessons:

  Jeg er en språkelev. (I am a language pupil/learner.)

  Or more commonly:

  Jeg lærer norsk. (I am learning Norwegian.)

• For private lessons (e.g., music):

  Jeg er en pianoelev. (I am a piano pupil/learner.)

§ Gendered Forms (Less Common Now, but Good to Know)

Historically, 'student' could have gendered forms, though these are much less common in modern Norwegian and 'student' is generally used for both genders.

• Historical/Less Common

  A female student might have been referred to as a 'studine'.

You are very unlikely to hear 'studine' today, but if you encounter older texts, it might appear. Stick to 'student' for everyone.

§ What does student mean?

Definition

A person who is currently studying at a university or college.

The word 'student' in Norwegian directly translates to 'student' in English. It's used for someone enrolled in higher education, meaning university or college. It's a common and important word to know if you're talking about education in Norway.

§ How to use student

You use 'student' just like you would in English. It can be singular or plural. Remember that Norwegian nouns have genders, and 'student' is a masculine noun. This means it takes a masculine article ('en' for indefinite, 'studenten' for definite).

Singular Indefinite

en student (a student)

Singular Definite

studenten (the student)

Plural Indefinite

studenter (students)

Plural Definite

studentene (the students)

§ Similar words and when to use them

While 'student' specifically refers to someone in higher education, there are other words for people who are learning or attending school. It's important to use the correct term to avoid sounding unnatural.

• Elev: This word is used for a pupil or student at primary, middle, or high school. It's a general term for someone attending school below university level.
• Lærling: This refers to an apprentice, someone undergoing vocational training in a trade.
• Skoleelev: This is a more specific term meaning 'school pupil/student'. You'd use this if you want to emphasize that they are at school, not university.
• Studerende: This is an older, more formal term for 'student'. You might still encounter it in some contexts, especially in written form, but 'student' is far more common in everyday speech.

Here's a breakdown of when to use each:

• If someone is at primary school (barneskole), middle school (ungdomsskole), or high school (videregående skole), they are an elev.
• If someone is at university or college (universitet/høgskole), they are a student.
• If someone is learning a trade, like a carpenter or electrician, they are a lærling.

In summary, 'student' is specific to higher education. While 'elev' covers all pre-university schooling, and 'lærling' is for vocational training. Knowing these distinctions will make your Norwegian sound much more natural and accurate.