Norsk på Jobben
Master professional Norwegian — language and culture.
Before you start
Norwegian workplaces don't have titles. Your boss is on first-name terms. Saying no is acceptable. Lunch is a packed sandwich. July is dead. Here's everything else they won't tell you.
Subject
Syk i dag
Norsk
Hei [leder], Jeg er dessverre syk i dag og vil ikke komme på jobb. Jeg regner med å være tilbake i morgen, men gir beskjed hvis noe endrer seg. [Dine oppgaver/møter] ivaretas av [kollega] mens jeg er borte. Vennlig hilsen, [Navn]
Key phrases
dessverre syk — unfortunately sick
vil ikke komme på jobb — will not be coming to work
regner med å være tilbake — expect to be back
gir beskjed — will let you know / will give notice
Cultural notes
- ›Norwegian law gives you up to 3 self-reported sick days (egenmelding) without a doctor's note — use them without guilt.
- ›Keep the email short. No elaborate explanation needed. Norwegians do not expect apologies for being sick.
- ›Mention task coverage only if you have direct responsibility for something time-sensitive — otherwise skip it.
- ›Never CC unnecessary people. Just your direct manager.