Adult education (Voksenopplæring) offers several learning opportunities in Gjesdal. This includes Norwegian language courses for immigrants and Preparatory Education (FOV). 

Voksenopplæring may also include social studies courses (Samfunnskunnskapsopplæring). In social studies, participants can learn about Norwegian society, rights and duties, working life, family life, democracy, health services, and other important topics.

Some adults may also have the right to special education (Spesialundervisning for voksne) if they need extra support to develop or keep basic skills. You can apply yourself, or you can be referred by the health services.

Gjesdal municipality offers Norwegian courses. The courses are offered during the day, and sometimes in the evening. Teaching is adapted to different levels, so residents can receive instruction that matches their Norwegian skills.

Some people have the right to free Norwegian courses. This depends on their residence status and whether they are registered as living in Gjesdal municipality. Refugees and family members with certain residence permits often have the right to free courses.

Some people may have to pay for Norwegian courses. This can apply, for example, to people from EU/EEA countries, Norwegian citizens, or people who have lived in Norway for many years.

Everyone who wants to take a Norwegian course must register digitally. Read more about the courses and how to apply here. It is important to register early, as there may be a time limit for how long you have this right, and places may be limited.

There are also other opportunities to learn Norwegian outside the municipality. In nearby areas, you may find coursesoffered by private providers and voluntary organizations. Some courses are free, while others have a fee.

You can also search online for “Norwegian course” together with your area, for example Ålgård, Sandnes, or Stavanger.

Some adults may need preparatory education (FOV) if they have not completed primary or lower secondary school (Grunnskoleopplæringen), or if they need more education at this level. In Gjesdal, FOV can include subjects such as:

• Norwegian
• English
• Mathematics
• Natural science
• Social studies

Norskprøven is the official test of Norwegian language skills. The test measures:

• reading 
• listening 
• writing 
• speaking 

Language skills are measured using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), with levels from A1 (beginner) to C2 (proficiency). In Norway, language tests are usually offered up to level C1.

You can find more information, level descriptions, and practice tests here.

Practicing with others is one of the best ways to learn a language. In Gjesdal, you can join language cafés (språkkafé), such as Global café and BidraLab, where you can meet others and practice Norwegian in an informal setting. There are also other social meeting places, such as an international women’s group (Internasjonal kvinnegruppe) and international men’s group (Internasjonal mannsgruppe), where you can meet others and practice Norwegian. Even though some of these meeting places are arranged by the church/congregation, it is open for everyone regardless of religion. 

You can find more meeting places and activities in Gjesdal here. There are also similar language cafés and meeting places in nearby municipalities such as: 

• Women’s group in Sandnes
• Internasjonal kafé i Sandnes
• Language Learning in Stavanger 

In addition to language cafés, you can also practice Norwegian in your daily life. Small habits can make a big difference over time. There are many simple ways to get started. You can:

• watch videos on YouTube 
• listen to podcasts or radio 
• read books (for example children’s books or easy-to-read texts)
• read the same text in both Norwegian and your own language 

It can also be helpful to:

• write down new words and expressions 
• read newspaper headlines 
• watch TV with Norwegian subtitles 
• use a dictionary instead of Google Translate to see how words are used 
• try language learning apps (for example Duolingo)

Useful links:

• Ordbokene.no
• LEXIN
• About NoW1 - NTNU
• Learn Norwegian Online - Free Language Courses - FutureLearn

You can also visit the library to borrow books and other learning materials.

Do not be afraid to make mistakes – this is part of learning.

Norway has two official languages: Norwegian and Sami. Norwegian is written in two forms: Bokmål and Nynorsk. Bokmål is the most commonly used in Norway. In Gjesdal, both Bokmål and Nynorsk are used.