The words of Norway

Norway — quotes, proverbs & wisdom

Real words from the people of Norway, each with a verified source. New quotes are added as each is fact-checked.

“The morning hour has gold in its mouth.”

Morgenstund har gull i munn.

Source: Traditional Norwegian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“There is no shame in turning back.”

Det er ingen skam å snu.

Source: Traditional Norwegian proverb (Norwegian mountain-safety maxim), public-domain oral tradition

“No smoke without fire.”

Ingen røyk uten ild.

Source: Traditional Norwegian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Better to be forewarned than caught out later.”

Bedre føre var enn etter snar.

Source: Traditional Norwegian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“One should not sell the skin before the bear is shot.”

Man skal ikke selge skinnet før bjørnen er skutt.

Source: Traditional Norwegian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Similar children play best together.”

Like barn leker best.

Source: Traditional Norwegian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“He who gapes for too much loses the whole.”

Den som gaper over for mye, mister det hele.

Source: Traditional Norwegian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Empty barrels rattle the most.”

Tomme tønner ramler mest.

Source: Traditional Norwegian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“Need teaches a naked woman to spin.”

Nød lærer naken kvinne å spinne.

Source: Traditional Norwegian proverb, public-domain oral tradition

“To buy the cat in the sack.”

Å kjøpe katta i sekken.

Source: Traditional Norwegian proverb, public-domain oral tradition