Norway · Etiquette
Norway — Cultural Etiquette
Janteloven (do not stand out) shapes everyday interactions. Modesty and understatement are social currency.
Cultural Dimensions (Hofstede)
PDI
31
IDV
69
MAS
8
UAI
50
LTO
35
IND
55
Source: Hofstede dimension data matrix (geerthofstede.com).
What This Means in Practice
Power Distance
· 31/100Egalitarian: formal address can come across as cold or distant; first names are usually fine quickly.
Individualism
· 69/100Mixed individualism: relationships matter but transactions are clear-cut.
Achievement Orientation
· 8/100Care-oriented: low ego-display, soft consensus-building style; loud or status-flexing behaviour is read as uncool.
Uncertainty Avoidance
· 50/100Moderate uncertainty-avoidance: structured processes are normal but flexibility tolerated.
Indulgence
· 55/100Mid-range: balance of restraint and expression; reading the room matters.
Do
- ✓Be punctual — it is a religion
- ✓Remove shoes entering a home
- ✓Embrace silence in conversation
Don't
- ✗Stand out, brag, or self-promote (Janteloven)
- ✗Talk to strangers in elevators or queues
- ✗Skip queueing
Quick Reference
- Languages: Norwegian; English near-universal
- Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)
- Emergency: 112 police, 113 medical
Related
Cultural-dimension scores from the Hofstede dimension data matrix (geerthofstede.com); etiquette specifics curated from local sources, embassy guidance, and community contributions. Last verified April 2026.